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.
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Verse Of The Day
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Prayers for your brother!
😊 This is a very helpful post. I never knew the difference in the styles. I like a little flare out and I have found that I can save money by cutting off pants that are too long for me. I can no longer wear heels with long pants so this is a solution for me.
😊
I love white jeans that hit right at the ankle.
Very helpful information – found it
😊
😀I’m 5ft tall so I loved your advise.
🙂 great post!
Found it!😃
😊 Great information!
🙂 thanks!
😊 Very good advice. As a petite woman I don’t wear capris.
🙂 great explanation
I love that really most any length will work.🙂
🙂 I am really liking the wide leg pant and that they are of various lengths!
always looking for a new pair of jeans. 😊
😊 Great post. I prefer full length and ankle length.
😊 I love this and your explanations! Thank you!
😊 interesting. At 5’2.5 (haha) I definitely watch for the low on my calf because it looks horrendous! Great article- heights and details are appreciated.
😀. At 5’4” exactly, cropped are always my best option.
🙂
Love the palazzo pants! Maybe I’ll get brave enough to try them!
🙂 I like the straight crop jeans for spring and summer!
🙂 Found it
🙂
Thanks for such great advice!
Still love those palazzo pants!
😄love your blog!
Found it 🙂
I’m 5’7 and I Usually wear ankle length in the warmer months- capri’s make my calves look wider than I want.
😊 I’m a short gal. Thanks for this post. Good information. Have a great weekend with your family.
Great post. The info was just right. Thank you for including the extra for us petites.
😀. Great tips. Thanks, Tania!
😊 Found it.. Thank you for sharing all of the great tips.. I’m 5’3 for now.. I use to be 5’4 ..
🙂 I like cropped and full length pants.
☺️I wear all different lengths of pants including capris. It was 97 degrees here today here today so capris are still popular here. And as soon as I get home, I’m in shorts!
😊 I’m always on the lookout for the right length pant. At 5’3” I don’t fit petite but regular pants are too long. I always have to hem, so thanks for the advice.
🙂
Pant length is so challenging when you’re just a little over 5′. Thank you for the great information.
😃 I hope you girls continue to have fun! Thank you for the great guidelines/ suggestions!
Great info for those of us who struggle with pant length. You wear them all well!
🙂 Found it!
☺️ Great post! I love cropped and wide leg.
🙂 I like all the lengths and have an assortment of them. Really like seeing how you put things together!
FOUND IT
How lucky/blessed is your sister to “shop” your overflow closet!!
How fun
Could you use another sister Ha Ha
pants are too long it looks messy:) I’m short and do like to wear ankle length pants. When my pants are too long to me it looks messy.
Great post! 😁As a short girl it’s always challenging finding the right pant length.
🙂 thanks for these tips. I am petite. used to be 5’3″ and now 5’2″. I’m shrinking 🫤
Found the 😊 and I love the post on pant lengths!
The outfit you have in picture two is so darn cute. It looks great on you and I love the Palazzo pants too. I need to try me a pair of those. They looks so comfy.
Oh found it 😁
😊 Thanks for the tips. I love the palazzo pants.
Rhonda S
Found 🙂 very first thing! Enjoy your post and was wondering how much weight you’ve lost recently. You look really good! I’m a gal over 60 and need all the weight loss advice I can get.
Ankle length is the shortest I will go. Any hem shorter than that makes me look like I’m standing in a hole. LOL!!! Your advice for petites is spot on! My tailor is my BFF. 🙂
😊I love the cropped and capri pants for the summer months! But I just discovered the wide leg jeans are airy not as warm as the cropped.
Thanks for the information
I have a hard time finding the right length pants. I am short and slim fit. I do not like capris on me. I can never find the right style or fit. I have one leg that is smaller at the calf than the other leg. A medical condition from a long time ago. So I have to find pants that are not tight fitting around there. I like to wear long dresses because of that. Thanks for your suggestions and ideas.
🙂 Ankle pants are my favorite this season. I am short so sometimes what they call capris will fit me more like a crop. You and your daughter have so much fun together.
Found it🙂
Good post
Found it! 🙂 Love the pants you showcased but being 6’0″ tall, capri pants often look silly on me. I tend to go with the crop. Happy that many brands make tall lengths with a 35 inch inseam.
This was a good read!! I tend to wear ankle length because depending on where I’m going I get cold due to the air conditioning in some places. Found it. 😁.
