YOU CAN . . .
Do pretty much the same alterations on denim that you do on pants, but since the fabric is thicker, it’s difficult to take them in through the seat. Unless you’re dealing with a lightweight denim trouser, pass on a pair that needs to be taken in through the seat.
Have your tailor maintain the original hem of your jeans when you need them shortened. Otherwise you get that look of “Mom did these for me over the summer break.” NOT FREAKIN’ FABULOUS.
DON’T BOTHER . . .
• Hemming bootcut jeans more than an inch. If the jeans are way too long on you, they’re seriously meant for a taller person, and when hemmed, the knee area won’t be properly positioned. It’s going to end up lower on your body than it should be, so the proportion of the denim is all screwed up like some funky, weird bell-bottom thing. You also won’t be able to reattach the original hem because of the difference in diameter of the new hem.