How to Size Pants

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

* Tape measure

Men
1.
1

Measure the following dimensions with a loose hold on your tape measure:

Natural waist

Top of foot to crotch (for your inseam measurement)

Natural waist to top of foot (for the overall length)
2.
2

Write down the following measurements:

Height

Waist

Inseam

Length
3.
3

Check whether your height measurement puts you in the "regular" build category by comparing your height and waist measurements against your brand's size chart. For example, JC Penney's men's size chart for a regular build (of height 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-11) is:

Regular small: Waist = 28 to 30 inches

Regular medium: Waist = 32 to 34 inches

Regular large: Waist = 36 to 38 inches

Regular extra large: Waist = 40 to 42 inches

Regular extra extra large: Waist = 44 to 46 inches
4.
4

Check whether your height measurement puts you in the "tall" build category by comparing your height and waist measurements against your brand's size chart. For example, JC Penney's men's size chart for a tall build (of height 6 feet to 6-foot-3) is:

Tall medium: Waist = 32 to 34 inches

Tall large: Waist = 36 to 38 inches

Tall extra large: Waist = 40 to 42 inches

Tall extra extra large: Waist = 44 to 46 inches
5.
5

Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly.
Women
6.
1

Measure the following dimensions with a loose hold on your tape measure:

Natural waist

Hips

Top of foot to crotch (for your inseam measurement)

Natural waist to top of foot (for the overall length)
7.
2

Write down the following measurements:

Height

Waist

Hips

Inseam

Length
8.
3

Compare your height measurement against the "build" category in your brand's size chart. For example, JC Penney's misses size chart has the following build categories:

Petite: Height = 4-foot-11 to 5-foot-3

Regular: Height = 5-foot-3 1/2 to 5-foot-7 1/2

Tall: Height = 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-11

Ultra tall: Height = 5-foot-11 1/2 to 6-foot-2
9.
4

Compare your waist and hip measurements against your brand's size chart according to your build category. For example, JC Penney's misses size chart for regular, tall and ultra tall builds uses the same size chart:

Size 0 (extra small): Waist = 24 inches and hips = 34.5 inches

Size 2 (extra small):: Waist = 25 inches and hips = 35.5 inches

Size 4 (small): Waist = 26 inches and hips = 36.5 inches

Size 6 (small): Waist = 27 inches and hips = 37.5 inches

Size 8 (medium): Waist = 28 inches and hips = 38.5 inches

Size 10 (medium): Waist = 29 inches and hips = 39.5 inches

Size 12 (large): Waist = 30.5 inches and hips = 41 inches

Size 14 (large): Waist = 31 to 32 inches and hips = 42.5 inches

Size 16 (extra large): Waist = 33.5 inches and hips = 44 inches

Size 18 (extra large): Waist = 35.5 inches and hips = 46 inches

Size 20 (extra extra large): Waist = 37.5 inches and hips = 48 inches
10.
5

Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly, if needed.
Children
11.
1

Measure the following dimensions with a loose hold on your tape measure:

Natural waist

Hips (for your seat)

Top of foot to crotch (for your inseam measurement)

Natural waist to top of foot (for the overall length)
12.
2

Write down the following measurements:

Height

Waist

Seat

Inseam

Length
13.
3

Compare your child's height, waist and seat measurements to identify the "build" category in your brand's size chart. For example, JC Penney's kid's size chart has the following guidelines for build categories according to frame and body proportions for boys and girls (note: the difference between the waist and seat can be greater for girls):

Slim: Small frame and thin body where the waist is about 5 to 6 inches less than the seat

Regular: Average frame and proportions where the waist is about 4 to 5 inches less than the seat

Plus or husky: Fuller body in proportion to height where the waist measurement is greater than 27 inches and is about 4 to 6 inches less than the seat.
14.
4

Compare your child's waist and seat measurements against your brand's size chart. For example, JC Penney's kid's regular (build) size chart is:

Girls size 7 (small): Waist = 23 inches and seat = 27 inches

Girls size 8 (small): Waist = 23 inches and seat = 29 inches

Boys size 8 (small): Waist = 23 inches and seat = 27 inches

Girls size 10 (medium): Waist = 24 inches and seat = 29 inches

Boys size 10 (medium): Waist = 24 inches and seat = 28 inches

Girls size 12 (medium): Waist = 25 inches and seat = 31 inches

Boys size 12 (medium): Waist = 26 inches and seat = 30 inches

Girls size 14 (large): Waist = 26 inches and seat = 34 inches

Boys size 14 (large): Waist = 27 inches and seat = 32 inches

Girls size 16 (large): Waist = 27 inches and seat = 36 inches

Boys size 16 (large): Waist = 28 inches and seat = 34 inches
15.
5

Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly.