To measure the leg length for Levi's or any jeans, you measure the inseam.
The leg length for Levi's jeans is measured by determining the inseam. The inseam is the distance along the inside of the leg from the crotch to the hem of the pant leg.
What is the Inseam?
The inseam is a crucial measurement when finding the perfect fit for trousers or jeans, especially for brands like Levi's where fit is key. It represents the length of the inner leg seam.
How to Measure Your Inseam
According to standard practices, including information from sources like Levi's themselves often imply this method for finding your ideal size:
- Prepare: Find a tape measure. It's also helpful to have a friend assist you, or measure a pair of jeans you already own that fit well in length.
- Measure Yourself: To measure your own inseam directly:
- Stand upright without shoes.
- Have someone measure straight down the inside of your leg from the crotch to the point where you want the bottom of your pants to sit (typically the ankle or slightly below).
- Measure a Favorite Pair of Jeans: This is often the easiest and most accurate method for determining your desired Levi's leg length.
- Lay a well-fitting pair of jeans flat on a surface, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Take your tape measure and measure straight down the inside leg from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem, before writing down the measurements.
- Ensure the tape measure follows the seam line accurately.
Practical Tips for Measuring
- Use the Right Tool: A flexible fabric tape measure is ideal.
- Be Accurate: Measure to the nearest quarter or half inch.
- Consider Footwear: Think about the shoes you typically wear with the jeans. The desired length might change depending on whether you wear sneakers, boots, or flats.
- Account for Shrinkage: Denim can sometimes shrink slightly after washing, although pre-shrunk denim minimizes this.
- Different Styles: The desired inseam might vary slightly depending on the Levi's fit style (e.g., skinny jeans might be shorter than bootcut).
Understanding Levi's Sizing
Levi's sizing typically uses two numbers: the waist size (W) and the inseam length (L). For example, a size "32x30" means a 32-inch waist and a 30-inch inseam. The measurement you take using the inseam method described above corresponds to the "L" number in Levi's sizing.
Example Inseam Measurements (Approximate):
| Height Range | Common Inseam (L) |
|---|---|
| Under 5'4" | 28" or 30" |
| 5'4" to 5'7" | 30" or 32" |
| 5'7" to 5'11" | 32" or 34" |
| 5'11" to 6'2" | 34" or 36" |
| Over 6'2" | 36" or longer |
Note: This table is a general guide; individual proportions vary.
By accurately measuring the inseam of a pair of jeans that fit you well in length, you can confidently choose the correct leg length ("L" size) when purchasing Levi's.
