Jeans that are too long can be frustrating because they drag on the ground and make it difficult to move around in them, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 11 ways to fix jeans that are too long.
Jeans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a person can own because they can be dressed up or down, which makes them perfect for almost any occasion.
But, if they are too long, they can become a nuisance — whether you’re short on time or want to save some money — there are a few different ways to fix jeans that are too long so that your jeans fit properly and don’t drag on the ground.
Here are 11 ways to fix jeans that are too long:
1. Exchange your jeans or ask for a refund.
If you still have the receipt and the jeans are in good condition, the smart solution is to exchange your jeans for a different size and better fit or return them to the store and ask for a refund.
2. Take your jeans to a tailor or a seamstress.
The most obvious and effective solution to fix jeans that are too long is to take them to a tailor or seamstress and have them alter the length of your jeans; the same goes for pants that are too short.
Having your jeans taken care of by a professional will guarantee that your jeans are fixed correctly and that the new hem will look just as good, if not better, than the original.
However, it can be costly depending on how much needs to be taken off. With that being said, this is the best option if you have money to spend or need your jeans professionally fixed urgently.
3. Or do it yourself — with a sewing machine or by hand.
If you don’t have the money or the time to go to a tailor but are a very crafty person, you can try fixing your jeans yourself.
This requires some skill with a sewing machine or needle and thread, but it is possible to do a fairly good job if you take your time and are careful; there are other options than this if you’re not too confident in your sewing abilities.
You will need a measuring tape, scissors, a seam ripper, straight pins, an iron, and an ironing board.
First, remove the original hem with a seam ripper and once all the stitches are out, unfold the pants and iron them.
Next, turn the jeans inside out and fold each pant leg to your desired length; use straight pins to keep the folds in place, then try the pants on to ensure the length is correct.
When you’re satisfied with the length, remove the pants, iron the folded hems to create creases on the folds, and cut along the fold with fabric scissors.
To achieve — other than a straight hem — a mild fraying effect, you can use pinking shears instead of regular fabric scissors.
Once you have cut the new hems, iron them flat and sew along the edge with a sewing machine or by hand; be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to make it extra secure.
If you’re unsure how to operate a sewing machine or how to sew by hand, there are plenty of “how-to” videos and articles online that can help guide you through the process step-by-step.
4. Wear your jeans with high heels.
Perhaps none of the above options are appealing to you or possible in your current situation — in which case, the next quick fix is to wear your jeans with high heels; this fix doesn’t require any sewing or alterations.
By wearing high heels with your jeans, the extra fabric will be lifted off the ground, and you won’t have to worry about your jeans dragging, giving the illusion that they fit you perfectly, all while making you look taller and more proportionate.
Plus, wearing heels with jeans is a great way to style your outfit if you’re going for a more glam and elegant look.
The only downside is you’ll likely only be able to wear your jeans with heels that are two inches or taller.
5. Roll up your jeans at your desired length — and use a safety pin to secure them if necessary.
Not everyone is a fan of the casual look of rolled-up jeans, so it might not work with every outfit, but if you don’t mind, then this is another easy way to fix your long jeans.
All you need to do is roll up the bottoms of your jeans until they are the desired length; this is an excellent solution if you want to be able to wear your jeans with flats or sneakers without the fabric dragging on the ground.
There are a few different ways to roll up your jeans; the most popular method is called the “pin-roll” method, which involves making short and narrow folds.
To do the pin-roll method, take the bottom of your jeans and roll them in short and narrow folds until you achieve the desired length.
In addition to the “pin-roll” method, you can also “cuff” the bottom of your jeans by folding the denim material up a few times; fold them tight enough so that they don’t unroll throughout the day.
The only downside is that rolled-up jeans can sometimes look sloppy or unfinished if not done correctly.
That’s why if the fabric is too thick or you’re worried about the jeans unrolling, all you need is a few small or large safety pins (depending on how much fabric you’re working with) to secure and keep the rolled-up fabric in place.
6. Use fashion tape.
Fashion tape can be used as a temporary measure to shorten jeans and prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
Adjust your jeans to your desired length and place a piece of fashion tape on the inside seam at the ankle to keep your jeans in place and prevent them from slipping down or riding up throughout the day.
Fashion tape can be found at most drugstores and beauty supply stores.
7. Or fabric adhesive.
This is a great option if you’re in a hurry or don’t have any sewing supplies on hand; all you need is a measuring tape or ruler, scissors, pins, and glue.
First, mark the new hem of your jeans; you may need to put them on to get an accurate measurement. Once you’ve marked the new length, fold the jeans and use pins to hold the fabric in place.
Next, turn the pants inside out and draw a line along the fold where you folded the pants to their new hem length.
Then, draw a seam allowance for the shortened pants; the standard hem for jeans is a half-inch wide, but you may want to go up to an inch.
Once you’ve cut the excess denim fabric and ironed the new hemline, it’s time to glue. Start by applying glue inside the new hemline. When both legs are done, let the jeans dry before wearing them.
8. Give small tugs upwards.
This technique is helpful, but only if you’re wearing skinny jeans; otherwise, it will be ineffective.
All you need to do is put on your jeans and hold the excess fabric, then give small tugs upwards until the fabric is lifted off.
Giving small tugs upwards causes your jeans to wrinkle, so if you prefer winkle-free jeans, here are 9 best ways to fix jeans that wrinkle.
9. Or wear your jeans higher on your waist.
By wearing your jeans higher on your waist, the extra fabric in the legs will be lifted off the ground, and you won’t have to worry about them dragging them on the ground.
But, if your jeans are too big in the waist, no matter how high you wear them on your waist, they will still slip down; in that case, here are 8 tips to help stop your jeans from slipping down.
10. Shrink your jeans.
Assuming your jeans are made of pure denim, they should shrink when exposed to heat because heat causes organic materials to contract permanently.
The best way to expose your jeans to heat is by washing them in hot water — 3 to 4 times — or drying them using the hot air setting on a clothes dryer; if you do both, your jeans should shrink significantly.
Keep in mind that this will cause the length and width of your jeans to shrink, so they may no longer fit properly if they currently do; and you shouldn’t wear jeans that are too tight.
11. Give or sell your jeans.
If your jeans are too long, you can either give them to someone who is taller than you or sell them and use the money to buy a new pair of jeans that fit better.
If your jeans are too long and you don’t know how to fix them, try one of these 11 methods; some are temporary fixes, while others are permanent.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and situation, so your jeans fit better and are more comfortable to wear; don’t let a pair of too-long jeans ruin your day!
