How long should a top be to wear untucked?

Hem landmarks, top to bottom

Western top lengths are usually measured from the high point of the shoulder, where the shoulder meets the neck, straight down the front to the hem. Stand naturally, hold the tape there and note the length at each of these points.

• Waist. The narrowest point of the torso. Tops this short are cropped and suit high-waisted trousers and full skirts.
• High hip. About a hand’s width below the waist, around the top of the hip bones. Often around 50 to 55 cm (20 to 22 inches) from the shoulder. Good for tops over high-waisted trousers.
• Full hip. The widest part of the hips and seat. Often around 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 inches). The most common shirt length.
• Below the seat. Just past the curve of the seat, roughly level with the top of the legs. Often around 68 to 75 cm (27 to 30 inches). Covers the seat over trousers.
• Mid-thigh and beyond. Tunic territory. The tunic and long shirt guide and kameez length for your height take over from here.

Loose, tucked or half-tucked

Shirts designed to be worn out often have a straight hem with small side vents. Shirts meant to be tucked usually have a longer, curved shirt-tail hem that stays inside the waistband. Knowing which you want helps you choose the length.

• Worn loose over trousers. High hip to below the seat. High-waisted trousers suit the shorter end; low-rise trousers need the longer end so no skin shows when you reach.
• Fully tucked. At least to the full hip, and ideally a little longer, so the top does not pull out when you lift your arms.
• Half-tucked. Only the front is tucked. Needs at least mid-hip length so the loose back still covers the seat neatly.

Over skirts

With skirts, the top usually looks better shorter or tucked, because the skirt shows the waist. A full or A-line skirt pairs well with a tucked top or one ending at the waist or high hip. A pencil skirt suits a tucked top or a neat top ending at the high hip. A loose top falling over a skirt to the full hip hides the waistband and makes the outfit look longer in the body and shorter in the leg.

Whichever you choose, many people avoid a loose hem that ends exactly at the widest part of the hips, because it draws a line across the fullest point. Ending a little above or below it is usually more flattering.

Stating the length in an order

Measure from the high point of your shoulder to the landmark you want, and give that figure with your other measurements. Or measure a top you already like, laid flat, from the shoulder seam at the neck to the hem; measuring clothes that fit you explains how, and the guide to body and garment measurements shows the difference between the two.

Tops and shirts are among the Western pieces we make through custom stitching. Say whether the top will be tucked or worn out and name the length in your quote request, and we confirm it in writing before cutting.