How Much Does a Trouser Hem Cost?

Getting trousers hemmed is one of the quickest and most affordable clothing alterations you can make. Whether you have bought a new pair of dress trousers, suit trousers, or casual chinos that are too long, a tailor can adjust the length in a matter of days.

How Much Does It Cost to Hem Trousers?

The national average cost to hem trousers is around $18, with most tailors charging between $12 and $28. Suit trousers typically sit at the higher end of that range due to the finer fabric and lining work involved.

Use our Alteration Cost Calculator to get an estimate specific to your state and trouser type.

Trouser Hem Costs by Type

• Casual trousers and chinos: $12 to $22
• Dress trousers: $15 to $28
• Suit trousers: $20 to $50
• Jeans: $10 to $25

Factors That Affect the Cost

Fabric Type

Casual cotton or polyester trousers are straightforward to hem. Wool, silk, or fine dress fabric requires more care and typically costs more. Trousers with a lining also take longer because both the outer fabric and the lining must be hemmed separately.

Type of Hem Finish

A basic machine hem is the most affordable option and suits most casual and smart-casual trousers. A hand-stitched or blind hem, which is nearly invisible from the outside, costs more but is the preferred finish for high-quality dress trousers and suit trousers.

Whether a Cuff Is Needed

If you want a cuff (a folded turn-up at the bottom of the trouser leg), this adds time and cost compared to a plain hem. Expect to pay $5 to $10 more for a cuffed finish.

Location

Tailors in high cost-of-living cities such as New York and San Francisco charge more than those in smaller cities and towns. Regional price differences can be 30 to 50 percent for the same service.

How to Get the Right Trouser Length

The correct trouser length depends on the style of trouser and your personal preference:

• Full break: The trouser rests heavily on the shoe with a significant fold. A classic, traditional look.
• Slight break: The trouser just touches the top of the shoe with a small fold. The most versatile and widely recommended length.
• No break: The trouser ends just above the shoe with no fold. A modern, clean look suited to slim-cut trousers.
• Cropped: The trouser ends above the ankle. A fashion-forward choice for casual wear.

Always wear the shoes you plan to wear most often when you go for your fitting. The heel height affects the correct length significantly.

How Long Does a Trouser Hem Take?

Most tailors complete a basic trouser hem in 1 to 3 days. Some shops offer same-day or next-day service for an additional charge. For suit trousers or trousers needed for a specific event, allow at least a week.

Find a Tailor Near You

AlterationsFinder lists clothing alteration specialists across the United States. Browse by city to find tailors near you with verified reviews and contact details.

Find tailors in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hem suit trousers?

Suit trousers typically cost $20 to $50 to hem, more than casual trousers, because of the finer fabric and the care required to preserve the original finish and lining.

Can I hem trousers myself?

Basic trouser hemming is achievable at home with a sewing machine. However, an even, professional finish on dress fabric is harder to achieve without experience. For trousers you wear regularly or for important occasions, a tailor is worth the cost.

How much extra does a cuff cost?

Adding a cuff typically costs an extra $5 to $10 on top of the standard hem price. The tailor will fold and press the turn-up to the correct depth, usually 1.5 to 2 inches, and secure it in place.

What is the difference between a hemmed trouser and a cuffed trouser?

A hemmed trouser has a clean straight finish at the bottom with no fold. A cuffed trouser has a folded turn-up that sits on the outside of the leg. Cuffs add weight to the hem and suit classic tailored trousers. They are less common on slim-cut or casual styles.