How to shorten women's trousers - the correct length

Pants have appeared in the women's wardrobe quite recently.
Even before World War II, they were exclusively men's clothing. Today, every woman’s wardrobe probably contains more than one pair of trousers of different colors and styles. However, not everyone knows how to choose trousers correctly, and not least of all this concerns their length. Not everyone attaches importance to this detail, but it is precisely a couple of seemingly insignificant centimeters that can play an important role in creating a unique female image.

The length of the trousers seriously influences what the completed picture of the image will be - it can reflect the advantages of a particular type of figure or expose flaws, add a few extra pounds or, conversely, hide them, make the legs long and graceful or awkward.

In this article:

• » From the history of the appearance of women's trousers
• » How long should women's trousers be: » flared trousers
• » straight classic trousers
• » tapered trousers
• » very wide trousers

From the history of the appearance of women's trousers

The first to allow herself to wear men's trousers was the well-known writer George Sand (she had been eyeing the male image for a long time, hence the male pseudonym). At first, everyone considered her an eccentric, since she wore not only trousers, but also other items of men's clothing.

However, after the end of the war, many women changed to trousers, as they were convenient for working in industries where there were very few men. And, in addition, much less material was spent on sewing men's trousers than on a dress, and in the conditions of the post-war crisis this was very important.

Gradually, the women of that time liked the trousers so much that they began to experiment with the styles, length and width of the trousers. This is how sophisticated and elegant women's trousers appeared, which were simply impossible to call men's.

A huge contribution to the spread of fashion for trousers among the gentle half of humanity was played by the most famous women of that time - actresses Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, as well as fashion designer Coco Chanel. All three are members of the women's rights movement and advocate wearing only comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement. Gradually, different styles of trousers began to appear, allowing any beauty to choose a model to suit her taste.

Rules for classic models

A classic style always requires rigor.
According to the standard, the trouser leg covers the heel to the middle. This is the mid-heel rule that is used in the classics. Some stylists are of the opinion that the hem of the trouser leg should be above the heel, and a gap of 1-2 centimeters is acceptable. Some believe that the maximum length to the end of the heel is acceptable. The product then hides the laces and laces and forms a fold. There should be one fold, if there are more, you need to tuck it. Several folds are permissible only when the fabric is very thin and does not lie flat. But even in the classics, the styles of trousers are different, and this only depends on the tailoring of the men's wardrobe item. If the classic trousers are wide-cut with an arrow in the center, the product must be adjusted to the figure and the length must be adjusted correctly. As a rule, overweight men choose such pants to hide some figure flaws.

Attention! When there is a special event coming up, and it is necessary for the product to look strictly in accordance with all the rules, choose tailoring from dense fabrics. With the right length they look perfect.

Rules for tapered models in casual style

In this style, both the jacket and trousers are tapered. Pants may have a cuff. This product requires a shorter length; the “mid-heel” rule does not apply. This piece of clothing is created for stylish men, and trousers cannot be left long, otherwise they will bunch up. Tapered pants should be such that the top of the shoe is visible. They can be combined with Converse, Oxfords, moccasins, they can open the ankle or be rolled up a little more. But if these are classic tapered trousers, turns up are not allowed and the product must reach the edge of the shoe, forming a fold on top of the shoe. When it comes to jeans, and you can wear them however you like, there are wide floor-length jeans and skinny ankle-length jeans.

Shortened models

These pants are not suitable for formal receptions and formal style. Slacks, joggers, and chinos can be shortened. Their length reaches the ankle. The shortened model is often tapered, with clear lines, and a straight cut. You can consider the cuffs on a narrowed model; the length may vary. When wearing them with moccasins and loafers, the length should reach the ankles.

How long should women's trousers be?

The length of women's trousers should correspond to their width. In other words: the narrower the bottom edge of the trousers, the shorter the trousers themselves, and, conversely, the looser the hem, the longer the trousers.

