March 28, 2005

Lengthy Process

Jeans Hemming Expert

If jeans manufacturers are to be believed, the world is overrun by Barbie-like women with 24-inch waists and 36-inch inseams.

Which leaves most of us with a problem (in addition to the inferiority complex): How to get those booty-lifting, thigh-slimming, $150-plus jeans to fit as well lengthwise as they do everywhere else?

The solution lies in the middle of Chestnut Street.

Sonji Wang at Walnut Cleaners is, hands down, the ultimate denim-hemming expert. You tell her if you plan on wearing your jeans with four-inch heels or flats (or both). She then busts out her tape measure, cuts off the original hem, and removes the appropriate amount of fabric. Lastly (and this is the secret), she sews the original hem back on, creating that oft-lost-in-the-process authentic look.

By the time she’s done, you’ll be convinced the whole thing’s genius — and Walnut Cleaners is your new home away from home.

Call it your Un-Barbie Dream House.

Sonji Wang, Walnut Cleaners, 2266 Chestnut Street, between Scott and Avila Streets (415-921-0495).