hemming shirts?

Jaime

I have bought several matching sets if both cotton gauze (Aritzia) and linen(Athleta) While lovely the tops are very long. I am 5'6" and they overwhelm the look causing me to look a little bulkier than I would like. Has anyone ever had long blouses hemmed to just under hipbone level? It would make more of a crop look than the long ducktail hemline of these blouses. I am hesitant because these were a bit pricey and I don't want to ruin them.

1 month ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Irina

Veteran

Yes, I did. It worked but be aware, the shortening changes proportions of the overall design of a shirt. Pin it first. Also, make sure buttons look ok, hemming should be not too close to a last button.

1 month ago

BrieN

Veteran

I do this a lot. Sometimes I take it to the tailor, sometimes I do it at home myself. Agree with Irina - pin it and double check the button placement. I usually try to end the blouse the same distance below a button as the original. And I agree it will change the overall look of the blouse - if deciding between two lengths, I usually choose the longer one.

I would definitely wash them first - my guess is both will shrink up to some degree.

1 month ago

Veteran

Yes, I do that often! I agree with Irina and BrieN, and I just want to add that the shape of the hem makes a difference as well. A straight hem will be much easier to work with than a curved one. If the fabric is lightweight and seems difficult to handle, you can spray it with starch to give it some body before sewing—it will wash out afterward. To be safe, test it on a section you plan to cut off anyway.

1 month ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I’ve done this successfully - even reproducing the curved hem. As mentioned by Irina you have to pay attention to where the buttons are when you do this.

This shirt (in Finds)

Custom Find

by Runcarla

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1 month ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I've done this successfully, too. Pin and check first, as others said!

1 month ago

JAileen

Veteran

I had a top that I just couldn’t wear until I shortened it. And then I loved it! It had a curved hem, and I followed the curve, and because it was a knit, I sewed it by hand, using a loose stitch.

1 month ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yes! I’m 5’7” (well, maybe minus a half inch or so these days) and all my height is in my legs, so tops are frequently too long for my liking. I’ve had several hemmed to hip length, all with good results. I do take mine to a tailor and consult with them first, having them pin it to the right length. Usually we leave the back a little longer.

4 weeks ago

kkards

Veteran

I’ve never done it, but I’ve definitely thought about it. This might be the year I actually try it

4 weeks ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hi Jaime! I don't often meet another Jaime that spells her name the same as I do! I haven't shorted tops personally but I think it is absolutely doable as others attest.

4 weeks ago

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