So:

• » the length of flared trousers (bottom edge 25-27 cm wide) reaches the middle of the heel;
• » the length of straight classic trousers (bottom edge 23-25 ​​cm wide) is 2.5-3 cm shorter than flared ones;
• » the length of the trousers, tapered at the bottom (the bottom edge is 19-21 cm wide) is 2.5-3 cm shorter than the classic ones. They should slightly open the instep and ankle. However, the thickness of the ankle itself should also be taken into account. If your leg is too thin, then it is better to choose trousers that are slightly longer, or narrow the leg, otherwise they simply will not seem tapered;
• » the length of very wide trousers (the bottom edge is more than 27 cm wide) reaches the floor.
Read also:  Types of fabrics for skirts and tips for choosing for different styles and seasons

When purchasing trousers, it is better to give preference to longer models. The thing is that after the first wash, many fabrics “shrink,” and therefore trousers that were slightly longer than the required level can acquire a normal length, but short trousers, alas, cannot be restored. If the fabric does not “shrink” after washing, you can simply shorten them slightly; this is not difficult to do yourself or in a studio.

The length of the trousers must match the shoes. As designers advise, you should have a separate pair of shoes for each pair of trousers, and this statement is not at all groundless. After all, if you wear trousers with shoes with thin heels, which you usually wear with ballet flats, they will simply be very short. Pants, which you usually wear with heeled shoes, with ballet flats will simply drag on the floor. In this case, you have two options - buy trousers to match your existing shoes or buy shoes that match the trousers.

Review of styles and models of trousers and shorts

We take into account the features of the figure

Whatever model you like, before making such a purchase, consider the possible risk that such trousers may optically shorten your legs. This fact is an age-old question that is discussed on the Internet. And it is very difficult to find a reasoned answer whether such models should be worn or not.

Many “experts” categorically declare that only tall women with slender figures can afford to wear such clothes. I don’t want to criticize their opinion, but you’ve probably seen for yourself how elegant, organic and very proportionate short ladies (especially socialite divas, celebrities, Hollywood stars) look in cropped trousers. So let's try to look at the problem from the other side. After all, in order to look great in trousers of this style, you just need to wisely choose a model of the appropriate length, taking into account all the body features of the future owner.

1. Skinny cropped trousers. An ankle-length pattern of this type will look good on young ladies of proportional build with slender legs and moderately wide hips. However, when choosing a suitable model for yourself, you should not take the phrase “skinny trousers” too literally. We are talking about trousers, not leggings. The latter are too tight on the figure, and you are unlikely to look elegant enough in them.

In the fitting room, pay special attention to the hip area. Look how tightly the trousers fit this area, especially in the groin area. It is in such an intimate place that completely unaesthetic folds of fabric can form, while the seams cut deep into the body, involuntarily highlighting and drawing attention to what is not at all necessary to look at. A similar effect can be achieved due to excessive narrowness of the trousers. If you observe this on yourself, you should try a different size. Recently, on the streets you can constantly see girls in tight trousers with just such a visual effect, and it is completely devoid of sexuality.

Keep in mind that trousers that are smaller than required will only disfigure your figure. The skin is pulled, pinched, and this makes the owner of such a model look like boiled sausage in a mesh, from the cells of which the compressed skin “peeks out.”

In order for tapered trousers to fit perfectly and meet the concept of stylishness, be sure to pay attention to the material they are made of. If the fabric contains a considerable amount of elastane (more than seven percent), and the material itself is thin to the touch, it is better to skip such trousers. They will only draw unnecessary attention to the unevenness of the thighs (which is completely undesirable, unless they are completely devoid of cellulite), will show everyone the model of your underwear (after all, all the strings, elastic bands, and ties will be perfectly visible), and such panties will look rather cheap product rather than a stylish piece of clothing.

As has been noted many times, trousers should not be excessively narrow. For a good fit, comfortable wearing, and slight stretching of the fabric on the knees, a small amount of elastane in the fabric, no more than two to five percent, is sufficient. The denser the material, the better the product.

