How to Measure Waist for Pants
Waist + Waistband
To measure your waist for your pants start by using a sewing measuring tape (flexible.) With your feet slightly apart, place the measuring tape above your belly button at the smallest part of your waist. Relax your stomach and wrap the tape around your waist. Keep the tape snug, but not tight, and ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor.
This is How to Measure Waist for Pants: Men’s Guide.
Welcome to our guide on how to measure your waist for your pants correctly.
Take these steps below to order your next pair of jeans online confidently or tailor a pair of slacks at home that doesn’t fit exactly how you want.
Tools needed to measure your waist:
- Sewing tape measure
How to Measure Waist for Pants
1. Use sewing tape
Using a sewing measuring tape (flexible.)
2. Put the tape above belly button
Place your feet slightly apart, put the measuring tape above your belly button at the smallest part of your waist.
3. Wrap the tape around your waist
Relax your stomach and wrap the tape around your waist.
4. Take the measurement
The number you come up with where the ends meet, is the measurement of your waist.
How to Measure Waistband for Pants
If you have a pair of pants that fit you perfectly in the waist, you can skip the step of measuring yourself and instead measure the pants waistband.
1. Choose a pair of pants
Choose a pair of pants that fit your waist best. Jeans, slacks, dress pants and joggers will all work.
2. Lay the pants flat
Zip up the pants and lay them down on a flat surface.
3. Measure the waistband
Using the sewing tape, measure the waistband from one end across to the other.
4. Multipy that number x2
Take the number from step 3 and multiply it by two. That is your waist measurement.
How to Measure Waist for Pants: Tips
- If you want a higher-waisted pair of pants, wrap the measuring tape accordingly under your belly button.
- If you want a low-rise pant, wrap the measuring tape just above the top of the buttocks.
- If you want ‘normal’ sitting pants, measure from the top of your butt to your belly button and place the tape precisely in the middle.
- Do not suck your stomach in when making the measurement. Stand in a neutral position.
- Make sure to keep the tape snug, but not tight, and ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor.
- Grab a friend to help if possible.
Find our other guides on how to measure clothes to help you make precise measurements as you build your wardrobe.
How to Measure Waist for Pants FAQ
A 36 inch waist size for men usually is a Large pants size. This all depends on the brand size guide however.
