How To Measure Inseam (2024)

The GentleManual Style + Fashion

Jasmine Wei

  • July 26, 2022

Many people don’t know how to measure inseam, but it is actually quite easy! All you need is a tape measure and a friend or family member to help you out.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of measuring inseam so that you can get the perfect fit for your next pair of pants.

How To Measure Inseam (3)

Table of Contents

  • What is inseam?
  • Why is inseam important?
  • Identifying the Inseam
  • How to measure inseam
  • How to Measure the Inseam on Your Body
  • What to do with your inseam measurement
  • Inseam measurements for different body types
  • Conclusion

What is inseam?

The inseam is the distance from the crotch to the bottom of the leg on a pair of pants, and is an important measurement to consider when purchasing clothing.

There are a few different ways that you can measure your inseam, so it is important to know which method is best for you.

If you are purchasing pants online, you will likely need to measure your inseam yourself.

To do this, simply put on a pair of pants that fit you well and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. 

Once you have your inseam measurement, you can compare it to the size chart for the pants you are interested in to find the perfect fit.

If you are shopping for pants in a store, you can try them on and have a salesperson measure your inseam for you.

This is the best way to ensure an accurate measurement, as everyone’s body is different.

Once you have your inseam measurement, you can again compare it to size charts to find pants that will fit you well.

Knowing your inseam measurement is important for finding clothing that fits well and looks great. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, it is

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Why is inseam important?

There are a few reasons why inseam is important, especially when it comes to finding the right size for pants.

Inseam length can affect both the comfort and the fit of the pants. If the inseam is too short, the pants may be uncomfortable or they may not fit properly.

On the other hand, if the inseam is too long, the pants may be too big or they may drag on the ground.

Inseam length is also important when it comes to choosing the right style of pant. For example, cropped pants will have a shorter inseam than full-length pants.

Knowing your inseam measurement can help you find pants that are both comfortable and flattering.

When you know your inseam measurement, you can shop for pants that are the right size and that will fit you well.

You can also use your inseam measurement to find pants with the right leg length.

Whether you’re looking for cropped pants or full-length pants, knowing your inseam measurement will help you find the perfect pair of pants for you.

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Identifying the Inseam

One of the most important measurements for finding the right pair of pants is the inseam. The inseam is the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg.

To find your inseam, you will need a tape measure and a friend to help you out.

First, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and have your friend measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle. 

Make sure to keep the tape measure snug against your skin and not too loose. Once you have your measurement, you can use a size chart to find pants with the right inseam length.

If you’re having trouble finding a pair of pants with the right inseam, don’t worry! There are a few tricks you can try.

First, try looking for pants with a higher rise. This will give you more fabric to work with when hemming the pants. You can also try cuffed pants or rolled jeans for a shorter inseam look.

How To Measure Inseam (6)

How to measure inseam

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of pants, inseam is one of the most important measurements. But what is inseam, and how do you measure it?

Inseam is the distance from the crotch of your pants down to the bottom of the leg.

  • To measure your inseam, start by putting on a pair of pants that fit you well.
  • Then, using a measuring tape, measure from the inside of your leg at the crotch all the way down to the bottom of the leg.
  • Make sure to take your measurements with shoes on, as this will give you a more accurate measurement.

And if you’re unsure of what size to get, always err on the side of caution and go with a larger size – you can always have your pants taken in if they’re too big, but you can’t let them out if they’re too small!

How To Measure Inseam (7)

How to Measure the Inseam on Your Body

There are a couple different ways that you can measure your inseam.

  • The first way is to take a pair of pants that fit you well and lay them flat on the ground. Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. This is your inseam measurement.
  • Another way to measure your inseam is to stand up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Place a measuring tape at the top of your inner thigh, all the way down to the floor. This is your inseam measurement.
Knowing your inseam measurement is important when shopping for pants, because it will help you determine what size you need. 

It’s also helpful to know your inseam measurement when hemming pants, so that you can make sure they’re the right length for you.

How To Measure Inseam (8)

What to do with your inseam measurement

Once you have your inseam measurement, you can use it to find the right size bike for you. You can also use it to find the right size pants, shorts, and skirts.

If you’re planning on buying a new pair of jeans, you can use your inseam measurement to find the perfect fit.

Inseam measurements for different body types

When it comes to measuring inseam, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The inseam measurement can vary depending on your body type.

Here are some general guidelines to help you measure your inseam:

  • If you are pear-shaped, your inseam measurement will be different than if you are apple-shaped. Pear-shaped women tend to have longer legs in proportion to their torso, so their inseam measurements will be higher.
  • If you are plus-sized, your inseam measurement may also be different than someone who is not plus-sized. Plus-sized women often have shorter legs in proportion to their torso, so their inseam measurements will be lower.
  • Generally speaking, tall women will have longer inseams than shorter women. And, of course, men will have longer inseams than women.
  • The best way to get an accurate inseam measurement is to try on a pair of pants that fit you well and measure the length from the crotch seam to the bottom hem.

