Pant Lengths 101: Mastering Style, Fit, and Tailoring
In this Pant Lengths 101 guide, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about finding your perfect pant length! From the versatile ankle-length to the statement-making floor-length, we’ll explore how each style can work for different body types, occasions, and shoe pairings. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips on tailoring and hemming because let’s face it, sometimes the perfect fit requires a personal touch!
So, whether you’re looking to refresh your office look, jazz up your casual attire, or step out in style for a glamorous evening, this guide has got you covered. Let's find those dream pants that make you look and feel absolutely fabulous.
Exploring Different Pant Lengths
Ankle Length
Ankle-length pants are the most versatile length and a staple in any wardrobe. Suitable for all body types, they are particularly flattering for petites as they create an illusion of height. When it comes to shoe pairings, ankle-length pants happily work with most footwear styles, matching well with ankle boots, pumps, loafers, ballet flats, or sneakers.
For styling, opt for a slightly higher waist for a more modern look (low rise, slim ankle pants can read 2010’s). This high waisted style visually elongates your legs. Also, consider pairing these pants with tucked-in tops or those that hit at your waistband to make the most of the style.
Ankle Length
This is a great example of an ankle length pant - it hits right at my ankle bone. This length easily matches with a pump (as shown), ballet flats, loafers, slim shaft ankle boots and even a sneaker (but I’d wear it with a different top of course)!
Cropped
Cropped pants, ending a few inches above the ankle, are actually phasing out. Especially if they are slim pants. I am sorry if that bursts your bubble. If you have them, you can keep wearing them. I have a few pairs of wide leg cropped pants that I still wear confidently. But if you are purchasing a new pair and going to have them tailored, I’d highly recommend not going shorter than your ankle bone.
Cropped Pants
While I do like this look, I’ve found myself wearing these cropped pants less often, because they feel a bit too short these days. By about 1-1.5 inches. I was able to “fake” it by pairing them with these invisible shoes. And I will still wear them, but if I was having them hemmed, I’d opt for a mid-ankle bone length for a more modern feel.
Full Length
Full-length pants cover the ankle and slightly brush the top of your shoes. They are a traditional choice for formal trousers and wide-leg pants, working well for most body types. They're particularly flattering for those who want to balance out wider hips or thighs.
Heels are the ideal shoe pairing for full-length pants, as they help extend the leg line and prevent the pants from bunching at the bottom. Flats can also work with a full length pant, they just need to be hemmed accordingly. When it comes to full length pants I often recommend shortening one pair for heels and one for flats, so you know the length is right for each. Ensure they’re hemmed to the right length to avoid a sloppy look.
When it comes to full length pants, there are different “rules” for a wide leg pant vs a slim or straight pant.
With a slim or straight pant, the “right” length is the top of the foot in front, and the top of the shoe in the back (if it is a shoe and not a boot). The goal is that the pant brushes the top of the foot and does not break or puddle, creating a clean, long line.
With a wide leg pant, the length can go a little longer. Because they are wide they tend to sit over the foot, not on it. In this case I recommend shortening the length to the top of the heel - where the heel attaches to the shoe. With a wide leg style it is visually more elongating than the top of the foot.
Full Length Pants
Full length pants can either hit at the top of the shoe as pictured here or if it's a wider, more straight leg, it can also hit where the heel and the shoe meet.
Floor-Length
Floor-length pants are a bold fashion statement, often seen in palazzo or flare styles. They extend all the way down, covering most of your shoe and sometimes even touching the ground (as seen more recently in the puddle pants trend).
This style is great for adding height and is particularly suitable for taller individuals. High heels are a necessity with floor-length pants to prevent dragging and maintain the elongated effect. Choose a streamlined fit to avoid overwhelming your frame.
Floor Length
While many fashion girls are into the puddle pant look (see how these are literally puddling at the floor). IMHO, for me, it’s too much. These will be hemmed to floor length - ½ in from the floor. However, I will need to commit to what shoe I intend to wear them with.
