How to Measure Yourself for Jeans (Men & Women)

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Find the perfect jean size by understanding key measurements
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Finding the right pair of jeans isn’t always easy. It turns out that there’s actually much more to the right fit than simply measuring your waist. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to take your own measurements to find the perfect pair. In this article, we’ll explain how to measure each part of your jeans, including the waist , inseam , and other important measurements. We’ve also provided sizing help and a guide to different jean styles with advice from a wardrobe specialist, a tailor, and stylists to help you along the way.

Measuring Jeans for a Perfect Fit

Wardrobe specialist Chloée Ohayon-Crosby says the 2 most important measurements to start with include your waist and inseam. To find your measurements, do the following:

  1. Waist: Hold a measuring tape loosely around your natural waistline (narrowest part of your torso).
  2. Inseam: Measure from your crotch to your ankle bone.
  3. Hip: Measure across the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
  4. Front/back rise: Measure the distance from the center of the crotch seam to the middle of the front waistband. Repeat for the back waistband.
  5. Leg opening & length: Measure the width across the bottom cuff for the leg opening. Measure the length from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the pant leg.
Section 1 of 9:

How to Measure the Waist

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  1. To measure your waist , stand in a relaxed posture with your feet together or shoulder-width apart. Stretch the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your torso, located between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hips. For most people, this is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the belly button. [1]
    • Avoid pulling the measuring tape too tightly around your body; for the most comfortable jeans fit, you will want to take loose and relaxed measurements. [2]
    • Try not to suck your waist in—although you may get a smaller reading, your jeans will be more uncomfortable.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a wardrobe specialist with over 8 years of experience in fashion and image consulting.

    Andrea Beaulieu is a professional tailor with over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries.

    Joanne Gruber is a professional stylist who has worked in the fashion and style industries for over 10 years.

    Alice Wu is a personal stylist focused on personalizing the styling experience.

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Section 2 of 9:

How to Measure the Inseam

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  1. Stand with your back straight against a wall for precise inseam measurements. Measure your inseam by measuring from the top of your thigh down your leg to the top of your shoe, which should be around your ankle bone. [3]
    • Put on the shoes you plan to wear with your jeans while taking the measurements, so your measurements stop where your shoes meet the cuff.
    • If you're having trouble taking your inseam, try measuring a pair of pants that fit you well. Professional tailor Andrea Beaulieu suggests “laying them flat and measuring from the center crotch down the pant leg, on the inseam.” [4]
    • Ohayon-Crosby also states that “the inseam gives you length.” For example, jeans that are 27x30 have a 27 inches (69 cm) waist and a 30 inches (76 cm) inseam. She adds that it’s very important to have a correct inseam measurement because it prevents you from “having to hem your pants, if you're ordering online.” [5]
Section 3 of 9:

How to Measure the Hip

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  1. Locate the widest area of your hips using a tape measure to find your hip measurement. This area is usually located right below your hip bones and includes the fullest part of your buttocks. Although jean sizes usually don't include hip measurements, you may need them if you are getting your jeans tailored or if you want to find jeans that fit your hips very comfortably. [6]
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Section 4 of 9:

How to Measure the Front & Back Rise

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  1. 1
    Measure from the front crotch seam to the middle of the front waistband. Lay your current jeans face up on a hard, flat surface to avoid wrinkles forming, which can cause inaccurate measurements. When measuring jeans or pants, start where the bottom of the front rise seam meets both the inseam and the front and back panels. From here, extend the measuring tape to the top of the front waistband. Round your pants measurement to the nearest 1 ⁄ 10 inch (0.25 cm). [7]
    • Ensure that the waistband is buttoned in the front and the fly is zipped or buttoned closed.
    • The front rise measurement should include the height of the waistband.
  2. 2
    Measure your back rise from the bottom of the back seam to the top of the waistband. As with measuring the front rise, it’s best to lay your jeans out flat on a hard surface and smooth out any wrinkles. With the jeans face down, measure from the start of the back rise seam, where the inseam meets the front and back panels of the jeans. Run the measuring tape up to the center of the back waistband. [8]
    • Even though you’re measuring the back side of the jeans, the waistband should be buttoned in the front with the fly zipped closed.
    • The back rise measurement should also include the height of the waistband.
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Section 5 of 9:

