Jeans are the hardest thing to buy online, because denim sizing varies more between brands than almost any other garment and because five different measurements affect the fit. Learning how to measure for jeans takes ten minutes and a tape measure, and removes most of the guesswork from ordering.
There are two ways to do it: measure your body, or measure a pair of jeans that already fits you well. Both are covered below. When they disagree, the pair that fits is usually the better guide — it already reflects how you like denim to sit. More in our Size Guides section.
What You Need
- A soft, flexible tape measure
- A flat surface such as a table or the floor
- A pair of jeans that fits you well, if you have one
- Someone to help with the inseam, if measuring your body
- Somewhere to write the numbers down
How to Measure Your Body for Jeans
Waist
Measure where the jeans will actually sit, which is not always your natural waist. A high-rise jean sits near the natural waist; a mid-rise sits lower, around the top of the hip bones. Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, standing with your feet together. Keep the tape parallel to the floor all the way round.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch down the inside of the leg to the point where you want the hem. Stand straight, and have someone else hold the tape if you can — bending to read it changes the number.
Rise
The distance from the crotch to where the waistband sits. It decides whether a jean feels high or low, and is easiest to take from a pair of jeans rather than your body.
Thigh
Around the fullest part of one thigh, just below the crotch. It matters most for slim and straight fits.
How to Measure a Pair of Jeans That Fits
The more accurate method. Lay the jeans flat, buttoned and zipped, and smooth out any wrinkles.
Waist
Straight across the top of the waistband from edge to edge, then double the number.
Hip
Straight across, about three inches below the bottom of the waistband, then double it.
Inseam
From the crotch seam down the inside leg seam to the hem.
Front Rise
From the crotch seam straight up to the top of the waistband at the front.
Leg Opening
Straight across the hem, then double it. Useful when comparing straight, wide and slim fits.
When the Two Methods Disagree
Body measurements tell you what you are; garment measurements tell you what you like. Most people wear jeans slightly looser or tighter than their body measurement suggests, and the pair you reach for every week already encodes that preference.
Where the two disagree, trust the garment — unless the pair you measured is one you have never been quite happy with. In that case, use your body measurements and read how jeans should fit to decide how much ease you want.
Turning Measurements Into a Size
Enter your waist and hips, and your inseam if you have it. The converter gives your size across systems and shows how brands compare.
For an example of how one brand labels waist and length, see the Levi's size chart explained. If you are tall, read jeans for tall women; for which cut suits your proportions, jeans for your body shape and the body shape calculator. The same measuring habits apply to dresses — see how to measure for a dress and the dress size calculator. Between sizes? What to do between sizes covers it.
Jeans Size Converter
Waist inches to jeans size, with W and L explained.
Try this free calculator to find your exact match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure myself for jeans?
Where should I measure my waist for jeans?
How do I measure my inseam?
Is it better to measure myself or my jeans?
What is the rise on jeans?
For background on how clothing sizes are standardised, see EN 13402, the European size-labelling standard, and on the measurement itself, inseam.
Brand and sizing data on this site is reviewed quarterly. If a figure here is wrong, email fashion@womensfashioneu.com and it will be checked and corrected.
