Pants Size Conversion Charts + Sizing Guides for Men & Women

This page offers pant size conversion tools to translate men’s sizes into women’s and vice versa. You can even find your international size.

• Women’s Pants Sizes
• Kids Pant Sizes

Men’s Pants Size Chart (Waist)

The most-sold pants size in the US is an L (large), or 34 x 32”, fitting guys who are 5’10 to 6’0 and weigh in at between 179 lbs. and 192 lbs.

INCH ⇆ CM

Men’s Pants Sizing (Length)

This table compares men’s pant sizes in leg length (inches) and alpha size based on their height. For instance, men between 6 feet and 6’4″ typically require 34″ leg length or size Extra Large pants.

INCH ⇆ CM

Women’s Pants Sizes

Women’s Pant Size Conversion Chart – Width/Waist

This waist size chart helps you understand the various waist sizes used in pants, shorts, and skirts.

INCH ⇆ CM

Women’s Pants Size Chart – Length

The table below indicates the alpha size and length in inches worn by women of various heights, listed in the left-hand column.

INCH ⇆ CM

Cracking the Code of Pant sizes

• In the US, the sizing of pants usually involves two key dimensions: the waist size and the inseam length. Waist size is determined by measuring the circumference in inches at the slimmest part of your waist, typically right above the navel. The inseam length is the distance from the crotch down to the end of the pant leg on the inside leg.
• Men’s and women’s pants sizes differ in their labeling. For men, sizes often appear with the waist measurement first, then the inseam length, like “36×32,” or they might be labeled as S, M, L, and so on, which is less precise than waist and length (W&L) measurements.
• Conversely, women’s pants are available in three distinct sizing systems: the general S, M, L sizes; the waist and length (W&L) measurements; and the unique misses sizes such as 0, 2, 4, 6, and so on, which are exclusive to women’s clothing.
• Cut, Rise and Leg Shape: The rise of a pant (the distance from the crotch to the waistband) and the shape of the leg significantly affect the fit. So, consider these factors when trying on pants and make sure to try multiple sizes if needed.
• Read product reviews if you are shopping online. Check the product reviews for pants that you’re interested in buying, paying attention to comments from people who have the same body type as you. This can give you an idea of how the pants fit and whether they run true to size or not.
• Sizes vary between brands. No clear uniform standards prevail in pants sizes throughout the fashion industry or between labels and manufacturers. Given that perturbing fact, it remains the best to try on before you buy.

Pants: Men’s Sizes to Women’s Sizes Converter

How to convert Men’s Pants Sizes to Women’s? Remember, men’s pants are labeled with the waist size and length (inseam), while women’s pants sizes are usually indicated by numbers – 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, etc. Generally, if you only know the numerical size of your pants in women’s, you can add 21 to that number to get the closest waist measurement in men’s pants. For a size 8 in women’s, your size in men’s pants will be around 29. Still, this rule could vary from brand to brand.

How to Measure your Size for Pants?

Wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest midpoint of the body, usually at the waistline, about the level of the navel. If you measure 33.5 inches here, then round up to the next number = W 34. Your leg length (inseam) is determined by running the measuring tape along the inside of the leg, from crotch to foot sole or wherever you want your pant leg to fall to. As in your waist size, round the fractional overage up to the next number: If you measure 31.5 inches, your leg length is L 32. Your size is then W34/L32, or just 34/32. Sometimes an ‘x’ is used instead of the slash (34×32).

Find our detailed how to measure inseam and how to measure waist size here.

W/L Sizes explained

W stands for waist circumference (Waist = W) and L stands for leg length (L = Length). All pants with a size labeled in inches will include these two figures, with the waist figure followed by the length. For example, if you have a jeans size 34/32, the number 34 means you have a waist 34 inches around. The number 32 then corresponds to a leg length of 32 inches.

Pants Sizing: Cuts and Fits

Size isn’t the only thing that matters. The “fit” and “cut” also determine how well a pair of pants fits and looks:

• Skinny fit pants cling “skin-tight” to the legs and have the narrowest seat that a brand offers.
• Slim fit pants are a size larger than skinny fit, but still snugly form-fitting in the legs, hips and seat.
• Regular Fit: Sometimes called “classic” or “original,” this the traditional pants fit, with a comfy 2”-3” of play between the pants and you.
• Relaxed Fit: These are the baggiest pants a label makes. Also called “loose fit” by some brands
• Taper fit: pants may fit looser at the waist, but still feature legs that gradually tighten toward the ankles.
• Straight fit pants feature legs roughly the same width throughout their length. From a standing position, the silhouetted legs fall perpendicular to the floor.

Different cuts and fits for different women: Jeggings, Slim Fit, Skinny Fit, Boyfriend Fit, Regular, Boot Cut, Loose Fit. The height of the pants top from the crotch, called the rise, determines where the pants “sit,” or come up to on your torso. Rise also varies widely in women’s pants, encompassing the High-waisted rise, Original rise, Regular rise, Medium rise, Low rise, even a hip-hugging, Ultra Low rise.

FAQ

• Women’s Pants Sizes
• Kids Pant Sizes
• Jean Sizes