1. Boyfriend pants. Owners of curvy, curvaceous hips should go for this style, because it provides a fairly loose cut in this area, which gradually tapers towards the bottom. “Boyfriends” will correct a disproportionately wide figure in the hip area and provide a slimming effect. Not to mention the fact that such a model will successfully disguise cellulite, which their narrow predecessors will mercilessly put on display. However, let's not be upset about round hips! If someone likes anorexic-looking models, this does not oblige you to wear shapeless clothes and hide your body from the eyes of others. Accept the problem and try to approach its solution with a dose of irony, creativity and invention.

Prefer products that slightly fall short of the ankle. Made from a material that holds its shape perfectly. Be careful: if the pattern includes too much fabric in the form of pleats and gathers at the waist, this will likely make the silhouette appear heavier and make your hips appear wider. Options with a lighter waist and darts will look much more organic.

Once the final decision on the trouser style has been made, it's time to talk about the appropriate top. It should be a lighter shade than the trousers. If you don't like calm tones, choose a top made of brighter material. This way, people around you will look at your face, while the lower part will remain without close attention. However, this does not mean at all that you will have to wear dark bottoms all your life. An excellent combination is represented by tapered trousers in bright blue in combination with a pale yellow, white or blue top.

If you like monochromatic sets, this is an equally interesting solution. Combining the top and bottom in one shade will ensure that the outfit is perceived as a solid piece of clothing, without dividing horizontal lines, which will also have an additional slimming effect.

1. Culottes. Short trousers of this cut, mid-calf length, are a rather risky solution that is not suitable for every young lady. The whole thing, as usual, comes down to a model appearance, which not everyone can boast of. It is on slender, tall ladies who walk the catwalk that these trousers look great. Well, those who do not belong to this area should not despair, but choose the appropriate style, try different length options and combine all this with suitable shoes.

If your body type does not fit into the desired model framework, you can try ankle-length culottes, or half a dozen centimeters higher. Well, as for the appropriate width, this is already determined through trial and error.

If you've tried all the options but still don't like anything, maybe it's just not your style. Don't persist; perhaps a product of a different cut will fit you much better.

1. Short skirt-pants. All the nuances described above are also true for cropped trousers, which slightly do not reach the ankles and are characterized by extreme width (otherwise they are also called a trouser skirt). A piece of this type will be popular in spring and autumn, so you can buy such a product for autumn, because with elegant boots, a shortened skirt-trouser looks very elegant and stylish.

What is English length 7/8?

Throughout history, women's fashion has constantly changed, removing some styles and introducing others. This is how trousers with the mysterious name “7/8” appeared. 7/8 trousers are slightly shortened, they slightly reveal the ankle, and can be narrow or wide.

Narrow straight models look great both in an office outfit and in everyday life. They lie flat across the entire leg and do not bunch up. You should definitely choose shoes with heels - sandals, pumps or ankle boots. A plain blouse and a classic cropped jacket are suitable as a top, even with three-quarter sleeves.

Wide-leg trousers with a length of 7/8 represent the well-known “bananas”. They look good on both slender and plump girls. Some models may have side pockets and a contrasting zipper. You can wear them with ballet flats and high-heeled sandals. Lace 7/8 wide trousers with a narrow top and evening stiletto sandals look especially elegant.

• » How long should a woman's skirt be?
• » How long should the sleeves of a shirt, jacket, jacket and coat be?

Fashion trends

In 2021, cropped skinny trousers are beyond competition. The length of these models can be 7/8 or ¾. Cropped trousers are made from natural fabrics and are complemented by creases. Office style combined with cropped styles is a trend that has earned the attention of all fashionistas.

Palazzo pants do not leave the fashion catwalks and are present at the shows of the most famous designers. When wearing this model, you can not only be confident in your style, but also feel comfortable, because the thin flowing fabric easily hides imperfections in the hips and legs.

The importance of trouser length is underestimated by many women. However, if you pay attention to this issue, you can transform your figure and make trousers your favorite wardrobe item.

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