how to measure pant outseam

2 min read 06-02-2025

Knowing how to accurately measure pant outseam is crucial whether you're shopping online, altering existing pants, or creating your own. The outseam is the length of the pant leg from the highest point of the waistband to the bottom hem. Getting this measurement right ensures a proper fit and prevents alterations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step.

What is the Outseam?

The outseam is the measurement of the entire length of your pant leg from the top of your waistband to the bottom hem. It's measured along the outside curve of the leg. This differs from the inseam, which measures from the crotch seam to the hem. Getting the outseam measurement correct is vital for accurate fitting pants.

Supplies You'll Need

Before you begin measuring, gather these essential items:

A flexible measuring tape: A soft tape measure is ideal to get an accurate reading. Rigid measuring tapes can be less accurate.
A pair of pants: The pants you're measuring, or a similar pair for comparison.
A flat surface: Lay the pants out on a smooth, flat surface like a table or floor to prevent wrinkles or distortions.
A helper (optional): Having someone assist can make the measuring process easier, particularly for self-measuring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Pant Outseam

Follow these steps for accurate pant outseam measurement:

Prepare the Pants: Lay the pants flat on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the pants are smooth and free of wrinkles. Smooth out any creases or folds in the fabric.
Find the Waistband's Highest Point: Locate the very top of the waistband at the back of the pants. This is your starting point.
Align the Measuring Tape: Position the "0" mark of the measuring tape at the highest point of the waistband at the back.
Extend Along the Outseam: Keeping the tape measure taut but not stretched, run it smoothly down the outer leg seam, following the curve.
Reach the Hem: Continue along the outseam until you reach the bottom hem of the pant leg.
Read the Measurement: Note the measurement where the tape measure ends at the bottom hem. This number represents the outseam measurement. Record this measurement carefully.
Repeat for the Other Leg: Repeat steps 3-6 for the other pant leg. Outseam measurements may vary slightly between legs, but the difference should be minimal. Use the average of the two measurements if they differ by more than half an inch.

Troubleshooting Common Measurement Problems

Wrinkles: Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric before measuring. Even small wrinkles can affect the accuracy of your measurement.
Stretching the Tape Measure: Avoid pulling the tape measure too tightly. This will give you an inaccurate, smaller measurement. It should be taut but not stretched.
Inaccurate Starting Point: Make sure you begin at the highest point of the waistband. Starting too low will result in an inaccurate measurement.

Using Your Outseam Measurement

Once you've accurately measured the outseam, you can use this information to:

Shop for pants online: Use the outseam measurement to ensure you select pants that are the correct length.
Alter existing pants: If your pants need alterations, the outseam measurement is essential for tailoring them to the proper length.
Make your own pants: When sewing your own pants, the outseam measurement is crucial for creating well-fitting garments.

Conclusion

Mastering how to measure pant outseam accurately is a valuable skill for anyone who shops for pants, alters them, or sews them. By following these simple steps and paying attention to detail, you can ensure your pants fit perfectly every time. Remember to always double-check your measurements!