lower hem

USAGE SUMMARY

"lower hem" is a valid and correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the bottom edge of a garment or clothing item. For example, "The dress had a pretty lace trimming along the lower hem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The meʿil was a sleeveless robe of purple the lower hem of which had a fringe of small gold bells alternating with pomegranate tassels in red, scarlet, purple, and violet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By Roger Angell September 20, 2011 Mariano Rivera's ninth inning in the Bronx on Monday afternoon was eventless, as planned: three Minnesota Twins batters up and three retired, the last, Chris Parmelee, on a called-third-strike cutter, delivered a fraction above the lower hem of the strike zone.

The New Yorker

Using scissors, remove the lower hem.

WikiHow

Cut off the side seams and lower hem.

WikiHow

Trousers and jeans should have a lower hem that strikes around your shoelaces.

WikiHow

Restitch the hem of each sleeve and the lower hem by hand.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She will lower hems and raise necklines to satisfy clients, but has found that the pieces encourage them to take risks.

The New Yorker

Using scissors, remove the neckbands, sleeves and lower hems.

WikiHow

Keep your fingers extended, and make sure that your lower hems fall below the longest finger.

WikiHow

Use pinking shares to cut off the lower hemmed edge of your shorts, cutting just above the bottom edge of each leg.

WikiHow

And if the prospect of lowered hems doesn't bother you, what about fingerless gloves?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing alterations, specify the garment type (e.g., "lower hem of the dress") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid confusing the "lower hem" with other parts of the garment, such as the neckline or sleeves. The "lower hem" specifically refers to the bottom edge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower hem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a specific part of a garment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct phrase. It identifies the bottom edge of clothing, often in contexts related to sewing, tailoring, or fashion design. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing alterations and garment construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower hem" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized noun phrase that refers to the bottom edge of a garment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is generally descriptive and informative, commonly found in contexts related to sewing, fashion, and garment alterations. While it's considered neutral in register, "lower hem" appears most often in Wiki and News & Media sources. When writing, it's useful to specify the type of garment when discussing the "lower hem" for improved clarity. Related phrases include "bottom hem" and "hemline", which can often be used interchangeably depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottom hem

This alternative directly replaces "lower" with "bottom", maintaining the same meaning.

hemline

This alternative refers to the length of the hem, implying its lower edge.

bottom edge of the garment

This alternative provides a more descriptive definition of the lower boundary of clothing.

bottom of the garment

This alternative broadly refers to the bottom portion of the clothing.

skirt's edge

This alternative specifies a "skirt" and its lower limit.

dress's edge

This alternative specifies a "dress" and its lower limit.

trouser's edge

This alternative specifies "trouser" and its lower limit.

finished edge

This alternative refers to any finished seam that can be on the edge.

outermost edge

This alternative defines what the edge is.

garment's termination

This alternative defines the end of a piece of clothing.

FAQs

How is the phrase "lower hem" used in sewing and fashion?

In sewing and fashion, "lower hem" refers to the finished edge at the bottom of a garment, often requiring specific techniques for alterations or construction.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "lower hem"?

You can use alternatives like "bottom hem", "bottom edge of the garment", or simply "hem" depending on the context.

How do I describe adjusting a "lower hem" in tailoring?

When describing adjustments, be specific: indicate whether you're raising the "raising the hemline" or "lowering the hemline", and by how much.

Is it more appropriate to say "lower hem" or "bottom hem"?

"Lower hem" and "bottom hem" are often interchangeable, though "lower hem" may slightly emphasize the position, while "bottom hem" refers directly to the bottom edge.