Finding the perfect pair of pants often feels like a gamble, especially when shopping online. While waist size is important, the “inseam” is the measurement that truly determines whether your trousers look sharp or sloppy.1
An inseam is the distance from the very top of your inner thigh (the crotch) to the bottom of the leg opening (the hem).2 Whether you are preparing for aesthetic photoshoot ideas for men or just need a reliable pair of daily jeans, knowing this number is essential for a tailored look.
What is an Inseam? Understanding the Basics
In technical terms, the inseam is the length of the inner seam of a garment.3 It is fundamentally different from the outseam, which measures the total length from the top of the waistband down the outside of the leg to the floor.4
Inseam vs. Outseam: What’s the Difference?
- Inseam: Focuses on the internal leg length.5 It remains relatively consistent regardless of the “rise” of the pants (how high they sit on your waist).
- Outseam: Changes based on whether the pants are high-waisted or low-rise.6
Two Simple Ways to Measure Your Inseam at Home
You don’t need a professional tailor to find your size. You can either measure a pair of pants you already love or measure your body directly.
Method 1: How to Measure Inseam on Pants (The Flat Lay)
This is the most reliable method for online shopping because it accounts for how you like your pants to “break” (fold) over your shoes.
- Select Your Favorite Pair: Choose pants that fit exactly how you want your new ones to fit.
- Lay Them Flat: Place them on a hard surface like a table.7 Fold them in half lengthwise so the legs are perfectly aligned.
- Find the Crotch Seam: Locate the point where the four seams meet in the crotch area.8
- Measure to the Hem: Run a soft tailor’s tape from that center point down the inside of the leg to the very bottom of the leg opening.9
Method 2: How to Measure Inseam on Yourself
If you don’t have a reference pair, you can measure your body. This is similar to how to measure ring size at home—precision is key.
- Stand Barefoot: Shoes can add an inch or more to your height, which will throw off the measurement.10
- Posturing: Stand straight with your back against a wall.11
- The “Book Method”: If you are alone, place a thin book between your legs, as high as comfortably possible toward your groin.12
- Measure Down: Measure from the top edge of the book down to the floor (or your ankle bone for a shorter fit).13
Inseam Variations for Men and Women
While the measurement technique is the same, the application varies by gender and style.14
How to Measure Inseam for Men
Men’s pants are almost always sold by two numbers (e.g., 34×32). The first is the waist, and the second is the inseam.15
- Standard Fit: The hem should hit the top of your shoe with a slight fold (the “break”).16
- Modern/Slim Fit: Usually requires a slightly shorter inseam (1/2 inch less) to avoid bunching at the ankle.
How to Measure Inseam for Women
For women, the inseam depends heavily on footwear.17
- For Flats: Measure to the bottom of the ankle bone.18
- For Heels: You must add length.19 A general rule is to add 1 to 2 inches to your standard inseam so the flare or hem covers the heel of the shoe without dragging on the ground.
Average Inseam Table by Height
While everyone’s proportions differ, these averages serve as a helpful starting point:
| Height | Men’s Avg Inseam | Women’s Avg Inseam |
| 5’3″ (160 cm) | 27″ – 28″ | 25″ – 26″ |
| 5’7″ (170 cm) | 29″ – 30″ | 28″ – 29″ |
| 5’11” (180 cm) | 31″ – 32″ | 30″ – 32″ |
| 6’3″ (190 cm) | 34″ – 36″ | 33″ – 34″ |
FAQ: Common Questions About Inseam Measurements
Should I round up or down?
If you are between sizes (e.g., 30.5 inches), it is usually safer to round up to 31. You can always hem pants that are too long, but you can rarely lengthen pants that are too short.
Do jeans shrink?
Yes. Raw denim and 100% cotton pants can shrink up to 0.5 inches in the wash. If you buy “pre-shrunk” or “sanforized” denim, this is less of a concern.
What is a “cropped” inseam?
A cropped fit usually stops 2–3 inches above the ankle.20 For most people, this means subtracting about 3 inches from their standard inseam measurement.
How To Measure Inseam, Pant Rise & Pant Leg Opening
This video provides a practical visual demonstration of how to accurately measure along the inner leg and find the crotch seam for a perfect fit.
