I often get emails from people asking if I stock trousers in sizes for short men. In fact, it's one of the most searched-for things on our website.
Unfortunately, I have to answer… no. We will, but not yet. I'll explain why a bit further down.
But I understand that leaves a big demand. Lots of people need trousers with 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 inch inseams. But when I Google ‘trousers for short men’ here's a typical example of what I get:
Over half of them aren't actually for shorter men. It's a bit unhelpful.
So I wanted to help in another way, by providing a real, useful rundown of places which I know stock trousers in shorter sizes. And one day Ruler of London will be on the list too, I promise!
*Note: I haven't included any images in here as some brands can get a bit funny about it and I don't want to get sued. But there are links for you to look yourself.
Best Places to get Trousers for Short Men in the UK
Alterations by a Local Tailor
Ok, so I've immediately contradicted myself. This isn't a place which stocks shorter sizes. It's just advice (but good advice).
Many of you will do this already. But if you don't, then know you can get trousers hemmed and tapered quite cheaply, with shortening alone costing £13.49 on average according to my research. Then you can get any brand you like.
Brook Taverner
Brook Taverner are based in Yorkshire and have been going since 1912. They've got a really impressive range of jeans, chinos, and corduroy trousers, and they get good customer reviews. Although their only smaller size is 27 inches, this will be just fine for many men under 5’10. And their prices are reasonable.
Inseams offered: 27 inches
Prices: £40-£80
Cotton traders
Cotton traders also stock some (but not all) of their trousers in 27 and 29 inch inseams. They're a cheaper option to Brook Taverner, but customers still remark on their quality. Big range from everyday jeans to joggers and cargo pants.
Inseams offered: 27 inches, 29 inches
Prices: £25-£45
Uniqlo
One of my absolute favourite brands, and well-known to be a great choice for shorter men (they’re one of the few brands to use models under 6’0). Lots and lots of choice, great quality, and great prices. The shortest they'll go is only 28 inches, but this is much better than most places.
Inseams offered: 28 inches, 29 inches
Prices: £35-£40
Spoke
Slightly different, Spoke’s selling point is that they cater for all sizes (even if you've got especially chunky thighs). I heard great things about Spoke (including from Ruler customers). I ordered some jeans myself and unfortunately they didn't quite work for me and I returned them. Let's face it: at £100 you have to be sure, don't you?
Inseams offered: 28 inches, 29 inches
Prices: £100-£130
And now… the Americans.
There are three big American brands which cater for shorter men. There's much more choice over there, but of course you need to read the small print about shipping and returns so you don't get caught out. The Modest Man has some comprehensive reviews of these brands if you want to read more.
Under 5’10
The more budget end of the market, Under 5’10 have a good range at good prices. And they stock inseams from 25 inches up.
Inseams offered: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 inches
Prices: £45-£55
Peter Manning
The original short guy brand. High quality, high price.
Inseams offered: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 inches
Prices: £100-£200
Ash and Erie
Also quite expensive (£100 for chinos) but lots of choice, and more casual options than Peter Manning.
Inseams offered: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 inches
Prices: £70-£125
So why doesn't Ruler of London stock trousers or jeans?
We will. But not just yet. As a new-ish business, we have to take it slow with stock (I've written a whole article about that here).
Trousers in particular are risky. They are so much more variable in style and are a bigger investment for customers. And that means you need lots of sizes, and multiple styles. And that means more cash. And the return rate is higher. Look at my own experience with Spoke above - I know those jeans are perfect for lots of people, they just weren't for me.
So anyway, hopefully I'll be able to delete those last two paragraphs before long. But for now, have a look at the alternatives!
Jack, Founder of Ruler of London.