Staff Shopping Report: How Do You Decide the Length of the Araaraki Linen Skirt with Adjustable Hem?

In our teens, when we fell in love with something, we'd squeeze into it even if the size didn't quite fit, or force it to work with a belt. But as adults, alongside "comfort," "ease of use," and "timeless design," whether something truly suits us becomes an important factor. Clothes that suit our own body somehow make our hearts lift when we wear them, and before long they become like trusted companions. With the wish that you'll find a beloved piece of clothing you'll want to treasure forever, we created a semi-order type araaraki (rough-boiled) linen skirt that lets customers choose the skirt length themselves. This is our shopping report on it.

Semi-Order Clothing, Delivered from the ZUTTO Atelier

Did you know ZUTTO has its own atelier? Beyond the items purchased at ZUTTO, we also accept requests for repairs, such as fraying or tears, if you contact us. Among the most common repair requests is adjusting skirt length. While many people choose their skirt length based on height, leg shape, or even body frame these days, we often find that many wish to adjust the length from a ready-made skirt.

[Semi-Order / Choose Your Length] Araaraki Linen Skirt

This skirt was made with the goal of being one you can pair with any outfit without a second thought, for everyday wear. Because the design is simple at first glance, the quality of the fabric and the silhouette become all the more important. We added tucks at the front so it pairs well with tops, creating a soft, billowing volume when worn. It's a design that lets the rustic, air-filled linen fabric truly shine.

A slit at the back hem lets you move easily and wear the skirt with a light, breezy feel even in the long length.

Available in two colors: BLUE and BLACK. These soft, gentle hues, which suit the rustic texture of linen so well, are created using a traditional dyeing method called "araaraki-zome" (rough-boiled dyeing).

The fabric is dyed using techniques passed down from a long-established dyeing workshop in Tokyo, now carried on by craftsmen in Toyama. This dyeing method, revived through research into Edo-period dyeing techniques, is said to require far more time and effort than ordinary dyeing. Because the fabric is worked so slowly that the very core of the thread loosens, it takes on a softness gentle on the skin, as if it had already been cherished for years.

The wrinkles born from this softness are another charm of araaraki dyeing. The fine creases that naturally appear when worn give off the texture of linen that has been treasured and worn for a long time.

A Close Look at a Staff Member's Shopping Experience

Staff Member M: In charge of ZUTTO's campaigns and product planning. 165cm tall, and self-conscious about the shape of her legs, so she's particular about skirt length. Prefers a slightly larger size over an exact fit.

"I've been looking forward to shopping for the araaraki linen skirt I've had my eye on! I usually prefer longer skirt lengths, but lately I've also become interested in exact-fit or shorter lengths. Long skirts that reach around the ankle are so cute and comfortable to wear, but I found myself ending up with the same kind of silhouette every time. For a linen skirt worn in spring and summer, I thought something a bit shorter, paired with my favorite sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, would look really cute.

The semi-order options come in four total lengths: 70cm / 75cm / 80cm / 85cm, but since it's made at the ZUTTO atelier, it's also possible to specify a more precise length anywhere up to 85cm. I'm really happy they can accommodate such specific requests."

How Do You Choose the Right Size?

"First, I measured the length to the point where I thought, 'about here, maybe?' Since this linen skirt has a fully elasticized waist, I measured from around the top of my hip bone, and found that my preferred length is roughly 70 to 80cm. But that alone wasn't enough to decide, so next I compared it to the length of a skirt I already love and wear often."

Choosing a Size, Step 1: Measure the Skirt You Wear Most Often

"I measured the length of a skirt I love, one that makes my legs look shapely or slimmer. The plaid skirt on the left is about 90cm. When I wear flat shoes, I sometimes catch my heel on the hem going down stairs, so I think something a bit shorter would be better. If I want a similar length to this skirt, I'd say around 80 to 85cm would work."

Skirt Length: 71cm

It might also help to check the length of skirts you've purchased before from online shops, to get a rough sense of measurements. This particular skirt was one ZUTTO sold in the past, and I loved it because it made my ankles and calves look really slim when paired with heels. If I'm going to buy a shorter length, I think 70cm would be a good choice.

