Front slits on trousers and jeans have come through as a fringe trend for a couple of seasons. My guess is that the design detail will not go mainstream. Some slits are long and make quite the statement, whereas others are short and subtle. The slits are in the front of bottoms thereby showcasing ankles and part of the lower leg. Ankle and leg skin can be bare, or covered with socks and boots. The slits can be centered or off-centered, and on wide or narrow silhouettes. Here are some slit or split hem examples on jeans and pants.

I like front slits on jeans and pants if they are subtle, not too high, and the hems of the bottoms are not too wide. About 25 years ago, I wore high-front slits on a pair of wide pants. They were great as long as I stood still. When I moved they swooshed in an uncomfortable way, and sitting down was worse. The slits parted when seated and the fabric dangled on either side of my lower leg. I don’t want to wear that silhouette again. That said, I have an old pair of jeans with buttons down the bottom of their centre fronts. They create a subtle front slit that I don’t notice. I love that detailing! I wear them with boots to keep warm. But I could wear them with loafers or oxfords to expose my ankles when it’s warmer.

You’ll find front slits on all sorts of skirts and dresses, and the trend is completely mainstream. Some slits are centered, and some off-centered. Some slits are high and make a statement, and others are subtle. Here are some examples:

I like a well-positioned front slit on a pair of jeans or pants, but do not want them on my skirts and dresses because they expose more than I am comfortable exposing. I also don’t enjoy how front slits fall open when I’m seated. It’s a deal-breaker unless I can sew up the slit in an effective way. I successfully did that with an old 3.1. Phillip Lim skirt, which made all the difference. That said, I will happily wear a midi or midaxi shirtdress that has a very subtle short front slit because of the button-front styling. There is no leg exposure, and the slit does not fall open when seated. The devil is in the detail.

Over to you. What do you think of front slits on pants, jeans, skirts and dresses?