What is an inseam measurement?

Inseam is the distance from your crotch seam to the bottom of your pants leg. It determines your pants length and is measured down the inside of your leg.

How do I measure inseam without pants?

Stand straight and have someone measure from your crotch (where your legs meet your body) straight down the inside of your leg to your ankle bone. For dress pants, measure to just above where your shoe starts.

What is the average inseam for men?

The average male inseam is 30-32 inches (76-81 cm). Inseam varies significantly with height -- a 5'8" man typically has a 29-30 inch inseam while a 6'2" man may have a 33-34 inch inseam.

What pants break style should I choose?

For a modern look, choose a slight break or no break (pants barely touch or do not touch the shoe). For traditional style, a medium break where fabric rests on the shoe is classic.

How to Measure Inseam for Pants Length - The Complete Guide

Master the inseam measurement for perfect pants length. Learn the professional method used by tailors worldwide.

Proper inseam measurement technique for pants length - measuring tape from crotch down inside leg to desired hem length

How to Measure Your Inseam: Step-by-Step Guide

Put on a pair of well-fitting pants to identify the starting point

Stand straight with your feet about 15 cm apart

Place the end of the measuring tape at your crotch seam (where the legs meet)

Run the tape down the inside of your leg

Measure to where you want the pants to end (typically ankle bone)

For dress pants, measure to just above the shoe (slight break on shoe)

For casual pants, measure to the ankle bone

Keep the tape straight down the inside of your leg, not angled

Progress: Step 1 of 8

Common Mistakes When Measuring Inseam

✗Measuring the outside of the leg instead of inside
✗Not standing straight during measurement
✗Measuring to the floor instead of to ankle/shoe break point
✗Pulling the tape too tight or letting it sag

Professional Tips for Measuring Inseam

✓Different shoe heights change your inseam need - measure with the shoes you'll wear
✓For a modern look, pants should have a slight break or no break on the shoe
✓Traditional fit has a medium break where fabric rests on the shoe
✓It's easier to have someone measure this for you while you stand still

Related Measurements

Waist

Hip

Thigh

Ready to Get Measured?

Submit your measurements online or visit us in Hoi An for a professional fitting.

Submit Measurements Online Book a Fitting

← Back to Complete Measurement Guide

Don't have a measuring tape?

A soft white cloth tailor’s tape measure, 60 inches and 150 cm dual scale with a brass tip

GDMINLO

Soft Tailor’s Tape Measure — 60 in / 150 cm, dual scale

★4.8· 67k ratings·usually under $5

A flexible cloth body tape with both inches and centimetres — the exact kind we use in the workshop. Sixty inches covers any chest, waist, or hip. Grab two so you can hold one taut while you read the other.

Get it on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Nathan Tailors earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Price is approximate; see Amazon for the current price.