Have you ever found a pair of pants that fit perfectly everywhere except for the length? Whether they’re too long or too short, ill-fitting pants can ruin an otherwise great outfit. Fortunately, there are several ways to make pants shorter without having to resort to a tailor. With a few simple techniques, you can easily customize your pants to the perfect length and achieve a polished, well-tailored look.
Firstly, consider the type of pants you’re working with. If they’re made of a lightweight fabric, such as cotton or linen, you can simply fold up the hem and iron it in place. This is a temporary solution that can be reversed if you change your mind later on. For a more permanent fix, you can use a sewing machine to create a new hem at the desired length. This method is best suited for fabrics that fray easily, as it prevents the edges from unraveling.
Another option for shortening pants is to cut off the excess length. This is a more drastic measure, but it’s a good choice if you need to remove a significant amount of fabric. To ensure a clean and even cut, use a sharp pair of scissors and a ruler or measuring tape. Once you’ve cut the pants to the desired length, fold up the hem and either iron it in place or sew it down for a more permanent finish. Additionally, you can add a decorative touch by topstitching the hem, which involves sewing a visible line of stitches close to the edge.
Hemming the Bottom
Hemming is the process of folding and sewing the bottom of the pants to the desired length. It’s a fairly simple process that can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hem your pants:
1. Find the right length
The first step is to determine how long you want your pants to be. You can do this by standing in front of a mirror and marking the desired length on the pant leg with a piece of chalk or fabric marker.
2. Measure the fabric
Once you have the desired length marked, you need to measure the amount of fabric that you need to fold up to create the hem. To do this, fold the bottom of the pant leg up to the desired height and crease it with your fingers.
3. Fold and press the fabric
Now that you have measured the fabric, you can fold it up to create the hem. Start by folding the bottom edge of the fabric up by about 1 inch and pressing it with a hot iron.
4. Hem the fabric
The final step is to hem the fabric to secure it in place. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. If you’re hemming by hand, you can use a blind stitch or a slip stitch. If you’re using a sewing machine, you can use a straight stitch or a zig-zag stitch.
Once you have finished hemming the fabric, you can press the hem with a hot iron to set the stitches and give it a professional finish.
Shortening the Inseam
4. Removing Excess Fabric
This method involves physically cutting off the excess fabric from the inseam. It’s a relatively simple process but requires precision to achieve the desired length. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
a. Mark the desired length: Fold up the pants along the inside seam to the desired length and mark the point using a pin or chalk.
b. Cut the excess fabric: Carefully cut along the marked line, ensuring the cut is straight and even.
c. Finish the raw edges: To prevent the fabric from fraying, use a serger or pinking shears to trim the raw edges. You can also fold and stitch a hem along the cut edge for added durability.
d. Press the seams: Once the edges are finished, press the seams to set the new length and give the pants a professional finish.
| Pros: |
|---|
| – Precise length adjustment
– Easy to do with basic sewing tools |
| Cons: |
| – Requires some sewing skills
– Can be more time-consuming than other methods |
Trimming the Outseam
5. Ironing and Resetting the Hem
Once you’ve trimmed the outseam, it’s crucial to iron the new hem to secure it and give it a professional finish. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a seamless result:
- Unfold the Hem: Carefully unfold the hem you created in step 4.
- Iron the Hem: Using a hot iron, iron the folded edge of the hem to create a crisp crease.
- Fold the Hem Again: Re-fold the hem along the crease you just created.
- Press the Hem: Iron the folded hem again to set it in place.
- Hem Adhesive (Optional): For added durability, you can apply hem adhesive or fabric glue to the folded edge of the hem before ironing.
- Topstitch the Hem: Use a sewing machine to topstitch the hem in place, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the folded edge. Choose a thread color that matches the pants.
- Cut Excess Thread: Trim any excess thread from the topstitching.
- Check Fit: Try on the pants to ensure a comfortable fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the length or the hem before proceeding.
Styling with Belts
Belts can instantly transform the look of your pants, making them appear shorter or longer depending on how you wear them.
High-Waisted Belts
Wearing a belt at your natural waistline will shorten the appearance of your pants. This is a great option for people who want to create a more elongated silhouette or tuck in a shirt without adding extra length to their legs.
Low-Waisted Belts
Wearing a belt at your hips will make your pants appear longer. This is a good choice for people who want to add some length to their legs or who have a shorter torso.
Wide Belts
Wide belts can create a more dramatic and visually shortening effect. They can also help to define your waistline and create a more hourglass figure.
Thin Belts
Thin belts are more subtle and can be used to simply add some interest to your outfit. They can also help to cinch in your waist without making your pants appear shorter.
Multiple Belts
Layering multiple belts of different widths and styles can create a unique and eye-catching look. This can be a good option for people who want to add some extra personality to their outfits.