Thank you for always remembering our Lord and posting a Bible verse
:} Good info
Love the ankle length jeans😊
Good information, thank you. I am 5ft 2 and always feel my best in ankle pants.
🙂 I really appreciate this post, being short it helps to know where the hem of my pants should actually be, especially when it come to capris and crops.
🙂 I like all pants lengths except capris.
😏Found it.
Great info on pant lengths.
Thanks for the great advice☺️
🙂 I usually go for ankle length, I’m 5’3″.
😀 Thanks for all the good advice. I am petite so Capris and crops do not look good on me. Skinny ankles too.🙂
🙂 Found it
😀 Nice post!
I’m loving the wide leg pants right now. 😊
50 is not old but I’m 65! Hmmm…
I love your tips and reading your message!
Good tips! Found it
Great post today, thank you! Loved the detailed guidance and the pics to illustrate the various lengths and styles. (And I REALLY am in love with that tropical button down but of course most of the sizes are already sold out.)
🙂Found it This was a really great post with lots of good information. I am 5′ and have trouble with length of jeans etc.
😊 Found it! Great advice on wearing jeans. Love the palazzo pants on you!
Capri pants for me are a NO. Nothing says more “I’m old.” Young people never wear them.
🙂 found it. I love the orange top with the white pants. That outfit looks so much like summer.
Found it😀
Thank you for all the great tips! Love the orange top and white jeans outfit on you!🧡
Found it!
Thanks for the petite info… I love the “look” of palazzo pants, but, I look like I’m standing in a hole! Slim (ankle length) works best on me. They’re the right “full length”!
🙂 I agree with everything you said! LOL I guess after a while you just know what looks and feels right even when the styles are constantly changing!
I don’t usually comment but… THANK YOU! This was so incredibly helpful! I am saving it to reference later on. I am 5’1″ and have the hardest time with the length of pants. You are fantastic! Thanks again.
Found it!😀
Thank you for all the great tips. Love the orange top and white pant outfit on you!🧡
Found it!
🙂 Great tips on pant length. Now if I can just get a tailor to help me mark and hem them. Have a great girls weekend.
🙂 Great advice. I don’t think I’ll ever be ok with capri pants. Ankle and cropped pants are great, but capris need to go away. They’re just not flattering and make us look ancient.
😀 love the Talbots blouse with crops.
😊 Ankle length is not my favorite. Thanks for the good advice. Sounds like you and your sister have fun together! Family is everything!!
Found it!
Great tips. Thank you!
Thank you for these great tips, Tania. I fall into the shorter end of petite, so pant lengths can be a bit of a challenge. I appreciate your tips on lengths depending on style. 🙂
🙂 I always wondered how fashion bloggers recycled their clothes. I love that you share them with your sister. I’m sure she loves it too.
🙂Love all the pants lengths on you! Palazzo pants look great too!
:)Took a while for me, but i found it. Love your outfits!
Ha, finally found it!😅
Thanks So much for this information, I am 5‘1“ and always second guess what is right.
I prefer ankle or crop…no capris for me! Have a wonderful time with your family!!! Happy Friday❤️❤️❤️
😊I’m glad to see that raw edge hems are still popular…makes it easy for me to fix my Jean length.
🙂 I love all your pants, they look great on you!
🙂 great advice on pant lengths. Thanks
🙂 Just got some new boyfriend jeans, and yes they need to be rolled a bit at the bottom!
🙂 I like the ankle and crops. I am not a fan of where capris hit on the leg sometimes. When it is hot though I do where a capri instead of a short.
🙂 Thanks for the post, very informative!!
I’m a big fan of capri length pants. Good information.
😊 good information
😊
FOUND IT🙂! Thanks for the tips
😊 You’re looking good in all the different lengths!
😀
😊 thank you for always giving us great tips.
🙂 Helpful ideas! Thank you!
😊I’m in the 5’4″ category and these tips are very helpful. I’m trying to embrace the wide leg pants but find them tricky. I often find they make me look bigger and I feel like I’m swimming in all the fabric. The trouser jeans I’ve tried look a bit better.
😊 I always struggle with pant lengths since I’m only 5’1.
Thank you for showing the different lengths and styles.
🙂 great information. So great you’re visiting with family!
😊Not a fan of capris. Love the ankle length.
: ) Good advice for us, the shorter girls!
😊
Great post. I prefer to wear my pants long. Even though I’m 5’8”, and have long legs, I feel ankle, cropped or capris length often makes me look frumpy. I love wearing palazzo pants in the spring, summer and early fall. So comfy and cool.
