FASHION

Magic hems

Q: Do you know of some gadget that instantly shortens pants that are too long? Every time I switch from high heels to flats, my pants are too long and the hems get all dirty and scuffed-up. I’m sick of tacking up the hems every time I switch to flats, then letting them down again when I wear heels.

A: You could try Zakkerz Magnetic Hems, handy little inventions designed to hold rolled-up hems in place. Basically, they are flexible fabric strips that contain extra-strong magnets. A set of four costs $24. To use the magnetic hems, you roll your pants to the desired height, then wrap four Zakkerz strips per pant leg from the outside to the inside. The magnets on the outside “mate” with those on the inside, securing the hems temporarily. For illustrated directions and to order, call (516) 404-4180 or go to zakkerz.com.