One classy way to enhance your personality and show off those well-toned gym legs you’ve been working on is a perfect-fitting pant. When it comes to men’s apparel, a well-fitting pant is a must. Let’s be honest, everyone desires to look stylish and attractive these days, and the best way to it is by maintaining a tailor-fit wardrobe for your body. Pants are not only a classic but also a professional choice if you want to look better. The strategic inseam linings and cuts on some pants can make you look slimmer and taller. It is no surprise that models prefer pants to jeans.
Unlike buying a pair of jeans, perfectly fitting pants can be tough to find. It is not uncommon to end up buying a pair of pants that you loved that doesn’t fit you as expected. Come on! We’ve all been there. It is frustrating to have those pants be either too loose or too tight for your thigh. No matter how well you measure the length of your pants, it just doesn’t fit the way you want them to.
This is because of the inseam of your pants that isn’t correct. The inseam and crotch seam are the two most important measurements in a pant that decide whether it will fit someone properly.
What is Inseam in men’s pants?
The Inseam is the inside of the leg measurement of a pant starting from the crotch seam along the bottom of the pant, right till the ankle. It is crucial to nail this measurement if you want a fitting pair of pants.
Now that we have established the importance of the inseam length for the perfect pant, the question arises: ‘ How to measure the inseam?’
So here we have for you a detailed guide on the same so that you might never end up with a disappointing fit.
How to measure your Inseam length?
If you want a pant that neither shows off your ankle nor needs to be folded when worn, then measuring the inseam is the way to do it. There are a lot of methods for you to achieve that:
- Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are wearing
- Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are not wearing
- Have someone else measure your inseam
Now, all the three mentioned methods are good, but it is recommended that you have someone else measure your inseam. Not because it only involves you standing straight, but because of measurement accuracy, this method is the best. So let’s go step by step to get those amazing-fitting pants you’ve always wanted. But before that,
Important Guidelines Before you go on to Measure Inseams
1- Select the correct fabric
As simple as it may sound, the first rookie mistake that most people make is not paying attention to the fabric of the bottoms they are about to buy. If you want to buy a pair of jeans, select a pair of perfectly fitting jeans for the job. The same holds for a pair of pants—the simple reason being the stretch of the fabric, which is varying. You cannot take a pair of formal cotton pants to a store, buy a pair of jeans with the same measurements, and hope that it fits you well.
2-Use a measuring tape
It can’t be emphasized enough but always use a measuring tape. It is important to know that you get accurate measurements when you are using a soft measuring tape. Never use the hard stainless steel rulers or meter-long scales because they tend to stretch the fabric and are not very accurate.
Method 1: Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are wearing
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t have anyone to help you with this hectic task. Just remember, follow each step correctly.
Step 1: Grab your perfect pair of pants
Everyone has that one pair that is just well-fitting. It fits perfectly, it looks great, it’s just sublime. That’s exactly what you need. Also, don’t forget to keep in mind the fabric that you are about to measure. Grab your favourite pants and get ready to measure!
Step 2: Check for the Inseam measurements on the tag
Most of the time, there is a number tag on the inside of the pants. It is especially present in high-quality, special body-fit pants made by big brands. Look out for these tags. If you find a number, note it down. If it is not there, well, that is what this article is all about, right?
Step 3: Stand in front of a tall mirror and start measuring.
What you need for this is a big mirror. Now, for this particular part, you need to be in your underwear or really slim-fit, like spandex. It is essential for the correct measurements as your clothes might get in the way, so, after you are in tight-fit apparel, place the measuring tape at the centre of the pant leg right where the crotch seam meets the inseam. Now unfold the measuring tape along the bottom of the leg and keep measuring until the pant’s leg opening if you are wearing one. Suppose you aren’t wearing one, which is ideal; measure until you want your pants to be tailored.
Step 4: Record the measurements.
After everything is done, note down the measurement of the seam. You should keep in mind that most fabrics tend to shrink after a wash, like cotton, wool, etc. So, always add about half an inch to the recorded measurement for perfect results.
Method 2: Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are not wearing
As pre-established, select a pant and follow the steps.
Step 1: Place the pants on a Flat Surface
Lay the pants down on a flat surface and fold them in half right from the center. You are required to fold it along the length of the pant.
