Take a look at your favorite pair of shorts for reference when choosing a length. Cut the shorts a little longer than desired on your first attempt and try them on. The dimensions of the shorts will look different when worn and they may come out looking right and ready to hem. You can always cut them shorter if you need to, but you can’t add material back once it’s gone.
Make a small dot where you want to cut the pant legs while you’re wearing them, then mark them the rest of the way while the pants are lying flat so that the marks will be straight.
Exercise caution when using any cutting tool, particularly the box cutter; these have extremely sharp exposed edges that make cutting a breeze, but can pose a danger to the user if not wielded safely.
Once you’ve cut the first leg, place the removed portion over the second leg to make sure that they’re both the same length. Longer strokes with the scissors work best to keep the edges from becoming choppy. If you’re using the box cutter, make sure you have a suitable cutting surface underneath the pants. Otherwise, the blade can scar surfaces when it slices through the fabric.
For a more even tear, you can make multiple smaller holes and “connect the dots” by tearing between them. If you do happen to make a mistake while tearing, make a straight cut in the uneven part with the scissors and try again. Torn shorts with unfinished hems tend to look better when using rougher materials like denim, as the thread is coarse and tends to fray in a more visually appealing way. The tearing method can also work with especially old or worn pants to go along with the rugged look.
If you don’t have access to a sewing machine and want a completed hem for you shorts, take them to any alteration shop to have them stitched for a small price. Place a rounded object in the leg opening and stitch around it to avoid sewing the leg opening shut.
