Trouser/Pants Leg Length History Lesson

[JimWagner]

I personally think that cuffed trousers on men of shorter stature is a def no-no. The cuff cuts a man off visually, making his legs look even shorter, and out of proportion to the rest of his body.

and to JimWagner: I like your dad already....I think he gave you great advice !

Thank you. And I agree about shorter men not wearing cuffed trousers. That's why I don't.

 

[Richard Warren]

I believe the historic break between high waters and too long pants was in the 1970's, and one of the immediate causes was the prevalence of bell bottoms, which just look ridiculous when too short.

The concept that trousers should meet the heel of the shoe is it seems to me a crutch for inept tailors.

 

[JimWagner]

The concept that trousers should meet the heel of the shoe is it seems to me a crutch for inept tailors.

Sorry, I don't understand that statement. What length do you think the correct length is then?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

...bell bottoms...look ridiculous when too short.

Bell bottoms look ridiculous, period.


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[Cobden]

Bell bottoms look ridiculous, period.


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Unless you are a sailor

 

[anon`]

Unless you are a sailor

Nope, still ridiculous even in that case!

 

[JimWagner]

Nope, still ridiculous even in that case!

Maybe to civilian eyes, but as an ex sailor I'll point out that the actual reason for bell bottoms in the Navy (besides tradition) is so you can get them off in a hurry after abandoning ship, tie the legs closed, inflate them by holding to the waist band and waving them over your head, close the waist with your hands and thereby have sort of a life preserver to keep you afloat. Try that with tight legged jeans.

At least that was the story and drill during swimming qualifications in boot camp. Me, I'd rather have an actual life jacket. Better yet, not sink.

 

[anon`]

Form in this case may well follow function, but it still looks ridiculous

 

[Richard Warren]

Sorry, I don't understand that statement. What length do you think the correct length is then?

Pants that go to the heel of the shoe are generally in my opinion too long; they puddle instead of break. Trousers are not drapes.

I recognize that this is the length many people believe is "correct." I think in fact this is at least partly because its just easier to mark, thereby explaining its adoption by salesmen and some "tailors."

 

[Baggers]

The way I learned while working in the menswear business was to mark the trouser leg in the front after setting the length to hit the tops of the shoes. I usually gave them a slight break unless the customer specified otherwise. I would think it all hinges on how full the leg is cut and you can't do that without getting down on your knees in front of a three way mirror. Posture plays an important part as well.

Back in my ROTC days in the early seventies the proper fitting was just touching the tops of the shoes without breaking and no downward slope at the back. The trousers were full cut, so when standing at attention the backs usually hit just above the heels.

Cheers!

 

[Yeps]

Try that with tight legged jeans.

Haven't tried that with skinny jeans, but it works just fine with the regular kind.