How To Find Your Pants Size Online

Having worked in retail, I know how difficult it can be to decipher size tags. Hence this handy pant-size guide!

Finding the perfect pair of pants is no easy feat, but understanding the way they're sized and the other fit factors that come into play certainly helps. — Finding the perfect pair of pants is no like shooting fish in a barrel feat, but understanding the mode they're sized and the other fit factors that come into play certainly helps.

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Understanding Women's Pants Sizes

Ownership a pair of pants shouldn't be rocket science, only in this day and age, finding a pair that really fits well seems a whole lot more complicated than information technology should. From confusing combinations of numbers to a seemingly endless number of fits, rises, and degrees of stretch, how can one detect the right pair of pants?

In this article, we will talk over everything you need to know virtually women's pants, from West/L sizes and conversion charts to fit, rise, stretch, and what it means for a pair of pants to be "alpine." We'll even go over some foolproof tips for buying pants online (and getting it right the beginning time effectually!).

From the meaning of "29 x 33" to how pant sizes convert from one country to another, we've got you covered.

Photo by Duy Hoang on Unsplash

W/50 Pant Sizes Explained

Has anyone ever walked into a wearable shop and seen a pair of pants with sizing that looks like a math problem? 28 x 33? What does that hateful? Permit's wait at this "equation" some other mode.

Pant sizes are listed equally 28 x 33, 28/33, or W28/L33 refer to waist width (W) and leg length (Fifty). So how exercise you figure out what your W and 50 are?

How to Measure Your Waist and Inseam

Waist (West): Starting at the summit of your hip bone, bring the record measure out around your body, keeping level with your umbilicus. Go on the tape measure straight and fifty-fifty, and do not attempt to pull it tight. Breathe and check the number.
Leg Length/Inseam (Fifty): Fold your best-fitting pants lengthwise on a apartment surface and measure from the crotch seam to the hem. OR, wearing a pair of close-fitting pants (e.thou., athletic pants or tight jeans), take someone measure from your crotch seam to the floor.

Hither is a little crook sheet if you do non want to attempt the math, though if you want pants that truly fit well, it'due south worth taking the time to practice the measurements.

Note: Deport in heed that the charts below testify average sizes and conversions; in social club to get a better thought of how a particular pair of pants will fit, consult that brand'southward size chart.

Women'due south Pants Size Nautical chart (Waist/Hips)


US Size	Waist (Inches / Centimeters)	Hips (Inches / Centimeters)
00	24–25 in / 61–63.5 cm	33–34 in / 84–86.5 cm
0	26 in / 66 cm	34–35 in / 86.5–89 cm
2	27 in / 68.5 cm	35–36 in / 89–91.five cm
iv	28 in / 71 cm	36–37 in / 91.5–94 cm
6	29 in / 74 cm	37–38 in / 94–96.v cm
8	30 in / 76 cm	38–39 in / 96.five–99 cm
ten	31 in / 79 cm	39–xl in / 99–101.5 cm
12	32–33 in / 81–84 cm	40–41 in / 101.v–104 cm
14	34 in / 86.5 cm	42–43 in / 107–109 cm
16	35–36 in / 89–91.5 cm	43–44 in / 109–112 cm
18	37–38 in / 94–96.v cm	45–46 in / 114–117 cm
twenty	39–41 in / 99–104 cm	47–48 in / 119.5–122 cm
22	41–43 in / 104–109 cm	49–51 in / 124.v–129.five cm

Plus Women's Pant Size Nautical chart

According to Groupon's General Fit Guide
Size	United states Size	Waist (Inches / Centimeters)	Hip (Inches / Centimeters)
1X	12W	36 in / 91.5	45 in / 114 cm
1X	14W	38 in / 96.5 cm	47 in / 119.5 cm
1X	16W	twoscore in / 101.v cm	49 in / 124.5 cm
2X	18W	42 in / 107 cm	51 in / 129.five cm
2X	20W	44 in / 112 cm	53 in / 134.v cm
3X	22W	46 in / 117 cm	55 in / 140 cm
3X	24W	48 in / 122 cm	57 in / 145 cm
4X	26W	50 in / 127 cm	59 in / 150 cm
4X	28W	52 in / 132 cm	61 in / 155 cm

Women's Pants Size Conversion Nautical chart

According to J. Crew'south Size Conversions
Size (The states/Canada)	Numeric Size (U.s.a./Canada)	Nihon	United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland / Commonwealth of australia	France	Italy	Spain	Germany
XXXS	000	1	0	28	32	26	24
XXS	00	1	2	30	34	28	26
XS	0	3	iv	32	36	30	28
XS	2	five	half-dozen	34	38	32	30
S	4	7	8	36	40	34	34
Due south	6	nine	ten	38	42	36	34
Chiliad	8	eleven	12	xl	44	38	36
M	x	13	14	42	46	40	38
L	12	xv	sixteen	44	48	42	40
L	xiv	17	18	46	50	44	42
Xl	16	nineteen	20	48	52	46	44
40	eighteen	21	22	l	54	48	46
XXL	20	23	24	52	56	50	48

In addition to determining your size, fit and rise are key factors in finding your perfect pair of pants.