Or, you can ask a friend or family member to help you measure your inseam from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle

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Conclusion

With these steps, you should be able to measure your inseam with ease and find the perfect-fitting pair of pants.

Measuring your inseam is a crucial step in finding the right-fitting clothing, so don’t skip it!

With a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be sure to find the clothes that make you look and feel your best.

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How To Measure Inseam (2024)

FAQs

Is a 32 inch inseam long? ›

What does 32 inch inseam mean? A 32 inch inseam means the length of your jeans from crotch to pant cuff is 32 inches long. This length means you are generally 5'8 or taller.

What is my actual inseam length? ›

Measure from the crotch seam of the pants all the way down the inside seam to the leg opening. You should follow the curve of your pants, not make a straight line, from the crotch seam to the leg opening. That should be your true inseam measurement.

How tall is a 28 inch inseam? ›

So, what does inseam mean?
SkinnyBoyfriend
Petite 5'3″ or less25″ – 27″23″ – 26″
Average 5'4″ to 5'7″28″ – 30″26″ – 28″
Tall 5'8″ and above31″ – 34″29″ – 31″
1 more row

Do you measure inseam all the way to the floor? ›

Another way to measure your inseam is to stand up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Place a measuring tape at the top of your inner thigh, all the way down to the floor. This is your inseam measurement.

What is the difference between inseam length 32 and 34? ›

What's the difference between 32" and 34" length jeans? The obviously answer might be "2 inches longer at the bottom" but in reality, depending on the cut of the jeans, choosing the right length can be the difference between a good and great fit for you.

How tall is someone with a 34 inseam? ›

All our tops are slim and tapered, and we sell jeans, chinos, trousers and joggers in a variety of fits from a 34 inseam, which generally fits men up to about 6'3" (190cm) and a 36 inch leg will generally fit men from around 6'3" to 6'6" (190-200cm).

How tall is someone with a 26 inseam? ›

How to determine an Inseam
HeightApprox inseam
5'2" - 5"4"26"
5'5" - 5'8"28"
5'9" - 5'10"30"
5'11" - 6'1"32"
8 more rows

What is the inseam for a 5'11 man? ›

A 5'11” (180 cm) tall person's inseam height is typically 30.7″ – 32.7″ (78-83 cm).

How long should my legs be for my height? ›

Leg length must approximate 50 percent of total stature to achieve the biomechanical efficiency of the human striding bipedal gait.

Does inseam determine length? ›

No. Inseam is the measurement taken from the pubic bone to the ankle, while length size is from the waist to the ankle.

What size pants should a 5'9 man wear? ›

MEN'S SIZING INFORMATION IMPERIAL/METRIC
HeightWaist
X-Small< 5'6" in / <168 cm22”-24” in / 56-61 cm
Medium5'9" in / 175-180 cm27”-32” in / 69-81 cm
Large6'0" in / 183-188 cm32”-35” in / 81-89 cm
X-Large6'2" in / 191-196 cm35”-41” in / 89-104 cm
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How tall is someone with a 29 inch inseam? ›

It depends on if the individual carries their height in their torso or legs. for example I am 5′9 and have a 33 inch inseam because I have no upper body! I know people who are over 6′ and have the same inseam. For a 29 inseam though, I would assume that the individual would be under 5′6.

What size jeans should a 5 10 man wear? ›

The most-sold pants size in the US is an L (large), or 34 x 32”, fitting guys who are 5'10 to 6'0 and weigh in at between 179 lbs. and 192 lbs. Convert to ▶️ International Sizes (EU, UK, cm) or ▶️ Men to Women's sizes. Find out ▶️ How to measure, get ▶️ W/L explained, or read the ▶️ FAQ.

What is considered a short inseam? ›

The Variation in Lengths

Let's start by quickly reviewing the most common short lengths: 5” inch inseam, 7” inch inseam, 9” inch inseam, and 11” inch inseam. Just as pants are measured by the inseam (from the crotch to the hem), so too are shorts.

What does 30 inch inseam mean? ›

This is the length of your pant leg from the crotch seam down to the bottom of the pant. Most retailers only offer men's inseams down to 30 inches so you have never really seen sizes that are made for you (without tailoring). See below to accurately measure and to find your proper inseam length.

Can you measure your own inseam? ›

The simplest way to measure your inseam is to take a measuring tape and calculate the length between just below your crotch and the bottom of your ankle.

What is the average inseam for a 5 5 woman? ›

How to determine an Inseam
HeightApprox inseam
5'2" - 5"4"26"
5'5" - 5'8"28"
5'9" - 5'10"30"
5'11" - 6'1"32"
8 more rows

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