Is there a limit to how much a tailor could shorten a pair of trousers for you?
Generally the length of trousers that fit me is a 28" length, but that length is harder to come by.
So I've been thinking I may buy some longer trousers and then get a tailor to shorten them but I'm wondering if any length of trousers could be shortened to fit me or is there a certain point where it would get awkward and not make sense?
I know something like shortening 30" length pants would be fine, but what about beyond that? 32", 34", 36" etc
5 Replies
Depends mostly on the fit. If it's pure straight fit in general you're fine. If it has a flare or a taper, shortening it will alter the silhouette but may still very well be within an acceptable range.
In theory the proportions can get wonky on standard pants if you shorten them too dramatically, but 28" should be fine for most pants
If you're looking at pants with a 36" inseam, often times these are made with the thought that folks will hem them to their appropriate length
Tapered pants might lose their taper, but that is pretty much the only problem you’re facing fwiw. Some suits even come with unhemmed pants that require finishing by a tailor
I'll let others weigh in on specifics, but I've done exactly what you're thinking of doing.
Bought a pair of straight fit chinos that were a 34inch length and got them hemmed way down to 28/29 (can't recall what exactly)
Some brands also just produce one standard length, with the expectation that the end wearer will get them hemmed according to preference
(Think my jeans were 36inch and I, again, got them hemmed down to 28/29)
So yeah, unless it's a pronounced taper and you're wanting to maintain that, then it should be fine!
I'm add, you are in a sweet spot for a lot of awesome pants from Japan that many other folks have to pass on because the inseam is too short for them. Lots of good deals too
28” is a very normal inseam. I wouldn’t worry.