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Short legs!

16 replies

ByLimeAnt · 14/06/2025 16:15

I'm not especially short at 5"4 but I do have rather short legs. Size 16.

I cannot find trousers to fit me at all due to leg length. I've tried shopping in the petite section but still I trample on the hem.

Really cba to take them to be taken up, plus would be expensive to do for all. Hate sewing and am rubbish at it.

Any thoughts please?

OP posts:
PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 14/06/2025 16:20

I'm 5'1" and often find M&S short length too short for me (sometimes it's spot on, sometimes comedically short). I'm in proportion for my height, so I definitely have short legs, but I'm sure their short length is made with the dreaded shrinks in mind.

uncomfortablydumb60 · 14/06/2025 16:36

I'm the same proportions but a size 12
Look for cropped or Capri styles
I wear Fat Face Sway slim jeans in cropped length( have blue and beige)
Levis crop/ capri too
Short length has got longer I find.

MadKittenWoman · 14/06/2025 17:48

I’m only 4’ 9” so I have to take all my trousers up unless they’re cropped or children’s, eg, Zara. It really isn’t much effort to do. Just get someone to pin them at floor length, then cut off the excess minus a single or double hem depending on the fabric and machine sew, or hand sew if you want an invisible hem. Look online how to do it.

RedBeech · 14/06/2025 17:59

Is M&S short not the right length for you? I'm 5'4 and accidentally bought some wide legs in short not regular from them. They really are barely grazing my ankles, so should be just right for you if you are the same height with short legs.

RedBeech · 14/06/2025 18:00

I think Uniqlo do free or very cheap alterations on trouser length.

Anzena · 14/06/2025 18:04

I just measure and cut off the excess, then use that iron on tape for the new hem.

wordywitch · 14/06/2025 18:06

M&S now do extra short trousers maybe try those.

UpMyself · 14/06/2025 18:10

What's your inside leg measurement @ByLimeAnt ? Inside leg measurement varies between brands.

I've been told I have short legs, but I'm not petite, same as you, and rarely need to shorten anything. Not that tht helps you, but if your legs go from your hips to your ankles then they're good.

winnieanddaisy · 14/06/2025 19:12

I have the same problem . I am 5’4and a half inches , also a size 16 and many petite clothes are too long . A 29” leg is too long but I have discovered that Cotton Traders do very nice jeans in a 27” leg which are just right for me . I’ve not looked if they have trousers in this length but they probably do . Good luck .
also on QVC danni Minogue does a range of petite clothes .

ByLimeAnt · 14/06/2025 19:24

UpMyself · 14/06/2025 18:10

What's your inside leg measurement @ByLimeAnt ? Inside leg measurement varies between brands.

I've been told I have short legs, but I'm not petite, same as you, and rarely need to shorten anything. Not that tht helps you, but if your legs go from your hips to your ankles then they're good.

Love that last sentence!!! Thank you ask for your helpful comments (and making me laugh!)

OP posts:
UpMyself · 14/06/2025 19:54

I find it strange that people make such comments. Why tell me my legs are short? Surely if I can walk into a high street shop and buy a regular pair of jeans without needing to shorten them...

M&S has changed the lengths since I last bought jeans from there. Given I'm not 5'4", where do people with regular length legs and/or taller than me buy their jeans?

I think I must know some strange people.

Wundaweb is your friend, or use fabric glue. Vilene Wundaweb Easy Hemming Tape

KimberlinaPraiMai · 14/06/2025 20:15

Hollister short
Abercrombie short
Hobbs petite
Boden petite
Hush short
Whistles petite
Next petite

Deanefan · 14/06/2025 20:19

@ByLimeAnt I feel your pain. I need to buy inside leg around 25 inches the M&S extra short is about right. I too used to buy their short but it is now too long. I do wish they did more in the extra short

crikeyisthatthetimez · 14/06/2025 21:14

Try river island petite they do an XS (extra short length) which fits 27 inch inside leg

TheOGCCL · 15/06/2025 09:33

I have very short legs (but am not short), 27inch ish. Skinnies are/were good as you could just turn the excess under. I still wear skinnies sometimes, they seem to lengthen short legs. But I’ve had to get some wider leg trousers and jeans shortened. It’s worth it to have things that fit nicely.

On the other hand too long trousers puddling over your shoes are quite fashionable at the moment. It is leg lengthening.

Agree to look for cropped styles. Mango can be good as their regular is long.

Next regular can sometimes be quite short, I often find their petite too short.

Abercrombie do an extra short in some styles.

Raw hem jeans are a good option as you can just cut more off, or you can even make them raw hem by just cutting and not hemming,

Chinos are good as you can roll up the excess.

Seasalt do petite in a lot of their jeans and trousers. Their jeans and trousers are less distinctive, not jolly pattern.

Levis are frustrating for off the peg as often 28 inches is their shortest but I believe they do free alterations. Their boyfriends come in 27 inch. As pp said, Uniqlo do alterations too, they do it onsite at my local branch.

River Island is a good shout but I had to get some short length shortened further. I don’t wear high heels and I think they assume you’ll have those on.

Not ever bought from them but maybe have a look at Pixie Girl who specialise in short lengths.

Shoes are key with short legs. Anything dark and clumpy will cut off the legs, unless worn with the same colour bottoms.

minipie · 15/06/2025 09:41

I’m 5’3 with short legs. I look for cropped or ankle length styles and they are usually the right length on me. Basically if I can see several inches of the model’s ankle/calf in the picture, they will be foot length on me. If I want a more cropped look for summer I roll up the ends.

Happily there are loads of cropped or ankle grazer styles around at the moment. In 5 years they’ll probably be out of favour so I’m stocking up now!

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