inseam

The inseam is a measurement that describes the inside length of a pant leg, from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. It is used to estimate how long the leg will appear when worn and helps determine whether pants will short, reach the ankle, or cover the shoe.

To measure an inseam, a well-fitting pair of pants is laid flat with a smooth seam. The measurement is taken along the inside leg from the crotch point to the bottom edge of the hem. For accuracy, many people compare the inseam to a pair of pants that fit well and have an appropriate length.

Inseam length is a key factor in garment fit and is specified by manufacturers on size labels. Common ranges vary by gender, height, and style. For men, regular inseams often fall around 30 to 34 inches, with shorter (28–30) and longer (34–36) options available. For women, inseams typically range from about 28 to 34 inches, with shorter, regular, and tall variants. Tall or petite sizing exists to accommodate longer or shorter leg lengths. Shorts, capri pants, and cropped styles use shorter inseams, while full-length trousers use longer ones.

Inseam is related to other fit measurements, such as the outseam (the exterior length from waistband to hem) and the rise (distance from the crotch to the top of the waistband). Alterations to adjust length usually involve changing the hem along the leg, and in some cases may require altering the inseam area to maintain proportions.

The inseam is also a consideration for skirts and jumpsuits, where a corresponding measurement helps determine appropriate length for movement and coverage.