How to Determine My Jean Size
Don't trust the size you read on the label of your jeans. According to an August 2002 article in "Consumer Reports," jeans' manufacturers frequently adjust the sizing to make consumers feel thinner. A true size 12 may transform into a size 10 on a label. Know how to measure your jean size, and learn how to find the best fit.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Paper
- Full-length mirror
- Old pair of comfortable jeans (optional)
Instructions
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1
Wrap the measuring tape around your waist. Keep your legs and hips straight while bending, at the waist, a little to the left and a little to the right until the tape rests in the fold of your waist. Allow the measuring tape a little give in this area for movement. Record your waist measurement.
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2
Measure your hips by standing with your feet planted together and your legs straight. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your butt and hips. Don't pull the tape too tightly; instead, allow the measuring tape to rest comfortably. Record this hip measurement.
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3
Take an old pair of jeans that fit comfortably, and measure from the crotch and down one leg. This measurement equals your inseam. If you don't have an old pair of jeans or trousers, measure the length from your crotch to the top of your foot. Record this inseam measurement.
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4
Consider the shape of your body. Curvy women, for instance, find straight-leg jeans the most flattering. Avoid tapered legs and bulky pack pockets if you have a pear-shaped body (heaviest in the hips and bottom). Don't wear pleated jeans when you are curvy or pear-shaped. Wear straight-leg jeans with a low waist if you have an athletic build.
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5
Take a measuring tape and the hip, waist and inseam measurements with you to the mall. Choose one pair of jeans with the characteristics needed for your body type, and head to the fitting room. Lay the top of the jeans on a flat surface, facing up, and measure from the top left side of the waist to the top right side (horizontally). Double this number to come up with the actual waist measurement of these jeans. Compare the measurements to your own.
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Repeat Step 5 for the hip measurement. Lay the measuring tape across the jeans at the widest point on the hips of the garment. Double this figure to come up with the circumference, and compare this number to your own hip measurement. Compare the inseam measurements in the same manner.
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Repeat Step 5 and Step 6 until you find a pair of jeans that matches your measurements. Make a note of the size listed on the label of this pair of pants. This is your size for this brand of jeans, but another brand may have similar measurements with a different size. Compare jeans' measurements with your own for each brand you consider.
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Tips & Warnings
Give yourself plenty of time to shop for jeans. Finding a nice-fitting pair of jeans requires work, especially when manufacturers lack standard sizing. Go to the mall prepared to spend at least two hours searching and comparing.
