Finding the ideal pair of jeans is such a hopeless endeavor. You go into a shop, try on several pairs, and somehow nothing really seems quite right. The waist may be ideal, but the length is all off. Or perhaps you can’t get your foot in the ankle slit of that fashionable skinny pair of jeans you’ve been wanting. To find a perfect match, you must measure your inseam first.

The key to sidestepping these annoying fitting disasters is recognizing one important measurement: your inseam. Taking this easy yet vital measurement can turn your jean-fitting experience from a gamble into a science. 

What Is an Inseam?

An inseam is the length between your crotch and the bottom of the leg opening of your trousers. This figure indicates how your jeans will sit on your body and is important to get right if you want perfect fit for various denim cuts.

Knowing your inseam measurement means you can shop with assurance, whether you want cropped jeans, straight-leg cuts, or boyfriend jeans that graze the top of your ankle.

Read more about what is inseam here. 

How to Take Your Inseam: Two Easy Ways

Method 1: Measuring Your Body

The easiest way to measure your inseam is to grab a measuring tape and measure from just below your crotch down to the bottom of your ankle. 

Here’s how:

1. Stand up against a wall
2. Put the measuring tape across your crotch seam
3. Pull the tape down to where you would like your jeans to fall
4. Measure in inches

This technique provides you with your own inseam measurement, which you can use as a reference point for all your jeans purchases.

Method 2: Using Existing Jeans

If you already have a pair of jeans that fit you well, you can make use of them as a pattern:

1. Place the jeans flat on a table
2. Measure along the seam from the crotch to the bottom
3. This measurement is the inseam of those specific jeans

Understanding Inseam Lengths and How They Influence Style

Your jeans’ inseam length significantly impacts both the silhouette and overall style. Here’s the way various measurements form different styles:

Short Inseam Jeans (21″ – 30″)

The shorter the inseam, the shorter the jeans. These measurements are ideal for:

• Cropped jeans that fall higher than the ankle
• Petite women who require 28- or 30-inch inseam jeans
• Incorporating a current, ankle-sweeping silhouette

Medium Inseam Jeans (30″ – 32″)

This range works well for:

• Average height individuals
• Straight-leg pairs that strike just above the ankle
• Versatile styling options

Long Inseam Jeans (32″ – 36″)

For those who are very tall or prefer longer lengths:

• Look for jeans with a 36-inch inseam
• Perfect for straight-leg styles that hit right at the ankle
• Essential for achieving a clean, elongated silhouette

How Inseam Affects Different Jean Styles

Skinny Jeans

In a skinny jean, inseam length will be a matter of personal preference. Do you like your jeans to bag at the ankle, or do you prefer a neater look? The longer the inseam of the jean, the more the fabric will bag at the end. Take your height and what look you prefer into consideration when deciding between inseam lengths.

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans should be a little bit shorter in inseam because they’re supposed to sit on top of the ankle area. These relaxed fit jeans are like wearing crop denim, so they usually only come in 27\” or 29\” lengths. While they’ll be more spacious in hip and thigh, the inseam will not be on a long inseam jean.

Straight-Leg Jeans

For a straight-leg pair that’s longer, the best fit would be hitting the ankle area directly. This type of style is very flexible, so having a broad range of inseams to pick from is a must. 

Straight-leg styles can be found in petite and long inseam lengths, with others offered up to 36″”. 

Height and Inseam: Finding Your Perfect Match

Your height has a big impact on the ideal inseam length:

• Petite (5’4″ and below): Try 28″ – 30″ inseams
• Average (5’5″ – 5’8″): Try 30″ – 32″ inseams
• Tall (5’9″ and taller): Try 34″ – 36″ inseams

These are only general guidelines. Your own sense of style and individual fit differences among various brands may dictate adjustments.

Pro Tips to Measure Your Inseam Success

• Measure twice: Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy
• Consider your shoes: Think about the heel height you’ll typically wear with your jeans
• Account for shrinkage: Some denim may shrink slightly after washing
• Try different fits: The same inseam may look different across various jean styles
• Don’t forget alterations: A tailor can adjust inseam length if you find the perfect fit in every other dimension

The Bottom Line : Measure Your Inseam

Don’t let a different pair of jeans trick you into believing waist sizing is the only thing that matters. With this knowledge to measure your inseam and knowing how various lengths influence the way your jeans are styled, you’re ready to make smart choices before you even venture into the fitting room.

Whether you’re buying a comfortable straight-leg pair, fashion-forward skinny jeans, or casual boyfriend jeans, knowing your inseam size guarantees that you’ll get jeans that not only fit your figure but also suit your style to perfection.

Take the time to measure your inseam correctly, and you’ll never again feel that sinking sensation of discovering a hopeful pair of jeans just doesn’t fit perfectly. Your ideal pair waits for you – and now you know exactly how to find them.