Just Cuff It

A hot trend this season is cuffs. Yes, pant cuffs are back with a vengeance. Cuffs came onto the scene way back when, before roads were paved. Men would roll up their pant legs in order to avoid mud splatter. In more recent days, these turn-ups have a practical purpose for the garment itself. Cuffs add weight to the bottom of pant legs, helping the drape of the trouser (how the fabric hangs). Although cuffs still maintain their practical purpose, they are now used more as a design and styling element, infusing modern flare and trend to a look.

If you are wanting to update your look this Fall, cuffs are definitely the way to do it. They can be added to any suit pant, regardless of fabrication. I am not telling you to transform your entire pant wardrobe into the cuffed versions, but simply telling you to infuse your wardrobe with some newness by investing is some cuffed trousers.

Use a tailor’s handiwork, either on newly purchased trousers or those already in your wardrobe, and ask for a 1.5-inch cuff. If adding a cuff is a big step for you and your fashion risk taking, leave the length as is, which should be within your comfort level. If you are slightly more inclined to take some fashion risks (I would NOT steer you wrong), you can ask for the length to be taken up, to an inch above your shoe line. This is not only a great look for the season, but also a great opportunity to show off some funky socks.

Please remember, the pant cuff and short length combination is best suited to a slimmer leg. Although cuffs may be added to any style of trouser, a wider leg does not work with a shorter length. No one should be looking like they are expecting a flood, although the old-man style is the hottest look of the season, and the nerdy look never went away.  Get your nerdy grandpa on, and tell me all about it!