What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shirttail
Example
He wore his shirttail out to give a relaxed look. [shirttail: noun]
Example
She prefers to wear shirttail hemlines because they are more comfortable. [shirttail: adjective]
hem
Example
The tailor hemmed the pants to fit perfectly. [hemmed: verb]
Example
The dress has a beautiful lace hemline. [hemline: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hem is a more commonly used term than shirttail in everyday language, as it is a versatile term that can be applied to various types of clothing. Shirttail is a less common term that is specific to the lower part of a shirt.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shirttail and hem?
Hem is a more formal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while shirttail is typically associated with a casual or informal tone.