How to

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