What's an Inseam? A Measuring Guide

Pants that fit right. It’s not complicated, but most guys skip this step. The inseam, the inside leg length from crotch to ankle, determines how your pants fit and move with you. Knowing your inseam measurement ensures comfort, style, and confidence in every pair of pants.

Get it right, and your pants work for you. Get it wrong, and they work against you. Here’s the no-nonsense guide to measuring inseam properly and putting your best leg forward.

What is an Inseam?

Let’s get down to it. Literally. An inseam is the length between your crotch down to your ankle bone. Essentially, it’s the distance of your inner leg. The outside of your leg, i.e. the distance from the top of your hip to the hem of your pants, is, you guessed it, your outseam. Both measurements are typically taken with a measuring tape, and recorded in inches.

Why Does the Inseam Matter?

The right inseam makes everything easier. Walk, sit, stand — your pants move with you. They look clean. They feel comfortable. No fuss. No adjustments. Just ready for anything.

Different styles, different inseams. Dress pants(opens in new window), chinos(opens in new window), performance pants, even jeans — each has its sweet spot.

How Do You Measure Your Inseam?

Luckily, you don’t need to go to a tailor to measure your inseam.

Tools you’ll need:

• Measuring tape or soft tape measure
• Flat surface
• A friend (optional, but worth it)

Step-by-Step Measuring:

1. Stand straight with legs slightly apart.
2. Place the tape at the crotch seam.
3. Run the tape down the inside leg to your preferred ankle point.
4. Record the measurement in inches.

Alternate Method: Measure a pair of pants that fits perfectly. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the hem.

Tip: A little extra care here ensures an accurate measurement and pants fit perfectly.

Measuring the inside leg accurately with a tape measure ensures your jeans or dress pants hang perfectly from crotch to ankle, providing comfort and confidence all day.

It might be easier, and more comfortable, to ask someone else to take the measurements, so that the final result is as accurate as possible.

Don’t be tempted to guess your inseam—no matter how good your estimations are, it’s not worth getting pants made that don’t fit well. Measuring an inseam only takes about 45 seconds, is very easy, and is well worth the results on your wardrobe.

How Do Inseams Differ Among Styles?

Naturally, your individual style will impact what kind of inseam you want. You’ll still need to measure from your crotch and down your inner leg, but if you prefer pants that sit slightly higher and cut at the ankle, you can end your measurement at the ankle or before it.

Remember to factor in the type of shoes that you normally wear. If you like high-top shoes, you may want a shorter inseam. If you wear sandals, longer works better. Also, think about your body shape: if you have a longer torso and shorter legs, you don’t want pants that collect at the bottom, so ensure your inseam keeps your pants seamlessly straight to lengthen your lower body.

How to Use Your Measurement When Selecting Pant Size

Knowing your inseam measurement is only half the battle. Using it correctly ensures every pair of pants you buy from Mizzen+Main fits effortlessly.

Steps to get the perfect fit:

1. Check the size chart: Compare your inseam and waist to find your ideal pants fit.
2. Consider your pant leg preference: Do you want a clean break at the ankle, or a slightly cropped look for casual wear? Use your inside leg measurement.
3. Account for style variations: Jeans, dress pants, chinos, or shorts may need slightly different inseam lengths(opens in new window) for the perfect fit.
4. Think about fabric and stretch: Performance pants or flexible fabric give extra comfort while staying true to your inseam measurement.
5. Adjust if necessary: If your measurement falls between sizes, consider your hem or pant leg style. Measure pant options(opens in new window) from Mizzen+Main to compare.

Tip: Keep your tape measure handy. Double-check your inseam measurement before shopping to ensure your pants fit as intended.

If you’re unsure about what inseam is best for you, we recommend visiting a tailor or asking a friend whose style you admire for some honest advice.

You deserve clothes that fit right and feel good, so it’s worth putting in even just a little bit of time to measure your inseam. You’ll thank us later.

Now that you know your perfect fit, find your next pair of wrinkle-resistant, performance pants. Use code MIZZENMAN3(opens in new window) to get $75 off your third pair of pants.