Long cutoffs

Janet

I'm starting to see this style (which I have been DIYing for years now, in a fashion) popping up in designer retail, and I'm kind of happy to see I might be ahead of a trend.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/h.....lor=RIGID%

https://www.shopbop.com/zoeey-.....38;fm=othe

I'm thinking of cutting a bit more off of my old cutoffs that I currently roll, to have the uncuffed raw hem hit the knee.

Anybody else drawn to these longer short styles? I can't be the only one who prefers not to showcase my knees.

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6 years ago

Inspiration

31 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Murph11

Veteran

I like them, and you are definitely ahead of the curve

6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I realize they might be quite fringe, if a trend at all, and not for everyone. I imagine they might be easiest for those of us who are a little taller or have longer legs. I have and wear mid-thigh length shorts, but I'm often a little self-conscious in them.

For some reason, the length between mid-thigh and all the way to the knee, like a traditional bermuda short, is a personal no-woman's-land for me -- that length tends to look frumpy on my body. Something about those proportions doesn't work.

6 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I’m a shortie and not sure they’d look good on me but I like them. I think they need to be quite slim fitting in the thighs like your examples.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So, I'm short. With relatively short legs, and worst of all, shortish calves. But I like this style and plan to wear them. I've been wearing just-above-the-knee Bermudas for years (fashion or no, pic #2) and now I have a pair that are longer on me than on the model (since I'm shorter -- Pic #1).

I will probably wear most of the time with a flatform to add a bit of height. I know the proportions are not perfect but I can do quite a lot with column of colour (or near column of colour) and with a shorter or tucked top, or a cropped jacket, and/or with a heel or platform/flatform. I think it's similar to the length of the Zara sarong shorts on me. Different vibe, though, obviously.

ETA: I think if you do a tonal match or near tonal match, what you get is similar to a dress that ends mid-to-bottom of knee, which happens to be one of my most flattering end-points. Just below the knee (in skirts/ dresses) is also good on me. But two to four inches above already gets into the widest part of my thigh, or the least attractive, or something.

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Gap

High Rise 12" Denim Bermuda Shorts with Frayed Hem

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Zara

Sarong Shorts

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6 years ago

Anonymous

JANET- how funny- I just spent time this afternoon rolling up pants from long to Capri to Bermuda to test this. I decided to wait and try rolling again to see how I feel. I would hate to rush in and have regrets. But I remember making cut offs as a kid and teen- always better than store bought!

6 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I like this type of long shorts on myself when it's just below the knee, but I don't think I've ever had a pair in denim? Seems fun! Also seems like an easy-peasy DIY. Really like that first acidy charcoal pair you posted.

6 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I like this length. I had a pair that was olive green but they wore out. I will have to hunt for a new pair. I don't like attention on my knees either. I prefer shorts at mid-thigh or below the knee.

6 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

I love this length. This is inspiring me to cut off a pair of jeans I have and leave the hem intentionally frayed.

6 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Are these called Pedal Pushers? I had some cut offs this length but gave them away because no one seemed to wear them anymore and here they are again. I love the frayed hems and higher rises. Mine were low rise. I may try cutting off some retired mid rise straight leg jeans to see how I like them.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think a pedal pusher is solidly below the knee. At least that's what my mum used to say. Some also refer to those as clam diggers.

https://youlookfab.com/2011/03.....ual-pants/

https://youlookfab.com/2010/10.....ng-shorts/

https://youlookfab.com/2011/07.....hite-legs/

https://youlookfab.com/2008/05.....er-skinny/

6 years ago

Anonymous

I tried this a few years ago to the funniest and only reaction I’ve seen from my husband ever ( when it comes to what I wear ) . Let’s just say I haven’t worn them since . They were probably just above my knees . However .....I’m game to try it again - my styling may have been too “ country - club “ at the time - as I like it on you every time you post them . I don’t have knee issues , or if I do I don’t know about them , so shorts length has never mattered much to me . I suppose this would be a good way to wear shorts out and about , whereas the only place I wear them now is in the backyard .

6 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Thanks for the definitions Suz! Very helpful!

6 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Oh, yes! Since I no longer have any desire to wear shorts, these remind me of my well-loved clam diggers..at least the narrow and knee length part. I plan to hack a couple pair of jeans to this length if needed for the summer.

6 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

I really like the length. I have one pair of long shorts (hahaha) and really like them. They are quite narrow at the knees, which works well with both fitted and more fluid tops. I will be on the lookout for another pair.....I would love to find a white denim.

6 years ago

kkards

Veteran

i'll sit this one out....especially when its a denim, which i think looks heavy and feels hot...

6 years ago

delurked

Veteran

This look totally works for me, though I usually wear just above the knee. If I find some jeans that need cutting off, I’ll try hacking them just below. It’s funny to me how many comment they can’t wear it, when it’s such a flattering length on me (and others).

I was thinking this is my year of the long short, so if I run across this length, which is just longer than what I’m wearing, I’d totally be game for it.

I did see these from Tommy Bahama. On their website they have some really cute colored denim ones. I just wish they weren’t so pricy.

Zappos

Tommy Bahama Afton Clam Digger

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6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think it's a question of proportion, Delurked. Which is hard to make sense of since many women know that dresses and skirts just at, on, or below the knee are a slam dunk for them.

