How to Pick Flare Pants That Don’t Drag on the Floor

You want to look great and feel comfortable, so always pick flare pants that hit just above the ground. Pants that drag can ruin your style and trip you up. With the right fit, you can move confidently. Don’t worry—everyone can find options that work.

Key Takeaways

• Choose flare pants with the right inseam length to avoid dragging. For petite frames, look for inseams between 26-30 inches. Average heights need 29-31 inches, while tall individuals should opt for 32-36 inches.

• Always try on flare pants with the shoes you plan to wear. This ensures the length is perfect and prevents dragging when you walk or sit.

• Consider professional tailoring for a polished look. A tailor can adjust the length and fit of your flare pants, ensuring they look great and last longer.

Pick Flare Pants for Your Height

Petite and Short Sizing Options

If you’re on the shorter side, finding flare pants that fit well can feel tricky. You don’t have to settle for pants that drag or bunch up. Many brands offer petite and short sizing, so you can get a pair that works for your height. Here are some brands you might want to check out:

• Athleta

• Victoria's Secret

• DEWEY's MIRA

• Quince Bella Stretch Kick Flare jeans (these have a 28-inch inseam and a slim leg that flares out just right for petite frames)

You’ll notice petite pants usually have inseam lengths between 26 and 28 inches. This shorter length helps the pants hit above your ankle or at a cropped style, so you don’t trip or look swamped by fabric. If you’re under 5'4", you might find a 29-inch inseam works well. Some people who are 5'1" or 5'3" say a 29-inch inseam fits them perfectly for flare pants. If you’re 5'4", you might need pants hemmed to anywhere from 30.5 to 33 inches, depending on your shoes and style.

Tip: Always check the product description for inseam length before you buy. This small step can save you time and hassle.

Choosing the Right Inseam

Getting the right inseam is key when you pick flare pants. The inseam is the measurement from the crotch to the bottom of the pant leg. If you choose the wrong inseam, your pants might drag or look too short. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what inseam works for your height:

If you’re average height, look for inseams between 29 and 31 inches. Taller people need longer inseams, usually 32 to 36 inches. Longer inseams help flare pants fit better for tall frames, so you don’t end up with pants that look too short.

• Petite frames: 26-28 inches for cropped, 29-30 inches for regular styles

• Average height: 29-31 inches

• Tall: 32-36 inches

When you pick flare pants, think about how they’ll look when you move. Sometimes pants seem shorter when you walk or sit. Shoe height also changes how pants fit. If you wear heels, the pants might look perfect, but with flats, they could drag. Pants can stretch or sag during the day, so they might end up longer than you expect.

Note: Try on flare pants with the shoes you plan to wear most. This helps you see if the length works for your daily life.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll find flare pants that fit your height and style. You won’t have to worry about dragging fabric or awkward hems. Pick flare pants that match your inseam and you’ll look great every time.

Measure Flare Pants Length

Getting the right length for your flare pants makes a huge difference. If you measure carefully, you can avoid pants that drag or look sloppy. Let’s break down the tools you need and the steps to get it right.

Tools for Measuring

You don’t need fancy gadgets, but the right tools help you get an accurate measurement. Here are some great options you can use at home:

• Inseam Measuring Tool: This tool is sturdy and has a built-in tape measure. It’s perfect for getting a precise inseam.

• Perfect Pants DIY Tape Measure: This tape measure is vinyl-coated and shows both inches and centimeters. It even has a detachable step-piece, so you can measure with one hand.

• Flexible Measuring Tape: A soft tape works well for measuring along your leg or pants.

• String and Ruler: If you don’t have a tape measure, use a piece of string and then measure it with a ruler.

Tip: Always measure on a flat, hard surface. Avoid carpets or uneven floors for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide

You want your flare pants to look polished and not drag on the ground. Follow these steps to measure inseam length, whether you’re measuring yourself or your pants:

1. Stand Up Straight
   Stand barefoot on a flat surface. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure your weight is even on both feet.

2. Get a Helper (If Possible)
   Ask someone to help you. If you’re alone, you can use a mirror or take a photo to check your tape alignment.

3. Start at the Crotch Seam
   Place the start of the tape measure at the intersection of your crotch seam. This is where the inseam begins.

4. Measure Down the Inside of Your Leg
   Guide the tape down the inside of your leg. Follow the natural curve all the way to the top of your ankle bone or the floor.

5. Keep the Tape Straight
   Make sure the tape is vertical and not twisted. Don’t pull it too tight or leave it too loose.

6. Add for Shoes
   If you plan to wear your flare pants with shoes, put them on now. Add about ½ to 1 inch to your inseam measurement. This extra length helps your pants clear your shoes and keeps them from dragging.

7. Double-Check Your Measurement
   Write down the number in inches or centimeters. Double-check to make sure you measured correctly.

Note: The best length for flare pants is usually a quarter to half an inch above the ground. This way, your pants look long and stylish but don’t sweep the floor.

