bottom hem

USAGE SUMMARY

"bottom hem" is a correct and useable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in fashion or clothing descriptions to refer to the lower edge of a garment, where it is usually finished or folded to create a neat, clean edge. Example: "The dress features a delicate lace trim along the bottom hem, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They feature 3L water and windproof fabric, as well as articulated knees and a reinforced bottom hem.

Independent

This shower curtain comes equipped with small magnets in the shape of disks which have been sewn into the bottom hem at intervals.

The New Yorker

A blazer is a classic simple jacket with a bottom hem somewhere around hip level and not the bum-freezer bellboy jackets I keep seeing labelled as a "cropped blazer".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was plenty of vintage Brownie memorabilia for sale on eBay, too, including a size 8 uniform that dated from the 1950's as well as a more modern jumper with "small grease looking spots on the bottom hem" and a pair of official brown anklets from the 1960's.

The New York Times - Tech

Banana Republic's cotton Bolero cardigan has delicate crochet trim along the bottom hem and at the edge of its cropped sleeves ($68); Saks Fifth Avenue's Private Label version is all open-work crochet, with a deep V-neck and bell sleeves ($128).

The New York Times - Style

But one pair of showstopping, bondage-inspired boots — which laced like a corset from the ankle all the way up to the bottom hem of a minidress, fastening a dense, textured netting that evoked the calligraphic squiggles of a Cy Twombly painting — almost made all the vixenlike dresses seem tame.

The New York Times

Coincidentally or not, Ms. MacGraw's boho ski-lodge sensibility is reflected in much of Mr. Azroüel's fall line, including a blanketlike Fair Isle sweater-coat ($950) and a creamy soft cable-knit sweater, a shrunken version of the L. L. Bean classic with a punkish jagged bottom hem.

The New York Times

At her apartment, she's introducing me to a girl with two arms and legs, almost a whole other person sprouting from under the bottom hem of her tube top.

Vice

ITN manufacturing must do more to bolster the net's bottom border – more durable fabric along this bottom hem would likely increase the lifespan of ITNs.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

9. Complete the pannier webbing Run the webbing down each flap and stitch it in place at the bottom (hemmed) edge, 1 1/2" from each side edge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In addition to the simple bright colors, we created washes that are bleached out and stone washed, and like vintage Levi's, which have interesting waistband and bottom trim characteristics, we did hand-grinding [with a sandpaper wheel] to create very gentle, clean abrasions on the collars and bottom hems of our shirts," Vanunu says.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing alterations or repairs, be specific about the "bottom hem" to avoid confusion with other parts of the garment. Use it to clearly indicate the area needing adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "bottom hem" interchangeably with all types of hems. Different hems (e.g., rolled hem, blind hem) have specific construction methods. Use "bottom hem" to generally indicate the lower, finished edge, but specify the hem type for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom hem" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe a specific part of a garment. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the lower edge of clothing that is usually finished or folded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

29%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bottom hem" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the lower, finished edge of a garment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in contexts ranging from clothing construction and alterations to general descriptions. While frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources, its usage remains relatively neutral in register. When writing about fashion, sewing, or garment alterations, using precise terms like "bottom hem" ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings. Remember to specify the type of hem if discussing its construction and, as Ludwig suggests, utilize the phrase to describe alterations and designs of garments precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hemline

Refers to the line formed by the bottom edge of the garment.

lower edge of garment

Focuses on the general area rather than the specific construction.

finished edge

Emphasizes the completed state of the hem.

garment's base

Uses a more general term for the lower part.

skirt's edge

Specifically refers to the edge of a skirt.

trouser cuff

Specifically refers to the finished edge of trousers.

dress border

Uses a broader term for the edge of a dress.

lower border

General term for the lower edge of something.

bottom trim

Focuses on decorative additions to the edge.

finished bottom

Emphasizes the finished aspect of the garment bottom.

FAQs

How do I describe where a dress ends using the term "bottom hem"?

You can describe the dress's length by stating where the "bottom hem" falls in relation to the wearer's body, such as "The dress's bottom hem falls just below the knee".

What's the difference between a "hemline" and the "bottom hem"?

The "hemline" is the line formed by the bottom edge of a garment, while the "bottom hem" refers to the actual finished edge or border of the garment. The "bottom hem" is the physical part; the hemline is the visual line it creates.

What are some common alterations that involve the "bottom hem"?

Common alterations include shortening or lengthening the "bottom hem" to adjust the garment's overall length. Another alteration could be changing the type of hem, such as from a rolled hem to a blind hem, for aesthetic or functional reasons.

What can I add to the "bottom hem" to weigh it down?

Small weights, such as beads or small nuts, can be sewn into the "bottom hem" of lightweight fabrics to help them hang properly and prevent them from riding up. This is especially useful for curtains or flowing skirts.