The length of a top relative to the body

Short answer: A top should end around the middle of the fly on your trousers. Shorter shows your stomach when you move, longer makes the body look shorter. The right length also depends on how high your trousers sit.

The practical limit

The top should cover the waistband, even when you lift your arms or bend forward. If it is too short, your stomach and back show every time you lift something or reach for a shelf. This is the most important test, because it is about comfort every day. Test it when you try a bamboo sweatshirt for men.

The visual limit

If the top reaches far over your seat, your legs look shorter and your upper body longer than it is. If it ends too high, it looks too small. The middle of the fly is a good rule, because it divides the body into two natural parts. See the styles in Copenhagen Bamboo's most popular.

High waisted trousers change the maths

With high waisted trousers, a shorter top can work, because the waistband sits higher. The top still covers the join between top and bottom, even though it ends sooner. It looks more put together and makes the legs look longer. See the styles in bamboo hoodie for women.

A ribbed hem makes a difference

A sweatshirt or hoodie with a ribbed hem sits close at the hips and stays put. It can be a little shorter, because the rib holds it in place. A top with a loose hem hangs freely and needs to be a little longer to cover the waistband when you move.

Body proportions

With a long upper body, a top in your usual size can feel short. With a short upper body, it can feel long. It is not the size that is wrong, but the proportions. Measure from your shoulder to where you want the hem, and compare with the size guide on the item.

Length and use

A top you sit in a lot needs to be long enough not to ride up at the back when you lean back. A top worn over a T-shirt should be slightly shorter or exactly the same length, so the bottom layer does not peek out at random.

How to test the length

Put the top on with the trousers you usually wear it with. Look in the mirror to see where the hem ends. Lift your arms, bend forward and sit on a chair. If it covers the waistband all the way round, the length is right.

Length and washing

A top can get slightly shorter after the first washes if the fabric is not preshrunk. Shrinkage mostly happens in the length. Follow the care label and avoid high heat in the dryer. Ease it into shape while damp and let it dry flat to keep its length.

Frequently asked questions

Can the top be shortened

Yes, a tailor can take up the hem. It cannot be made longer, so it is better to choose one that is slightly too long than one that is too short.

What is the right length for tall people

Longer than standard. Measure against the size guide rather than going by the letter, and look at the length from shoulder to hem.

Does the top get shorter in the wash

A little, if the fabric is not preshrunk. Shrinkage mostly happens in the length, so follow the care label and dry it flat.