How to Calculate Pant Size

Armed with your measurements, you can buy a great fitting pair of pants regardless of the size on the label.

Calculate pants sizes by knowing your body measurements. Body measurements will yield accurate size results regardless of the size assigned to a pair of pants by a brand or store. Keep your measurements in your wallet along with a tape measure when you go shopping and you'll be armed with the necessary calculations to score a great fitting pair of pants.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Paper
• Second person optional

Instructions

Waist and Hips Measurements

1. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at the narrowest point, under your ribcage, but above your pelvis. Assume a natural position. According to Clearwater Knits, "At the point where the tape overlaps, pinch with your fingers to record the exact spot." This is your waist measurement.

2. Determine your hip measurement by wrapping the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. According to Transprism Shop, "When you wrap the measuring tape make sure it is not too tight or too loose. There should be no gap between the tape and body, but the tape should not sink into the skin at all."

3. 

   Keep your measurements in your wallet.

   Write these measurements on paper.

Pants Length and Inseam Measurements

1. Measure for pants length in two ways: waist-to-floor and inseam. According to Clearwater Knits, "Wear the shoes and undergarments you will be wearing with the finished garment. Heels affect fit and drape, especially for skirts and pants."

2. Hold the tape measure at your waist, dropping the tape to the floor. Have another person note where the tape hits the top of your foot. This is the overall length of the pants needed.

3. 

   Jeans are often sized by waist measurement and inseam measurement.

   Find your inseam measurement, or the length of the pants leg required, by placing the end of the tape measure against your inner thigh where your groin meets your leg. Measure down your inner leg to your ankle. This is easier if another person assists. Men's jeans are sized by waist measurement and inseam; size 36x34 means a man has a 36-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam measurement.

Crotch Depth and Length Measurements

1. Sit on a hard chair while holding the tape measure in your hand. Measure along your side from your waist, stopping at the chair. This is your crotch depth or rise. Many pants indicate rise measurements to let you know where they'll rest on your body.

2. Determine your crotch length. According to New Mexico State University, "Measure from center front waist through crotch to center back waist. Mark the measurement from the front waist to the center of your body and the measurement from back waist to the center of your body."

3. 

   Crotch depth and length let you know where the pants will rest on your body.

   Write these measurements on paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for pants that have your waist, hips and inseam measurements. If you're choosy about the rise of your pants, use your crotch depth and length measurements to assist you in selecting pants. Measure pants in the store with a tape measure and compare measurements with your body's measurements. Some companies provide size charts allowing you to compare and match your calculated measurements to the numerical or lettered (S - small, M - medium, L - large, XL - extra large) size.

References

• New Mexico State University: Making Perfect Pants
• Clearwater Knits: How to Take Measurements
• Transprism Shop: How to Take Measurements