If you’re not measuring against you’re skin, you won’t get an accurate measurement. Keep track of these measurements on a piece of paper. Your natural waist is actually a bit higher, just slightly above your belly button. However, most jeans fit lower. [2] X Research source
For instance, if you like your jeans a bit long, measure from the bottom of your foot. Try not to bend to read the measurement. Instead, use a mirror or mark with the finger holding the measuring tape. If you’re struggling to hold the measuring tape in place, try using adhesive tape to secure one end to your ankle while you hold the other at your crotch.
Try not to pull your measuring tape too tight or you can give yourself an inaccurate thigh measurement and wind up in an uncomfortable pair of jeans. The tape should be snug, but you should still be able to slip one finger underneath.
If you need to measure the back rise, do the same thing going the opposite direction.
When shopping online, use the brand’s size chart to find a good fit for that brand. If you need to see sizes in different brands, look at this chart: http://sev. h-cdn. co/assets/cm/15/08/54e782633993b_-_size-chart. pdf.
Button and zip up your jeans before beginning.
If your waistband is made from elastic material, don’t stretch it as you measure or you will inflate the waist measurement. Make a note of whether the jeans are labeled as “high-wasted” or “low rise. " If the jeans are intended to sit somewhere besides your natural waistline, you need to know that before buying a new pair.
Make sure the jeans are completely flat when taking this measurement.
Some pant sizes may offer a “front rise” and “back rise” measurement. The front rise is from the crotch to the waistband in front, and the back rise is from the crotch to the waistband in back.
Try this chart to look at sizes from different brands: http://sev. h-cdn. co/assets/cm/15/08/54e782633993b_-_size-chart. pdf. Most shopping websites have size charts for their products, so if you’re looking for a particular brand, use their size chart. Keep in mind that with men’s jeans, you may need to go up a few inches or centimeters in size, as clothing manufacturers have made sizes smaller, a problem known as vanity sizing. [12] X Research source
If you need to, take a waist measurement where you prefer your jeans to fall.
You could also bring a pair of jeans that fit well to the store with you. Hold the jeans up against new pairs to find ones that will fit well.
Each pair of jeans will also feel a little bit different, particularly if some have stretch in them while others do not. Bring someone with you when you try jeans and have them check how they fit from behind since it may be difficult for you to see on your own. [16] X Expert Source Kathi Burns, CPO®Fashion Stylist Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.
Always be aware of vanity sizing, as you may not be the same size at every store. Don’t worry so much about the “correct” size. Focus on finding the right measurements. That holds true for men’s sizes, too, which in theory are “measured” but can also fall prey to different sizes across stores.
For instance, one site ranked these brands on a scale, with the first one being closest to true size up to the last one, which was much larger than true size: H&M, Calvin Klein, Alfani, Gap, Haggar, Dockers, Old Navy. If you’re shopping for jeans online, read customer feedback and reviews to get a sense for how the pants fit, such as if they run large or small. You may also want to consider buying from retailers with generous return policies for online sales so you can trade them in for another pair if you need to.