Step 2: Select one of the pant leg
Please take one of the pant legs and fold it over the waistband to reveal the crotch seam and the inseam. Now press gently along the distance between the crotch and the hem to make the pants flat.
Step 3: Take the measurement
Now, repeat Step 4 from method 1. Note down the measurement and add a buffer of half an inch to it for any size alteration resulting from shrinking after the first wash.
Method 3: Have someone else measure your inseam
This is the most accurate and efficient method. You need to keep your posture correct and be patient. Off the record, one more thing is advised, don’t end up in a situation like Joey and Chandler from the popular show FRIENDS. If you know, you know! Hey, you can never be too careful.
Step 1: Wear a well-fitting pant and stand properly
Stand straight on the floor or on a flat surface with your back against a wall. Focus on your posture. It is the key to the right measurement. Do not be sluggish or slouch while standing. Keep your back and body straight. Also, it helps if you wear a pair of flat sole shoes as it gives the other person an idea of where the seam should be measured.
Step 2: Measure from the crotch till the floor
Measure from the crotch of the pants to the floor with a friend. When using pants, it is easier to determine when the pants are split into legs, but it can be more difficult to ensure that the bow of the pants is properly measured. This is because pants tend to bundle a little at the knee before they reach their feet.
Step 3: Record the measurements.
Take careful note of the precise measurement of the inseam, including partial inches, so that the most precise measurement is possible. If you intend to wear your pants, or if you intend to buy pants that shrink, with shoes with a small heel, add half a centimeter.
Also Read: 6 Tricks and Tips for Men’s Sleep Hygiene!
How to take other measurements of a Pant
Although what’s most important is the inseam of a pant that determines whether it will fit or not. Here is a quick guide to measuring other important seams and lengths of a pant.
1- How to measure the waist?
Most people are quite familiar with waist measurement. To measure the waist of a pair of pants, tap them and place them on a flat surface. From one side to the other, measure the distance with a soft measuring tape. By multiplying this figure by two, you can get the size of the pants.
2- How to measure the front rise and the back rise?
Many people do not need to measure their rises, but knowing your rises is important if you have an unusually long or short torso. Place fully buttoned pants on a flat surface and measure the front rise from the hook seam to the top of the front waistband. The back rise measurement is similar to the front rise measurement, except for the seam in the pants at the top of the back of the waistband.
3- How to Measure the Leg Opening?
If you have an athletic build or large calves, measuring the leg opening may be necessary to keep your pants in place. Place your pants flat on a flat surface, measure the width from side to side, and double that number.
4- How to measure the Outseam?
Place a pair of buttoned pants on a flat surface to measure the outseam distance from the waistband to the bottom of the pan. This will give you an idea of how long the pants will be overall.
5- How to Measure Fit (Seat and Thigh)
They are between the waistband, and the knee is called the fit area. This is where most people face problems as the fit measurement determines if your legs will be free to move once you wear the pants. To measure the fit, place the pant down on a flat surface and put the measuring tape at one end of the pant leg. Record the distance between the two ends, multiply it by 2 and add 0.5 inches to it as a buffer.
Conclusion: How to measure inseam?
Here is a 3-step highlight of the key points from our guide that need to be considered before measuring your pant’s inseam.
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Fabric
Always keep in mind that different fabrics have different elastic and shrinking behavior, which can negatively affect your measurements. If you want to get that number right, this is a must.
Step 2: Always use a soft measuring tape
Knowing your measurements is important because they can differ from one brand to the next. However, before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary tools. A “soft” measuring tape, also known as a tailor’s measuring tape, is the best tool for taking measurements. In contrast to the rigid measuring belt that extends from a holder, the tailor’s tape is soft and flexible, allowing the true measurements of a garment to be read more accurately.
Step 3: Choose any one of the below-listed methods
The above article has discussed the 3 main methods on ‘how to measure inseam for men’s pants?’ However, we have listed it here one more time for you to go through:
- Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are wearing
- Measure it yourself on a pair of pants that you are not wearing
- Have someone else measure your inseam
Choose any one of the methods as per your convenience and follow along with our Flawless Guide.
I hope that this article helps you get the best fit possible for the pants that you wish for!
