Inside Leg Length and Why It Matters for Trousers
Short answer: Inside leg length is the measurement from the crotch seam down to the ankle or the floor. It decides whether trousers end in the right place. Here is how to measure it and how to use the number when you order.
What inside leg length means
Inside leg length is the distance from the crotch seam down the inner side of the leg. It is different from the full outer length, which is measured along the side. Once you know your inside leg length, it is easier to compare trousers across brands and models.
How to measure it yourself
Take a pair of trousers that fits you well and lay them flat. Measure from the crotch seam along the inner seam to the bottom hem. You can also measure on yourself from the crotch to the point on your foot where the trousers should end, ideally in the shoes you usually wear.
The number on the label and what it says
Many trousers give the leg length as a number after the size, or they come in short, regular and long. Use the number as a guide and always compare it with your own measurement. For bamboo trousers for women, it is wise to read the size guide on the product page first.
Length in relation to shoes
The shoes you wear change the right measurement. With flat shoes and trainers, trousers often end a little higher than with boots or shoes with a heel. Think about your everyday footwear and measure in those shoes if you can, so the trousers neither drag nor look too short.
Fit and fabric affect the length
A soft fabric can hang differently from a firm one, and trousers with stretch can feel shorter after long wear. Straight legs give a different length from wide legs, even with the same number. Always read the description of cut and fabric before you decide.
When you fall between two lengths
If you fall between two lengths, choose by how you like to wear trousers. If you want them to reach the shoe, pick the longer one, and for a cleaner look, pick the shorter. Trousers can often be shortened, but they are hard to make longer.
Size guides differ between brands
Brands use their own measurements, so a number from one brand does not always match another. If you browse brands such as JBS of Denmark, use their own size guide and compare it with your measurement. That is the safest way to avoid a return.
Use the measurement across the wardrobe
Once you have measured, the number is useful for several things. It helps with trousers, shorts and long layers, and it makes it easier to decide how tops should fall. For everyday wear you can, for example, pair them with a bamboo T-shirt for women.
Frequently asked questions
Is inside leg length the same as inseam?
Yes, the two terms describe the same measurement, the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom hem of the leg. It is different from the outer length, which is measured from the waist.
How exact do I need to be?
Measure on a pair of trousers that already fits well and lay them flat. A centimetre or two rarely makes a big difference, but use the same measurement every time you compare with a size guide.
Can I have trousers shortened?
Often yes, at a tailor or by hemming them yourself. Making them longer is harder, so if you are unsure, it is easier to choose the longer length.
