Your favorite jeans fit perfectly everywhere, but they're too long. They drag on the ground, look sloppy, and you're worried you'll ruin them if you try a DIY fix.

Yes, you can absolutely cut jeans to make them shorter¹. It is one of the easiest denim alterations² you can do at home with just a few basic tools to achieve a custom length.

In my 20 years of running a denim factory, I've seen that length is one of the most critical parts of a perfect fit.

For a top designer like Dean, a quarter of an inch can make or break a design. But you don't need a factory to solve the problem of jeans being too long. It's a simple fix that anyone can do.

The key is to prepare properly and use the right technique. I will show you how to get a clean, professional-looking result every single time without any fear of messing it up.

Can jeans be altered to be shorter?

You love your jeans but the length is all wrong. You're wondering if they can be fixed, or if you have to accept the bunchy look at your ankles.

Yes, jeans are one of the most common garments to alter for length. You can choose a simple raw edge, create a new finished hem, or even reattach the original factory hem.

Altering jean length is a standard procedure. In fact, it is probably the most common request a tailor gets. But you have the power to do this yourself. The method you pick depends entirely on the style you want.

Method 1: The Raw Edge Finish

This is the simplest and fastest option. It gives your jeans a relaxed, casual vibe that is very popular.

You just need to measure, mark your line, and make a single cut with sharp fabric scissors³. The edge will naturally fray a little in the wash, adding to the style.

This works great for cropped straight-leg jeans or for turning old jeans into summer shorts. It is a modern look that requires almost no skill.

Method 2: The Finished Hem

This approach gives you a clean, polished look, similar to how the jeans came from the store.

After you cut the jeans, you simply fold the raw edge⁴ up twice and sew it in place. You can do this with a sewing machine⁵ for the most durable result, or even use a special fabric glue for a no-sew option.

This method stops any fraying and provides a more classic, intentional finish.

Will jeans continue to fray if cut?

You like the look of a cut-off, raw hem. But you have a nagging fear that the threads will keep unraveling until your jeans turn into shorts.

No, jeans will not continue to fray endlessly. The fraying stops naturally after a couple of washes once the loose horizontal threads are gone, leaving a stable and soft edge.

This is a very common concern, but the way denim fabric is made prevents this from happening. Let me explain a little bit about the construction. Denim is a twill weave fabric.

This means it has strong vertical threads, which are called the "warp," and horizontal threads, called the "weft." The warp threads provide the main structure and strength.

When you cut the fabric, you expose the ends of the weaker weft threads. The tumbling action of your washer and dryer pulls these loose weft threads out, which creates that classic frayed look.

But the fraying stops when it hits the strong, interwoven warp threads. The fabric's own structure creates a natural stopping point, usually at about a quarter to a half-inch.

If you want to be extra safe, you can sew a single, straight line of stitching a half-inch above your cut. This will act as a barrier and guarantee the fraying goes no further.

What to do if my jeans are too long?

Your new jeans are dragging on the pavement and getting dirty. You know you need to shorten them, but you want to make sure you do it right the first time.

First, prepare your jeans by marking the correct length while wearing your shoes. Then, lay them flat, double-check that the legs are even, and use sharp fabric scissors for a clean cut.

Proper preparation is the most important part of the entire process.

It is the step that prevents all the common mistakes. Rushing this stage is how you end up with uneven or too-short jeans.

Step 1: Wear Your Shoes

Before you mark anything, put on the shoes you plan to wear most often with the jeans.

The type of shoe, whether it's a flat sneaker or a heeled boot, dramatically changes how the jeans fall. This step ensures the final length is perfect for your intended style.

Step 2: Mark Your Cut Line

Stand in front of a mirror and fold the hem up to your desired length. Use a piece of chalk or a fabric marker to make a clear mark. I always recommend adding a one-inch buffer below your ideal spot.

This gives you extra fabric to work with in case you want to create a folded hem or simply for peace of mind. You can always cut more off later, but you can never add it back.

Step 3: Ensure an Even Cut

Take the jeans off and lay them on a flat surface. Fold them in half vertically, making sure the inner and outer leg seams line up perfectly.

Smooth out all wrinkles. This simple fold guarantees that your cut will be identical on both legs. Then, use a ruler to draw a straight line based on your mark, and cut with confidence.

Can you just cut jeans to make them shorter on Reddit?

You've seen people on Reddit and other forums say to just grab some scissors and cut your jeans. You are wondering if it is truly that simple or if you are missing something.

Yes, the common advice you see on platforms like Reddit is absolutely correct. The community consensus is that simply cutting your jeans is a fast, easy, and effective way to shorten them.

The advice you find on Reddit is usually on point for this topic. It's a testament to how simple this DIY project truly is.

Most online discussions fall into two main categories. First, there's the "just cut it" group. These people advocate for the simple raw-edge look.

They correctly point out that all you need is a steady hand and good scissors. They celebrate the easy, casual style it creates.

The second group is a bit more detail-oriented. They offer tips on how to get a more professional result, like creating a finished hem or even reattaching the original one.

But across all these discussions, there is one piece of advice that is universal and critical: use the right tool.

Nearly every experienced person will warn against using dull kitchen or paper scissors. They know that this crushes the denim fibers and leads to a choppy, messy result.

The single most important takeaway from all the online advice is to invest in a pair of sharp fabric scissors. They are the key to a clean cut, which is the foundation of any good alteration.

Conclusion

Cutting your jeans to make them shorter is a simple, beginner-friendly DIY project⁶. With careful measurement and sharp scissors, you can easily customize the length for a perfect, stylish fit.

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