Trouser legs that drag on the floor
Short answer: If your trousers drag on the floor, the hem wears quickly and the bottoms get dirty. The solution is usually a shorter inside leg or a model with a ribbed cuff that keeps the leg above the ankle.
Wear at the hem
The hem is the first thing to wear when trousers touch the floor. The fabric is stepped on under the heel, rubs against floor and shoes and frays. It cannot be repaired neatly, because the fabric itself has worn thin. The longer the trousers, the faster it happens, indoors too.
Dirt at the bottom
Trousers that drag pick up dust, water and dirt from the floor and the street. That means they need washing more often than the rest of the trousers really do. Frequent washing wears on fabric and colour, so trousers that are too long age faster than trousers with the right length.
The inside leg
Measure the inside leg of a pair of trousers that has the right length. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam down to the hem. Compare with the measurement of the model you are considering, and you know whether it will be too long. Read more in the measuring guide.
A ribbed cuff keeps the leg up
A ribbed cuff at the bottom holds the leg together above the ankle, so it cannot reach the floor even if the trousers are a little long. The fabric simply gathers in small folds above the cuff. That makes such models a safe choice if trousers are often too long for you. See bamboo sweatpants for men.
Shortening
Firm trousers can be shortened by a tailor or at home. Soft jersey trousers rarely turn out well, because the fabric stretches under the sewing machine and gives a wavy hem. If you want to try anyway, use a stretch stitch and a machine that can sew stretch fabric.
For women
Sweatpants for women come both with straight legs and with ribbed cuffs. If you have had trousers that dragged before, a model with a cuff or a shorter length is the safest route. Check the inside leg of each model before you choose. See the matching models in bamboo sweatpants for women.
For home wear
If the trousers only drag indoors, the wear is slower, but they still get dirty at the bottom and collect dust. Soft trousers for home are often worn barefoot or in socks, which makes it easier to step on the hem. A couple of centimetres shorter makes a noticeable difference. See bamboo loungewear for men.
After washing
Bamboo fabric can shrink slightly in the first wash, especially at high temperatures or in a tumble dryer. If the trousers are a little long, they may end up at the right length after a few washes. Do not count on more than a small difference, though.
Washing
Wash the trousers inside out, so the hem wears least in the drum. Use a low temperature and mild detergent, and let them air dry so they keep their shape and length. If the hem is already frayed, trim loose threads with scissors instead of pulling them. See the washing guide.
Choose the length by use
Trousers worn with shoes can be a little longer than trousers worn barefoot, because the shoe lifts you a few centimetres. Think about how you usually wear the trousers before you choose the length. For women there are several lengths to choose from. See bamboo sweatpants for women.
Frequently asked questions
Why do trousers wear at the bottom?
Because the hem touches the floor and shoes and is stepped on under the heel. The fabric wears thin and frays, and it cannot be repaired neatly afterwards.
Can soft trousers be shortened?
It is possible, but jersey rarely turns out well, because it stretches under the sewing machine. A model with a ribbed cuff or a shorter leg is often the better solution.
How do I find the right length?
Measure the inside leg of a pair of trousers you like, from the crotch seam to the hem. Compare with the measurement of the new model before you order.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
