How to Measure the Inseam of Pants

A well-fitted pair of pants can greatly enhance your style, so it's important to know the inseam measurement of the pants you own. The inseam is measured from the crotch down to the pant's hem. By measuring the inseam, you'll be able to find pants with the perfect length. You can measure this yourself, but it's best to have someone else assist you if possible.

Start by preparing a pair of pants that fit similarly to the ones you plan to buy. If you're happy with the current pair of pants you have, it will be easier to determine the inseam measurement based on that pair. Check your wardrobe for a pair you love, and make sure to choose a pair similar to the style you want to purchase for a more accurate inseam measurement.

• For example, if you're looking to buy dress pants, use a pair of well-fitting dress pants to measure. If you're purchasing jeans, use a pair of jeans for measurement.

Check the inseam measurement on the pants label. Sometimes, pants labels include the inseam measurement. If that's the case, you can use this measurement to buy a similar pair of pants. If the label doesn't include it, no worries — you can easily measure it yourself.

Fold the pants vertically on a flat surface. You can lay the pants on a table or directly on the floor. After folding, the two pant legs will stack on top of each other.

Lift the pant legs to the waistband to reveal the inseam. Carefully fold the pant legs upwards to keep them tidy. You will clearly see a seam running from the crotch to the hem. This is the inseam.

• Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles and creases on the pant legs before measuring.

Place the measuring tape from the crotch seam to the hem. The crotch seam is located at the center of the crotch. Find the point where the crotch seam intersects with the side seam, place the start of the measuring tape at this point, and measure down to the hem. This gives you the inseam measurement.

• Make sure to measure the full inseam, which is the seam visible on the inside of the pant leg when standing.

Record the inseam measurement for future shopping trips. Don't round the measurement up or down — take the exact number to find the best-fitting pair of pants. Use the inseam measurement to find your perfect pair.

• If you plan to wear the new pants with heels, add 1.5-2.5 cm to the inseam to get the right length.
• If you're buying pants that are prone to shrinking, round up the inseam measurement by a maximum of 1.5 cm.

Take measurements while wearing underwear. For the most accurate measurements, it's best to be nude. However, you can also wear underwear since it's typically worn underneath pants.

• When taking measurements on your own, clothing can get in the way, making it harder to get an accurate reading, as it can prevent you from measuring closely to your body.

Stand straight in front of a mirror to observe your body. Taking your own body measurements can be tricky. You will need to measure the inseam while standing straight, so bending down to locate the crotch and ankle can make it difficult. Use a mirror to help you with this, and try to stand as straight as possible when measuring.

• Ideally, use a full-length mirror to view your entire body. If you don’t have one, use the largest mirror you have and position it to face your lower body.

Place the measuring tape at your groin. Hold the measuring tape and place the handle as close as possible to your groin.

• If you have removed the tape, you can roll it up in your hand. Just be sure to leave the end of the tape starting at the number "1" to make it easier to drop it down your leg.

Let the tape drop to your ankle. Slowly unroll the tape, keeping it close to your skin. Use the mirror to watch as the tape reaches your ankle.

Stop lowering the tape when it reaches your desired length. Consider how long you want the pant hem to be, and stop the tape at that point. Stand straight and check in the mirror to ensure you're satisfied with the tape's position just above your ankle.

Read the measurement on the tape to get the inseam length. Carefully lift the tape and read the measurement. This is your pant inseam length.

• Be very cautious when doing this. Even a small shift of your finger on the tape could lead to an inaccurate measurement.

Record the inseam measurement for future pant shopping. Use the exact measurement you obtained instead of rounding it up or down to ensure you find the best fitting pair of pants.

• If you plan to pair the pants with heels or buy fabric that tends to shrink (e.g., cotton, linen, or wool), add 1.5-2.5 cm to the inseam measurement. Denim pants, often made of cotton, tend to shrink slightly after washing.

Wear tight-fitting pants. Wearing fitted pants will make it easier for someone else to take an accurate inseam measurement for you. Leggings or skinny jeans are great options for this purpose.

Remove your shoes. The height of your shoes may affect the inseam measurement. It's best to be barefoot when someone else is taking the measurement for you.

Stand straight with your back against the wall. Leaning against the wall helps you maintain good posture, which is important for accurate measurements. If you don't stand upright, the measurement won't be accurate.

Ask someone to measure from the crotch seam to the floor. The crotch seam is located near the crotch and intersects with the pant leg seam. The distance from the crotch seam to the floor is your inseam length.

Use the inseam measurement when shopping for new pants. Make sure to note the exact measurement for use when buying pants. You can add 1.5-2.5 cm if you plan to wear the pants with heels.

• Additionally, if the pants are made of a material that tends to shrink, round up the inseam measurement by no more than 1.5 cm.

• If you're having pants made, you can ask the tailor if they can use the measurements you've taken yourself.
• Try measuring a few different pairs of pants to get the most accurate measurement.