# Shortening jeans without losing the factory look

> Jeans too long but too good to throw out? The challenge with denim is keeping the character — the original hem, the contrast topstitching, the faded edge. A workshop that knows denim shortens the leg and reattaches the original hem so the jeans look like they left the factory at your height.

- Source: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/jeans-kuerzen-originalsaum
- Language: en-GB
- Updated: 2026-09-12
- Business: wiederjut — tailoring and alterations since 2003, workshops in Tangermünde, Bernau bei Berlin, Berlin and Strausberg.
- Full site text: https://wiederjut.com/llms-full.txt

## In short

- Original hem is detached and reattached — factory look preserved (from €16 instead of from €12)
- Contrast stitching and thread colour matched to existing seams
- Wash jeans first — denim can shrink
- Raw hem available as an alternative style
- No appointment needed — hem style discussed on the spot

## Why jeans need their own approach

Denim is its own craft: contrast topstitching, a heavy original hem and that faded edge are exactly what makes jeans look like jeans. This guide is about keeping that character. For standard hemming prices and turnaround, see our "Shortening trousers" guide.

## What to settle before the work starts

Agree on these upfront and there's no gap between what you pictured and what you take home.

1. **Set the length standing, in your shoes** — Try the jeans on with the shoes you'll mostly wear them with and mark the length standing up; a second person keeps the mark level.
2. **Give the exact centimetres** — Measure how many centimetres should come off and state that number, so there's no misunderstanding about the final length.
3. **Keep the original hem (factory look)** — Ask whether the original hem can be kept; the hem is detached, the leg shortened and the original hem reattached so the jeans look like they came from the factory.
4. **Match thread colour and weight** — Quality denim often uses contrast topstitching in a thicker thread (ochre is common); agree the colour and weight up front.
5. **Mind the proportions if a lot comes off** — If several centimetres come off, it can be worth slightly adjusting the leg width too, so the silhouette stays balanced.
6. **Choose the hem style** — Decide between a clean turned hem, a fixed cuff or a deliberate raw hem — each needs a different technique.
7. **Don't cut them yourself if the look matters** — Straight cuts and a durable hem on thick denim are hard by hand; a workshop uses denim needles, matching thread and a machine for lasting seams.

## One more thing

Wash and dry the jeans as you normally would before bringing them in — denim can shrink, and that changes the final length.

## Common questions about shortening jeans

### Can you keep the original hem on jeans?

Yes — we detach the original hem, shorten the leg and reattach the original hem so the jeans keep their factory look. A standard hem is from €12; keeping the original hem is from €16.

### What is a raw hem?

A deliberately open, lightly fraying edge instead of a turned hem; it is a style choice that needs a different finishing technique.

### Should I wash my jeans first?

Yes, ideally wash and dry them as you normally would first, since denim can shrink and that affects the final length.

### How is the thread colour matched on contrast stitching?

Quality denim often has contrast topstitching in a heavier thread — we match colour and weight to the existing stitching so the shortening doesn't show.

### Do proportions need adjusting if a lot comes off?

Yes, if several centimetres are removed it can help to adjust the leg width slightly too, so the silhouette stays balanced.

### Do I need an appointment?

No — just come in, we measure standing in your shoes and discuss the hem style on the spot.

## More guides

- Shortening trousers — guide and prices: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/hosen-kuerzen-anleitung
- Repair or replace a zip?: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/reissverschluss-reparieren-ersetzen

## Contact & workshops

- wiederjut Tangermünde: Lange Str. 62, 39590 Tangermünde, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/tangermuende-elbemarkt-lange-62
- wiederjut Bernau: Berliner Straße 52, 16321 Bernau bei Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/bernau-berliner-strasse-52
- wiederjut Berlin Baumschulenstraße: Baumschulenstraße 36, 12437 Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/en/standort/berlin-baumschulenstrasse-36
- wiederjut Strausberg: Große Straße 63, 15344 Strausberg, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/strausberg-grosse-strasse-63
- WhatsApp: https://wa.me/4915233958491
- Appointment: Not needed for most alterations. For wedding dresses, please call ahead.
- Languages: We advise in German and English.
- Payment methods: Cash, debit card
- All locations: https://wiederjut.com/en/standort