How To Hem Slacks

Knowing how to hem slacks is an important skill every man should possess. This is a two person job, so grab a friend and a pair of pants and get started.

1. Put the pants on. It is never a good idea to just guess where you want the hem to be. In addition to having the slacks on, also put on the shoes that you will usually be wearing with them. This ensures the you get the correct length.
2. Decide where you want the bottom of the pant leg to end. Many men prefer to have the hem of their pants fall in back just at the bottom of the sole of their shoe. When you have decided on a length, have a friend mark the pant leg with a pin at the back, front and sides to ensure they are even all the way around. Repeat this step with the other pant leg. Look into a mirror to compare the location of the pens and make sure that both sides look even.
3. Remove the pants and turn them inside out. Start with one pant leg and roll up the bottom of the material, moving upwards toward the waist. Stop rolling right before you see the pin. Iron the pants at the fold to make sure them cuff stays in place. Repeat with the second pant leg. Check to make sure the pant legs are even.
4. Measure up one and one half inches from the crease at the bottom of the pant leg. You will sew the hem here, so any other material from the roll up should be removed. At this point, the pants should still be inside out, with the pant legs folded over by one and one half and inch.
5. Sew around the pant leg at the edge of the cuff. Be sure to stay even all the way around. Next, sew the other pant leg. When you are finished, turn the pants right side out and try them on. The pants should have a clean and neat hem along the bottom of each of the legs. Knowing how to hem slacks makes it possible for you to choose the perfect length for every pair of pants you own.