how to measure pants to hem

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

07-02-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to accurately measure your pants for hemming! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process with photos and tips for a perfect fit. Avoid common mistakes and achieve professional-looking results at home. Get the perfect pant length every time!

Knowing how to accurately measure your pants for hemming is a valuable skill, saving you money and ensuring a perfect fit. Whether you're tackling a simple alteration or a more complex project, precise measurements are key. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can confidently hem your pants like a pro.

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

• Measuring tape: A flexible tape measure is crucial for accurate measurements.
• Pants: The pants you plan to hem.
• Sharp pencil or fabric marker: For marking your hemline.
• Ruler: Helpful for double-checking measurements.
• Iron and ironing board: For pressing your hem.
• Pins: To secure the hem in place before sewing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Pants for Hemming

1. Try on Your Pants:

Begin by trying on the pants you intend to hem. This is the most important step! You need to determine the desired length while wearing the shoes you'll typically wear with these pants.

2. Determine Your Desired Length:

This is where personal preference comes into play. Decide how long you want your pants to be. Common styles include:

• Break: The pants slightly touch the top of your shoes.
• No Break: The pants fall just above your shoes.
• Full Break: The pants have a significant amount of fabric pooling over your shoes.

Once you've decided on your preferred style, have a friend help you mark the desired length on your pants leg with a pencil or fabric marker. Alternatively, you can use a mirror. Make sure you're standing upright and wearing the shoes you plan to wear. Remember to mark both pant legs to maintain symmetry.

3. Measuring the Hem Allowance:

This is a crucial step often overlooked. Before removing your pants, carefully measure the width of your existing hem. Add this measurement to your desired pant length, which you marked previously. This total will serve as your final measurement. This ensures consistent fabric volume for your new hem. Most hems are between 1.5 and 2 inches wide.

4. Measure from the Inside Leg Seam:

After carefully removing your pants, lay one pant leg flat on a clean, flat surface. Using your measuring tape, measure the inseam from the crotch seam to your marked hemline. Repeat this process for the other leg.

5. Confirm and Document Your Measurements:

Write down the inseam measurements. Make sure the measurements for both pant legs are identical or very close. If there's a significant discrepancy, adjust the longer leg accordingly.

Dealing with Irregular Hemlines:

If your pants have an irregular hemline (e.g., slightly curved), you need to measure multiple points across the entire hem, documenting your measurements at each point. This will ensure your new hemline accurately matches the original.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not trying on the pants: This leads to inaccurate measurements and poorly fitting hems.
• Forgetting to account for the existing hem: This will result in your pants being too short.
• Measuring from the wrong point: Measure from the inseam to maintain consistency.
• Not considering shoe height: The height of your shoes significantly impacts pant length.

Professional Finishing Touches:

Once you've precisely measured and marked your desired hemline, you can move on to the actual hemming process. Proper techniques include pressing the hem before stitching for a crisp, clean finish.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can easily measure your pants for hemming and achieve perfect results. Remember, accurate measurement is the foundation for a successful alteration project!