Measuring your inseam might seem like an intimate task, but it’s an important one, especially when it comes to buying clothes online. Remember that hilarious episode of “Friends” where Chandler gets measured by Joey’s tailor? Well, measuring your inseam is a bit like that, minus the awkwardness. It’s all about finding the right fit for your pants, even if they’re cozy joggers.
So, what exactly is the inseam? It’s the inside seam of your pants leg, from the crotch to the hem. But it doesn’t include the area from the crotch to the waistband, which is called the rise. On your body, the inseam measurement is from your physical crotch to the floor. It’s important to measure both your pants’ inseams and your own inseam to ensure a good fit.
To measure the inseam of your pants accurately, lay them flat and place one end of a measuring tape at the crotch seam. Then, run the tape down to the bottom hem of the pant leg. This measurement will give you the inseam for that particular pair of pants.
Now, let’s talk about measuring your own inseam. Stand against a wall with your knees straight but not locked. Hold one end of the measuring tape at your crotch, then let the tape drop down to the floor. Place one foot on the tape to keep it in place, and read the measurement at your foot. You can use a floor-length mirror to help if needed. This measurement is your personal inseam.
Knowing your inseam measurements and comparing them to the inseam measurements of pants in your closet will make online shopping for pants much easier. For pants that you want to hit right at the ankle, choose a shorter inseam. If you plan on wearing heels, opt for pants with a longer inseam. This way, you can avoid pants that are either too long or too short. Ultimately, you’ll know exactly which inseam length creates the perfect look for any pair of pants on your body, whether it’s skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, or cropped pants.
But measuring your inseam isn’t just for pants shopping; it’s also useful when buying a bike. Bike frames are sized based on inseam length, so knowing your inseam ensures that you get the right bike frame size. To measure your inseam for a bike, follow the same process as when measuring your leg seam. To simulate the width of the bike seat, you can even place a book between your legs for the most accurate measurement.
So, whether you’re shopping for new pants or looking to buy a bike, knowing how to measure your inseam will ensure the perfect fit and style. It’s a simple yet valuable measurement that can make a big difference in your fashion choices and overall comfort.