How to Measure an Inseam for Men
Men's clothes are an important part of their wardrobe and can make a significant difference in their overall appearance. The right clothes can flatter a man's body type, and make him look taller, slimmer, or more muscular—while the wrong clothes can do just the opposite.
One aspect that's essential for making the clothes you wear appear their best is how well they fit. And that all starts with knowing your inseam.
This guide will show you how to measure inseam for men's clothing. So, whether you're shopping for new clothes or have a special occasion coming up, read on for all you need to know about measuring inseam.
What is the Inseam?
First of all, what is an inseam? The inseam is the length of the inner leg seam on a pair of pants. In other words, it's the distance from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. And just like women's clothing, men's pants come in different inseams. That's why it's so important for men to know their inseam measurements before they go shopping for new clothes.
What's the Difference Between Inseams and Outseams?
Outseams are measured from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the leg, whereas inseams are measured from the crotch to the bottom of the leg. Inseams are generally a few inches shorter than outseams.
Three Ways to Measure Your Pants Inseam
There are a few different ways to measure your pant inseam. Below are instructions for three different methods to measure your pants inseam.
Method # 1: Use a Tape Measure
The first method is the simplest and only requires a tape measure. First, put on a pair of pants that fit you well and are the right length. Then, using a tape measure, measure from your crotch to the bottom of your leg.
Method # 2: Use a Ruler
If you don't have a tape measure, you can use a ruler. Again, start by putting on a pair of pants that fit you well and are the right length. Then, using a ruler, measure from your crotch to the bottom of your leg.
Method # 3: Use a Piece of String
The third and final method is similar to the first but uses a piece of string instead of a tape measure. Again, start by putting on a pair of pants that fit you well and are the right length. Then, cut a piece of string that's about a foot long. Next, holding one end of the string at your crotch, measure down to the bottom of your leg. Once you have that measurement, use a ruler to measure the string.
Some Important Things to Remember
Keep any measuring tool straight that you use, as any angle will throw off your measurements. Be mindful of wrinkles and folds, as they will throw off measurements too.
In addition, if you like to wear shoes that have some heels to them, make sure to add a half-inch to your inseam measurement to ensure they look good with those types of shoes. Do the same with pants like denim since they are made from material that is prone to shrinking when you launder them.
How to Measure Your Sleeve Inseam
In addition to your pant inseam, you'll also want to know your sleeve inseam. Your sleeve inseam is the distance from the bottom of your armpit to the wrist. To measure it, hold one end of the tape measure at the bottom of your armpit and stretch it down to your wrist. As always, round up or down to the nearest inch.
Record Your Inseam Measurements
Once you have the measurement, it isn't a bad idea to repeat it a couple of times to make sure that you got it right. You want exact measurements so that your pants will fit you perfectly.
Why is Inseam Measurement Important?
Now that you know how to measure your inseam, you may be wondering why it's so important. The answer is simple, and we touched on it a little already—knowing your inseam measurement ensures that you buy clothes that fit you well. That way, you can avoid clothes that are too short or too long.
Where Do I Find the Inseam Listed on Men's Clothes?
The inseam is usually listed on the back of the clothing tag. The inseam will be listed as a number, followed by the letter "i." For example, if you see 32i, that means that the inseam is 32 inches long.
What if I Can't Find My Inseam Listed Anywhere?
If you can't find your inseam listed anywhere while you are browsing, don't worry. In a brick & mortar store, you can easily measure it yourself in the dressing room by using one of the three methods described above.
If you are ordering pants online from a men's fashion store like WRK, you'll measure your inseam from a pair of pants that fit you well and then match it to the digital inseam size listed on the W.R.K Fit Guide. You can do the same for your shirts.
Now that you know how to measure your inseam, it's time to go out and buy some clothes that fit you well! Be sure to check out our collection of performance dress shirts, pants, blazers and more for the perfect fit.
Happy shopping!