Belts with Details
Belts with embellishments such as buckles, studs, or fringe can add extra interest and style to your pants. They can also help to draw attention to your waistline and make your pants appear shorter.
Belt Color
The color of your belt can also affect the way your pants look. A dark belt will create a more slimming and lengthening effect, while a light belt will make your pants appear shorter.
| Belt Style | Effect on Pants Length |
|---|---|
| High-waisted | Shortens |
| Low-waisted | Lengthens |
| Wide | Shortens dramatically |
| Thin | Subtle shortening |
| Multiple | Unique and eye-catching |
| With details | Extra interest and shortening |
| Dark color | Slimmer and lengthens |
| Light color | Shortens |
Choosing Appropriate Footwear
The right footwear can make a significant difference in the overall length of your pants. Here are some tips for choosing footwear that will help make your pants appear shorter:
Flats or Low-Heeled Shoes
Flat or low-heeled shoes can help shorten the appearance of your pants by bringing you closer to the ground. Consider loafers, oxfords, or sneakers in neutral colors to complement most outfits.
Pointed-Toe Shoes
Pointed-toe shoes create the illusion of longer legs, which can make your pants appear shorter. Choose pumps, ballet flats, or even loafers with a pointed toe.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots typically hit just above or below the ankle, which can help define the leg and make your pants appear shorter. Opt for boots with a slightly wider ankle circumference to avoid creating a bulky appearance.
Boots with a Heel
Boots with a heel can add height while making your pants appear shorter. Choose boots with a block heel or a wedge heel for stability and comfort.
Avoid Chunky or Platform Shoes
Chunky or platform shoes can make your legs appear shorter by adding unnecessary height. Stick to shoes with a slimmer profile.
Other Tips for Choosing Footwear
When choosing footwear, consider the following additional tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Match the shoe color to your pants | Matching shoe color to pants can create a more cohesive look, making your legs appear longer. |
| Avoid shoes with straps or embellishments | Straps or embellishments can draw attention to the feet, making them appear longer and your pants shorter. |
| Consider the occasion | Choose footwear appropriate for the event or activity. Avoid wearing casual shoes with formal attire or vice versa. |
Once you’ve successfully shortened your pants, it’s crucial to maintain their altered length to ensure they continue to fit perfectly.
Tricks to Maintain Length:
- Avoid stretching the fabric vertically: When hanging or storing your pants, avoid folding or creasing them vertically at the hem. Instead, fold horizontally or hang them by the cuffs to prevent the fabric from stretching.
- Use a delicate washing cycle: Wash your pants on a gentle cycle with cold water and minimal agitation. High-heat washes and harsh detergents can weaken the fabric and cause it to stretch.
- Air dry or tumble dry: Avoid tumble drying your pants on high heat as it can shrink the fabric. Instead, air dry them or tumble dry on a low heat setting.
- Iron carefully: If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting and avoid ironing over the hem. Ironing at high temperatures can also stretch the fabric.
- Get regular hemming touch-ups: If you notice any sagging or stretching in the hem over time, take your pants to a tailor or seamstress for a quick touch-up to restore the desired length.
| Cause of Stretching | Preventative Measure |
|---|---|
| Vertical folding or hanging | Fold horizontally or hang by cuffs |
| Harsh washing cycle | Use gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent |
| High heat drying | Air dry or tumble dry on low heat |
| Excessive ironing | Iron on low heat, avoid ironing directly over hem |
How To Make Pants Not As Lon
If you find yourself with a pair of pants that are too long, there are a few things you can do to make them shorter. One option is to have them hemmed by a tailor. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure, and it will give you a professional-looking finish. Another option is to hem the pants yourself. This is a bit more challenging, but it can be done with a little patience and care.
To hem pants yourself, you will need a sewing machine, thread, and a pair of scissors. First, put on the pants and mark the desired length with a pin. Then, remove the pants and lay them flat on a table. Fold up the hem to the desired length and press it with an iron. Next, sew the hem in place using a straight stitch.
If you are not comfortable sewing, you can also use fabric glue to hem your pants. Simply apply a thin line of glue to the inside of the hem and press it in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing the pants.
People Also Ask About
How to make pants shorter without sewing?
There are a few ways to make pants shorter without sewing. One option is to use fabric tape. Simply apply the tape to the inside of the hem and press it in place. Another option is to use iron-on hem tape. This type of tape is applied to the inside of the hem and then ironed in place.
How much does it cost to hem pants?
The cost of hemming pants varies depending on the tailor and the type of pants. However, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a basic hem.
Can I hem pants myself?
Yes, you can hem pants yourself. However, it is important to have some basic sewing skills and to use the correct tools. If you are not comfortable sewing, you can also use fabric glue to hem your pants.
