How to Measure Your Inseam
Your inseam measurement is the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. It determines how long your pants or trousers need to be. An accurate inseam measurement ensures that your pants hit at the right point on your shoe, whether you prefer no break, half break, or a full break. Below are two reliable methods to measure your inseam.
Method 1: Measuring Yourself
- 1Put on the shoes you plan to wear with the pants. This ensures the length accounts for your heel height.
- 2Stand up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart on a hard, flat floor.
- 3Have someone place one end of a flexible tape measure at the point where your inner thigh meets your crotch (the highest point).
- 4Run the tape measure straight down the inside of your leg to your ankle bone (or to the floor if you want a full-length measurement).
- 5Read the measurement and round to the nearest half inch. Measure twice to confirm accuracy.
Method 2: Measuring from Existing Pants
- 1Find a pair of pants that fit you well in the length. They should hit your shoes exactly where you like.
- 2Lay the pants flat on a table or the floor, smoothing out any wrinkles. Fold one leg over the other so the inner seam is exposed.
- 3Place your tape measure at the crotch seam (where the inner seams of both legs meet).
- 4Measure straight down along the inner seam to the bottom hem of the pant leg.
- 5Record the measurement. This is your inseam length for that particular pant style and break.
Inseam by Height Reference Chart
If you cannot measure yourself right now, use this chart as a starting point based on your height. These are approximate values for a regular break. Adjust up or down depending on your preferred trouser style.
| Height | Short | Regular | Long |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4" - 5'6" | 27" | 28" | 29" |
| 5'7" - 5'8" | 28" | 30" | 31" |
| 5'9" - 5'10" | 29" | 31" | 32" |
| 5'11" - 6'0" | 30" | 32" | 33" |
| 6'1" - 6'2" | 31" | 33" | 34" |
| 6'3" - 6'4" | 32" | 34" | 36" |
| 6'5" and above | 33" | 35" | 37" |
Tips for an Accurate Inseam
Measure in the Shoes You Will Wear
Different shoes have different heel heights. Dress shoes, boots, and sneakers will all change where your pants fall. Always measure while wearing the shoes you intend to pair with the pants.
Account for Hem Style
If you plan to have your pants hemmed with a cuff, add about 1.5 to 2 inches to your raw inseam measurement. A plain hem does not require extra length.
Understanding Break Types
No Break: The trouser leg barely touches the top of your shoe with no fold or crease. This is a modern, slim look. Subtract about 0.5 inches from a standard inseam.
Half Break: A slight fold where the trouser meets the shoe. This is the most versatile and recommended option for dress pants and suits.
Full Break: A noticeable fold at the front of the shoe. This is a more traditional look that works well with wider-leg trousers. Add about 0.5 to 1 inch to a standard inseam.