hemline

American  

[hem-lahyn] / ˈhɛmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the bottom edge of a coat, dress, skirt, etc.

2. the level of this edge as expressed in inches from the floor.

   an 18-inch hemline.

---

hemline British  

/ ˈhɛmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the level to which the hem of a skirt or dress hangs; hem

   knee-length hemlines

---

Etymology

Origin of hemline

First recorded in 1920–25; hem ¹ + line ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hemline

This nylon Maxi Petticoat from the spring/summer 2026 collection, with its asymmetrical hemline and voluminous fit, is a kind of architecture, a way to build yourself into the world around you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

Rose Byrne, who is up for best actress for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, wore a long cream and silver dress with a ruffled hemline.

From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2026

Selena Gomez, also in red, wore a fun gown with an asymmetrical hemline that began above the knee.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 7, 2024

Goolagong Cawley’s white dress had buttons all the way down the front and, most notably, a scalloped hemline.

From New York Times ● Jul. 2, 2021

Ms. Zelda bent over low to adjust Nancy's hemline.

From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene