Knowing your outseam measurement is crucial for accurately ordering pants, jeans, and other lower-body garments online or even in a store. An incorrect outseam can lead to ill-fitting clothing, causing discomfort and frustration. This guide provides a step-by-step process to accurately measure your outseam, along with tips to ensure precise results.
What is the Outseam?
The outseam is the measurement of the length of your pants or trousers from the waistband, all the way down the outer leg to the bottom hem. It's the longest seam on your garment and a critical measurement for proper fit. Unlike the inseam (which measures from the crotch to the hem), the outseam includes the entire length of the leg.
How to Measure Your Outseam: A Step-by-Step Guide
To accurately measure your outseam, you'll need a flexible measuring tape and a friend to assist (or a full-length mirror). Here's the process:
-
Wear the type of pants or trousers you want to measure: The material and intended fit of the pants significantly affect the measurement. Using existing pants allows you to match the style and fit you prefer.
-
Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart: Maintain a natural posture to avoid inaccurate measurements.
-
Have a friend measure, or use a mirror: Accurate measurement is easier with assistance. If using a mirror, you'll need to carefully position the tape measure yourself.
-
Start at the top of your waistband: Place the end of the measuring tape at the point where your pants' waistband meets the outer seam at your natural waist. This is crucial for consistent results.
-
Follow the outer leg seam: Gently stretch the measuring tape down the outer seam of your pant leg. Ensure the tape measure remains taut but not overly stretched.
-
Measure to the bottom hem: Continue down the outer leg seam to the very bottom of the pants' hem.
-
Read the measurement: Note the measurement where the tape measure ends at the hem. This is your outseam measurement. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My pants are too tight/loose. Should I adjust the measurement?
No, measure the existing pants or the style you want to emulate. Adjusting the measurement based on fit would render your outseam measurement ineffective when ordering new clothes.
What if I don't have a similar pair of pants?
If you don't have suitable existing pants, you can still get a reasonably accurate outseam measurement by using a similar fabric to what you intend to buy (like denim for jeans). The fabric's drape will influence the final garment, but this approach still provides a useful approximation.
Should I measure both legs?
Minor discrepancies are natural; slight variations in leg length are common. Average the two measurements if there's a significant difference, to obtain a more representative outseam.
How do I know if my outseam measurement is accurate?
The accuracy of your outseam measurement is ultimately determined by the fit of garments purchased using that measurement. If consistently purchasing clothes with your measured outseam results in ill-fitting items, revisit the measuring process or consult a tailor for professional assistance.
Conclusion: Getting the Perfect Fit
Mastering the art of measuring your outseam is a fundamental step towards ensuring a perfect fit when shopping for clothing, online or in-store. By following these steps carefully and addressing potential issues, you can confidently obtain accurate measurements and avoid those frustrating experiences of ill-fitting garments. Remember, accurate measurements save time, money, and prevent clothing-related disappointments!
