How to Measure the Inseam on Jeans | Step-by-Step Guide

Maurice Malone

If you know denim...

African American denim designer and fashion brands owner Maurice Malone speaking to students in denim class at Parson School of Design
Hands measuring the inseam of a pair of jeans laid flat on a table, demonstrating the correct technique for how to measure the Inseam on jeans.
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How to Measure the Inseam on Jeans

When it comes to buying jeans—especially online—getting the right inseam measurement is crucial for a proper fit. Whether you’re checking your size before ordering, comparing different brands, or preparing for hemming, measuring the inseam correctly ensures you won’t end up with jeans that are too short or too long.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to measure the inseam on jeans the right way, just like the professionals. Plus, watch our quick video tutorial featuring Williamsburg Garment Company’s own Maurice Malone, who walks you through the process step by step.

📏 What Is the Inseam on Jeans?

The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam (where the inner thigh seams meet) down to the hem of the pant leg. It determines the length of your jeans and is one of the most important sizing details when shopping for denim.

🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Measure the Inseam on Jeans

Follow these steps to measure your inseam accurately:

1️⃣ Lay the Jeans Flat

  • Find a flat surface (like a table or the floor) to lay your jeans down.
  • Smooth out any wrinkles, but don’t stretch the fabric.

2️⃣ Start at the Center of the Crotch Seam

  • Place your measuring tape at the center of the crotch seam, between the two stitch lines of the flat-felled seam.
  • This is the center point of the flat-felled seams, which ensures an accurate starting position.

3️⃣ Follow the Natural Shape of the Leg

  • Extend the measuring tape down the inside of the leg, following the natural curve.
  • Avoid pulling the tape too tight or leaving slack—precision matters!

4️⃣ Measure to the Hem

  • Stop at the bottom edge of the hem and take note of the number.
  • This final measurement is your inseam length.

🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔴 Measuring in a straight line – The inseam follows the natural curve of the leg, so don’t measure at an angle or cut across the fabric.

🔴 Starting at the wrong point – Always measure from the center of the crotch seam, between the stitch lines, not from the seam line or a random point along the leg.

🔴 Ignoring fabric twist – Some jeans, especially washed or vintage styles, may have a slight twist. Follow the intended seam line, not any twisting caused by wear.

👖 Why Accurate Inseam Measurements Matter

If your jeans are too long or too short, it affects both comfort and style. Knowing your inseam helps when:
✅ Buying jeans online – Compare with the brand’s size chart to get the right fit.
✅ Altering your jeans – Get the perfect length when hemming.
✅ Finding the right cut – Different inseams work better for different styles (stacking, cuffing, or a clean break at the shoe).

⚠️ Don’t Assume the Inseam Length on the Tag Is Accurate

When you purchase a pair of jeans, it is highly likely that the inseam length on the tag is not correct. Most brands intentionally make their inseams longer than the labeled length, figuring it’s better to be longer than shorter or to allow for shrinkage after washing or alterations if needed. However, in some cases, brands may even produce inseams that are shorter than labeled—so always measure your jeans instead of trusting the tag.

⚠️ Be Careful When Ordering Hemming on Multiple Jeans

If you’re getting multiple pairs of jeans hemmed, avoid ordering the same inseam length across different styles without considering fit type and rise length.

  • Rise differences matter – Even if two jeans have the same waist measurement, a longer rise will result in an inseam that appears longer. Since both jeans sit at the same position on your body due to the identical waist measurement, the additional rise length means the hem will fall lower on your leg.
  • Waist opening affects inseam fit – The waist opening measurement generally determines where jeans sit on your body. For example, a larger waist measurement will sit lower on the hips compared to a smaller waist, even if the rise is the same. This lower placement causes the inseam to effectively be longer, as the jeans rest further down on your body.

These factors mean that jeans of the same labeled inseam can fit very differently based on their waist and rise measurements. To ensure consistency, always measure each pair individually before choosing a hemming length.

📌 Need Professional Denim Alterations?

At Williamsburg Garment Company, we specialize in professional denim hemming and alterations, ensuring your jeans fit perfectly—no matter the inseam length.

👉 Visit our site for expert hemming & alterations

In a close-up of a jeans leg with twisting, denim designer Maurice Malone explains why a common denim issue is caused, either by shrinkage or improper sewing.
Denim designer Maurice Malone explains why shrinkage or incorrect sewing causes a common denim issue in a close-up of a twisting jeans leg.
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Why are the legs on my jeans twisting and how to fix it

Got a twisted leg on your jeans? If one leg seam always seems to drift to the front or back, you’re dealing with a classic issue called “leg twist.” It’s a common problem in denim, often caused by fabric shrinkage or improper sewing.

In our first video, I explain the two main reasons why jeans legs twist: poor sewing at the factory and uneven fabric shrinkage, or sometimes a mix of both.

In this video, I’ll show you exactly how we professionally fix a twisted leg on jeans, ensuring that they fit comfortably with seams that stay straight. Using expert techniques and specialized machinery, we rework the leg (tapering it) to correct the twist, making your jeans feel just right again.

Watch as I walk you through the step-by-step process of how to identify leg twist, why it happens, and what it takes to fix leg twist in jeans effectively.

Whether you’re curious about denim alterations, experiencing a twisted leg on your favorite jeans, or simply want to know how to get your jeans looking right, this video is for you!

Two glasses on a table, left filled with Montauk Pumpkin Ale showing a darker hue and creamier head, right filled with Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale, lighter in color.

New York Pumpkin Ales Face-Off: Brooklyn Brewery vs. Montauk Brewing

In the realm of New York State pumpkin ales, both Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Montauk Brewing Company’s Pumpkin Ale offer lighter takes on this seasonal favorite, each with its own unique flair.

Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is marked by its lighter color and a head that vanishes quickly, offering a refreshing clarity in its presentation. It boasts a straightforward pumpkin flavor that headlines its profile, complemented by a subtle blend of spices. This makes it an exceptionally refreshing choice, perfect for those who appreciate a pumpkin ale that’s flavorful yet not overpowering. Its clean finish and balanced taste make it highly approachable and enjoyable.

Montauk Pumpkin Ale, while also on the lighter side, introduces a spicier kick and a notable hoppy character. It pours a little darker and features a creamier, more persistent head. Spices like nutmeg and earthy cinnamon are slightly more pronounced than in the Post Road, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier touch. However, it shares a similar lightness in body and flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit of spice without the heaviness often associated with pumpkin ales. The finish here is slightly bitter, adding a distinct touch to its overall profile.

While both ales are crafted for those who prefer a milder pumpkin experience, Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale edges out slightly for those seeking a cleaner, more refreshing taste, whereas Montauk’s offering will appeal to those who enjoy a gentle spice presence with a hoppy note in their brew. Both are excellent choices for a light, enjoyable pumpkin ale experience.

Curious to see where each of these beers ranks among other contenders? Check out our “A Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked” to see how Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road and Montauk Brewing’s offerings compare to other top pumpkin ales this season.

Black-and-white illustration comparing slim-fit and baggy jeans, highlighting differences in inseam fit and rise.
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Hemming 101: Why the Same Inseam Length Can Fit Differently

We have extensive experience hemming jeans and pants, as well as providing fittings to numerous customers. One of the things we often hear from those who request the same inseam without going through a fitting session is that they ordered the same inseam across their various jeans and pants, but some came out longer or shorter than others. Therefore, when a customer arrives with multiple jeans or pants and requests the same length throughout the styles, we explain why it could be a mistake.

The same inseam length can look different on various styles of jeans and pants. For instance, jeans or pants with identical waist measurements and inseam lengths but different rise measurements will fit differently. A pair with a 1-inch longer rise may result in a hem that falls 1 inch lower.

Similarly, the waist opening measurement affects where the jeans or pants sit on your body. Larger waist openings cause them to sit lower on your hips, making them appear longer even if the rise and inseam are the same.

Moreover, the labeled waist size doesn’t always match the actual waist measurement, and even the same size in the same brand can vary. While the same brand and style are more likely to fit the same, it’s not always guaranteed.

For those seeking consistency in the positioning of their jeans and pants, it is advisable to invest some extra time in separately fitting each pair. It would be a mistake to assume that the same length would yield the same results across styles. Therefore, always measure each pair individually for hemming. 

A pair of jeans showing a newly attached replacement belt loop beside the original worn, detached loop, highlighting professional repair work by the Williamsburg Garment Company's belt loop repair service.
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Getting replacement belt loops done right

Repairing Belt Loops: Why Quality Matters

Belt loops are one of those essential details on your pants that you probably don’t think about—until one rips off, that is. Whether you’re dealing with jeans, workwear, or your favorite pair of chinos, a broken belt loop can be a real inconvenience. And while you might think, “I can sew that back on myself,” replacing belt loops isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

Sure, home sewing kits and patch jobs might seem like a quick solution, but the reality is that unless you’ve got the right tools and techniques, the results can look sloppy. A DIY job often lacks the durability of professional stitching, leading to issues like weak attachment, uneven loops, or mismatched stitching. Similarly, while some tailors may offer repairs, they often work with lighter fabrics and simple straight stitching, which isn’t quite suitable for the heavy-duty wear of jeans or workwear.

For example, jeans and other tough materials like twill, canvas, or corduroy use a special attachment called a bar tack to secure belt loops. This technique reinforces the stress points, making them durable enough for everyday wear and tear. A typical tailor using a standard sewing machine may not have the equipment to replicate this level of strength.

When done correctly, replacing a belt loop involves using industrial-grade machinery that can handle thick fabric layers, particularly at the seam, where multiple layers overlap. For as little as $10, you can reattach your broken loops at Williamsburg Garment Company, and for $20, new replacement loops can be crafted and installed.

To learn more about our professional belt loop repair service, visit our page for additional details on how we can help you get your pants back in top shape without the hassle of DIY fixes or poor-quality repairs.

By leaving it to the pros, you ensure a clean, durable fix that blends seamlessly with your garment, maintaining its integrity and style for the long haul.

Bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales' Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout standing on a white background, showcasing its intricate Halloween-themed label with pumpkin and spooky decorations.

Indulge Your Senses: A Review of Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout

Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout is a truly decadent experience, and it earns its spot high on my pumpkin beer rankings. This isn’t your average fall seasonal; it’s a luxurious sipper meant to be savored. The beer pours an opaque black, hinting at the richness within. The aroma is an intoxicating blend of bourbon, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla, maple, and pumpkin pie spice, all layered over a base of roasted malt. It’s like sticking your nose in a freshly baked pumpkin pie spiked with a shot of espresso.

A bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout next to a glass filled with the beer, showcasing its nearly flat pour and minimal head on a white countertop.

On the palate, those aromas translate into a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The bourbon barrel aging adds warmth and depth, while the coffee and roasted malt provide a grounding bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The pumpkin and spice notes are definitely present, but they don’t overwhelm, playing harmoniously with the other elements. This is a full-bodied stout with a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. While it might be a bit too intense for an everyday beer, it’s absolutely perfect for those occasions when you’re looking to indulge in something truly special.

  • Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 13.9 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Prairie Artisan Ales, based in Oklahoma, is a craft brewery.

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout by Prairie Artisan Ales ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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