Good news. Your lifelong hunt for a pair of jeans that actually fits ends now. We’re here to show you how to find the elusive perfect fit.
What you need to know is that sizes can differ depending on the brand and the country you're shopping in. Knowing your body measurements will help you make an informed decision and lead you to the right fit. While there are a few key areas to measure, the waist measurement is the most significant indicator of size when it comes to jeans.
How Do You Measure Your Waist?
Using a flexible measuring tape with your feet slightly apart, place the measuring tape above your belly button at the smallest part of your waist. Relax your stomach and wrap the tape around your waist. Make sure to keep the tape snug, but not tight, and ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor.
For the most accurate measurements, the measuring tape needs to make contact with your skin. There shouldn’t be any clothing in the way.
How Do You Measure Your Inseam
The easiest way to find your inseam is to find a similar style of pants or jeans that are as long as you want your new pair to be. Lay them flat on a table or the floor, with the legs straight. Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. This is your inseam length. Use a measuring tape, and make sure it stays flat and straight for accuracy.
While inseam lengths can vary slightly by brand and style, here's a general breakdown to help guide you:
| Inseam (inches) | Height Range (approx.) | Common Jeans Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 28" | 5'3" – 5'5" | Short |
| 30" | 5'6" – 5'8" | Regular |
| 32" | 5'9" – 5'11" | Regular/Tall |
| 34" | 6'0" – 6'2" | Tall |
| 36" | 6'3" and up | Extra Tall |
How Do I Measure Myself for Jeans Size?
Measuring yourself can be tricky, especially without a flexible measuring tape. If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, you can use a string and then measure the length against a ruler. Start by measuring your waist and the inseam of a pair of pants that fits you well. Both of those methods can be done by yourself. Then, you'll want to convert those measurements into a size using the size chart for the brand of jeans you're looking to buy.
Converting Your Waist Measurement To Jeans Size
Now that you have your waist measurement, you can check the brand’s conversion chart to find out what your corresponding jeans size is. Brands typically post this chart on their website. The conversions will be based on the sizing system they use.
When making a DUER jeans purchase (great choice, by the way), due to the optimal stretch and recovery of our proprietary fabric, we recommend that you choose one size smaller if you prefer a slimmer fit.
Note: Some brands employ a different sizing system for pants than they do for jeans. See below for pants and jeans sizes that correspond to waist measurements.
Women's Fit Guide
| Pants Size | Waist Measurement | Jeans Size |
| -- | 23" - 25" | 24" |
| XS | 24" - 25" | 25" |
| -- | 25" - 27" | 26" |
| S | 26" - 28" | 27" |
| -- | 27" - 29" | 28" |
| M | 28" - 30" | 29" |
| -- | 29" - 31" | 30" |
| L | 30" - 32" | 31" |
| -- | 31" - 33" | 32" |
| XL | 32" - 34" | 33" |
| -- | 33" - 35" | 34" |
Men's Fit Guide
| Pants Size | Waist Measurement | Jeans Size |
| 28 | 30" - 32" | 28 |
| 29 | 30 1/2" - 32 1/2" | 29 |
| 30 | 31" - 33" | 30 |
| 31 | 32" - 34" | 31 |
| 32 | 33" - 35" | 32 |
| 33 | 34" - 36" | 33 |
| 34 | 35" - 37" | 34 |
| 36 | 37" - 39" | 36 |
| 38 | 39" - 41" | 38 |
| 40 | 41" - 43" | 40 |
Measuring Men's Waist Sizes For Jeans
The method of measurement is the same for men and women. However, conversion to sizes is often different. For example, a waist that measures 30” will convert to sizes 29-31 in women’s jeans and a size 28 in men’s jeans. This is because men’s jeans are cut differently from women’s jeans. Women’s jeans have a wider hip circumference in comparison to the waist circumference; in men’s jeans, the waist to hip circumference ratio is smaller.
Find Your Jeans Size Without A Conversion Chart
1. Get a measuring tape
Ask the store clerk for a measuring tape.
2. Determine where the waistband of your jeans is meant to sit
Determine where the waistband of your jeans is meant to sit on your body. If it’s a high-waisted pair of jeans that you’re after, follow the same waist measurement guidelines outlined above. If you want low-rise pants, wrap the measuring tape just above the top of the buttocks.
3. Measure the waistband of the jeans
Measure the waistband of the pair of jeans to see if it’s a fit. Zip and button the jeans and lay it on a flat surface. Measure the waistband with a measuring tape from one end across to the other. Double that number for the waist measurement.
Match the jeans’ waistband measurement to your own waist measurement.
How to find the right jeans size
Finding the perfect jeans size goes beyond just knowing your waist and inseam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find jeans that fit your body—and your style—just right.
1. Measure yourself
Start with the basics:
Waist: Wrap a measuring tape around your natural waistline (usually just above your belly button), keeping it snug but not tight.
Inseam: Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle (or use a well-fitting pair of jeans as a reference).
2. Be aware of vanity sizing
Many brands use vanity sizing, meaning the labeled size may not reflect the actual measurements. For example, a size 32 waist might actually measure 33–34 inches. That’s why it’s essential to go beyond the tag and use actual measurements whenever possible.
3. Refer to the size guide
Every brand—and sometimes every style—can fit differently. Always check the size guide provided on the product page. DUER’s size guide, for example, includes waist and hip measurements to help you find your best fit.
Tip: If you're between sizes, check the product details. Stretch denim or performance fabric (like DUER’s) may allow you to size down for a snugger fit.
4. Consider the style of jeans
Different styles fit differently:
- Skinny jeans are snug through the hip, thigh, and calf—some prefer to size up for comfort, especially if the fabric has minimal stretch.
- Straight or slim fit offers a more relaxed feel while still maintaining shape.
- Cropped styles may have a shorter inseam, so double-check the length if you’re taller.
- Relaxed or wide-leg jeans offer more room, so your usual size may fit more generously.
Choosing the right jeans size is all about balance: comfort, style, and how you want your jeans to move with you.
Find Your Jeans Size Without Trying Them On
How do you find the perfect pair of jeans when you’re online shopping and therefore unable to try before you buy? While high-quality brands have a return policy that puts your mind at ease, it’s still preferable to get it right the first time.
Simply measure your waist and use the brand’s conversion chart to determine your size.
Once you've got your waist measurements and your jeans size has been determined, discover DUER’s men’s and women’s collections to find a ridiculously comfortable pair of jeans—the ultimate wardrobe staple.