Capri
Capri pants, also known as three-quarter pants, end mid-calf, and are somewhat dated. This length also typically hits the leg at the widest point of the calf. If you have capri’s and love wearing them, keep doing so. However, if you purchase new pants and are looking to tailor them, I’d recommend either opting for bermuda shorts or pants that hit at the ankle bone.
Just recently, some “it” girls have been showing up in capri’s and they actually look great. There is some fashion insider buzz claiming that capri’s are having a renaissance. Similar to the buzz about low rise jeans having a resurgence. At this point and time I am not making any purchases of capri’s but I will update this section of the post if and when it is needed.
Tailoring and Hemming: Customizing Your Fit
The importance of tailoring in achieving the perfect pant length cannot be overstated!! Tailoring can significantly enhance the fit and look of your pants, especially for petite or tall frames. Hemming, the process of adjusting the length of your pants, should be done considering the shoes you’ll most likely wear with them. For example, pants worn with heels will need a longer hem compared to those worn with flats.
When seeking a tailor, look for one with positive reviews and a portfolio of women’s fashion for the best results. Personally, I love Alterations Express and their "Pants Hemmed While You Wait" service! You can go into any of their 12 locations, get fitted by their experts, and have your pants tailored to perfection within 30 minutes or less!
Floor Length Pant
I definitely need a trip to Alterations Express! These also need to be shortened. I will keep them floor length, to hit ½ inch from the floor.
Floor Length Jeans
This is a lovely floor length pant. To alter I would keep the point toe shoe and hem it ¼-½ inch from the floor. The goal is to have them be as long as possible without dragging and bunching. It creates a legs for days illusion by practically covering the shoe. But we want the break (which is the part in the front that seems to fold when it touches the shoe or floor) to be minimal.
Shoe and Pant Combos
The combination of shoes and pants is crucial for a cohesive look:
Ankle Boots: Pair excellently with cropped or ankle-length pants. The boot should fit snugly under the pant hem for a clean look. That means, the pants need to be at least at the ankle bone AND the boots need to be tight in the shaft and on the taller side, if possible (think 5 inches).
Heels: Ideal for ankle, full or floor-length pants. Heels help in avoiding the fabric dragging on the floor and create an elongated leg line.
Flats: Work well with ankle-length and full length pants for a more casual yet put-together look. With a full length pant you’ll need to commit to the shoe BEFORE having it tailored.
Sneakers: Best suited for ankle-length, full length and also floor length (think puddle pants) pants for a relaxed, sporty vibe. Again, committing to the shoe and the desired length is important BEFORE alterations are done.
Committing to a Shoe
Below is a great example of a full length pant that needs a shoe commitment. Their length hits perfectly when paired with a heel, but has just a smidge too much break when paired with sneakers (or flats, not pictured). For now, I’m keeping them long for heels and might shorten them for flats, keeping the raw hem, in the future.
I’m not going to go into too much detail about pant lengths and shoes in this blog post, but if you want to learn more, you’ll love my blog post, The Ultimate Guide To Matching Your Shoes To Your Jeans!
Cropped Jeans
These jeans are cropped, but on the longer side (about ankle bone length) and because they are wider, there is some more wiggle room. And I will answer this question preemptively… because anytime I post them I am bombarded with folks asking where to get them. These were purchased resale about 6 years ago. They are by Citizens of Humanity, but not available in retailers currently.
Understanding the nuances of pant lengths and how they interact with your body type and chosen footwear can make a significant difference in your overall appearance and confidence. Always remember, the key to perfect pants is in the fit, and sometimes that means seeking a little help from a tailor. Here’s to finding the perfect pair of pants that make you look and feel fabulous!
This blog post was sponsored by Alterations Express, but I only accept partnerships that I truly believe in. Alterations Express is a trusted location for tailoring that I use and recommend to my clients as well! If you need pants hemmed, especially in a hurry, Alterations Express is your spot. Thankfully they have many locations to pick from.