Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (2024)

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEASURING JEANS

When it comes to denim, you definitely can’t take the one-size-fits-all approach! While most clothing sizes are determined by either small/medium/large, or 8/10/12, the best way to guarantee that your pair of jeans will fit you perfectly is by opting for a pair that have specific waist and leg measurements.

We believe that fashion should feel as good as it looks— so a good fitting pair of jeans is an essential. No two bodies are the same -and being able to choose from different waist sizes and leg lengths when shopping for a pair of jeans means that you’ll end up with a pair that fits properly and looks amazing.

With a standard pair of jeans using the one-size-fits-all approach, the leg length usually coincides with the waist size. So, a smaller waist means a shorter leg. But since all bodies are different, this isn’t the most logical approach to take — and jeans measured in inches are guaranteed to have a much better fit. Read on for our ultimate guide to measuring jeans, including how to measure your jean size and what the best jeans fit is.

    Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (1)

    WE BELIEVE THAT FASHION SHOULD FEEL AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

    HOW DO I KNOW MY SIZE IN JEANS?

    Jeans sizes are measured in inches, starting with the waist and moving to the leg length. For example, a 32x32 jean would have a 32 inch waist and a 32 inch inseam, which is what determines the leg length.

    Sometimes, a pair of jeans will be labelled as 32W and 32L to make things even easier. The ‘W’ stands for waist size, while the ‘L’ stands for leg length. To figure out what your size is in jeans, you’ll need to get measuring!

    Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (2)Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (3)

    HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WAIST SIZE AND LEG LENGTH

    If you’re unsure of your waist and leg length, to avoid having to try on all the jeans in the shop, it makes sense to measure yourself from home.Begin with a lengthy measuring tape which reads in inches. Wrap the tape around your waist and take hold of the other side-- not too snug, not too loose. Read and record the number before moving onto your leg measurements.

    To find your leg length you’ll want to measure the inseam. Take your tape measure and measure straight down the inside leg from the crotch to the ankle, before writing down the measurements. Keep your results safe, as you’ll need to remember these whenever you buy a new pair of jeans!

    HOW TO MEASURE YOUR JEANS

    If you already have a pair of perfect-fitting jeans but you’re unsure on the waist and leg length, you can take their measurements to use as a guide when buying your next pair. You can also measure your jeans if you’re thinking about taking in the waist or making some other adjustments. Just like when you’re measuring yourself, you’ll need a measuring tape which measures in inches, and your phone on standby to record down the numbers.

    Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (6)

    MEASURE THE WAISTBAND

    To measure the waistband, begin by laying your jeans flat on an even surface. Stretch your tape measure along the entire waist band, then double the number to find your waist measurement. Since your waist is generally slimmer than your hips, keep in mind that waist measurements will likely be different depending on the rise of the jean!

    Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (7)

    MEASURE THE INSEAM

    Next, measure the inseam of your jeans by running the tape measure from the crotch seam to the ankle hem. This will help you figure out your desired leg length.

    Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (8)

    MEASURE THE RISE

    You can also take measurements to figure out the rise of the jeans. High rise jeans tend to be above 10”, while mid-rise are between 8” and 9.5”, and low rise are below 8”.

    WHAT IS THE BEST FIT FOR JEANS?

    Once you know your ideal fit, it’s time to pick your favourite style. From skinnyand slim fit to bootlegand boyfriend, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to the fit of your jeans. Some people prefer a wider leg while others prefer a slimmer leg-- and the same goes for the rise of your jeans. High waisted jeans are a flattering option for all bodies, while mid- or low-rise jeans are slowly creeping back on trend again.Our jeans guide will give you some inspiration for the kinds of jean styles available.

      Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (9)

      Knowing your measurements will help you find the perfect-fitting pair of jeans for your body. Take a look at our collection of men’s jeans and women’s jeans, or for more style tips, read all about our complete guide to denim terminology, or discover how to shrink your jeans.

      Levi’s Fit Guide: How to Measure Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (2024)

      FAQs

      How to measure for Levi's jeans? ›

      LEVI'S® SIZE CHART AND GUIDE
      1. WAIST. Measure around the smallest part of your waist. Not too snug, not too loose.
      2. SEAT. Measure around the fullest part of your hips. ...
      3. THIGH. Measure around the fullest part of your thigh.
      4. INSEAM. Measure straight down the inside leg from the crotch to the ankle.

