How To Measure For Jeans
Before You Measure
Lay your best-fitting jeans flat on a table, bed or clean floor. Smooth out the waistband, legs and seams, but do not stretch the fabric. Then use a soft measuring tape to record the key measurements: waist, lower waist, front rise, back rise, hip, inseam and leg opening.
You can write your numbers down as you go using my Perfect Jeans Measurement Template. It gives you one place to record your best-fitting jeans, so you can compare new pairs more easily when shopping online or in-store.
These measurements become your personal jeans template. You can use them when comparing brands, checking size charts or understanding why one pair of jeans feels better than another.
To find jeans that fit well, start by measuring a pair you already love.
The 5 Key Jeans Measurements
Measure each of the areas below and write your numbers down using the template. These are your magic numbers for finding jeans that fit your body.
01
How to Measure the Rise on Jeans
The rise is the measurement from the top of the waistband down to the crotch seam.
To measure the rise, lay the jeans flat and measure from the top edge of the front waistband straight down to the point where the crotch seams meet.
This measurement tells you where the jeans are likely to sit on your body. A lower rise will sit closer to the hips, a mid rise usually sits around the lower waist, and a high rise sits closer to the natural waist.
Make a note of this number, especially if you already know you prefer jeans that sit higher or lower on your waist.
02
How to Measure the Waist on Jeans
To measure the waist of your jeans, lay the jeans flat and measure straight across the waistband from one side to the other. Then double that number to get the full waist measurement.
For example, if the waistband measures 15 inches across, the full waist measurement is approximately 30 inches.
Your body waist measurement and your jeans waist measurement may not be exactly the same. This is because jeans sit at different points on the body depending on the rise, cut and stretch of the denim.
For the most accurate comparison, measure a pair of jeans you already wear and love, then compare that measurement with the size chart of the jeans you are considering buying.
03
How to Measure the Inseam on Jeans
The inseam is the inside leg measurement.
To measure the inseam, start at the crotch seam and measure down the inside of the leg to the hem.
This tells you how long the jeans are. It is especially useful when shopping online because inseam length affects where jeans finish on your body — ankle length, full length, cropped or too long.
If you are petite, tall, or prefer a specific jean length, the inseam is one of the most important measurements to know. Compare it with the inseam of a pair of jeans you already love, especially when shopping online.
04
How to Measure Hips for Jeans
Your hip measurement is taken around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.
Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your hips, usually around the fullest part of your bottom and upper thighs. Keep the tape measure level and parallel to the floor.
This measurement helps you understand how jeans will fit through the hip, seat and upper thigh.
If jeans often pull across the front, feel tight around the bottom, or gape at the waist, your hip measurement is an important number to know.
05
How to Measure the Leg Opening on Jeans
The leg opening is the width of the hem at the bottom of the jeans.
Lay the jeans flat and measure straight across the bottom hem from one side to the other. You can either keep this as a flat measurement or double it to get the full circumference.
The leg opening affects the overall shape of the jeans. A narrow leg opening creates a slimmer look, while a wider leg opening gives more balance, movement and volume.
This measurement is useful when comparing skinny, straight, bootcut, flare, wide-leg or cropped jeans, particularly when shopping online.
Why Jeans Measurements Matter
Knowing your jeans measurements makes shopping much easier.
Instead of guessing your size or relying only on the number on the label, you can compare new jeans against a pair that already works for your body.
The most useful jeans measurements to keep are:
Waist
Rise
Hip
Inseam
Leg opening
Once you know these numbers, you can shop with more confidence, avoid repeat mistakes, and understand which jeans are more likely to fit before you order them.
Jeans sizing changes from brand to brand, but your best measurements give you a reliable starting point.
Need somewhere to record your numbers? Download the Denim Measurement Worksheet
How to Use Your Measurements When Shopping Online & In-Store
Before ordering jeans online, compare your measurements with the brand’s size chart and product details. Look for the rise, inseam, fabric content and stretch level where possible. Also, read the customer reviews to get an idea of how they fit.
If you already know your rise, waist, hip and inseam measurements, you can quickly rule out jeans that are unlikely to work for your body shape and proportions.
Your measurements will not guarantee a perfect fit every time, but they give you a much better starting point than guessing from the size label alone.
Carry a tape measure and save your measurements on your phone so you don’t have to guess when shopping for jeans.
Read next: How to Find Jeans That Fit
Measuring Jeans: Your Questions Answered
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Waist, rise, hips, inseam and leg opening.
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Measure both if you can, on this page you will find downloadable worksheets & templates for both.
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Because every brand cuts differently, and fabric, stretch, rise and shape all affect the fit. this is why knowing your measurements are important.
Still Unsure Which Jeans Will Fit?
If you know your measurements but still feel unsure which rise, shape or brand will work for your body, I can help you find the right jeans without the usual trial, error and stress.
Ready to put your measurements to work?
Find Jeans That Fit →