In this blog, I will tell you all you need to know about what an inseam is, where to find the inseam and how to measure your inseam. By knowing this, you will be one step closer to wearing your clothes in confidence.
Are you a taller guy trying to make an ill fitting pair of jeans work for you or making your pants tighter?
Knowing where the inseam is on your jeans, shorts, shirt, sweatpants or jacket is a piece of knowledge every tall guy must have. After finding the inseam, the second most important thing to do correctly is measure it.
Having the correct inseam measurements will help you when purchasing clothing online or in a brick-and-mortar store. You will also want to have this information on hand when getting alterations to your clothing or getting a bespoke piece made.
Bespoke meaning, getting something made from scratch that will fit your body perfectly.
The best way to avoid this and find a pair of trousers or shorts to fit you properly; you should be aware of your measurement. The waist, length, and most importantly, the inseam because the first two might fit, but if the inseam is not correct, you may feel uncomfortable every time you put on these new ones you just bought without considering the inseam. Having measurements will especially be vital when purchasing online.
Below you can read what you need to know about measuring your inseam to choose a perfect pair of trousers. You can measure them yourself or take someone’s help to do so.
Table Of Contents
Supplies & Tools:
- Sewing measuring tape
- Flat surface (any flat surface will do)


Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
- Buy your sewing measuring tape for $3.59

How To Measure Inseam
Pants, trousers or shorts can improve your style, which tells a lot about a person. You shop for them, which can complement your style and make you appealing. But usually, if you are not adequately aware of your measurements, you realize the pants you’re shopping for don’t fit. They may be perfect for your waist, but either it is too long at the hem, or your foot hardly passes the opening of a skinny trouser.
Shopping for a pair can be especially bothersome if you are a tall person, for which most of the retailers don’t cater for all sizes. To help you save time and stress over trying countless pairs on, this is how can measure your inseam to know if a size of pants will fit before trying them on.
1. Wear proper pants
Use a pair that fits you best, if you’re doing it at home. The best-fit pair will give you the best result.

2. Lay the pants down
Lay the pants down flat, preferably at a flat surface.

3. Fold pants over
Fold your pants so that each leg is on top of the other.

4. Lift top pant leg
Lift the top pant towards your waist and place them there. Be careful in placing the top pant as not to twist the crotch area. Also, remove any crease to get a better measurement.

5. Start measuring pants inseam
Take a measuring tape and measure starting from the seam of your pants till the hem. Make sure to measure it all the way down along the seam of the pants. Take the exact measurement so as not to make an error.

6. Consider the type of pants or shoes you’re going to wear
Consider the type of pants or shoes you’re going to wear with. If shopping for jeans, above ankles is a good length. If you’re buying jeans, measure for jeans and the same for other types of pants like trousers, slacks, etc.
How to measure inseam: quick tips
- Take off your shoes and stand against a wall for a perfect posture for best measurements.
- In some cases, the tag might mention the inseam on the inside; if it is, you’re good to go; if not, follow the above methods.
- When going into a tailor to get your inseam measured, it’s best to wear skin-tight pants so that it is easier for the tailor to measure.
- You can also measure inseam while naked, only wearing underwear, especially for skinny pants or jeans.
Our how to measure clothes guide, will set you up for success on any piece of clothing.
FAQ
To measure your inseam at home you will need a sewing tape (measuring tape that is loose, used by tailors and seamstresses.) Get a friend or family member to start the measuring tape inside your pant leg at your crotch and run the tape along the seam to the cuff of your pants.
If your 6’7 your inseam is around 36 to 37 inches. However height always doesn’t show up in the legs, so you could be tall but it all be in your waist. Always measure your inseam to be sure of the size.
If you have a 27 inch inseam there is a good chance you are 5’7” or 170cm.
To measure the inseam on your jeans you will want to follow the same steps as you would any other pair of pants. Start with a flexible measuring tape, putting it inside your leg at the crotch. Then measure down the seam all the way to the cuff of your jeans.