Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dobladillo | /doblaˈdiʝo/ | masculine |
| bastilla | /basˈtiʝa/ | feminine |
| repulgo | /reˈpulɡo/ | masculine |
A hem refers to the border of an article of clothing that has been doubled back and stitched together. When discussing the process of making a hem, the verb coser (to sew) is frequently used. You may also encounter the verb repulgar, which means to put a hem on an article of clothing.
Which one should you use?
Dobladillo is the most common and neutral term for a hem used in almost all Spanish-speaking contexts. Bastilla is often used specifically in the context of sewing or tailoring, particularly when referring to the finished edge of a garment. Repulgo refers more specifically to a decorative fold or a turned-back edge, often used in more technical or traditional sewing contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the term orillo is used to refer to the folded part of a cloth, which is similar to a hem.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Dobladillo is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as el or un. Bastilla is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/doblaˈdiʝo/
Did you know?
- The word dobladillo uses the suffix -illo, which is often used in Spanish to create diminutives. This suggests that a hem is viewed as a 'little fold' of the larger fabric.
- The word bastilla shares a root with the word basta, which can mean 'enough' or 'coarse' in different contexts, showing how a word for 'sufficient' can evolve into a term for a sturdy sewing finish.
- While dobladillo describes the fold, the act of adjusting the length of a garment is often called hacer el dobladillo, which can be used both for shortening and lengthening clothes.
Examples in context
- El bajo de tu chaqueta necesita un arreglo.The hem of your jacket needs fixing.
- Se le deshizo el ruedito de la falda.The hem of her skirt came undone.
- Antes de coser el ruedo, vamos a hilvanar la falda.Before sewing the hem, we're going to baste the skirt.
- el ruedo elegante del vestidoThe elegant hem of the dress
- Ya cosí el ruedo de tu falda nueva.I already sewed the hem of your new skirt.
- El dobladillo de la falda está suelto.The hem of the skirt is loose.
- Necesito coser el dobladillo de este pantalón.I need to sew the hem of these pants.
- El dobladillo de la camisa es muy fino.The hem of the shirt is very fine.
Example conversation
Alejandro is checking a garment María made for him.
- Alejandro¿Está bien hecho el dobladillo?Is the hem well done?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, el dobladillo es perfecto.Yes, Alejandro, the hem is perfect.
- AlejandroGracias, María, me queda muy bien.Thanks, María, it fits me very well.
- MaríaMe alegra que te guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hem” translations and entries dobladillo, bastilla, repulgo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bastilla, dobladillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
