Measurements for Fitting Pants
Guide C-209
Revised by Insook Ahn
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University
Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University. (Print Friendly PDF)
(Photo by cottonbro from Pexels)
Measurement Suggestions
1. Waist–Measure the smallest part of the waist. Leave a tape or ribbon tied snugly around the waist while taking other measurements.
2. Hips–Measure the fullest part of the hips. Also record the distance from the waist down to the tape, located at the fullest area.
3. Abdomen–Measure about 3–4 inches below the waistline over the fullest part of the abdomen.
4. Thigh–Just below crotch, around leg.
5. Knee–Measure around knee with knee slightly flexed.
6. Calf–Measure widest part below knee.
7. Instep–Measure around heel over the instep. This measurement is necessary for narrow tapered pants. Be sure to allow enough room for the foot to slip through.
8. Side length to knee–Measure from the waist to the knee.
9. Side length–Measure from the waist to desired length.
10. Crotch
a. Depth–Sit on a flat chair, bench, floor, or table. Measure from waist to top of flat surface.
b. Length–Determine measurement from front waist to center of body and from center of body to back waist.
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Personal Measurements |
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Item |
Description |
Your |
Suggested Ease |
Total Needed |
Pattern |
Changes: |
|
Waist |
As tight as you wear waistbands |
Up to 1 inch |
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Abdomen |
3–4 inches below waist over fullest part of abdomen |
Up to 2 inches |
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Hips |
Fullest part |
At least 2–4 inches |
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Inches down from waistline |
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Thigh |
Fullest part of upper leg |
1–2 inches |
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Inches down from waistline |
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Knee |
Fullest part |
At least 1 inch |
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Inches down from waistline |
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Crotch length |
Standing–from waistline in front–under crotch–to waistline in back. Indicate front to center and center to back measurements. |
Front |
1/2–1 inch |
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Back |
1/2–1 inch |
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Crotch depth |
Seated–follow contour of body from waistline to hip, hold tape straight from hip to chair. |
Left |
1/2 inch if under |
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Right |
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Slack length |
Waist to ankle at side seam |
Left |
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Right |
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For Further Reading
C-205: Selecting a Pattern Size for Perfect Fit
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C205/
C-220: Checking Your Pattern for Proper Fit
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C220/
C-221: Zippers Made Easy
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C221/
Original author: Susan Holder, Extension Clothing Specialist, and edited by Darlene Dickson, 4–H Youth Specialist. Subsequently revised by Constance Kratzer, Family Resource Management Specialist.
Insook Ahn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU. Her area of expertise is in creative fashion design, sustainable design, functional design, and CAD. She has taught for twenty years at three different universities, and has published research showcasing creative design works.
To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the World Wide Web at pubs.nmsu.edu.
Contents of publications may be freely reproduced, with an appropriate citation, for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication.
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Revised June 2021 Las Cruces, NM