But here's my theory, based on my own body type modifiers. My legs are overall about equal or just slightly shorter than my torso. So longer shorts can seem to cut the clothed portion of my body in half. And this can shorten my legs visually and look awkward.

And knee to ankle is shorter on me than my upper legs. With my relatively shorter calves, longer shorts can make me look and feel "stumpy" without a heel (and when I am wearing casual shorts, I usually don't want to wear a heel.) Those with relatively longer calves obviously don't have that problem.

Another issue for me, personally, is that I have a long rise, and when wearing pants/ shorts that is emphasized more than it is in a dress. So without careful styling, shorts at this length can give me a shorter-legged appearance. I look longer legged in shorter shorts.

Toning tops to shorts, choosing footwear more mindfully, and being careful that the longer shorts narrow at the bottom vs. flare out widely (which looks awful on me) can help mitigate this. But on casual days I don't always have the wherewithal to go through all of this!

In #1 and #2, I'm wearing a wedge sandal. But you can see how my legs still look short with that untucked longer top in #1. (I stopped wearing that top untucked and wore it semi-tucked, which helped a lot. You can see how tucking and semi-tucking lengthens the leg line for me in 5, 6, and 8 as well.)

In #3 I have a flat sandal with a lower vamp, which was more flattering. But the sandal wouldn't stay on my foot, alas. Darn.

In #4 and #6, I have a one inch heeled wedge, shoes low contrast to skin. This helps! Of course in #4 and #6 I also have shorter shorts on!

#5 is an outlier because, pointed heels of 2 inches, which I would never wear in real life with shorts for more than an hour.

#7 is a relatively low contrast flat sneaker. But shorter shorts. Different proportion.

#8 is a one inch heel sandal. But that semi-tuck, which shifts things a bit.

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6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, you and Suz ROCK this look. Go for it. I LOVE the longer length shorts silhouette on both of you best. Personally, I find it more elegant and flattering than the shorter styles - but I get that shorter lengths are cooler in humid heat.

Yes, pedal pushers are below the knee.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Maybe this is a look that paradoxically works well on curvy thighs? I wonder. Janet's legs are about 5 times longer than mine but both of us have strong thighs.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, it IS a good look on curvier thighs. 100%.

That said, I have plenty of straighter clients - myself included - who I also think look better in longer length tailored shorts. I am very particular about lengths - (you know that!) - so I guess I have a stronger preference. I am sensitive to what I think is the right length

6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I think you may be onto something there. I have usually chalked it up to the fact that no matter how strong or fit my legs are, or where I am on the weight scale, I always seem to have a little pooch of fat on the insides of my knees, so flattering lengths are really tricky on me. It's just the shape of my legs, I suppose. But the lengths that either 1) cover that little bulge, or 2) are far away from that little bulge, seem to be most flattering on me.

I definitely watch my proportions with top lengths when I wear these longer clamdigger length shorts. I like them with a bit of a heel too.

6 years ago

3style

Veteran

Suz, looks like you have figured out lots of ways to make shorts work for your figure. I’m loving especially your looks with the white shorts, except for that last one with the large scale gingham shirt. Feeling like the white shorts don’t quite stand up to the bigger pattern and that either longer pants or darker shorts might be better. But that’s guessing off of one photo, so definitely in the minor potential quibble category.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I way prefer knee pants to shorts. I don’t like hot benches on bare skin!

6 years ago

Vanessa

Active Member

I like them below my knees.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I've got that "knee pooch" too and exercise just hardens it up, doesn't make it go away! So I feel as you do -- keeping the end of the short away from that area is safest and most flattering.

Thanks, 3style! It might be also that those are different white shorts in the last photo -- lower rise and longer length. They were a pair of jeans that I cut off and rolled; the pair in the other photos are Bermudas by Mexx and they are another of my "bought for a song/ still going strong" purchases -- those shorts are eight years old!!! Worn a LOT, too. I wore them yesterday, in fact.

6 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Sorry girls but knee pooch is just too cute,every one is going to want one.
Suz-this is a fabulous look on you,I m taking notes.

6 years ago

3style

Veteran

You are welcome Suz. I try not to give unsolicited opinions, but it seemed like you’re open to suggestions. Yes, I had not noticed that it was a different pair of white shorts. And it is what was throwing me off. I think cuffed right at mid kneecap is a tough look for anyone to pull off. I definitely prefer to see the clean seams or the fringe edge to the cuff at that kneecap length on the white shorts for you. Rolling pants is a funny thing in that it can sometimes change the look a lot more than you think it would.

6 years ago

Dianna

Veteran

I like this style Janet, but like Suz, I prefer mine just above the knee, but I think it is due more to confort than to finding it more flattering above the knee. I don't have a pair with that hem though, but I would happily add one if I found a pair that fits. BTW; I also have curvy hips and thighs, and the knee pooch you talk about. No matter how much I work out, or how long I walk, the pooch never goes away, but it does look better when I am working out more.

6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Same here, Dianna. It looked better when I was running a lot, but I’ve had to accept this is just what my legs do naturally, and to be glad they work as well as they do.

6 years ago

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