Letting Down Trousers – Lengthen Trousers That Have Become Too Short
If your trousers have become too short, we can often let them down and give the length back. We release the hem allowance – the fabric folded under inside the hem – and lengthen the trousers so they break correctly over the shoe again. How much can be let down depends on how much fabric is held in reserve. You order online, we pick up at home or work, and send the trousers back altered.
How we lengthen the trousers
Letting down a pair of trousers is the opposite of hemming them. Instead of shortening, we release the hem allowance folded up inside the hem and sew the fall lower down. That gives the trousers length back without adding new fabric. We adapt the finish to the trousers' fabric and cut, whether it's dress trousers, chinos or jeans.
How much can be let down
How many centimetres a pair of trousers can be lengthened depends entirely on how much hem allowance is left inside the fold. Some trousers have a generous reserve and can be let down well, others have little to work with. On trousers that have been folded for a long time, the old crease can show as a faint line – sometimes it can be pressed out and softened, sometimes not. We look at the fabric and tell you what's possible before we start.
Trousers we let down
We let down dress trousers, formal trousers, chinos, jeans and children's clothes that have become too short after a growth spurt. Different fabrics and seam types each need their own handling, and we choose the method to suit the garment. If the trousers also need taking in or a waist change, we can do that in the same round – see alterations and waist adjustment.
How to order
Choose the service and briefly tell us about the trousers and how much length you'd like when you order online. We pick the trousers up at home or work, or you drop them at a service point or partner store – you choose the shipping method in your order. Once the trousers are let down, we send them back to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to let down trousers?+
The price depends on the trousers, the fabric and how much length is added. You see the price before you order – see the full price list on our prices page.
How much longer can the trousers get?+
It depends on how much hem allowance sits inside the fold. Some trousers have a good reserve and can be let down well, others have little to work with. We look at the garment and tell you what's possible before we alter it.
Will the old crease show?+
On trousers that have been folded for a long time, the original crease can sit as a faint line. It can often be softened by pressing, but on some fabrics it may still be slightly visible. We assess the fabric and let you know in advance.
Can you let down children's trousers that have got too short?+
Yes. If children's clothes have become too short after a growth spurt, we can often release the hem and give them length again, as long as there's allowance to work with. Tell us what you'd like when you order.
Is this the same as hemming the trousers?+
No, it's the opposite. Letting down means lengthening trousers that are too short, while hemming means shortening trousers that are too long – see trouser hemming for that.
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