Waist Size vs. Pant Size: Everything You Need To Know

There is no denying that trying to navigate men’s pant sizes can be quite the hassle. From the various numbers to the different kinds of measurements, finding trousers that fit is often not nearly as easy as buying a shirt that comes in either a small, medium, large, or x-large.

This is partially due to the fact that while pants require a more complex fitting, trouser sizes actually are not standardized, meaning you often need to re-measure each brand that you are shopping for. Though this might seem redundant, it is entirely possible to find that the same size in two different brands or designers is actually not the same at all.

When shopping for men’s pants, you will often find that there are two numbers you have to read when trying to determine the size. While it may seem utterly confusing, it is actually not as difficult to figure out as you may think. In order to give you a helping hand in finding your perfect fit, here is our guide to everything you need to know about waist size and pant size.

Waist Size

Finding out your waist size is pretty much as easy and self-explanatory as it sounds. All you need to do is literally measure your waist. Then, the number that you get upon completing that measurement is your exact waist size. It is most convenient to conduct your waist measurement in inches since that is the measurement that most pants follow.

When reading the sizing on the label of a pair of pants, you will find that there are two numbers on the tag. The first number that you see is the waist measurement, meaning it is important to pay attention to that after having completed your own measurement. 

Pant Size

The waist size of a pair of trousers goes hand in hand with the overall pants size. Though the first number on the label of a pair of pants is the waist size, the second number refers to the length of the pants. These two numbers together are what give you your pant size. While knowing your waist measurement and your height are both important, the overall pant size of your trousers combines the two measurements to give you a general outline on what your sizing is.

For example, if you are looking at a label on a pair of pants that reads 34×32, the 34 means that the waist of the trousers measures 34 inches, while the 32 means that the pants are 32 inches in length. In addition to trying your clothes on, knowing your own measurements is the only way to ensure that you will be able to find clothes that fit properly, both in terms of style and comfort. 

Things to Keep In Mind

While it might seem as though the waist size on a label tells you how big the waistband is, this is actually not the case. In fact, the waistband measurement is usually a bit bigger than the marked waist size because trousers tend to sit below the natural waist. In other words, the body often gets wider below the natural waist, meaning the waistband needs some extra wiggle room to fit properly.

Also, since you can’t assume that your size will be the same across a variety of brands, always make sure your own personal measurements are up to date when trying out a new designer, and always try on your pants if possible. Though looking your best is always a top priority, feeling comfortable in your trousers is especially important.