Tall Mens Fashion Advice

How to Measure Shorts Inseam: Men’s Guide

Learn how to measure your shorts inseam here.

How to Measure Shorts Inseam

Men's Guide

To measure your shorts inseams lay the shorts out flat with inseam at the center of the leg. Measure from the crotch to the edge of the leg along the inseam to the hem. Be sure there are no creases in your shorts, for these will change the true measurement.

This is How to Measure Shorts Inseam: Men’s Guide.

Let me show you the step-by-step process to measure the inseam of your shorts. 

Use these exact steps when ordering anything online, like tailored/bespoke shorts, jean shorts, board shorts or looking to make your shorts tighter.

Tools that will be needed to measure your shorts inseam:

  • Pair of shorts that you like
  • Flat surface
  • Sewing tape
This is a photo of Tall Paul in an inseam graphic

How to Measure Shorts Inseam

There are two ways to learn the simple steps on how to measure shorts inseam. You can follow the 51 second YouTube video or the step-by-step guide with photos below. Both ways will get your desired measurement with your shorts inseam.

1. Find a pair of shorts

Find a pair of shorts that fit you the best.

This is a photo of tall paul wearing a proper fitting pair of shorts at the beach

2. Lay the shorts flat

Lay your shorts down, preferably on a flat surface like the kitchen table or floor

This is a photo of shorts layed flat

3. Fold the shorts

Fold your shorts so that each leg is on top of the other

this is a photo of shorts folded over

4. Lift the top short leg

Lift the top shorts leg towards your waist and place them there. Be careful when placing the top leg not to twist the crotch area

this is a photo of a short leg lifted over ontop of itself

5. Remove creases

Remove any creases to get a better measurement

this is a photo of tall paul removing the creases in his shorts

6. Measure the inseam

Take a measuring tape and measure starting from the seam of your shorts till the hem.

this is a photo of the inseam of shorts being measured

7. Measure the outseam

Next, measure the outer seam as well. This is the best practice when it comes to shorts.

this is a photo of the outseam of shorts being measured

8. Or measure the thigh

If the outer of the shorts is not seamed, then measuring the thigh will do.

How to Measure Shorts Inseam: Tips

When ordering your shorts online or making them at home, you need to consider if the hem is above or below your knees, which will change the length of your inseam.

Use our other guides on how to measure clothes to help you make the correct measurement each time on any piece of clothing.

How to Measure Shorts Inseam FAQ

You measure the inseam for shorts on the inner thigh. Using the inner thigh as your guide, start measuring at the crotch and finishing measuring at the hem of the short leg.

A 5 inch inseam on shorts means the that length of the shorts are 5 inches. This is the length it will go down your thighs. A 5 inch short is great for running shorts and also trendy for fashionable shorts.

A 7 inch inseam on shorts means that the length of the shorts are 7 inches. This is the length your shorts will go down your legs (thighs, quads.) A 7 inch short is used for swimming trunks and lifestyle shorts.

Written and reviewed by
Tall Paul
Tall Paul
Paul Marlow, standing at an impressive 6'7 (201cm) and weighing 225lb (102kg), is a mental health speaker, fashion expert, and ex-athlete who excels at helping tall men find well-fitting clothing and teaching them how to style it effectively. As a model in the fashion and film industries, Paul shares his expertise in tall men's fashion, offering valuable advice on measurements, tailoring, and alterations. In addition, he founded Never Alone, an organization that provides mental health and therapy inspiration, and started the Mental Growth Newsletter to support those facing mental health challenges, drawing from his own experiences.

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