How to measure for trousers

The 5 measurements a tailor takes for trousers, in the order they're usually taken. Each shows where the tape starts and stops (or where it sits), with a picture and one tip. Use it at the fitting, or send it to a client to measure themselves at home.

01
Waist
Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.
Close-up
Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button
Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.
02
Hip
Round the fullest part of the hips and bottom.
Close-up
Tape goes · The widest part of the hips, over the fullest part of the bottom
Tip: Feet together. Look in a mirror to check the tape is level.
03
Trouser length
From the waist, down the outside of the leg, to the hem.
Start · The side of your waist, where trousers sit
End · The floor, or where you want the trousers to end
Tip: Wear your shoes. Stand straight, feet slightly apart.
04
Thigh
Round the fullest part of one thigh.
Close-up
Tape goes · The top of the thigh, just below the crotch
Tip: Stand with weight on both feet; don't tense the leg.
05
Ankle
Round the ankle, where the trouser hem will sit.
Close-up
Tape goes · Just above the ankle bone
Tip: Loose enough for your foot to go through the hem.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for trousers?

5: Waist, Hip, Trouser length, Thigh, Ankle. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

Yes, with a soft tape and a mirror, though a second person makes the lengths and the back easier. Stand straight and relaxed, don't hold your breath, and keep the tape snug but not tight. Your tailor will check them at the first fitting.

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free

How to measure for trousers

Waist

Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.

Close-up

Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button

Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.

Hip

Round the fullest part of the hips and bottom.

Close-up

Tape goes · The widest part of the hips, over the fullest part of the bottom

Tip: Feet together. Look in a mirror to check the tape is level.

Trouser length

From the waist, down the outside of the leg, to the hem.

Start · The side of your waist, where trousers sit

End · The floor, or where you want the trousers to end

Tip: Wear your shoes. Stand straight, feet slightly apart.

Thigh

Round the fullest part of one thigh.

Close-up

Tape goes · The top of the thigh, just below the crotch

Tip: Stand with weight on both feet; don't tense the leg.

Ankle

Round the ankle, where the trouser hem will sit.

Close-up

Tape goes · Just above the ankle bone

Tip: Loose enough for your foot to go through the hem.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for trousers?

5: Waist, Hip, Trouser length, Thigh, Ankle. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free