Learning how to measure pants can always come in handy, whether you're an aspiring tailor or you've just decided to sell used jeans. The three basic dimensions are the waist, hips and leg length, but sometimes the height of the crotch is also added. Knowing these references will allow you to more comfortably buy new clothes that fit perfectly, saving you a lot of time that you would otherwise have to spend in the fitting room.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Initial Preparation
Step 1. Use a tape measure
Tailors and all other professionals in the fashion world often use this tool to take a person's measurements, to recommend a garment or to adapt its size; this portable and flexible meter will be of great help to you in the procedure indicated below.
- When using the tape measure, stretch it well, but do not overdo it: the material used is generally synthetic and soft, so it could stretch and permanently damage if stretched excessively, making the measurements inaccurate.
- You can also use a plastic tape measure, which you may find in the toolbox; it will be less simple to use than the previous one but still flexible enough to follow the curves of the garments.
Step 2. Use a pair of pants that fit you well
If you want to take measurements to recognize which style and which size is best for you, it would be best to measure garments that fit perfectly. The legs will need to reach roughly the protrusion of the ankle or slightly lower, depending on your preference.
Prepare different models that all fit you, because different styles will not have identical measurements: the trousers of an elegant suit will be made slightly different than a pair of jeans or chinos
Step 3. Place the pants on the floor, laying them out carefully
It will be easier for you to measure your clothes if you put them on a flat surface; if you want to measure them while wearing them, you will not get anything precise, because the clothes will follow the movements of your body during the procedure.
- You shouldn't use pants that are too worn.
- If your chosen pants are creased, iron them quickly.
- The procedure to follow is about the same for men's or women's clothing; however, men's or women's sizes are not the same size for the same number.
Part 2 of 2: Measure the Pants
Step 1. Measure the waist of the pants
To obtain accurate data, place them on the floor and level them well, so that there are no bulges or curves, but without stretching them too much. Measure the waist on the back band from one end to the other, doubling the number read on the tape measure to get the actual measurement.
- Make sure clothing is straight, with front pockets facing up.
- If you have positioned the pants correctly, the front of the waist will be slightly lower than the back.
Step 2. Measure your waist size
You should take the length of both the waist of the pants and your waist, so that you have a complete reference. For correct data, wear underwear (or other thin clothing) of the right size. Take the measurements at your waist, or in the thinnest part of your body, between the ribs and the navel; you can also spot it by bending over to the side and looking at where the skin folds. Pass the tape measure around your waist and mark the number indicated where it overlaps the other end; try not to bend over, rather use a mirror to help you read.
- Keep a finger between the tape and the skin, so you don't make a mistake if you stretch the tape too much.
- Try to resist the urge to pull your belly in - you will need to assume an upright but still normal posture.
- Always keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
- If you find it difficult to locate your waistline, place your hands around your chest at stomach level and squeeze lightly; now come down slowly, stopping when you touch the top of the pelvis bones.
- By taking two separate measurements, both of your waistband and that of the pants, you can check which is your real size and that of the pants, as the two measurements may differ slightly.
Step 3. Measure your hips
Check the width of the pants at the bottom of the zip, making sure you go horizontally from one seam to the other; when you are done, double the number on the meter to get the actual measurement.
When taking measurements with clothing flat on the floor, always use the outer edges of the seams as a reference
Step 4. Measure the length of the leg
Starting from the crotch, where the two halves of the trousers meet, bring the tape down following the inside of one leg to the bottom, where it would rest on the shoe; you can also wear the garment while standing, with your back straight and leaning against a wall, thus obtaining another measure of comparison. However, this second method only gives accurate results if you can get help from someone else.
- Leg length is generally rounded off to the nearest half inch in the case of US sizes.
- Use a pair of trousers that fit well, in order to have an optimal reference.
- If you can't get anyone to help you, tape the tape measure to your heel or bottom of your pants (depending on which method you've chosen) and then bring the tape up.
- If your trouser leg isn't your preferred length (so you need to turn part of it inside out), measure only as far as you'd like your ideal pair to go.
Step 5. Measure the height of the horse
Start at the lowest center of the crotch seam, working up to the top of the trouser waist. Dimensions are generally between 180 and 300 mm (7 to 12 inches).
- Usually there are distinct models between high, normal and low waist: the first come above the wearer's waist, the second at the waist and the third stop lower.
- Note that the definition of crotch height is not always the same: some take this measurement from the back top of the trouser waist, down between the legs and up to the front top of the waist.
Advice
- The best way to measure your pants is to use a pair that you like and that are the right size, then take your measurements without wearing them.
- If you go to a tailor, he will measure your garments while you are wearing them; however, this is mostly used to measure the size of your body and not just those of your clothes.
- If you need measurements to know your size for future expenses, use your favorite pair of pants.