How to Measure the Thigh & Knee

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  1. Get your measurements around the widest part of your thighs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the crotch seam. Once you have that number, double it to calculate your thigh measurement. Having an accurate thigh measurement can ensure that your jeans are as comfortable to wear as possible. [9]
    • Like hip measurements, your thigh size is usually not required, unless you are getting jeans tailored.
  2. 2
    Measure horizontally about 12 inches (30 cm) below the inseam for your knee. With your jeans lying flat on a hard surface, locate the front inseam, where the front and back panels meet. From there, extend your measuring tape down to a point about 12 inches (30 cm) below the inseam. At that point, measure across the jeans for your knee measurement. [10]
    • Knowing your knee measurement is worth it if you experience knee issues like swelling or pain and want a comfortable fit at the knee joint.
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Section 6 of 9:

How to Measure the Leg Opening & Length

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  1. 1
    Measure the width across the bottom cuff for the leg opening. With your jeans lying flat on a hard surface, extend the tape measure across the bottom cuff of the jeans. Measure from the outseam to the inseam of your jeans. This will give you the leg opening measurement, which is important, depending on the type of shoe you plan on wearing your jeans with. [11]
    • A wider leg opening is better suited when wearing your jeans over a pair of shoes or boots.
    • A narrower leg opening makes it easier to wear your jeans underneath your boots or to tuck them into the boots.
  2. 2
    Measure the length from the top of the waistband to the outer pant cuff. Lay your jeans on a flat, hard surface, so they don’t bunch up or wrinkle. Start by measuring from the center of the top of the front waistband. Then, extend the measuring tape to the outer bottom leg opening or cuff. This will give you an idea of the overall length of the jeans. [12]
    • While the inseam measures the inside of the crotch to the inside bottom hem of the leg, the length (also called the outseam) is measured from the top of the waistband to the outside hem of the bottom leg.
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Section 7 of 9:

How do I know my size in jeans?

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  1. 1
    Use your waist/inseam measurements to determine your size. Sizing charts can differ based on country and brand, but most jeans sizing charts rely on waist/inseam measurements. Record your waist/inseam measurements and keep them on hand while shopping for jeans so you can reference them as needed. [13]
    • Note your other measurements as well if you are ordering customized jeans or plan on getting your jeans altered.
    • Beaulieu suggests that you “check the size chart for the brand (there should be a section on the site that lists sizing). Read reviews of the jeans to see if anyone commented on the accuracy of the sizing, and check to see if the jeans have any stretch. Jeans with stretch will be more forgiving with sizing, whereas denim without stretch is more rigid.” [14]
  2. Sizing charts can vary depending on the brand. Check the brand's sizing chart beforehand to determine which number corresponds to your waist/inseam measurements. Even if 2 pairs of pants from different brands are assigned the same number, they may have completely different waist/inseam measurements. [15]
  3. Use SizeCharter to find the best jeans for your measurements. Put your waist, hip, and inseam measurements into the SizeCharter website to find the best pair of jeans for your size. If you aren’t looking for specially tailored jeans, this can help you find well-fitting jeans based on brand and fit. [16]
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Section 8 of 9:

Finding the Best Fit for Jeans

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  1. Jeans come in different fits and styles; depending on the fit, a brand's size may fit tightly or more loosely on your body. Choose a fit that you like so your jeans not only fit well but also feel comfortable and look flattering. Here is a breakdown of the many fits and styles of jeans available:.
    • Skinny jeans : Have a tighter fit that clings to the hips and thighs, with a narrow leg opening.
    • Slim fit jeans : More fitted than a straight leg jean, but more relaxed than skinny jeans.
    • Tapered jeans : Have more room through the waist and thighs that narrow in width from the knee to the ankle.
    • Straight leg jeans : Have a classic, relaxed fit that is straight from the hip to the ankle.
    • Flare jeans : Fitted in the waist, hips, and thighs, while widening from the knee to the ankle.
    • Loose fit jeans : Extra-roomy with a generous cut through the seat, thigh, and knee.
    • Wide-leg jeans : Have a straight, relaxed, wide silhouette from the waist to the bottom hem.
    • Boot cut jeans : Fitted from the waist to the knee, and flared out from the knee to the hem; they’re designed to be worn over boots.
    • Boyfriend jeans : Made to look like a pair of men’s worn-in jeans, with a loose, relaxed fit throughout the waist and legs; usually slightly tapered or straight-cut. [17]
    • When shopping for jeans in person, personal stylist Alice Wu suggests “checking the waistband and the fabric around the crotch area to see if there's too much fabric, not enough, or they're hiking up too much. Test the jeans out—do some squats to make sure that they're actually comfortable. If there are pieces that don't fit right, it's always better to size them up and then just take them to a tailor.” [18]
  2. 2
    Find out what your preferred rise is. Jeans come in a variety of rises, including low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. Low-rise jeans tend to highlight the hips, while mid-rise jeans sit at the natural waist, which makes them the most comfortable to wear. High-rise jeans are great for highlighting your waist and elongating your leg length. Here are the basic dimensions for each type of jean rise: [19]
    • Low-rise: Has a waistband that sits about 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the belly button.
    • Mid-rise: Sits just below the belly button on the natural waist.
    • High-rise: The waistband sits around 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the belly button.
  3. Most brands offer different inseam styles within a certain waist size, like short, regular, and tall. Shorter styles may rest above your ankle, while longer styles may end at or below the ankle. Read the label carefully and make sure your inseam size matches the jeans you want before buying them. [20]
    • According to professional stylist Joanne Gruber, “the majority of brands are doing ankle jeans because they fit the majority of women. If you’re petite, they fit more like full-length pants, and if you’re taller, they just cut off at your ankle.” [21]
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Section 9 of 9:

