what is outseam measurement

3 min read 24-12-2024

Meta Description: Understanding outseam measurement is crucial for accurate clothing fitting. This comprehensive guide explains what outseam is, how to measure it accurately, and why it matters for proper garment sizing and comfortable wear. Learn how to measure your outseam for pants, jeans, and other garments, ensuring a perfect fit every time. Discover different methods and tips for accurate measurements, including using a measuring tape and considering body variations.

The outseam measurement is a critical dimension when it comes to fitting clothes properly, particularly trousers and pants. Knowing how to accurately measure your outseam ensures you purchase or tailor garments that fit comfortably and look their best. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about this essential measurement.

What is Outseam?

The outseam is the total length of the garment's outer leg, measured from the waistband to the bottom hem. It's the longest seam on a pair of trousers, jeans, or other similar bottoms. Understanding the outseam helps ensure a proper fit and prevents the common problem of pants being too short or too long.

How to Measure Your Outseam

Accurately measuring your outseam is crucial for getting the right fit. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Outseam

Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a flexible measuring tape and a pair of pants or trousers that fit well.
Find the Starting Point: Begin at the top of your waistband, right where it meets the side seam of your pants.
Extend the Tape: Extend the measuring tape down the outer leg, along the side seam. Make sure the tape follows the natural curve of your leg.
Reach the Hem: Continue along the side seam until you reach the bottom hem of your pants.
Record the Measurement: Note the measurement where the tape ends. This number represents your outseam measurement.

Why is Outseam Measurement Important?

Knowing your outseam is essential for several reasons:

Accurate Sizing: It ensures that you choose pants that are the correct length. This prevents the need for alterations, saving time and money.
Comfortable Fit: The correct outseam measurement contributes to an overall comfortable fit. Too-short or too-long pants can restrict movement or look sloppy.
Better Fit: By knowing your exact outseam, you can easily identify the correct size when shopping online or in stores.
Custom Tailoring: If you're getting pants tailored, providing your outseam measurement is vital for the tailor to create a perfect fit.

Outseam vs. Inseam: What's the Difference?

Often confused, the outseam and inseam are distinct measurements. The inseam is the length of the inner leg, measured from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. While both are important for proper fit, the outseam provides a complete picture of the pant's overall length.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Outseam

Incorrect Starting Point: Beginning at the wrong point on the waistband can lead to inaccurate measurements. Always start at the top of the waistband, where it meets the side seam.
A Loose Tape Measure: A loose tape measure will give you an incorrect, longer measurement. Keep the tape measure snug against the garment.
Ignoring the Curve: Do not pull the tape measure straight down; make sure it follows the natural curve of your leg.

Measuring Outseam on Different Types of Pants

The method for measuring the outseam remains largely consistent across various styles of pants – jeans, dress pants, or casual trousers. However, always ensure the pants you are using for measurement fit you comfortably.

Using Your Outseam Measurement

Once you have your accurate outseam measurement, use it when buying pants or ordering custom-made garments. Always double-check the provided measurements of the clothing you're considering purchasing.

Conclusion

Understanding and accurately measuring your outseam is a fundamental step in ensuring that your pants fit perfectly. This simple measurement prevents ill-fitting garments and saves you time and money on alterations. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently measure your outseam and enjoy perfectly fitting pants. Remember to always use a flexible tape measure and pay attention to detail for the most accurate results. Your outseam measurement, along with your waist and hip measurements, will help you find perfectly-fitting clothing every time.