How To Measure Inseam On Shorts Guide

By Jacklyn Story

Tue Jun 10 2025

When the temperature rises, it’s the perfect time to bring out your favorite shorts. If you're thinking about updating your summer wardrobe, you might be eyeing a few new pairs. But before you head to checkout, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right measurements to avoid the hassle of returns or exchanges.

One key measurement to get right is the inseam. To measure the inseam on a pair of shorts, you can either wear them or lay them flat on a surface. Using a soft measuring tape, measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom of the leg opening. This will give you the most accurate inseam length for a comfortable and flattering fit.

For more detailed instructions on how to measure inseam accurately, the rest of this guide breaks it down step by step, so you can find the right fit with confidence.

The Importance of Accurate Measurements

Nothing is more frustrating than buying a great pair of shorts online only to find that they don’t fit because you’ve miscalculated your size. Though your shorts must fit around the waist, it’s just as vital that each pair is the correct length. Generally, well-fitting shorts should hit just above or below the knee, depending on your particular cut and personal preference. Shorts that are too long stop at an awkward mid-calf point, while those that are too short leave your thighs exposed.

Taking accurate measurements is especially important for shorts because many styles have low cargo pockets or hem details, making it difficult or impossible to alter the length. Here’s a quick overview of how to measure shorts so you can calculate your precise size and avoid unpleasant surprises the next time you order.

Taking General Measurements

Take a pair of shorts that you already own (that fit well) and lie them on a flat surface. Choose a pair without an elastic waistband and smooth out all wrinkles. Use a measuring tape or ruler to take the following measurements:

Waist - Button the shorts and measure the waistband from side to side. Double this measurement to calculate the total circumference.
Front crotch (or rise) - Measure buttoned shorts from the top of the front waistband above the fly to the point where the crotch and leg seams meet below the fly.
Back crotch (or rise) - Measure from the top of the middle point of the rear waistband to the point where the crotch and leg seams meet.
Hip - Measure across the widest point of the hips and double the number to calculate the total circumference.
Thigh - Measure the width of one shorts leg from the side seam to the crotch seam directly beneath the fly. Double the number for the total circumference.
Leg opening - Measure the opening of the shorts leg from the side seam to the crotch seam at the bottom hem and double the measurement for the circumference.

How to Measure Shorts Length

There are two different measurements needed to calculate length, using the same method as above.

Length - For total length measurement, shorts should be measured from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem.
Inseam - For inseam measurement, shorts should be measured from the point where the crotch and leg seams meet below the fly to the bottom of the hem.

What is the inseam on shorts?

The inseam of shorts is the critical measurement from the crotch to the bottom of the leg opening. It measures the length of the shorts along the inner leg, affecting their overall length and fit.

In order to find the inseam on your shorts, you’ll need to locate the seams — lines of stitching that sew the front and back leg panels of fabric together. The inseams are the two seams that run from the crotch of the shorts below the fly to the bottom of the hem. The inseam under the fly will start where all four seams — front seam, back seam, left inseam, and right inseam — meet along the inner thigh. Some styles of shorts do not have stitching along the inseam, but the method for measuring the length of the inseam remains the same.

What is an Outseam on Shorts?

Wondering what is outseam on shorts? The outseam refers to the seam on the outer side of shorts or pants. It starts at the waistband's top and goes down to the hem's bottom. Some styles of shorts do not have stitching along the outseam, but the method for measuring the length doesn’t change.

How to Measure In-Seam on Shorts

Follow these steps to accurately measure the inseam on a pair of shorts and ensure the perfect fit:

Step 1: Prepare the Shorts

Lay the shorts flat on a smooth surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Alternatively, if someone can assist you, you can wear the shorts while standing straight and looking ahead for a more accurate measurement.

Step 2: Locate the Starting Point

Find the point at the crotch just below the fly where the four seams meet — the front and back seams, and the left and right inseams.

Step 3: Measure the Inseam

Using a flexible measuring tape or ruler, measure from that crotch point down the inside leg to the bottom of the hem. If there’s no visible seam, simply measure along the inner thigh to the bottom.

Step 4: Record the Measurement

The number you get is the inseam length. Use this measurement when selecting or ordering your next pair of shorts.

How to Measure Out-Seam on Shorts

In addition to knowing how to measure the inseam on shorts, you may also need to measure the outseam to determine the most accurate size to order. Here are detailed instructions for taking the outseam shorts measurement:

Lay your shorts on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. If you have someone who can help you take measurements, you can put the shorts on and stand up, looking straight ahead of you while the other person measures the seam.
Take a measuring tape or ruler and place one end at the top of the waistband on the outside of the shorts.
Pull the tape measure or lay the ruler along the line of stitching on the outside leg of the shorts to the bottom of the hem. If there is no line of stitching along the outside of the leg, just measure along the outer thigh.
Take this measurement as the outseam length.

If you follow these step-by-step instructions on how to measure the inseam on shorts, you can compare your measurements to the inseam details on each of our product pages to find shorts with the perfect fit. Have additional questions or concerns about sizing shorts for men or shorts for women? Contact UNIONBAY for more details!

Check out our best-selling shorts!