Choosing a Size, Step 2: Decide the Length Based on the Shoes You Wear Most in Spring and Summer

「Finally, I looked at the balance with shoes I often wear or would like to wear. The shoes I use most often are "flat sandals," "lace-up leather shoes," and "chunky sports sneakers." I had an image of wearing sandals in midsummer, but since it gets cold when I step into air-conditioned rooms, I actually end up wearing sneakers and leather shoes for long stretches. So this time, I'd like to find a length that pairs well with sneakers and leather shoes so I can wear it for a long time.」

Height 162cm/BLACK/Total length 65cm ※After purchasing any of these lengths, please contact Customer Support.

Height 162cm/BLUE/Total length 70cm　Even with socks on, the legs are still clearly visible, giving a refreshing look.

Height 162cm/BLACK/Total length 80cm　A length that shows off high-cut sneakers nicely.

「Looking at the sizes the model is wearing, they all look lovely, but personally I really love the combination of the 65cm skirt length with socks and leather shoes! Paired casually with a muted-toned T-shirt, it feels grown-up yet lively at the same time. As it gets warmer, I'm looking forward to walking in parks and along the seaside, so I'd like to pair it with a sun cap and a light shoulder pochette. Since I'm about 3cm taller than the model shown here, and I'd feel a bit uneasy if the length got any shorter than what's shown in this photo, I think choosing 70cm would be the right choice for me.」

Height 162cm/BLUE/Total length 70cm　「At 70cm, even with sandals on, the legs aren't overly exposed, which is nice.」

Height 162cm/BLUE/Total length 75cm　「The knees are fully covered, yet the length is just right, and it looks easy to move in.」

Height 162cm/BLACK/Total length 85cm　「This length really is lovely after all. I'd recommend it if you're wearing flat shoes. You could gradually shorten it depending on your height.」

「My personal opinion is that with leather shoes, chunky sneakers, or heels, a length that brushes against the shoes tends to get caught and feels like a nuisance, so medium to semi-long lengths work best there. For flat shoes, I think a long length is nice.」

Choosing a size, part 3: Matching with a favorite light outerwear piece

「I'd pretty much settled on 70cm, but finally I'd like to choose the skirt length based on my outerwear. I wear this SETTO MARKET JACKET all the time, and it really comes in handy through spring and summer. (I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes an oversized, relaxed silhouette.) It's a big, loose-fitting size, but precisely because of its drape, being tall tends to emphasize a vertical, elongated impression, so I thought a slightly shorter skirt length might look cute. The skirt the model is wearing here is around 86cm, and looking at this coordinate, even a below-the-knee length seems to work nicely. Given that, I felt that around 70–75cm would be just about right!」

The length I chose this time is...

「This time, I decided to have it made in the 70cm size!Comparing the model's height and coordinate photos, and imagining what clothes and shoes I'd actually pair it with, really helps the picture come together. If you're unsure at the time of purchase, please feel free to consult Customer Support—we'd be happy to help. And if you ever get tired of the length or want to try a different one, you could use it at 70cm for one season and later have the length changed to 85cm—that's possible too.This is a feature made possible precisely because the length is adjusted without cutting the fabric, allowing you to enjoy the linen's softened, worn-in texture over the long term. I think it's truly one-of-a-kind skirt!」

※Reference: Here's how two other staff members compared the lengths on themselves

▽Height 156cm

▽Height 162cm

※About delivery timing and important notes※

・There are four purchase-button options for skirt length【approx. 70cm/approx. 75cm/approx. 80cm/approx. 85cm】, but it's also possible to request any length up to 85cm. In that case, please contact ZUTTO Customer Support.

・It's possible to have not only the skirt length but also the slit depth adjusted to your preference. Please contact Customer Support. If you don't specify, we'll make it with the recommended slit depth suited to each length.

・After your order is placed, each piece is finished to your requested length individually at the atelier, so please note that shipping will take approximately 10 days from the time of order.

・We are unable to accept requests for a specific delivery date or time at the time of order. If you will be away for an extended period, we would appreciate it if you could contact Customer Support in advance.

・This skirt cannot be purchased together with any other items. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please purchase it separately.

・If your desired length is sold out, please go ahead and purchase a different length first, then contact Customer Support afterward to let us know your preferred length.

▼【Semi-order/Choose your length】Here is the product page for the Araragi Linen Skirt

▼See more of ZUTTO's original wear