You find the perfect pair of pants in the store, and they seem like the perfect length, but when you get home and try them on, they're a little too short; here are 8 ways to lengthen pants that are too short.
It's happened to all of us; you go to put on your favorite pair of jeans only to find that they're now too short to wear.
Unless you're going for ankle-length pants as part of your outfit, jeans that are too short can be a real pain to deal with.
But whether they've shrunk in the wash or just stretched out over time, there's no need to toss them out just yet.
With a few simple alterations, you can easily add extra length to pants that are too short. This guide will show you 8 different ways to lengthen pants, so you can choose the one that is best for you.
Here are 8 ways to lengthen pants that are too short:
1.Exchange your pants or ask for a refund.
The smart and best solution is to exchange your pants for a better fit or return them to the store and ask for a refund if you still have the receipt and the jeans are in good condition.
Most stores have a return policy that allows you to exchange or return items within a specific time frame, usually anywhere from 14 to 30 days.
So, if you act quickly, you should be able to exchange or get a refund without any issues; if it's been more than a month or more since you purchased them, you may not be able to exchange them or get a refund.
If you bought your jeans online, either contact the seller or check the store's return policy to know if you can exchange them or get a refund.
2.Take your pants to a tailor or a seamstress.
The next best solution to fix pants that are too short is to take them to a tailor or seamstress and have them alter the length of your pants for a better fit; the same goes for pants that are too long.
Taking your pants to a professional will guarantee that they are fixed correctly and that the new hem will look just as good as the original or fabric addition looks clean and neat.
Depending on how much alteration needs to be done, it can be a little pricey, which is why this is the best option if you have money to spend or need your pants professionally fixed urgently.
3. Or do it yourself — by letting down the hem of your pants.
The easiest way to add some extra length to pants that are too short is to let down the hem of your pants; this will add 1 to 2 inches of extra length, depending on how much material you have to work with.
Use a seam ripper to remove the stitches that hold the hem in place; if you don't have one, you can use a small pair of scissors.
Once the stitches are removed, lower the hem of your pants to reveal the extra fabric so you can lengthen your pants.
You can either leave the edge unfinished if you don't mind the look of having a frayed edge or use a sewing machine or needle and thread to re-hem your pants at the desired length.
If you want to use a sewing machine, iron the fabric, so it lays flat, and then use a straight stitch to sew along the edge of your pants.
But, if you're going to sew by hand, use a simple running stitch (especially if you're not crafty); this is a basic stitch that is easy to do and will hold your hem in place.
4. Sew on fabric — such as ruffle, flounce, or lace — to the bottom of your pants.
Not all pants have a hem or cuff that can be let down or that are long enough, so another way to lengthen pants is to sew on fabric to the bottom of your pants; it's a fairly simple alteration and a great way to make use of fabric that you have on hand.
To add a ruffle, flounce, or lace trim, measure the circumference of the bottom of your pants and cut a strip of fabric that is of the same length as the bottom of your pants.
Next, if you're using a ruffle, flounce, or lace trim that already has a finished edge, sew the trim onto the bottom and along the edge of your pants; you can do this with a sewing machine or needle and thread, depending on your preferences.
If you're using a sewing machine, iron the fabric, so it lays flat, and then use a straight stitch to sew along the edge of your pants. But, if you're going to sew by hand, opt for a simple running stitch to sew along the edge of your pants.
5. Wear your pants with tall boots or shoes.
If you don't have the time, money, or resources to try any of the above methods, you can always make your pants work by wearing them with tall boots or shoes.
Wearing your pants with tall boots or shoes will disguise the fact that your pants are too short because it will help cover up the exposed skin and make your pants appear the right length.
6. Or wear them as capris.
Another way to style your pants if they're too short is to wear them as capris; this look is perfect for the spring and summer months when the weather is warm, and it's a great way to show off your shoes.
To style your jeans as capris, fold or roll the hem of your jeans so that they sit at a comfortable spot on your calf. If you want, you can secure the rolled hem in place with a safety pin or two.
And that's it! You've now successfully turned your too-short pants into fashionable capris.
7. Cut your pants into shorts.
If you're not sure what to do with your short pants, cut them into shorts, which is an excellent option if you're tired of your pants and want to give them a new lease on life.
To cut your pants into shorts, start by putting on the pants and marking where you want to cut them with a piece of chalk or a fabric marker.
Once you've marked where you want to cut your pants, take them off and cut along the line you've marked.
If you want, you can finish the raw edge of your shorts with a sewn or rolled hem, or you can leave them as is.
8. Donate or sell your pants.
If you're unhappy with the length of your pants and don't want to take the time or money to fix them, you can always donate them to someone who is shorter than you or sell them to buy a new pair of pants with a better fit.
There are several websites and online communities dedicated to donating and selling clothes, so you should be able to find a donation center or buyer relatively easily.
Thrift stores are always in need of clothing donations, so your pants will definitely be put to good use if you choose to donate them.
But, if you'd rather make some money off your pants, then selling them is always an option. You can sell your pants on websites like eBay or Poshmark or take them to a consignment store in your area.
These are just some of the most common and popular ways to fix jeans that are too long, so experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you; most of these methods are easy and can be done in a few minutes.
Whichever route you choose, make sure that you are happy with the end result so that you can enjoy wearing your pants!
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