If you want to measure a pair of pants you already own, lay them flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Measure from the crotch seam to the hem, keeping the tape straight. Try this with the shoes you plan to wear for the most accurate fit.

Here’s a quick table to show how different styles need different inseam adjustments:

Common mistakes can mess up your measurement. Here’s what to avoid:

• Standing with uneven weight or slouching

• Letting the tape measure sag or twist

• Measuring over bulky clothes

• Using a soft surface like a bed or carpet

Pro Tip: Wear the shoes you plan to pair with your flare pants when you measure. A higher heel can help your pants hang better and prevent a sloppy break line. For a classic look, a two-inch heel works well with most flare pants.

When you pick flare pants, measuring the inseam with your shoes on helps you get the perfect length. You’ll avoid dragging hems and keep your style sharp.

Try On with Shoes

Shoe Choice Matters

When you try on flare pants, always wear the shoes you plan to use most. Shoe choice can change how your pants look and fit. Heels, flats, and sneakers all make a difference. If you want your pants to look polished, match the hem to your shoe height. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Flare pants should hit about ¼” to ½” above the floor when you wear your shoes.

• Heels, like booties or wedges, need longer pants so the fabric drapes nicely and covers the shoe just right.

• If you wear flats, pick a pointed toe to help your legs look longer. This works best if you are tall.

• Sneakers can break up the smooth line of flare pants, so they are not the best choice for this style.

Tip: Try on your pants with the shoes you wear most often. This helps you see if the length works for your daily outfits.

Fitting Tips

Heel height changes everything. If you wear higher heels, you need longer pants. If you switch to flats, your pants might drag. Always shop for flare pants with your favorite shoes on. This way, you can check if the pants hit at the right spot. When you pick flare pants, remember that different shoes need different pant lengths. You want your pants to look great and stay off the ground.

Tailoring and DIY Fixes

Professional Hemming

Sometimes, you just want your flare pants to look perfect. A professional tailor can help you get the right length and a clean finish. Hemming keeps the stitching hidden, so your pants look like they came that way from the store. If you want to shorten or lengthen your pants, check out the average costs below:

If your flare pants have a wide leg or a tricky fabric, a tailor can handle it. You might want to see a pro if you want a precise fit or if you feel unsure about sewing. Flared jeans can be hard to hem at home because you can’t always keep the original hem. A tailor knows how to keep the look smooth and even.

Easy DIY Solutions

You can fix flare pants at home if you like simple projects. Try these ideas:

• Use iron-on hem tape for a quick, no-sew fix.

• Fold the hem inside and use fabric glue for a hidden finish.

• Add a slit or a lace panel at the bottom for extra style and to shorten the length.

• Cuff the pants for a casual look—just roll them up once or twice.

If you want a fast change, cuffing works well. For a more polished look, try hem tape or glue. If you feel nervous about cutting or sewing, stick to these easy tricks. When you want a perfect fit or have expensive pants, let a tailor help you out.

Troubleshooting Long Flare Pants

Quick Fixes

Sometimes, you find the perfect pair of flare pants, but they end up too long. Don’t worry—you have plenty of quick fixes to try at home. You can use simple tricks to keep your pants from dragging and looking messy. Here’s a handy table with some popular solutions:

Tip: If you need a quick fix for a special event, iron-on tape works in a pinch. For a long-term solution, hemming is best.

You can also cuff your pants once or twice for a casual look. This trick works well if you want to change up your style without making permanent changes.

Repairing Damaged Hems

Dragging pants often lead to frayed or ripped hems. You can repair them at home with a few easy steps:

• Cut off the frayed edge, then turn up the edge twice and stitch it in place.

• Pin extra fabric behind any holes and use a zigzag stitch to cover the jagged edges.

• If the damage is bigger, cut away the ripped section and sew in a piece of matching fabric.

• For extra protection, sew a thin band of sturdy material like polyester to the inside of the hem. Let it stick out just a bit so it guards against future wear.

Note: If you feel unsure about sewing, a tailor can help fix frayed hems and make your pants look new again.

With these tricks, you can keep your flare pants looking sharp and avoid dragging hems.

Here’s how you can pick flare pants that never drag:

1. Get the right length.

2. Bring your shoes to the tailor.

3. Communicate your style.

4. Try a DIY hem.

• Proper sizing and tailoring help your pants fit and last longer.

• Quick fixes work for any situation.

Enjoy your flare pants with confidence!

FAQ

How do you keep flare pants from dragging if you switch shoes?

Try double-sided fashion tape or a quick cuff. These tricks help your pants stay off the ground when you change from heels to flats.

Can you shrink flare pants to make them shorter?

You can try washing in hot water and drying on high. This might shrink them a little, but it won’t replace hemming for a perfect fit.

What shoes work best with flare pants?

• Heeled boots

• Platform sneakers

• Wedges

These shoes lift your pants and keep the hem from dragging. You get a longer-looking leg, too!