Differences Between Jean Measurements for Women vs. Men

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  1. 1
    Men's jeans are determined by the waist and inseam measurements. The pants size’s first number includes the waist measurement, while the 2nd number reflects the inseam. Men's jeans typically have a straighter cut and a closer waist-to-hip ratio. [22]
    • For example, men’s jeans that are 24 x 32 have a 34 inches (86 cm) waist and a 32 inches (81 cm) inseam.
  2. 2
    Women's jeans use a numerical size rather than measurements. Women's jeans use a numerical size that is more focused on the hips, along with the waist and inseam measurements. They often have a higher rise with a larger hip circumference. [23]
    • For example, women’s jean sizes range from 00 to 14, with plus sizes ranging from 14W or 16 through 30X or more.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I be sure jeans I order online will fit me?
    Andrea Beaulieu
    Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer
    Andrea Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
    Andrea Beaulieu
    Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer
    Expert Answer
    Make sure to check the size chart for the brand online, and read reviews of the jeans to see if anyone commented on the accuracy of the sizing. Also, check to see if the jeans have any stretch—jeans with stretch will be more forgiving, while jeans without stretch will be more rigid.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do you measure yourself for jeans?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Take a tape measure and measure the smallest part of your waist, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your belly button to find your waist size. Then, use the measuring tape to measure from the top of your thigh down to your ankle bone to find your inseam. Use these 2 measurements to read the sizing charts of the jeans you plan to purchase so you can be sure they fit.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What is a size 28 in jeans?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    It depends on the sizing chart being used. 28 could refer to the circumference of the waist. However, different countries and brands use different sizes for their jeans. For example, a US size 28 pair of jeans would be a UK size 10. Consult the sizing chart for the jeans to be sure of their measurements.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cancervic.org.au/healthyweight/bmi
      2. ↑ https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/measuring-your-waist
      3. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C209/
      4. ↑ Andrea Beaulieu. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Chloée Ohayon-Crosby. Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C209/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/AQbpJbx_I6M?si=-ophuhAgT-lukTdM&t=1
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/wRKx88m8LGI?si=Gt9dqf_Y4Ld8qglX&t=1
      9. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C209/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/P5ckLV0DyZs?si=oFEFBwxl9xea-LIz&t=44
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/P5ckLV0DyZs?si=3VyTbqh749EaZmmk&t=49
      3. ↑ https://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/blog/article/how-to-measure-jeans
      4. ↑ https://pacebrantley.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fit-Guide-2022.pdf
      5. ↑ Andrea Beaulieu. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBt1JEUw-Ws
      7. ↑ https://www.sewing.org/html/mensmeasure.html
      8. ↑ https://www.stitchfix.com/women/blog/style-guide/your-perfect-jeans/
      9. ↑ Alice Wu. Personal Stylist. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ https://www.stitchfix.com/women/blog/style-guide/your-perfect-jeans/
      11. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C209/
      12. ↑ Joanne Gruber. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
      13. ↑ https://www.subtlesigns.org/how-to-tell-if-jeans-are-mens-or-womens/
      14. ↑ https://www.subtlesigns.org/how-to-tell-if-jeans-are-mens-or-womens/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To measure for jeans, start by getting your inseam length. Put on a pair of shoes and measure from the top of your thigh to your ankle bone. By wearing shoes while you measure, it will be easier for you to judge how long your jeans need to be to sit right. You’ll also need to measure your waist size. Just wrap the tape measure around your waist about an inch above your belly button. Remember not to pull the tape too tight, because you’ll end up with uncomfortable jeans. If you need to measure your hips, like if your jeans are tailored, wrap the tape measure around your hips just below the top of your hip bone. This is usually the widest part of your hips. For tips on how to read jean size charts, keep reading!

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