Pants Too Short

Not a question, really, more of a comment. I have noticed lately that most elderly women wear their pants too short. I noticed an elderly woman today, nicely dressed, but her pants were short enough that her whole foot was showing. And she was petite, so its not like it would be difficult to buy pants that are long enough. My Mother and MIL are both guilty of this as well.

Is this a case of getting stuck in a style from the past? Was this ever the "look" when these women were young? Do any of you know or understand the thinking behind this?
Joanne


Too short pants are a real fashion problem.
I think they are caused by:
a)Not really knowing how to angle the hems so that they cover the shoe, in the first place.
b) Gaining weight, and having the pants pull up over the abdomen.
c) Zealous laundry practices causing shrinkage of fabric.
d) Adjusting the elastic waist up, or tightening the belt, or tucking the shirt, all of which would raise the hems.
e) Wearing higher heels, or thicker soles than planned, to raise the foot and interfere with the length.
f) A fear of the break of the hem over the shoe, because it may look sloppy.

Creating the right length for pants requires knowing what's in style; unless the hems are very narrow, they should cover most of the shoe. Other requirements are finding a skillful tailor, having dedicated shoes for the pants, not adjusting the waist up, and not washing the pants in the laundry. It's a wonder that any of us get it right. My DD wears her highest heels to the tailor, and then wears lower heels after the hems are done, to avoid this catastrophe. I've had to swap in the occasional pair of flats, myself.

Don't try to shorten hems to any length that involves bare feet and a fixed measurement from the floor, or length of the inseam. The angle of the shoe, the profile of the shoe itself, the width of the hem, and even the drape of the fabric, affect the hem. It's a tricky alteration.

Pres