[The Swamp Fox]

I have scoured this forum regarding this topic and have not reached a conclusion.

Most would agree that a sweater should end below the belt and above the crotch line. However, that is a wide range to work with. I view the ideal sweater length to be about 2-3 inches below the belt (it shouldn't cover most of your pant pockets, but also shouldn't rise over your belt when raising your hands). However:

1) Does the proper sweater length include folding the sweater over the ribbed hem? Said differently, should a sweater rest straight without bunching up or have some folds / bagginess to it?

2) Does it matter on the type (e.g., heavier Shetland vs thinner merino)?

There are a few places this is addressed on this forum, but with little consensus. I have heard both viewpoints (in person and on AAAC) and would like to reach a consensus on what is proper/best. I just purchased a small lot of Shaggy Dogs through J Press' latest sale, but they all run too long, unless I fold them over the ribbed hem. This seems inherently sloppy / ill-fitting to me, but some would advocate this is how it should be worn.

Summary: Does the ideal sweater length include a fold over the ribbed hem?

 

[swils8610]

I do like my sweaters to go over the rib by and inch or two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[eagle2250]

^^Agreed...
and it gives the wearer added and essential freedom of movement.

 

[Charles Dana]

I have some sweaters whose cuffs I fold back, and I don't mind that at all. However, if a sweater is so long that you need to fold up the hem, it's too long to keep.

I have never been a hem folder-upper, nor will I ever be--I don't like the look at all; it's just so tacky. Beware the tacky hack.

 

[Fading Fast]

In my clothing heaven (where all styles of Aldens are always available and natural shoulder, 3/2, center-vent sack sport coats are always available in 40L and every material), every single sweater I own will hit at the length you describe and absolutely will have a fold over of material.

To my eye (and I get that this is opinion), that fold gives the proper "finish" to the sweater look.

 

[Charles Dana]

I read this thread again and realize I misunderstood it on the first go-round. For some non-defensible reason, I thought the OP was referring to lifting up the hem and folding it up, analogous to folding back the cuffs when the sleeves are too long. Now that I’m fully awake, it’s evident he’s talking about a bit of blousiness/puffing just above the circumference of the ribbed part of the hem. I go for that look, in moderation. It looks fine.

 

[SG_67]

Some of us on the shorter side don’t have an option.

There’s nothing wrong with it. Provided the sweater fits everywhere else, I don’t see the problem with a bit of gold over the the hem.

 

[Charles Dana]

Provided the sweater fits everywhere else, I don't see the problem with a bit of gold over the the hem.

Well I see a problem right off the bat. If your gold is over the hem, then your necklace is way too long. People will think you're flaunting your wealth.

You'd be better off keeping the gold medallions at home, and bringing them out only when it's Disco Night at the local dance club.

 

[SG_67]

Once again my iPhone has outsmarted me.