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How to choose the right trouser size? – A practical guide
Buying clothes online, especially pants, can be quite a challenge. Even if we choose by the size we wear daily or compare new pants to those we already have, the result often ends up disappointing. The pants turn out to be too tight at the waist, too long in the legs, or just uncomfortable. This problem affects both women and men, regardless of body type.
If you are tired of returning pants that do not fit, this guide is for you. You will learn how to choose the right size pants, how to measure them correctly, what the different size labels mean, and how to use sample size charts available in our store. With our guide, you will avoid unnecessary returns, save time, and quickly choose pants that will fit well on the first order.
How to correctly measure pants?
If you are planning to buy pants online, the first thing you need to do is to measure your own body. Why? Because relying solely on the size you wear daily or comparing new pants to models you have in your closet, based only on the label (e.g., size L) often leads to mistakes and frustrations. The sizing may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer or country of origin, so pants marked with the same size may not always fit you the same way. Depending on the brand and style of pants, choosing the right size may require the following body measurements:
- Waist circumference (1) – measured with a tape measure around the waist or at the place where the pants are to sit (e.g., at the navel height with a medium rise). The tape should touch the body but not press.
- Hip circumference (2) – measured lower, at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. This is especially important for fitted pants and women's pants.
- Outer leg length (3) – measured from the top edge of the waist, along the outer side of the leg, to the bottom edge of the leg.
- Inner leg length (4) – measured from the seam at the crotch, along the inner side of the leg, to the desired leg length (usually to the ankle or bottom edge of the shoe).
- Thigh circumference (5) – measured at the widest point of the thigh, just below the crotch.
To facilitate later comparison with the size chart, write down all the obtained measurements in a notebook or on your phone — this will help you choose the right pant size more quickly and precisely.
How to measure pants from your wardrobe to select the size of new ones?
Besides measuring your own body and later using the measurements when buying pants, you can also measure those you already own. If you have a pair of pants whose size suits you very well, you can use them as a pattern when buying a new model. This is a simple and reliable way to obtain accurate measurements tailored to your body shape. Before measuring, prepare a tape measure and a flat, even surface - preferably a table or floor. Then measure the pants' dimensions, such as:
- Waist width (1) - spread the pants on a flat surface. Measure the distance from one edge of the waist to the other at the back (the back is less contoured than the front). To obtain the waist circumference, multiply the measured result by 2.
- Thigh width (2) - measure the width of the pant leg about 1 cm below the crotch, from one edge to the other. Multiply the result by 2 to obtain the full thigh circumference.
- Pant leg width (3) - measure the lower part of the pant leg, from one edge to the other. If you want to know the circumference of the pant leg, multiply the result by 2.
- Total pant length (4) - measure from the top edge of the waist to the end of the pant leg.
- Inner leg length (5) - measure from the crotch to the end of the pant leg, along the inner seam of the leg.
Watch the video where we show you how to correctly measure pants!
Pant sizes – various labels
Fitting pants can be a real challenge for many people. Labels often feature different letters or symbols, numbers separated by slashes, or abbreviations that vary depending on the brand, country, or style. Understanding these labels helps a lot, especially when buying pants online. Size systems differ depending on the world region. Each standard has its own rules and characteristic labels, which can determine how clothing will fit on the figure.
American W/L system
In the American system, pants are marked with two numbers: W (waist – waist circumference) and L (length – leg length). For example, size 32/34 means that the waist is 32 inches and the leg is 34 inches. To convert this to centimeters, simply multiply inches by 2.54 cm – in this case, the waist is about 81 cm (32 × 2.54), and the leg length is about 86 cm (34 × 2.54).
European (numeric) system
In Europe, a numbering system is popular, where pant sizes change every two units (e.g., 38, 40, 42). It is usually assumed that, for example, size 48 corresponds to a waist circumference between 84–88 cm. However, it is worth remembering that exact dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer. For this reason, it is difficult to match a size to specific body measurements solely based on label markings. Before purchasing, it is always worth checking the size chart provided by the specific brand.
International system (S, M, L, XL)
This is the simplest system, dividing bodies into several main categories:
- XS (Extra Small) – very small pant size
- S (Small) – small pant size
- M (Medium) – medium pant size
- L (Large) – large pant size
- XL, XXL (Extra Large) – very large pant size
This system is intuitive but less precise. Different brands may interpret these labels differently, so it is advisable to check the size chart before purchasing.
Additional markings on pants
In addition to the standard size, manufacturers often use additional markings regarding leg length and pant cut. These make it easier to choose a model perfectly suited to body shape and height.
Leg length markings:
- R (Regular) – standard leg length, the most commonly chosen variant, suitable for most people of average height.
- S (Short) – shorter leg, ideal for shorter people who want to wear pants without having to shorten them.
- L (Long) – longer leg, recommended for taller people who want pants to naturally reach the shoe.
The most popular pant cut markings:
Slim Fit – a fitted, tapered cut that hugs the body. In versions with added stretch, it provides complete freedom of movement, but with stiffer fabrics, it may limit mobility (e.g., when crouching). A style particularly recommended for people with a slim build.
