PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Clothing
Clothes by Type
Pants and Shorts
How to Measure Your Waist For Pants & Find the Perfect Fit Download Article Learn to measure your waist and choose the right pant size online Co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and Bailey Cho
Last Updated: July 4, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Measuring Men's Pants Size
|
Women's Pants Size
|
Men’s Size Chart
|
Women’s Size Chart
|
Video
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 672,554 times.
There’s nothing better than finding pants that are flattering and comfortable, but choosing a well-fitting pair can be tricky. Sizes vary based on the brand and country, making it hard to decide what to buy. Luckily, we’re providing the ultimate guide to take your measurements and find the right size. We’ve also included a pants size conversion chart for both men and women so you can say goodbye to guesswork!
The Easiest Way to Find Your Pants Size
Wrap a soft measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist or where your pants are supposed to sit. Keep the tape flat against your skin and not overly tight. To find the inseam (or the length of your pants), measure from the base of your crotch to the bottom of your pant leg.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Measuring Men's Pants Size
Download Article
1 Measure around your natural waist. Wrap a soft measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist, laying the tape flat against your skin and parallel to the floor. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and avoid sucking in your stomach. If you’re buying low-cut or high-waisted pants, measure your waist where the pants are supposed to sit.[1]XResearch source
For a more comfortable fit, put a finger between your body and the measuring tape.
You can buy measuring tape at fabric stores, convenience stores, or department stores.
If your measurement is in between two sizes, round up. For example, if you measure 34.5 inches, round up to 35 inches.
For sizes measured in centimeters, round up to the nearest even number. For example, if you measure 51 cm, round up to 52 cm.
2 Measure from your groin to your lower ankle to get your inseam. According to costume designer and wardrobe specialist Chloée Ohayon-Crosby, “the inseam is extremely important because it’s the length of your pants.”[2]X Expert Source Chloée Ohayon-CrosbyCostume Designer & Wardrobe SpecialistExpert Interview To measure the inseam, place the measuring tape at the very top of your inner thigh, then measure down the inner leg seam until you reach the bottom of your ankle.[3]XResearch source
Be sure to take your shoes off and keep the measuring tape flat against your leg.
If you’re having trouble, ask someone to help you, or lay a well-fitting pair of pants on a flat surface and measure from the crotch seam to the hemline.
Advertisement
3 Convert your measurements to find your size. Generally, your pants size will be your waist size followed by your inseam.[4]XResearch source It will look something like “32 x 34,” which represents a waist measurement of 32” and an inseam measurement of 34”.
Keep in mind that fabric can shrink after washing, especially with jeans and khakis. It's okay for pants to feel a little loose or look a little long when you first buy them.
4 Try your pants on before you buy them. Even if you think you have the right size, try your pants on in-store (if possible). They should feel snug, but not tight, around the waist and hit at the bottom of your ankle.[5]XResearch source
Reading the size on the label will usually get you close to the right pair, but sizes can vary slightly between brands and individual pairs. Trying them on is the most accurate way to determine if they fit.
Finding the right size can take some trial and error. If the fit doesn't feel right, try sizing up or down.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Measuring Women's Pants Size
Download Article
1 Measure your natural waist. Figure out the rise of your pants and where you want them to sit on your body. If you’re purchasing high-waisted pants, measure the narrowest part of your waist, underneath your rib cage and above your belly button. For low-rise pants, measure closer to your hips, right above your butt.[6]XResearch source
How tight the measuring tape corresponds to how your pants will fit. If you pull the tape tight, your pants will fit tight. For a more relaxed fit, put a finger between your body and the measuring tape.
2 Take your inseam by measuring between your groin and ankle. The inseam refers to the length of the pants, and can change based on what kind of shoes you will wear. If you plan to wear flats, measure from the top of your inner thigh to just above where the shoe meets the ankle. If you’re wearing heels, put them on and measure from the top of your inner thigh to the middle of the heel shaft.[7]XResearch source
If you’re having trouble taking this measurement on yourself, lay a well-fitting pair of pants on a flat surface and measure from the crotch seam to the hemline.
3 Convert your measurements into your size. Your size will vary depending on what country's size system you are shopping in and the clothing manufacturer. For example, a 26 inches (66 cm) waist is a standard US size 6, a UK size 10, or a French size 38. The best way to find your size in a particular brand is to compare your measurements to their size guide.
Keep your measurements on hand in inches and centimeters, if you're not sure which system you'll need when shopping.
