Where should the pants be positioned to correctly measure the desired length when pinning the pants?

• A. Waist
• B. Belly button
• C. Knees
• D. Inseam

Answer: (A)

Position the pants at the waist. When you pin for the correct length, you want the waistband to sit where the pants will actually wear, so you’re measuring from the natural waist down to the desired hem. Pinning at the belly button would treat the pants as if they sit higher than they do in real wear, which can lead to an off hem length. Knees and inseam aren’t starting points for determining how long the pants should be when worn—the inseam is a length measurement itself, not the position you use to set the hem. Keeping the waistband at the waist ensures the final length looks right with shoes on and in a natural standing posture.