Photo past Sylvie Tittel on Unsplash

A Quick Guide to Different Pant Fits

Now ladies! Before you purchase, call back to likewise consider the cut of the jeans! Here's an caption of several of today's popular cuts.

Inferior Fit

A Junior Fit runs pretty small. This cut fits the kind of body that has minimal curve anywhere, like a Cameron Diaz body frame. Information technology fits fairly snug down to the calves and gives the illusion of a butt to those who need ane.

Curlicue to Continue

High- vs. Mid- vs. Low-Ascension Pants

High-Ascension: Typically worn above the abdomen push button, well-tailored loftier rises really show off your curves. But be conscientious not to get them too tight, equally they can cinch sharply at the waist.
Mid-Rise: This classic fit commonly sits a few inches below your waist merely higher up your hips and is typically flattering for most torso types. Mid-ascension pants provide more rear coverage than depression-rise pants (i.due east., no visible undies!) without cinching in at the waist.
Depression-Rise: Low-ascent pants sit correct on the hips, roughly three inches below the belly push, making it the most likely rise to create the dreaded muffin-superlative result. But sizing up to prevent squeezing merely increases the likelihood of exposing your undies, so tread advisedly with this rise.

If you lot're still experimenting with cuts and rises, here are some tips on how to detect the best pants for your body blazon.

But wait, there's more! Stretch and height-sizing are two more things to consider when shopping for pants. — Just await, in that location's more! Stretch and height-sizing are two more things to consider when shopping for pants.

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Different Types of Stretch in Denim

Who knew shopping for a pair of pants could be so complicated? In addition to the waist, inseam, fit, and ascent, you also have to account for stretch!

Raw Denim

Also known as dry or unwashed denim, raw denim is not subject field to whatever washing or distressing before being made into jeans. Information technology goes directly from the loom to the sewing machine to the shelf.

This type of denim is unique in that it volition stretch and mold to your unique shape (right down to the creases) . . . equally long as yous abide by the breaking-in process. In order to get shrink-to-fit jeans to mold to your body, some sites recommend that you abjure from washing them for a whopping six months later on the initial sizing wash! If you're an STF start-timer, here's a guide on how to interruption in raw denim jeans.

Note: When information technology comes to raw denim jeans, information technology'south disquisitional to buy the right size. It's recommended that you size upwards appropriately.

100% Cotton Denim

100% cotton fiber denim will ever stretch, and washing/drying them on hot volition only compress them temporarily (not to mention shorten their lifespan in the long run). If you want 100% cotton jeans, you have three options:

Purchase them actually modest, and so moisture-stretch them
Go for a slouchy fit to brainstorm with
Buy a used pair at your local thrift store

98/two Stretch Blends

Denim made of 98% cotton and two% elastane/lycra still stretch, simply not as bad as 100% cotton denim. With these, your all-time bet is to buy them quite tight and look for them to stretch every bit you clothing them (ouch!).

Notation: Unlike with 100% cotton wool denim, washing and drying 98/2 jeans on hot is an absolute no-no. Whereas information technology temporarily stretches the former, it will damage the elastic in the latter, meaning they'll be fifty-fifty baggier than they were before.

Cotton/Poly Blends

These blends, usually comprised of 60% cotton and xl% polyester, are less popular than they used to be, but y'all may still come across them out there from time to time. This kind of denim is fairly strong, so while it tends to concur its shape and resist stretching out, information technology isn't the comfiest to clothing.

four-Way-Stretch Denim

This type of denim is designed to stretch in iv different directions, then snap right back to its original shape. Jeans fabricated from this textile tend to be super comfortable and stretchy simply without any appendage after article of clothing.

Super Stretch (Jeggings)

While super-stretch jeggings might feel but like your favorite pair of yoga pants, they are likely to stretch and get baggy, merely like the first two types of denim on this list. You may fare okay if you buy super-stretch jeans from a high-end brand, merely even then, a quality brand is no guarantee with this fabric; you might end up shelling out your hard-earned cash for a pair of jeans that will have a amorphous haul before you know it.

Other Stretchy Fabrics Used for Pants


Fabric	Characteristics
Polyester	stiff, durable, quick-drying, and able to stretch while retaining its shape
Nylon	stiff, soft, resilient, and very elastic
Spandex	lightweight, stiff, and very elastic
Cotton Jersey Knit	soft and breathable, 2-mode stretch fabric
Stretch Cotton	soft and breathable
Stretch Silk Crepe	crisp, yet soft, with a practiced ability to hold shape
Stretch Wool	soft, durable, warm, and wrinkle resistant
Stretch Velvet	soft and durable

Petite vs. Regular vs. Tall Pants

These sizes are based on average ranges for short, tall, and average height for women. This can affect length and rise in pants, so it may be worth trying pants in your height category.

