For a novice seamstress or those looking to sell their old pants on the internet, knowing how to measure pants can be very useful. Generally, there are three measurements on pants: waist, inseam, and hips. Sometimes a rise measurement, i.e. the distance from the groin to the waist of the pants, is also necessary. Knowing your pants size will make it easier for you to buy pants that are the right size, and save you the time it takes to try them on in the fitting room.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Knowing the General Rules of Measurement
Step 1. Use a measuring tape
In general, tailors or whoever makes clothes use a measuring tape to get the right measurement when someone is fitting clothes or changing the shape/size of clothes. This lightweight and flexible tool is your ultimate weapon when it comes to measuring pants.
- When measuring with a tape measure, hold the tape tightly, but not stretched. Measuring tapes are usually made of a soft synthetic material that can deform if pulled with a large enough force, resulting in inaccurate measurements.
- You can also use a plastic measuring tape that you might find in your toolbox. This type of tape measure is not easy to use, but it can bend so you can measure the curve.
Step 2. Wear pants that are the right size for you
If you're doing this to find out which style and size is right for you, it's a good idea to use pants that are the right size. Ideally, the pants should not be too worn or stretched. The leg of the pants should also extend to your ankle bone, or a little longer depending on your preference.
Not all types of pants are the same size. Take various types of pants that fit your body size. Cloth trousers are a little different from chinos (twill pants) or jeans
Step 3. Spread the pants on the floor
The easiest way to measure pants is to spread them out on a flat surface. If you try to measure the pants you are wearing, you will not be able to get the exact measurement because you will have to change your body position when taking the measurement.
- The pants shouldn't be too shabby so you can get a realistic size.
- If the pants are wrinkled, immediately smooth with an iron.
- In general, the pants measurements for men and women are the same. However, measurements for men usually use inches, while measurements for women usually use other units.
Part 2 of 2: Measuring Pants
Step 1. Measure the waist of your pants
For the most accurate trouser waist measurement, widen the pants above the floor. Flatten the pants so that there are no wrinkles / creases. However, do not stretch the pants. Take measurements at the waist of the back of the pants from one corner to the other. Multiply the result to get the actual waist measurement.
- Also make sure your pants are facing up, with the front pockets facing the ceiling.
- If you spread the pants on the floor properly, the front of the waist will be slightly below the waist of the back of the pants.
Step 2. Measure your actual waist
You may need to measure your actual waist, as well as measure your pants waist for an accurate measurement. To measure your waist, wear underwear or similar clothing that is the right size. Take measurements at your natural waist. The part in question is the circumference of the smallest center of the body, between the ribs and the navel. You can find your natural waist by bending your body to the side and looking at where your body bends. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist and record your measurement, the number that the end of the tape measure indicates when it is wrapped around your waist. Look at your measurements without bending over. Use the mirror to help you.
- Place one finger between the tape measure and your body when measuring. This is done so that you do not measure too tightly.
- Fight the urge to pull your stomach in. Try to stand as usual, but still maintain proper posture.
- Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor so you get an accurate measurement.
- If you're having trouble finding your waist, place your hands around your belly and squeeze a little. Then, move your hands down until you feel the top of your hipbones.
- By measuring your waist and trouser waist separately, you can find out your actual waist measurement, and your actual trouser waist measurement as the two may be slightly different.
Step 3. Measure your hips
Measure across from the bottom of the zipper. Make sure you measure up to the seam edge. Once you've measured the front of the pants, multiply the result to get the full measurement.
When measuring pants above the floor, make sure you measure from the outer hem of each seam
Step 4. Measure the length of the inseam
Starting at the groin, the seam where the pants are joined, measure from the inside of one leg to the bottom of the pant leg, the part that usually hangs around the shoe. You can also put on your pants and stand straight with your back to the wall for another accurate measurement. However, this method is very good if you have a friend who can measure it.
- Please note that inseams are usually rounded to the nearest 1.25 cm.
- Use the right size pants for the most accurate inseam measurement.
- If you're taking your own measurements, tape the tape to the inside of your heel, or the bottom of your pants (whichever you prefer) and then measure up.
- If the leg is not where you want it to be (if you roll up your pants), measure up to where you want the hem to go.
Step 5. Measure the rise
To measure the rise of the front of your pants, start at the bottom center of the groin seam and work your way up to the waist. The size of the rise usually ranges from 18 cm to 30 cm.
- Pants usually consist of regular, low, and high rises. Low rise is below the waist, normal rise is at the waist, and high rise is above the waist.
- Please note that the definition of rise measurement varies. Some people define "rise" as a measurement taken from the back of the waist down between the legs to the front of the waist.
Tips
- The best way to measure pants is to use one or more pairs of pants that you like and that are the right size. Then measure the pants when they're not wearing them.
- If you go to the tailor, he will take your measurements while you put on your pants. However, this is also done to get an accurate measurement of your body, not just your pants.
- If you measure your pants to find out the size for easy buying later, use your favorite pants.
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