      How to find exact Levi jeans? ›

      At Levi's®, we use a Product Code (which we call a PC9) to identify the style and finish of our products. The Product Code can be found in two places. The first is on the garment. You can see it on the small, white 'wash & care' labels sewn into each of our products.

      How do you tell what fit your Levis are? ›

      For men, each number in the Levi's collection signifies the overall sit, including the rise of the waist, the cut of the leg opening, and the fit of the seat. For women, each style number indicates the fit through the waist, hips and thighs, with many leg shapes and cuts to choose from.

      How to figure out jean size? ›

      HOW DO I KNOW MY SIZE IN JEANS? Jeans sizes are measured in inches, starting with the waist and moving to the leg length. For example, a 32x32 jean would have a 32 inch waist and a 32 inch inseam, which is what determines the leg length.

      What size is a 32 in Levi's? ›

      Find your Levi's Waist Size
      SIZEINTL S/M/LWAIST
      29M81cm
      30L84cm
      3187cm
      32XL91cm
      7 more rows

      Should you size up or down in Levi's? ›

      Here is everything you need to know. For those who want to machine wash and dry the jeans, we recommend sizing up. For your waist, increase 1" for sizes 27"-36", 2" for 38"-48", and 3" for 50" and up. And for your inseam, increase 3" for sizes 27"-34" and 4" for 36" and up.

      What is Levi's regular fit? ›

      Levi's 505 Regular Fit Jeans

      With a similar cut to the 501, they sit at the waist, offer a bit more room in the thigh and have a straight fit down to the leg opening.

      How do I find my size? ›

      Choosing Your Size. To help choose the right size, you will need to measure your bust, waist and hip. Use a tape measure over your underwear or form fitting clothing and compare your body measurements with those on our size chart, choosing the size that closest matches your measurements.

      How to know your jeans size without trying them on? ›

      The “Neck Trick”:

      A quick way to see if jeans fit without (or before) trying them on. Place the waistline of the jeans around your neck. If the waistline comfortably meets at the back of your neck, then the jeans will fit.

      How do I measure my pants size? ›

      Measurement Suggestions
      1. Waist–Measure the smallest part of the waist. ...
      2. Hips–Measure the fullest part of the hips. ...
      3. Abdomen–Measure about 3–4 inches below the waistline over the fullest part of the abdomen.
      4. Thigh–Just below crotch, around leg.
      5. Knee–Measure around knee with knee slightly flexed.

      What size is a 27 waist in Levi jeans? ›

      SizeWaist (cm)Waist (in)
      2667.3 - 68.526.5 - 27
      2769.8 - 71.127.5 - 28
      2872.3 - 73.628.5 - 29
      2974.9 - 76.229.5 - 30
      8 more rows

      What size is 32 in jeans? ›

      For example: If you have a 32 inch waist, your size is a US-Size M or Euro-Size 42.
      Waist (Inch)Hips (Inch)US Size / Internat.
      28 - 2938 - 39S
      29 - 3039 - 40M
      31 - 3240 - 41M
      33 - 3441 - 42L
      12 more rows

      What size jeans am I based on height and weight? ›

      Mondor
      SizeHeightWeight
      S4'11 - 5'4 /1.50 - 1.60cm95 - 115lbs / 43 - 52kg
      M5'2 - 5'7 / 1.55 - 1.70cm115 - 135lbs / 52 - 61kg
      L5'4 - 5'9 / 1.60 - 1.75cm135 - 155lbs / 61 - 70kg
      XL5'6 - 5'11 / 1.65 - 1.80cm150 - 175lbs / 68 - 77kg
      1 more row

      What size is a 28 in jeans? ›

      Womens Jeans Size Chart
      Jean Size (W)US Misses SizeWaist (Inches)
      25/26225.5” - 27.5”
      27427.5” - 28.5”
      28628.5” - 29.5”
      29829.5” - 30.5”
      11 more rows

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Aracelis Kilback

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5807

      Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

      Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Aracelis Kilback

      Birthday: 1994-11-22

      Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

      Phone: +5992291857476

      Job: Legal Officer

      Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

      Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.