This is so helpful. I am 5’2″ and it’s HARD to find the right pants. I appreciate this post so much!
Found it.Thanks for the info. It can be frustrating to have the right shoes and pants.
I thought about you on Wed. night. I was going out to a casual, waterfront restaurant. It rained right before we were leaving, so I changed my outfit, last minute. After I was there, I thought my jeans and linen tunic looked like “too much flowy.” Lol. Thanks for the tips.
I found it and Love the pintuck shirt!!
🙂 You are covering a good topic today. Here’s where I have a problem: in the cold months, I need to wear socks. But I think socks don’t look right with a loafer and an ankle jean. Boots? Yeah, I have them. Looking for options.
I’m afraid I’m the last person to talk to you about socks since I rarely wear them, even in winter.
😊Great article!
😀Found it. Thanks for the information. That orange top really pops on you-so pretty.
Found it x2! Thanks for the helpful tips about length, now I can hem or cuff some pants I already own to make them last longer!
😀 Love the rule of three
The cheat sheet for types of pants and lengths will be getting a lot of use at my house. Thanks for the info. 🙂
Love the crops. Found it!
🙂 I very much fall into the petite range since I am only 4’10”. I buy capris to wear as full length and sometimes they are still too long. I personally think that a tighter fit all the way down my leg helps me look taller. I could be wrong, won’t be the first time.
😃 I actually just bought the wide leg flower pants from Amazon. Can’t wait to wear them!!
😀 I prefer ankle length in the spring and summer.
😊 Thanks for the tips on pants length. I’ve pretty much stopped wearing capris that go just below the knee. You actually look great in those slim fit capris! I love the blue and white print shirt you have on with those, do you have the link for it?
Enjoy your time with your family!
No, the shirt is long gone. I rarely wear capris either. It is hard to get a length that is flattering.
FOUND IT! 🙂 Thanks for keeping us in-style! Love all your posts!
🙂 I love wide leg pants, but many times they overwhelm my under 5’4″ frame. But I will still wear them, because they feel so fun! Have a blessed week!
🙂 I bought my first pair of palazzo pants yesterday and now I am second guessing whether they are long enough. The fit is more of an ankle length. Good information to know on pants lengths!
🙂 Since I am short, some lengths just don’t work for me. Good info as always.
😊 Thanks for the advice!
😀great advice. Being a shortie, I stick to slim or legging denim, at ankle.
☺️ Thank you for doing all the work for us! Great advice
This is such a helpful post! Enjoy your family and we’d all love to shop in your over-flow closet!😄
🙂 These are great tips!
found it!
love these guidelines, thank you! I wear alot of capris in summer and I’ll check their hem.
Found it! 🙂 Love the information about pant lengths-very helpful!
🙂 Great tips, thanks!
😊Love capri or cropped jeans for the summer!😊
😊. Tania, you look fantastic in all lengths of jeans. I especially like the outfit with the short sleeved orange blouse with the white jeans.
Found it 🙂 I would wear all these lengths, except the kick flares; they just don’t look right to me, lol!
Happy Friday, what a great post on pant lengths! You pull them all off without ease! I am so short that I must be careful with my lengths! Most capri pants turn out as regular length on me which is great! I don’t do capri pants much because of my short legs! Have a blessed weekend!! 🙂
😊
I like the flare jeans the best!
😊
Great tips!
I wish you could shop for me.😁
So true about the capris. I find they often hit me at the widest part of my calf. Good suggestions!😊
😊 Thanks for the great advice, it certainly explains why finding the right pants in some styles can be so tricky.
🙂thanks for all the great information 👖
Found it 😀. Great information. The capris length is out for me! lol. Your plans sound great!
Ankle jean outfit (second pic) and palazzo pants my favorite
😊 i love the wide leg palazzo pants! Going to have to buy a pair or 2!
😀great advice
🙂 Thank you for including Petite advice! Get tips.
Are we still looking for the smile face emoji? & very helpful
Yes. It is always in one of the photos.
😊Great selections Tania!!!
My favorite styles for my 5’2 size is ankle length or bootcut. I do however, have to check the inseam as well. Have a great weekend.
~Lisa~
😄!! Great information to have! Thank you! Have a blessed day
Great post about length on jeans. I will have to check out the ones from Talbot’s. Has the raw hem seen its day? I do not see any women my age wearing them and only a very few younger ladies with them on. Being a bit “older” and having taken sewing classes back in the day, having a raw hem goes against everything I was taught, haha. (Found the smiley face.)