Petite: 5' to 5'3" (152.5 cm to 160 cm)
Regular: 5'5" to 5'seven" (165 cm to 170 cm)
Tall: 5'8" and above (173+ cm)

Note: If you often wear heels, call up to cistron that in when deciding whether to become for petite, regular, or tall pants!

You can measure your waist and hips using a pair of pants you already own (multiply each number by two!). — You can mensurate your waist and hips using a pair of pants you already own (multiply each number past two!).

Four Tips for Ownership Pants Online

Don't have the time (or want) to shop for pants in a brick-and-mortar store? There are tons of smashing options to choose from online, but in club to avert the frustration of ordering an ill-fitting pair of pants and having to go through the return rigamarole, here are a few helpful tips to follow.

1. Know Your Waist and Hip Measurements

Break out the tape measure out and take down your waist and hip size. If you don't have a tape measure, you lot can use a piece of string (or even a shoelace!) and measure it with a ruler afterwards. Whatever manner y'all choose to practice it, knowing your measurements will make shopping for pants online 1000% easier.

2. Measure out a Pair of Pants You Already Own

In improver to measuring your own waist and hips, it doesn't hurt to take the measurements of a pair of pants yous already know fit swell. So take hold of your favorite pair and do the math. For waist size, measure the back waistband and multiply by 2. For the hip size, measure out beyond the forepart of the pants at the base of the zipper (see photos above).

3. Consult the Size Chart and Client Reviews

These days, most companies have their own size charts, and thank goodness for that! Sizes vary and then much by the brand that it's most on impossible to take your pant size from one brand to another and terminate up with the right size. And then instead of going past another make'south pant size, compare your individual measurements with the size nautical chart instead.

It can also aid to check what other customers think; some brands even accept an easy chart of what reviewers idea of the fit (due east.chiliad., true to size, feels a full size too minor, feels a half size too big, etc.).

iv. Buy Multiple Pairs in Different Sizes

For sites with a hassle-free render policy, it may be worth your time to order the aforementioned pair of pants in a couple of sizes. That manner, you have a meliorate take chances of finding one that fits without multiple exchanges. Just return the pair that doesn't fit!

A Note on "Vanity Sizing"

Part of what makes buying pants (or any item of clothing, for that matter) harder today than it used to be is vanity sizing. In this relatively new miracle, retailers increase the size of their garments while retaining the aforementioned tag (e.grand., a pair of pants you lot think has a 36-inch waist might actually take a 41-inch waist). Unfortunately, this attempt to make customers feel better only makes it more difficult to find apparel that fits.

For more than on this troubling trend, check out "You lot've Been Fooled: Vanity Sizing and Why Clothes Don't Fit."

Additional Resources

Pants Size Conversion Charts + Size Guide for Men & Women.
Petite, Regular or Tall Sizes. (2012, October 30).
Stretch Material Guide.
The Dissimilar Types Of Stretch In Denim. (2017, May 30).

Teresa on March 14, 2020:

Just want to know what a 47 inch waist what size pants and non all that stupid extra s***

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Sarah Mahammad from Minnesota on February 04, 2018:

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MaryParamoure on January 25, 2018:

Exercise you accept size 18 WP pants considering I am brusk. I accept problem finding pants that I do not have to spend money

Michelle on March 24, 2017:

This is not very accurate... I habiliment a size 4-half-dozen wearing apparel, am five'7"/five'8", and I clothing a 28 x 33. I used to be a seamstress; the get-go number is the measurement of the circumference of your waist/hips, and the second number is what'south known every bit your inseam--the measurement from the ground to your crotch (on the inside of your leg). You really can't guess your waist by adding 20! Especially with pant sizes nowadays!

elizabeth palmer on October 29, 2016:

I'thou 5' and I weigh 86 lbs, my work pants say 29 I was wondering what size I would be? And what style would the proper noun of the jeans that are tight in the butt all the mode down to the genu so kinda flares out a little?

kadylady520 on Baronial 01, 2016:

I'm sad to see that according to your nautical chart women don't wearable pants bigger than size eighteen! really sad.

maria on May 01, 2015:

Im a 32 waist and 38 hips what size jeans would I wear?

Kschmidt (author) from Texas on September 27, 2011:

I hope it works out! If you have anymore questions then merely give me a hollar! Was in retail for awhile :) glad to be hither!

Debbie Carey from Riverton, KS, U.s. on September 26, 2011:

Hmmm....Tin't await to get into the 218 pair of jeans in my office and see how close this is....sounds accurate! Lots of information and very well thought out! Good job and welcome to HubPages! Voted upwardly, useful and interesting! Good luck!!