how to pin roll jeans

how to pin roll jeans for that perfectly imperfect look!

how to pin roll jeans

Now that the weather’s getting a teensy bit warmer let’s talk about how to pin roll jeans! I’m ready to ditch my boots and socks, and start wearing more “spring” attire – you with me?

While cropped pants are an easy way to show off some ankle, a cuffed jean can give the same effect – with a little extra flair. I love a wide cuff with sneakers and flip-flops, and a pin roll when I’m wearing flats or a bit of a heel.

Here’s how to pin roll your jeans!

First, pick a jean with a straight leg –  a flared leg gets too bulky once you start cuffing; toothpick and legging jeans are too tight to roll. So go with a straight leg or a very slight bootleg cut. For this post I’m using my very favorite jeans!**

Start by smoothing the leg at the bottom, to remove any creases or dents.

how to pin roll jeans

Then, starting with the inside of one leg, pull inward (toward your other leg), grabbing the material so that it’s smooth and taut.

how to pin roll jeans

Now fold that piece of fabric inward, holding it in place. It should be as tight as possible, while still allowing you to roll it up.

how to pin roll jeans

Use your free hand to roll the jean up, keeping that fold in place.

how to pin roll jeans

Roll 2 more times.

how to pin roll jeans

how to pin roll jeans

You can loosen the cuff slightly so that it has a more relaxed look.

how to pin roll jeans

And there you go!

**Update – since I’ve written this post my beloved favorite jeans have been discontinued (sad face). I’ve searched far and wide for a similar cut and found that these are VERY close! I also get a lot of requests for the link to the shoes I’m wearing. They are very old Madewell but these are far less expensive and even more comfy!

3 Comments

  1. Drew on April 29, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Sheri, this made me smile because it took me back. There was like a week or two in the late 80s when I was in high school in St. Louis in which this was the cool thing for boys to do. We called it “tight-rolling” and usually did it to when we weren’t wearing Z Cavaricci pants (the ones that looked like MC Hammer’s pants). I think the idea was that if your pants were tight around the ankle they wouldn’t get caught in your BMX bike or skateboard mid-trick. I’m happy to see your pants won’t be the cause of any wipeouts when you next hit the local skate park.

  2. sherisilver on April 29, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    Drew I am ALL about the practical.. 🙂 Okay, a few things: 1) I love that yours is the first comment on this post – you’re officially a keeper! 2) If you search on You Tube for “pin roll jeans” it almost exclusively comes up with guys teaching this technique! 3) I insist on a pic of you in your Z Cavariccis, stat!

    • Drew on April 29, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      Oh if only “selfie” was a word back then.

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!