What Length Should Your Pants Be Over 50?

Something as simple as where your pants hit on your leg can totally change your whole look. Too short and it looks like you’ve outgrown them. Too long and you’re tripping over the hem. But when the length is just right? Everything suddenly works.

So today, we’re talking pant lengths—what works best over 50, what to watch out for, and how to make sure you’re wearing yours in a way that flatters your shape (and your shoes!).

How Long Should Each Type of Pant Be?

Full-Length Pants

Full-length pants are the ones that go all the way down, dress pants, wide-leg trousers, and some jeans. The hem should almost graze the floor, but never sweep it. Ideally, they should be about half an inch off the ground when you’re wearing your usual shoes. That way, you’re not stepping on them, but they still give you that long, lean look.

I always try full-length pants on with the shoes I plan to wear them with. A chunky sneaker or flat can change how they fall compared to a low heel. A good rule of thumb? The front of the pant should touch the top of your foot, and the back should cover most of your heel without dragging.

Ankle-Length Pants

This is one of my favorite lengths, especially in spring and summer. Ankle pants hit right at or slightly above your ankle bone and give a clean, modern look that works on just about everyone. If you’re petite, this length is a game-changer. It creates a longer line without overwhelming your frame.

Ankle pants are super versatile, too. You can wear them with loafers, sandals, sneakers, or even low heels. They work for casual days or dressier events, and they look great with everything from button-downs to sweaters. If you’re unsure whether they’re too short, just make sure you’re not seeing half your shin. That’s getting into cropped territory, which we’ll get into next.

Cropped Pants

Cropped pants are a little higher than ankle-length, usually somewhere around mid-calf. These can be really cute, especially in the warmer months, but they can also be tricky. The key is where they hit on your leg. If the hem lands right at the widest part of your calf, it can make your legs look shorter and wider.

Instead, look for cropped pants that hit just above the ankle at the narrowest part of your leg. That gives a more flattering line and keeps your proportions in check. If you’re worried about looking shorter, opt for a shoe that matches your skin tone, it helps elongate your legs.

Styling crop pants or capri pants is all about balance, so you want to make sure the rest of your outfit keeps your proportions looking flattering. Here are my tips and tricks for styling cropped pants.

Capri Pants

Now let’s talk about capris. Gurls, I know some of you love your Capri pants, and that’s okay! They’ve gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years, but if you wear them well, they can still work. The trick is to avoid anything too baggy or that flares too much at the hem. You want something streamlined and simple.

Capri pants usually hit right below the knee, and I recommend choosing a pair that follows the line of your leg without clinging too tightly. Pair them with a wedge or a sandal that gives you a little lift. And make sure they end at a slimmer part of your calf, not right in the middle of it.

Ready to give capris another try? You can find some great pairs in this post!

Wide-Leg and Palazzo Pants

I’ve really been loving wide-leg and palazzo pants lately. They’re comfy, elegant, and so breezy for warm weather. But they’ve got to be the right length. If they’re too long, they’ll drag and get dirty or wet. Too short, and they look like high-waters.

The goal is for the hem to skim the top of your foot without dragging. If you’re planning to wear them with a heeled sandal or wedge, try them on with those shoes before deciding if they need to be hemmed.

Wondering how to style wide-leg pants? You can check out my guide for the Best Wide Leg Pants for Women Over 50 & How to Style Them here.

What is the right length for jeans?

The right length for jeans depends on the style. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Straight-leg jeans: Aim for the hem to hit the top of your foot. This is one of my go-to styles of jeans. You can see my favorites here.
• Bootcut or flare: Should be about a half-inch off the ground, just like full-length trousers. Check out this post for more of my styling tips for flare jeans.
• Skinny jeans: Right at the ankle bone or slightly above.
• Boyfriend jeans: These look best when rolled once or twice to show a bit of ankle.

If a pair doesn’t hit you at the right spot, don’t be afraid to cuff them or take them in for alterations. A little tweak can take a “just okay” pair of jeans and make them a favorite.

How to Tell If Your Pants Are Too Long or Too Short

It’s not always obvious, but here are a few things to look for.

• Do your pants bunch up at your ankles or drag behind you when you walk? Too long.
• Do they make your legs look shorter or cut you off at a strange spot? Probably too short.
• Do they feel just a little “off,” even though you love the rest of the outfit? Check the hem!

Even half an inch can make a difference in how everything looks and feels. That’s why I always recommend trying things on at home with the shoes you actually wear.

Pant Lengths by Height

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that pant length isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to height.

If You’re Petite (5’4” and under):

Watch out for pants that hit too low on the calf or bunch up at the ankles. Stick with ankle or full-length styles that have a clean hem and don’t overwhelm your frame. And don’t be afraid to visit a tailor, it makes a huge difference!

If You’re Tall (5’8” and up):

You’ve probably had “ankle pants” turn into capris! Look for brands with tall inseams and lean into flares and bootcuts, they’re great for showing off long legs and are more forgiving in length.

Everyone Else:

You’ve got some wiggle room! Just make sure your pants hit where they’re meant to, cropped shouldn’t look like highwaters, and full-length shouldn’t drag on the ground.

No matter your height, it’s all about where the hem falls. That’s what keeps your outfit looking intentional and flattering.