Learn to measure your inseam accurately at home with our professional tailor-approved method. Get perfect-fitting pants every time in just 3 simple steps.
The inseam is the distance from the crotch seam (the highest point of your inner thigh where the seams meet) down to the bottom of your ankle. This measurement determines the length of your pants and is one of the most important measurements for achieving a proper, professional fit.
Whether you're buying off-the-rack jeans or ordering custom-tailored trousers from Nathan Tailors in Hoi An, knowing your accurate inseam ensures your pants will have the perfect length and break.
Remove your shoes and wear form-fitting pants, leggings, or underwear. Stand up straight against a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
Pro tip: Having someone help you measure gives the most accurate results. If measuring alone, use a mirror to ensure the tape is positioned correctly.
Place the end of your measuring tape (0") at the highest point of your inner thigh where the crotch seam would be. This is typically where all seams meet at the center of your body.
Alternative method: Use a well-fitting pair of pants as reference. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom hem along the inseam.
Run the measuring tape straight down the inside of your leg to your ankle bone. Keep the tape taut but not tight - it should lay flat against your leg without pulling or bunching.
The number where the tape meets your ankle bone is your inseam measurement. Record this number in inches or centimeters.
Pro tip: Measure 2-3 times and take the average for best accuracy. Different times of day can yield slightly different measurements.
Use this reference table to see if your measurement is in the typical range for your height. Remember, these are averages - your actual inseam may vary based on body proportions.
| Height | Typical Inseam (inches) | Typical Inseam (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'4" - 5'6" | 28" - 30" | 71 - 76 cm |
| 5'6" - 5'8" | 30" - 32" | 76 - 81 cm |
| 5'8" - 5'10" | 31" - 33" | 79 - 84 cm |
| 5'10" - 6'0" | 32" - 34" | 81 - 86 cm |
| 6'0" - 6'2" | 34" - 36" | 86 - 91 cm |
| 6'2" - 6'4" | 36" - 38" | 91 - 97 cm |
Always remove shoes for accurate measurement. Shoe height can add 1-2 inches of error.
Metal tapes don't conform to your body. Use a flexible fabric measuring tape for best results.
The tape must start at the crotch seam point, not your hip or mid-thigh.
Loose pants can give inaccurate measurements. Measure your body directly or use well-fitted pants.
The average inseam for men ranges from 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), depending on height. Men who are 5'10" tall typically have a 31-33" inseam, while men at 6'2" usually have a 34-36" inseam. However, body proportions vary significantly, so always measure yourself for custom tailoring.
Always measure your inseam WITHOUT shoes. Remove your shoes and stand barefoot or in thin socks. This gives you the true inseam measurement. When you order pants from Nathan Tailors, you can specify your preferred break (how the pants sit on your shoes), and our tailors will adjust accordingly.
For custom tailoring, aim for accuracy within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm). Small errors can significantly affect the drape and break of your pants. At Nathan Tailors, our professional tailors will take your measurements in person to ensure perfect accuracy, but having your own measurements beforehand helps with planning.
Yes, but having someone help you measure gives more accurate results. If measuring alone, use the pants-flat method: lay a well-fitting pair of pants flat on the floor and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg along the inseam. This method is easier to do solo and provides reliable measurements.
If you're between sizes (e.g., 32.5"), this is exactly why custom tailoring is ideal. At Nathan Tailors in Hoi An, we create made-to-measure pants to your exact inseam measurement - no compromising with standard sizes. You'll get a perfect fit every time.
Re-measure your inseam every 6-12 months or if you experience significant weight changes, as body proportions can shift slightly. Also re-measure if you feel your pants no longer fit as well as they used to.
Now that you know your inseam, save your measurements with Nathan Tailors and get perfectly fitted custom pants, suits, and trousers tailored in Hoi An, Vietnam.
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