Pant Hems: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Alterations Express Staff

‘Pant Hems While U Wait.’ It’s what we’re known for — our claim to fame. Like Krispy Kreme’s ‘Hot Now’ sign, when our ‘Pants Hemmed While You Wait’ sign is on, you can expect to get your pants hemmed within an hour or less, with no additional charge! That’s right, our ‘Pants Hemmed While You Wait‘ service is complimentary. But what should you expect to pay for the actual pant hem? Really, how much does it cost to sew a pair of pants? And how does the type of pant hem affect what you’ll pay to have them hemmed? Read on to learn everything you need to know about pant hems, including how much it costs to hem a pair of pants. 

Quick Links:

• Types of Pant Hems
• How much does it cost to hem a pair of pants?

To estimate how much a pant hem will cost, we’ll have to define the different types of pant hems. How would you like the bottom of your pants or jeans finished? Do you want to keep the original hem of your jeans or pants? How are your jeans or pants constructed? Do they have a lining? Or vents? Read on to determine which type of pant hem you’re looking for and how that will affect cost.

Types of Pant Hems

Consider all these questions and ensure you understand each type of pant hem to get the most bang for your buck.

Blind Hem: A blind hem is a hem that is invisible on the outside of a pant leg. The hem is surged and then stitched with a blind hem machine. Blind hems are typically done on suit pants or dress pants. 

Topstitch: A topstitch hem, contrary to a blind hem, is visible on the outside of a  pant leg. A topstitch is a sturdier hem typically completed on work pants (i.e., pants with thicker material). The pants are marked and cut, then stitched with a straight stitch machine. 

Tricky/Fancy Hem: A tricky/fancy hem allows you to maintain the original hem of a pair of pants. The original pant hem is cut off. Then, the pants are shortened to the desired length. Finally, the original hem is reattached to the pant leg. For example, if you bought a pair of designer jeans with a specific finished hem that you wanted to maintain, a tricky hem would be perfect for that insistence. 

Double stitch: A double stitch hem is typically found on knits, tee shirts, dresses, workout clothes, and even leggings. Usually completed on a double stitch machine, the pants are marked, cut, and then fed through the machine to finish the hem. 

Palazzo Hem: A palazzo hem is a wider hem usually found on wide-legged pants, like bell bottoms or fancier slacks. 

Keep in mind that lining, paneling, or vents on a pair of pants or jeans are factors that will increase the cost of a pant hem. Want to learn more about pant hems? Check out this article: How To Hem Pants: The Ultimate Guide!

Cost to Hem a Pair of Pants

Now that we’ve established what different types of pant hems are, we can now discuss the cost to hem a pair of pants. Remember that lining, paneling, or vents on a pair of pants or jeans can increase the cost of a pant hem. Check out common price ranges associated with pant hems below.

Cost to Hem Pants:

Blind Hem: $15 – $25

Topstitch: $15 – $25

Tricky/Fancy Hem: $23 – $35

Double stitch: $15 – $25

Palazzo Hem: $23 – $42

Overall, the prices above represent what you’ll pay for the different types of pant hems. However, to get an accurate price estimate, we recommend visiting your local seamstress or tailor to get a concrete price for your pant hem.

We hope this article has provided everything you need to know about pant hems before you visit your alterations provider. Interested in learning more about how to hem pants? Check out these videos: How To Blind Hem Suit Pants | Simple Way to Hem Jeans