Clothing manufacturers vary sizes according to brand and style. Take your own measurements to get a customized fit for pants, tailor your trousers or customize a pattern to sew your own pants. Many brands have general, regular sizes for women between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-10, with adjustments for the "petite" and "tall" builds. Children's pants sizes can vary according to body proportions as they grow. You can save money and widen your options by purchasing standard-sized pants and tailoring them to fit your body measurements.
Men
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)
Write down the following measurements: Height Waist Inseam Length
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
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
Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly.
Women
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)
Write down the following measurements: Height Waist Hips Inseam Length
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
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
Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly, if needed.
Children
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)
Write down the following measurements: Height Waist Seat Inseam Length
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.
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
Measure your pant leg according to your inseam and length. Fold and hem accordingly.