How to Cut Your Jeans Perfectly Every Time

I love cutting my jeans. Whether it's because they're too long (which is most of the time) or because of the raw edge, I have perfected how I cut my jeans. If the pants you want shorter have cool detail at the bottom or a finished bottom that you want to keep, take them to the tailor to have them shortened. If not and you want the raw hem look, here are my best tips for cutting your jeans.

Step 1: Wash The Jeans

If you're cutting your jeans to be shorter or cropped, I highly recommend washing the pants before you cut them shorter. The reason is sometimes when you wash jeans they shrink up a little. The jeans I cut to use as an example for this (Zara Jeans) are meant to be long, so I didn't wash them first because they were a good 6 inches too long (so there was really no point). But the first step is to wash the jeans so they shrink up before you cut and don't end up being too short.

Step 2: Try Them On

You NEVER want to cut your pants shorter without trying them on first. This is how accidents happen and can easily cause you to make a mistake! I always like to try the jeans on and then fold them to the length I want them to be. This is a good idea especially if you want to cut jeans to be a good length for certain shoes. You can fold your jeans then try on shoes to make sure that length works for you. Once you find the length that works, leave the pants folded up and carefully take them off.

Step 3: Lay The Pants Flat

The key to laying your jeans flat on the ground is to also make sure the zipper and button are done. Then line up the waistband and lay the jeans flat, making sure the front and back are even. You want to make sure everything is even so that you aren't cutting the front and back at different lengths. I leave the pant folded and then mark the length I want to cut at (either by snipping the pant a little or using a pen or pencil. Then you can unfold the leg. Once you have the pants laid out, you are ready to cut!

Step 4: Cut One Leg

I always cut one leg at a time because it's easier. Go to where the length is marked and slowly cut across the leg. I like the use just the tip of the scissors when cutting, so that I can do it slowly and make sure I am cutting even. Do your best to cut in a straight line, but the trust is if it's not perfect no one will really know!

Step 5: Cut Leg 2

After you have one leg cut, readjust the pants and make sure they're flat. Then I fold the leg that I just cut over the one that still needs to be cut. This helps to ensure that the pants will be the same length on both legs. Once you have them lined up, you can use the first leg as guidance to cut the second leg. Then slowly cut the second leg in a straight line to be even with the first leg!

Step 6: Fringe the Hem

The final step in cutting your jeans is to try them on! After you try them on again and make sure the length is perfect, I like to fray the hem of the pants so they looks perfectly imperfect. You can do this by pulling out some of the strings with your hands, or you can use the side of the scissors to rub against the hem to pull out some strings. I always try and pull out a few strings but not too many. Once you are satisfied, throw the jeans in the wash and the bottom will continue to fringe! Then hang to dry and your jeans are ready to wear!