3 Steps to Easily Find Your Inseam

Finding and measuring your inseam is a key step towards looking your best in dress pants. Many of you may see formal wear as a mystery, and it’s easy to see why. But after following the steps below, you’ll be ready to pick out a great-fitting pair of dress pants – a key piece in any formal outfit.

 

The inseam is the distance from the crotch to the bottom of the pantleg on any pair of pants. When you’re shopping for dress pants, though, this measurement can be even more important than when looking for a casual pair. This is because ill-fitting dress pants have the potential to ruin your look.

 

When you’re trying to look your best, knowing the ins and outs of your outfit is key. It may seem like overkill to go the extra mile and learn your precise measurements. However, knowing your inseam measurement will put you ahead in terms of confidence and ability to look your best. While other men may continue to feel confused shopping for dress pants, you’ll know just what you’re looking for.

 

 

  1. Find a pair of pants that fit.

The best place to start when measuring your inseam is with a pair of pants that you already love. Instead of trying to find and measure pants that fit well at a store, take your favourite pair that you already own and start with that. These will be your reference pants.

When you’re looking for a perfect fit, inseam and waist size are key. These are the two most important measurements to know when shopping for new pants. Chances are, you already know your waist size. If not, though, you can easily find it with a tape measure.

If you already have a pair of dress pants that fit you perfectly, though, you’re in luck. Check the waist measurement on this pair and you’ll then know what your waist size is. Chances are, the tag on your dress pants also has the inseam measurement on it. If so, this will likely be the second number in a “Waist X Inseam” format (i.e. “32X34”). If not, though, you can easily find it yourself.

 

 

  1. Lay the pants flat.

With the pair of pants laid out flat, you’ll see the inseam – the line sewn from the crotch to the bottom of the pantleg. Grab a tape measure and check the length of this line. This is your inseam measurement.

Double-check the measurement by making sure the pair of pants is laying completely flat. Any folds or creases in the fabric can throw off the inseam measurement. Don’t be afraid to measure again – accuracy in this measurement makes buying pants infinitely easier.

 

  1. Keep the Measurement with You When Shopping.

Some pairs of dress pants have the inseam measurement on the tag, but some don’t. When shopping for pants, it’s best to know your inseam measurement by heart – this way you’ll be able to easily spot a pair that fits by the tag. If you can’t find the inseam measurement on the tag, trying on the pants is a good option.

However, you can also always bring a tape measure with you when shopping for pants. If you run into a pair that has no inseam measurement on the tag, you can measure yourself, checking that the inseam on the pants matches your length.

It’s also important to consider the style of the pants you are shopping for. Some pairs of dress pants come with features like pleats and cuffs. Familiarizing yourself with these can make the shopping process much easier and more enjoyable. Pleats – folds along the waist of the pants, are often paired with cuffs – folds of the fabric at the bottom of the pantleg. Non-pleated pants are called flat-front pants, and non-cuffed pantlegs are called hemmed pantlegs.

The general rule of thumb when shopping for dress pants is that pleated pants can have either hemmed or cuffed legs, but flat-front pants should only be worn with hemmed legs. This is especially important to consider when you know your inseam. If you end up with a pair of pleated pants that are too long, cuffs can be added to make the pair fit better. However, since flat-front pants are best worn with hems, knowing your precise inseam measurement is key.

This may seem like a lot of information at once. But now that you know your inseam measurement, picking a pair of pants that fit will be a breeze. With some extra knowledge about the types of dress pants, you’re even more prepared. Men’s formal fashion can seem like a confusing world. But if you put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with confidence and the gratification of looking in the mirror and loving what you see.

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