How to take an inside leg measurement for trousers
Short answer: Take your inside leg measurement from the crotch down to the ankle on a pair of trousers that fit you well, or directly on the body with a tape measure. Stand barefoot, hold the tape firm along the inside of the leg and note the number in centimetres.
How to take an inside leg measurement, step by step
Many people search for inside leg measurement when they are ordering trousers and want to know their inseam. The measurement is the distance from the crotch to the ankle along the inside of the leg. Here is a simple method that works at home with a tape measure and a little patience.
What you need
You need a soft tape measure, a pencil and paper, and a friend can make it easier. Take your shoes off and stand straight. Wear close fitting but not tight clothes, so you can feel where the crotch lies when you measure.
Measuring a pair of trousers
The easiest method is to measure a pair of trousers you know and that fit well. Lay them flat on a table and measure from the crotch seam along the inside of the leg to the hem. See more in the range of bamboo trousers for women, and compare the number with the product size guide.
Measuring directly on the body
Stand with your legs slightly apart and hold the tape high up at the crotch. Let someone else pull the tape down along the inside of the leg to the ankle bone. Hold the tape firm but not so tight that it pulls at the skin, and read the number in centimetres without bending your knee.
What length you end up with
The length you measure is your inside leg measurement, and it decides how far down the trousers reach. If you want them at the ankle you use the number directly, and if you want them longer you add a few centimetres. Think about which shoes you wear.
Use the size guide
Every brand has its own size guide, so compare your number with the table instead of guessing. Many brands, such as Boody, have a guide where you can see which size fits. If you are between two sizes, choose by whether you want the trousers short or long.
Make it a habit
Measure again if you gain or lose weight or get a new type of shoes, and note the numbers somewhere you can find them. Then you have them ready the next time you order. Also look at bamboo tops for women if you want to sort out the size for the top too.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes are to measure too high at the crotch, to hold the tape too loosely or to stand in socks. Check that the tape does not twist. Repeat the measurement, and if the numbers differ, take the average and use it to choose the length.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take an inside leg measurement?
Measure barefoot from the crotch along the inside of the leg to the ankle bone, and hold the tape firm without pulling at the skin.
Can I measure on a pair of trousers?
Yes, lay a pair that fits you flat and measure from the crotch seam to the hem along the inside of the leg.
Do I need to add anything?
It depends on how long you want the trousers; if you want them longer than the ankle, add a few centimetres.
