How to Cut Leggings to Make Them Shorter

If you’ve purchased leggings only to discover they’re too long, you may wonder how to “take up” leggings. 

However, sometimes you just want the look of a shorter legging without any sewing or permanent adjustments. Let’s look at options for both!

TikTok User Goes Viral “Shortening” Leggings or Yoga Pants

One TikTok user (runliftmom) went viral with her easy (no sew, no cut) trick to shorten leggings or yoga pants. This is a great tip to shorten yoga pants if you’re in a rush, or want to make a temporary adjustment for a particular outfit.

What If You Want to Make a More Permanent Adjustment to the Hem of Your Yoga Pants?

Check if the Retailer Will Adjust The Hem When You Buy

If you’ve found the perfect leggings but they’re just too long, see if there are different length options in the same style.

If not, some retailers will make adjustments to get you that perfect fit. It might mean waiting a few additional days for your purchase. But it does mean that when the leggings come home, they’ll fit you the way you want!

Take the Leggings to a Tailor to Be Hemmed

If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, you can always take your leggings to a tailor. Most dry cleaners will sew simple adjustments on clothes no problem. They’ll also help measure the length you want them adjusted, and you’ll be confident that both legs will be adjusted to the same length.

If you’re not confident sewing or making adjustments yourself, this can save you from potentially expensive mistakes.

DIY: Simply Cut the Hem of Your Leggings (Raw Seam)

Unlike a knit sweater, leggings or yoga pants will not fray excessively if you just cut them. So it is an option to simply take a scissors to them. This will give you a very “raw edge” look, that may loosen over time.

If you do this, we recommend using seamstress scissors to get a sharp and clean cut. Measure carefully to ensure you get the length right, and so it matches on both legs. You don't need to sew the hems.

However, the one area you might want to stitch a little is at the seams, since cutting there can cause seam threads to fray and potentially to rip.

DIY: Add Ruching Along the Seam With a Sewing Machine

Ashley of Make It, Love It has an excellent tutorial on how she added ruching (shirring or smocking) to her daughter’s leggings. She uses a sewing machine to get this look. It has the benefit of adding a bit more of a style statement to the leggings, in addition to shortening them.

Check out her post here.

DIY: Sew a Double Hem on Your Leggings or Yoga Pants

And, of course, if you’re proficient with a sewing machine you can simply take your leggings or yoga pants up and sew a standard double hem that most leggings come with.

What Is the Ideal Length for a Pair of Leggings?

Ideally, you buy leggings that fit right away so there's never any need to sew, stitch or pin... Leggings come in different lengths, including:

• Cropped
• Ankle length (also known as 7/8 length)
• Full length

The ideal length depends on your height, as well as the look you’re going for. Legging lengths similarly differ manufacturer to manufacturer. But the 7/8 length is basically 1/8 shorter than full length leggings. It is designed to sit just above the ankle (and therefore will show some skin between your legging cuff and your footwear).

The 7/8 length is most people’s preferred length of legging. Many say it is the perfect length to elongate the leg, whereas cropped leggings can make you seem shorter.

If you’re shopping online, here are three ways to judge the length of leggings:

1. Pay Attention to Inseam Measurements

The product name might say 7/8 length, but usually in the product details you’ll find more precise inseam measurements. You can use that to take your own inseam measurement (or compare a favourite existing pair of leggings or jeans). Inseam measurements are usually in inches, so they’re much more reliable than something as subjective as “ankle” or “7/8”.

2. Or to Model Height

Some websites will tell you the height and size of the model pictured in the product. This will give you a good indication of how that same product might sit on you (although no two bodies are precisely the same). 

But if the legging is ankle length on a model who is 5ft 7” and you’re 5ft 3”, you’ll know it’s going to be longer on your frame. Vice versa if you’re taller than the model on the website. 

This method is not an exact science (sometimes photos on shopping websites are retouched), so if you have the option, inseam measurements are more reliable!

3. Read The Customer Reviews on Site!

Many sites, including Knix, have generous customers who leave product reviews. They can enter their size and height and review whether the product was true to size. It’s worth reading a handful of reviews to see if there’s any consistent feedback that you might want to incorporate into your buying decision. Again, this method is not an exact science. But I usually do a quick scan of reviews before I hit check-out!

Always Check the Exchange Policy!

You probably don’t need us to tell you that clothes sizing can be tricky. Whether it’s for bras, shoes or leggings, sizing is never really perfectly standard. There’s always a degree of trial and error and for that reason it’s good to be aware of the retailer’s return and exchange policy.

For the record, with Knix, clothing items are eligible for return or exchange within 30 days of delivery. However, these items need to be unworn with the tags still attached to qualify for a refund or exchange.
We really hope you’ll find your perfect fit. But, if you don’t, you can rest assured that you can exchange it or get a refund! Check out our leggings here.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.