4 Try on pants before you buy them. Sizes can vary, even when you're buying 2 pairs of pants from the same brand. It can take some trial and error to find the right fit. Don't be afraid to try a size up or down from your "true" size, and always refer to the brand’s specific measurement chart before buying pants online.[8]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Men’s Pants Size Chart
Download Article
Waist
Inseam
International Size
26” (66 cm)
32” (81 cm)
34
28” (71 cm)
32” (81 cm)
36
30” (76 cm)
32” (81 cm)
38
32” (81 cm)
32” (81 cm)
40
33” (84 cm)
32” (81 cm)
42
34” (86.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
44
36” (91.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
46
38” (96.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
48
40” (101.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
50
42” (106.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
52
44” (111.5 cm)
32” (81 cm)
54
46” (117 cm)
32” (81 cm)
56
48” (122 cm)
32” (81 cm)
58
50” (127 cm)
32” (81 cm)
60[9]XResearch source
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:
Women’s Pants Size Chart
Download Article
Waist
Hip
Inseam
International Size
23” (58 cm)
33” (84 cm)
31” (79 cm)
34
25” (63 cm)
35” (89 cm)
31” (79 cm)
36
27” (68 cm)
37” (94 cm)
31” (79 cm)
38
29” (74 cm)
39” (99 cm)
31” (79 cm)
40
31” (79 cm)
41” (104 cm)
31” (79 cm)
42
33” (84 cm)
43” (109 cm)
31” (79 cm)
44
36” (91 cm)
45” (114 cm)
31” (79 cm)
46
38” (96 cm)
47” (119 cm)
31” (79 cm)
48
41” (104 cm)
50” (127 cm)
31” (79 cm)
50
43” (109 cm)
52” (132 cm)
31” (79 cm)
52
45” (114 cm)
54” (137 cm)
31” (79 cm)
54
47” (119 cm)
57” (145 cm)
31” (79 cm)
56
49” (124 cm)
59” (150 cm)
31” (79 cm)
58
51” (129 cm)
61” (155 cm)
31” (79 cm)
60[10]XResearch source
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Take measurements over bare skin to get an accurate measurement. If you’re wearing clothes, subtract 1” from your measurements.[11]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Try different styles to see what looks best. For example, a slim cut works best on some figures, while a curvy cut works best on others. Things like the cut, fabric, and brand will all contribute to the fit of your pants.[12]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
If your pants fit well in the waist but are too long, take them to a tailor to be hemmed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toMeasure Your PantsThe Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair of JeansHow to Measure Yourself for Jeans (Men & Women)How to Take an Inseam MeasurementHow toRead Pants SizeHow toMeasure Inseam on JeansHow to Measure Leg Length at HomeHow toDetermine Belt SizeHow toTake Clothing MeasurementsHow toTake Clothing Measurements Without Measuring TapeHow toMeasure Your Crotch for PantsHow toMeasure Your WaistHow toTake Body MeasurementsHow toAlter Pants Advertisement
Co-authored by: Chloée Ohayon-Crosby Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist This article was co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France. This article has been viewed 672,554 times. 14 votes - 45% Co-authors: 9Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 672,554 Categories: Pants and Shorts | Clothing Sizes In other languages Spanish Czech Japanese Italian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 672,554 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Chloée Ohayon-Crosby Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist 14 votes - 45% Click a star to vote 45% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 9Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 672,554
Quizzes & Games
Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhich Male Body Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Kibbe Body Type QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toMeasure Your PantsThe Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair of JeansHow to Measure Yourself for Jeans (Men & Women)How to Take an Inseam Measurement
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Featured Articles
115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last MinuteHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality Test
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
How toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
How Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat Gender Should I Have Been Born As QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizWhat Will the Sex of My Baby Be QuizTake QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Clothing
Clothes by Type
Pants and Shorts
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Learn to measure your waist and choose the right pant size online Co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and Bailey Cho 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Chloée Ohayon-Crosby Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist This article was co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France. This article has been viewed 672,554 times. 14 votes - 45% Co-authors: 9 Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 672,554 Categories: Pants and Shorts | Clothing Sizes In other languages Spanish Czech Japanese Italian 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
608 
1 Measure around your natural waist. Wrap a soft measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist, laying the tape flat against your skin and parallel to the floor. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and avoid sucking in your stomach. If you’re buying low-cut or high-waisted pants, measure your waist where the pants are supposed to sit.[1] 
2 Measure from your groin to your lower ankle to get your inseam. According to costume designer and wardrobe specialist Chloée Ohayon-Crosby, “the inseam is extremely important because it’s the length of your pants.”[2] To measure the inseam, place the measuring tape at the very top of your inner thigh, then measure down the inner leg seam until you reach the bottom of your ankle.[3] 
3 Convert your measurements to find your size. Generally, your pants size will be your waist size followed by your inseam.[4] It will look something like “32 x 34,” which represents a waist measurement of 32” and an inseam measurement of 34”. 
4 Try your pants on before you buy them. Even if you think you have the right size, try your pants on in-store (if possible). They should feel snug, but not tight, around the waist and hit at the bottom of your ankle.[5] 
1 Measure your natural waist. Figure out the rise of your pants and where you want them to sit on your body. If you’re purchasing high-waisted pants, measure the narrowest part of your waist, underneath your rib cage and above your belly button. For low-rise pants, measure closer to your hips, right above your butt.[6] 
2 Take your inseam by measuring between your groin and ankle. The inseam refers to the length of the pants, and can change based on what kind of shoes you will wear. If you plan to wear flats, measure from the top of your inner thigh to just above where the shoe meets the ankle. If you’re wearing heels, put them on and measure from the top of your inner thigh to the middle of the heel shaft.[7] 
3 Convert your measurements into your size. Your size will vary depending on what country's size system you are shopping in and the clothing manufacturer. For example, a 26 inches (66 cm) waist is a standard US size 6, a UK size 10, or a French size 38. The best way to find your size in a particular brand is to compare your measurements to their size guide. 
4 Try on pants before you buy them. Sizes can vary, even when you're buying 2 pairs of pants from the same brand. It can take some trial and error to find the right fit. Don't be afraid to try a size up or down from your "true" size, and always refer to the brand’s specific measurement chart before buying pants online.[8] Advertisement