Half-mast

phraseShop talkTextiles

A colloquial description for trousers that are noticeably too short.

Trousers that fail to reach the shoe or ankle, exposing the socks or bare leg. The term describes an unintended or unfashionable length, usually resulting from shrinkage, poor tailoring, or a wearer outgrowing the garment, rather than a deliberate cropped style.

Heard on the job

His suit pants were flying at half-mast, showing off a pair of bright white tube socks.

Insider tip

Tailors avoid this by measuring the break over the client's actual dress shoes.