How to Cuff Jeans: 4 Rolls and When to Use Each
How to cuff jeans: the single roll, double roll, pinroll and skinny cuff, which shoes and jean cuts each one suits, and when to hem instead of cuffing.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Cuffing jeans fixes length, shows off your shoes and changes the proportion of an outfit. Here are four ways to do it.
1. Single roll
Fold the hem up once, about 3–5 cm.
- Best for: selvedge and raw denim, straight jeans, boots.
- Look: clean, slightly workwear.
2. Double roll
Fold once, then fold again at the same width.
- Best for: jeans that are a bit too long, straight or slim cuts.
- Look: neat, casual; works with sneakers and loafers.
3. Pinroll
Pinch the hem tight against your ankle, fold the extra fabric to the side, then roll up twice.
- Best for: wider jeans you want to taper, sneakers.
- Look: tapered, sporty.
4. Skinny cuff
Thin, small rolls (1–2 cm) to just above the ankle bone.
- Best for: cropped look, ankle boots, loafers, ballet flats.
- Look: neat, shows a bit of ankle.
Which shoes go with cuffed jeans?
- Sneakers: double roll, pinroll.
- Boots: single roll that sits on top of the boot.
- Loafers and flats: skinny cuff to show the ankle.
See chelsea boots outfits and outfits with white sneakers.
When not to cuff
- Wide-leg jeans meant to graze the floor.
- Very formal outfits.
- If jeans are much too long: hem them instead.
Cuffing by jean type
- Raw or selvedge denim: a single wide roll shows the selvedge line; it's part of the look.
- Stretch jeans: thin rolls stay put better than wide ones.
- Light-wash or distressed jeans: a double roll keeps them casual.
- Black jeans: a skinny cuff with loafers or boots looks sharp.
Keeping cuffs in place
Roll firmly and evenly on both legs, then press with your hand. If cuffs keep slipping, a quick iron or a small stitch on the inside seam holds them. For jeans you always cuff, hemming to that length is the permanent fix.
Try it with your own closet
Wardrobely's AI stylist can suggest which of your shoes go best with your jeans and when to cuff them. More denim ideas in jeans outfit ideas and finishing touches in how to tuck a shirt.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cuff my jeans?
Cuff if they're slightly too long or you want to show off your shoes; hem them if they're much too long.
How wide should a jeans cuff be?
Usually 2–5 cm. Wider cuffs suit raw denim and boots; thin cuffs suit loafers and a cropped look.
Can you cuff wide-leg jeans?
You can, with a wide single roll, but many wide-leg styles look best uncuffed and hemmed to just above the floor.