- reinforcements on knees and buttocks
- six pockets
- adjustable waist and leg cuffs
- made of durable Rip-Stop cotton
Regular Fit – classic, universal cut, free and comfortable. The pant legs have an even width, making the pants fit most figures and work well in daily use.
- 8 practical pockets
- knee profiling
- reinforced pocket edges
- YKK zip fly
Straight cut – straight legs of equal width from thigh to ankle. Classic cut, comfortable for various activities, providing comfort and ease of fitting with footwear.
- elastic waistband
- 6 pockets
- cuffs on leg bottoms
- made of a polyester and cotton blend
Men's pants size chart
Size charts for pants can vary significantly between different websites and brands. Therefore, it's always worth familiarizing yourself with them to choose pants that fit your figure well. Many people don't do this and rely solely on the size they bought once – for example, seeing that they wear "M" and choosing the same size in a completely different brand. This is a big mistake because pant sizes and cuts differ between manufacturers.
Our store offers, among others, pants from the Pentagon brand. The accompanying chart shows both the inch size (W/L) and the manufacturer's size (34, 36, 38, etc.). It also includes precise dimensions: waist and hip circumference, thigh and leg width, and the total length and leg length from the crotch, making it easy to precisely select pants. Example men's pants size chart from the Pentagon brand:
| Inch size (W/L) | Manufacturer's size | Waist circumference (cm) | Hip circumference (cm) | Thigh width (cm) | Leg width (cm) | Total length (cm) | Leg length from crotch (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/30 | 34 | 68 | 94 | 29 | 20 | 97 | 82 |
| 28/30 | 36 | 72 | 94 | 30 | 20 | 97 | 82 |
| 30/32 | 38 | 76 | 94 | 31 | 20 | 107 | 82 |
| 32/32 | 40 | 80 | 100 | 32 | 20.5 | 105 | 82 |
| 33/34 | 42 | 84 | 104 | 33 | 21 | 110 | 86 |
| 34/34 | 44 | 88 | 108 | 34 | 21 | 110 | 86 |
| 36/34 | 46 | 92 | 112 | 35 | 22 | 111 | 86 |
| 38/34 | 48 | 96 | 116 | 36 | 22 | 113 | 86 |
| 40/34 | 50 | 100 | 120 | 37 | 23.5 | 113 | 86 |
| 41/34 | 52 | 104 | 122 | 38 | 24 | 113 | 86 |
| 42/34 | 54 | 106 | 127 | 39 | 24.5 | 113 | 86 |
| 44/34 | 56 | 112 | 136 | 40 | 24.5 | 113 | 86 |
| 46/34 | 58 | 116 | 138 | 41 | 30 | 117 | 86 |
| 47/34 | 60 | 120 | 140 | 42 | 30 | 117 | 86 |
Example women's pants size chart
Women's pants size charts naturally differ from men's, but the important thing is that women have a completely different body structure than men. That's why men's pants often do not fit women, even if by numbers it seems the size is right. The proportions of hips, thighs, and waist differ, which is crucial when fitting pants.
In our store, when it comes to women's pants, we offer, among others, models from the Helikon brand. The size chart provides letter designations (XS, XS Long, etc.) and also contains precise measurements – waist, hip circumference, leg width, and more, allowing precise selection of pants for the body. Example women's pants size chart from the Helikon brand:
| Size | Waist circumference (inches)* | Leg length from crotch (inches) | Waist circumference (cm)* | Leg length from crotch (cm) | Hip circumference (cm) | Total length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 27.5 | 32 | 70 | 81 | 88 | 104 |
| XS Long | 27.5 | 34 | 70 | 86 | 88 | 109 |
| S | 28 | 32 | 71 | 81 | 92 | 104.5 |
| S Long | 28 | 34 | 71 | 86 | 92 | 109.5 |
| M | 29.5 | 32 | 75 | 81 | 96 | 105 |
| M Long | 29.5 | 34 | 75 | 86 | 96 | 110 |
| L | 31 | 32 | 79 | 81 | 100 | 105.5 |
| L Long | 31 | 34 | 79 | 86 | 100 | 110.5 |
| XL | 32.5 | 32 | 83 | 81 | 104 | 106 |
| XL Long | 32.5 | 34 | 83 | 86 | 104 | 111 |
| XXL | 34 | 32 | 87 | 81 | 108 | 106.5 |
| XXL Long | 34 | 34 | 87 | 86 | 108 | 111.5 |
| 3XL | 36 | 32 | 91 | 81 | 112 | 107 |
| 3XL Long | 36 | 34 | 91 | 86 | 112 | 112 |
| 4XL | 38 | 32 | 95 | 81 | 116 | 107.5 |
| 4XL Long | 38 | 34 | 95 | 86 | 116 | 112.5 |
Outdoor, tactical, and everyday pants – MILITARY store offer
You already know that choosing the right pants is not an easy task, so it is always worth following the size charts. In our store, we provide detailed pant size charts that allow you to precisely match pants to your figure. We strongly recommend accurately measuring your dimensions and checking the chart to avoid unnecessary returns.
In our store, you will find many styles of pants – mainly those that are suitable for outdoor activities, survival, or tactical operations. Many of them are also suitable for everyday wear.
