Hemming Jeans – With or Without the Original Hem

A plain re-hem

The simple way: the leg is cut to the desired length and a new hem is sewn at the bottom. It is quick and works fine for most trousers – but you lose the original, often lighter and more worn edge that is characteristic of jeans.

Keep the original hem

If you want the jeans to still look as before, the tailor keeps the original hem: the leg is shortened higher up, and the original hem edge is reattached at the bottom. That preserves the characteristic wear and colour. This is a craft, and it is especially worth it on quality and raw denim.

Yourself or at a tailor?

For a simple, straight hem on thin trousers, hem tape or your own sewing machine can work. But 'keep the original hem', thick denim and lined or cuffed trousers give a much neater result at a tailor – where the seam is even and the edge is right.

The right length

Always measure with the shoes you will actually wear with the trousers. A small 'break' – where the fabric rests slightly over the shoe at the front – is a classic length. We do alterations by garment and desired length, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions