Having trousers shortened: cost, original hem and turnaround
Simple hem, original hem or turn-ups: what the difference is, what it costs and how to find the right length.
How much does trouser hemming cost?
The price depends on the type of hem – not on how much length comes off. These are our guide prices:
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Shorten jeans, simple hem | CHF 25.– |
| Shorten jeans keeping the original hem | CHF 40.– |
| Shorten tailored / suit trousers with hem tape | CHF 37.– |
| Trousers with turn-ups | CHF 40.– |
| Trousers with turn-ups and tape | CHF 45.– |
| Taper or widen trouser legs (at the ankle) | CHF 40.– to 55.– |
| Take in or let out the waistband (jeans) | CHF 52.– |
We shorten leather trousers from CHF 35.–. We confirm the exact price when we pin the length. The full list: price list.
Simple hem, original hem or turn-ups?
Simple hem: The trouser leg is shortened, folded under and stitched again. Neat, hard-wearing and inexpensive – on dark, untreated jeans you will hardly see a difference.
Original hem (jeans): The old hem is cut off and reattached higher up. That way the typical faded edge with the original stitching is kept. Worth it for jeans with a worn-look wash, light jeans and expensive brands.
With hem tape (heel guard): On suit and tailored trousers we sew a tape to the inside of the edge. It protects the fabric at the heel from wear – so the hem does not fray.
Turn-ups: The classic cuff on chinos and suit trousers. It needs more length of fabric – if you want turn-ups, say so before anything is cut off.
What is the right length?
The right length depends on the cut and on your shoes. So when we pin the hem, wear the shoes you most often wear with these trousers – trainers and leather shoes with a heel make a good centimetre of difference.
- Suit trousers: a slight break over the shoe at the front (“half break”), at the back roughly to where the heel meets the sole.
- Slim trousers / chinos: no break, the hem just touches the shoe – or deliberately ankle length.
- Jeans: resting lightly on the shoe with a small break; very skinny jeans rather shorter so they don’t bunch up.
- Wide-leg trousers: almost to the floor, pinned while wearing heels.
If you bring the trousers in, we pin the length directly on you. That is more accurate than marking it yourself – especially if one leg is slightly longer.
Pinning trousers yourself: how to do it
Can’t come in for a fitting and are just dropping the trousers off? Then do it like this:
- Put on the trousers and the matching shoes and stand up straight in front of a mirror.
- Fold the hem inwards until the length is right and fix it with two pins – front and back.
- Pinning one leg is enough if both should be the same length.
- Alternatively, bring a pair of trousers that fits well: we will copy the length.
How long does it take?
Simple shortening is usually ready in one to two working days. If you need the trousers sooner – before a job interview, a wedding or a trip – tell us when you drop them off: our express service makes a lot possible. More about hemming at our studio: Trouser hemming in Lucerne.
Want to have the whole suit fitted? Read Suit alterations: what works, what doesn’t. And when altering clothes is worth it in general is covered in our guide Clothing alterations: costs.
Frequently asked questions
Contact →How much does it cost to have trousers shortened in Switzerland?
At Zekos Express in Lucerne: jeans with a simple hem CHF 25.–, jeans with the original hem CHF 40.–, suit or tailored trousers with hem tape CHF 37.–, trousers with turn-ups CHF 40.– to 45.–.
What is an original hem on jeans?
With an original hem, the jeans’ original hem is cut off and reattached after shortening. This keeps the faded edge and the original stitching.
How long does it take to get trousers hemmed?
Simple shortening is usually ready in one to two working days. Express is possible on request.
Do I have to come in to have the length pinned?
It is most accurate if we pin the length on you – wearing the right shoes. But you can also bring trousers you have pinned yourself, or a pair to compare against.
Can trousers be lengthened?
Only if there is enough fabric folded into the hem. We check this in the shop; on jeans, a visible line from the old edge often remains.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Come to Sempacherstrasse 19 in Lucerne without an appointment, Monday to Saturday.
