What is an inseam?
The inseam (or inside leg) is one of the most important measurements on a pair of trousers. As the name suggests, the inseam is the length from your crotch to your ankle. On a pair of trousers or jeans, this is measured from the seam at the top of the inside leg to the hem right at the bottom:
Knowing your inseam is vitally important if you want your trousers or jeans to fit. Trousers have a variety of fits around the ankle - also known as 'breaks' - and having an accurate understanding of your inside leg will allow you to pick the right pair of jeans you like, and avoid bagginess.
How to measure your inseam?
There are two ways: a very easy one, and an easy one. There's info down below, or you can you watch the video explainer if you'd prefer.
Method 1: measure a pair of jeans you like
1. Get a tape measure, the soft, tailoring kind. You can find a selection of them here on Amazon.
2. Take a pair of jeans or trousers that already fit you well.
3. Lay them out with the inner seam showing. Flatten down any crinkles or folds.
4. Measure right from the crotch, at the seam where the two legs meet, down to the hem at the leg opening. Most jeans in the UK will use inches for the inseam.
Hint: if you don't have a pair of jeans you already like, you can always turn up another pair to the length you like, use a pin to secure the turn-up, and measure them in the same way.
Method 2: measure yourself
1. Stand straight, and start the measurement at the crotch, at the very top of your inside leg.
2. Roll the tape down your inside leg. Make sure not lose contact, or slip, as you'll get an inaccurate reading. However, you don't need to keep hold of the tape measure right up at the top.
3. Finish the measurement at your ankle.
This method is slightly trickier, but very achievable on your own. However, to find a pair of trousers or jeans that fit, the easiest method is just to measure a pair you already like!