How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants

How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants
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If jeans do not fit your body well, they can be very uncomplimentary.

And this is why it is very important that before purchasing jeans online, you take accurate measurements.

How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants
How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants

I consider laying jeans down carefully on a flat surface, like a floor or table, to be the best way to measure a pair of jeans.

Also, make sure you smooth out any folds or wrinkles. This is also a reliable method if you are buying a pair of pants from a brand you already own.

Another way to go about this is to measure your own body and apply the measurements to the sizing guide that is provided by the brand or website.

This is a step-by-step guide on how to measure the waist for jeans and pants. So, dive in and get a better understanding of this.


How Do You Measure Your Waist?

Get a flexible measuring tape and set your feet slightly apart, then proceed to place the measuring tape above your belly button at the smallest part of your waist.

You are to wrap the tape around your waist after you’ve relaxed your stomach. Also, ensure that you keep the tape snug.

However, it must not be tight, and make sure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor.


Ensure that the measuring tape makes contact with your skin, as this will result in the most accurate measurements.

Also, make sure that there’s no clothing in the way. You can use a string and then measure the length against a ruler if you don’t have a flexible measuring tape.

How to Measure for Jeans Size

To find your perfect jean size, I strongly suggest that you place the garment flat on a surface and then proceed to follow all the stages that will be discussed below.

How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants
How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants

How to Measure Waist for Jeans

  • First, you are to start by buttoning up the jeans and then proceed to lay them flat. Make sure that the top waistband is evenly flat on the back.
  • That being done, you are to measure from one side to the other with the jeans still flat.
  • To find your jeans’ waist side, you will need to double the measurement.

How to Measure Hips/Hip Size

  • Up from the crotch stitch, you need to find the right point on the jean by measuring 3 inches, or 7.5 cm, if you want to measure the hips correctly.
  • After that, for your hip size, you are to measure from side to side flat across the jeans at this point.

Measuring the Front Rise

  • Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the jean with the top button fastened after you lay the pant flat.
  • It is quite important that you measure the front rise of the jeans. This is something that is often overlooked.


Measuring the Back Rise

  • With that being done, you can now proceed to measure from the crotch seam to the top of the back of the jean.

How to Measure Thighs

  • After that, it’s time to lay the garment flat and measure from the crotch across to the outside of the leg.


Measuring the Knee

  • You are to lay the jeans flat and measure 13″ or 33 cm from the crotch down the inside seam of the jean if you want to measure where your knee should sit.
  • You can measure from one side of the jeans to the other from here.

Measuring the Hem Width/Leg Opening

  • Measure from one side of the leg opening to the other with the pant flat.
  • Compared to all the jeans measurements above, the hem width can often have the most impact on the look and style of the jeans.
  • However, note that you are to measure the whole circumference of the exterior of the hem using a measuring tape if it is extremely heavy denim, 18 oz and above.
  • After that, you are to divide by 2 for a more accurate figure.

How to Measure the Inseam or Inside Leg Measurement

  • At last, you are to lay the jean flat with the inseam at the centre for the inside leg measurement.
  • Following the inside seam, you are to measure from the crotch to the end of the leg.

Tips for Making Measurements

Well, since we are looking at how to measure the waist for jeans and pants, it will be best if we take some important tips for making measurements.

How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants
How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants

  • As previously mentioned, do make sure that all the measurements are taken with the pants placed on a smooth surface. A smooth surface like a floor or table.
  • Also, make sure that all the wrinkles are smoothed out.
  • Always use the sizing guide mentioned by a store or brand as a reference.
  • Also, ensure that all the measurements are as exact as possible.
  • Given the fact that each country or region has its own sizing rules, make sure you consult an international sizing chart.
  • Brands also vary in sizing, and companies such as Forever 21 and HM are popular for having garments that run a size larger. That being said, it is essential that you match your measurements with their sizing guide.
  • While measuring, avoid holding the tape measure too tightly or loosely. Make sure that it wraps around your body well.

Jeans Styles for Each Body Shape

For Short/Petite People

Given that those high-waisted jeans give the illusion of an elongated body for those who are short or petite, I consider them to be a perfect option for them.


For Rectangular/ Flat Shapes

Straight-fit jeans are a great option if you possess a rectangular or boyish body shape.

Whereas a mid-rise is excellent for voluminous hips, you can also go for high-waisted jeans.

For Tall People

For tall people, I would suggest flared pants, given that they give shape to their height and highlight their body, which in turn makes them appear balanced.


For Curvy/Hourglass Shapes

Cropped jeans are perfect for those who have a curvy or hourglass shape.

This is thanks to the fact that they give you the effect of height and an elongated body. Going for long jeans might make you look plump.

Final Thoughts

Once you know how to measure your waist to find the right size, finding the right pair of pants or jeans becomes so easy.

How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants
How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants


Taking your own waist measurement is the best way to get pants or jeans that fit you just right.

After that, you are to compare that to the sizing chart provided by the clothing manufacturer or brand.

There are two ways that you can easily take your measurement.

The first is for you to stand straight, breathe out, then get a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your torso just above your navel.

Then, the second way is for you to spread out a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly if you want to find your waist measurement, then measure the front and back of the waistband.

Well, all that being said, this would be the wrap-up of this guide on “How to Measure the Waist for Jeans and Pants.”

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