How to Find the Right Jeans Size

Denim was born out of necessity, serving hard-working Americans since the 19th century—and the cowboy life has plenty of it. Jeans were originally made to withstand every type of wear and tear, with reinforced material in places that ripped the most. Now, denim jeans are a daily favorite style for men and women alike.

Because jeans are an essential part of any Western wardrobe, the fit is just as important as the style itself. Maybe it's been a while since you bought a new pair of jeans, or maybe you're looking to try a new brand, but how do you ensure that you get jeans that fit well? Fret no further, partner. Find everything you need to know in this handy jeans sizing guide for men and women. (For children’s jeans, explore our kids’ jeans sizing guide.)

Take Your Measurements

To figure out what size jeans will fit best, gather a few household supplies. You'll need a flexible measuring tape—ideally, a tailor's measuring tape, but if you don't have one, any sort of string or twine that is long enough to measure your waist and legs will do. You can use the string to make dots or knots for your measurements and hold it up to a ruler or any measuring tape you have. For the second method, you’ll also need a pair of jeans that fit you well.

Method One: Measure Yourself

The most accurate way to determine your jean size is to measure your body, especially if it's been some time since you purchased a pair. Our bodies change over time, so having up-to-date measurements means your jeans—and the rest of your clothing—will fit comfortably. The measurements you should focus on are:

• Waist: It is important that you measure the right places on your body. Your waistband size will be calculated properly by taking your measurements at the narrowest point of your waist above the hips.
• Hips: You should take your hip measurements—at the widest part—so you can find properly fitted low-rise jeans and ensure you've enough room in the seat.
• Thighs: Next, it's important to measure your thighs. You'll want your jeans to fit there just as well as it fits everywhere else. Measure the largest part of your thigh and keep the measuring tape snug to your leg, but not so snug that it digs into your skin.
• Inseam: To get the right length for your jeans, you'll need to measure your inseam. The inseam starts at the highest point along your inside thigh and down to your ankle.

Jeans Sizing Tip: if you want jeans to wear with your high heels, make sure to measure your inseam from inside of thigh all the way down to the heel while wearing your favorite heels.

Once you have your measurements for your waist, hips, thigh, and inseam and have marked all these down in inches, compare the measurements to the size guides while you shop.

Method Two: Measuring Your Favorite Jeans

You can also do take your measurements with your old pair of jeans. While the size may be indicated on the tag, sizing may differ from brand to brand. To take the measurements of a pair of jeans, we'll use a string or measuring tape. Take these measurements:

• Width: The width of your jeans will be measured at the upper corner of the waistband. For accurate measurement, start from left to right at the waistband which will give you the waist measurement in inches. Note that number on a piece of paper. For example, 34.
• Length: To measure the length of your favorite jeans, hold the tape or string to the inner seam of jeans—along the inside of the thigh. Start at one end and measure all the way to the bottom hem of your old jeans. Note that number down, too. For example, 29.

These two numbers will become your jeans size. So using our example, a 34/29.

What Do S, R, and L Mean In Jeans Sizes?

So you've picked out the perfect pair of jeans from our hand-picked favorites at Stages West, and you note a particular drop-down menu that's beside Color and Size called Length. If you click on it, you might see the letters S, R, or L. What do those mean? Those letters represent the length of jeans, or inseam, most often seen in the cowgirl jeans section.

• S stands for Short, around 31 inches
• R stands for Regular, around 33 inches
• L stands for Long, roughly at 35 inches

Jeans Brands and Size Charts

When comparing sizes, always check the brand charts no matter what fit or cut, to compare and ensure that sizes match your measurements. Sizes may differ from brand to brand, and each style offers its own fit. When choosing your jeans, always refer to the size guide provided by the clothing brand so you can ensure a perfect fit, whether you’re heading out on the town, working on the ranch, or hiking your favorite trail.

Learn about jeans cut, fit, and rise in our Jeans Style Guide, and explore our other Western wear posts at our blog.