How to Find Your Jeans Size Online (and Get It Right the First Time)

The short answer: To find your jeans size online, measure your waist at its narrowest point and your inseam from crotch to heel (or ankle bone for skinny jeans), then match both to the size chart for the exact style you want. Use your hip measurement only for low waisted styles that sit on your hips. At FITJEANS, sizes run XXS to XL and are based on body measurements, so your FITJEANS size can differ from the number you wear in other brands.

Ordering jeans online can feel like a gamble. One brand's M is another brand's S, sizes 27 and 28 mean different things in different stores, and a "regular" length can land anywhere from your ankle to the floor.

The fix is simple, and it takes about five minutes: measure yourself, then read the chart for the style you're buying. Here's exactly how.

What do I need to measure myself for jeans?

• A soft tape measure (a piece of string and a ruler work too)
• Thin clothes or underwear, so you measure your body and not your jumper
• A mirror, or a friend for the inseam
• Optional: your best-fitting pair of jeans

How do I measure my waist for jeans?

Find the narrowest part of your waist, usually around your belly button. Wrap the tape around it, keep it level all the way round, and pull it snug but not tight. Breathe normally and read the number.

At FITJEANS this is the most important measurement for most styles. Our waistbands are designed to be a little snug so the jeans don't slide down, and from the waist down the denim has super stretch.

How do I measure my inseam?

Stand straight and barefoot. Measure from your crotch down the inside of your leg:

• To your heel for flared, baggy and straight styles, which are meant to cover part of your shoe.
• To your ankle bone for skinny jeans.

No helper? Lay your favourite pair of jeans flat, smooth them out and measure the inside seam from the crotch seam to the hem.

When do I need my hip measurement?

Only for jeans that sit on your hips instead of your waist. Measure where the waistband of the jeans will actually sit, around the fullest part of your hips.

How do I read a jeans size chart?

1. Open the chart for the exact style. Different collections have different size charts. Our Flared and Skinny charts put S at a 65–70 cm (25.5–27.5") waist, while our Baggy chart puts S at 70–75 cm (27.5–29.5"). Same letter, different jeans.
2. Find your waist (or hip, for low waisted styles) in the size column.
3. Pick your length. Many styles come in Petite, Regular and Tall. Choose the inseam closest to your measurement. For example, in our Flared jeans size M is 77 cm (30.3") in Petite, 84 cm (33") in Regular and 93 cm (36.6") in Tall.
4. Read the notes. Some charts have extra tips, like sizing up in black washes.

Here's our Flared chart as an example:

What if I'm between two sizes?

This is the question we hear most, so here's our honest advice:

• Stretch jeans with a snug waistband: take the size your waist points to.
• Black washes: size up. Black denim is always stiffer, so if you're between sizes, go up one.
• Lightest washes: size down. The lighter the jean, the softer the fabric tends to be.
• Pastel: the rule is different. Check that style's size guide, or email help@fitjeans.com with your measurements — don't guess from blue or black advice.
• Low waisted styles: go by your hip measurement, and size up if you prefer a more relaxed feel.
• Rigid (non-stretch) jeans from any brand: these don't give, so size for your hips and expect to tailor the waist.

Real example from our support team: a customer with a 75 cm waist, right between M and L on our Flared chart, was advised to take M in blue and to size up in black.

Why is my FITJEANS size different from other brands?

Because there's no global standard for jeans sizes. We base our sizes on measurements, which lets us give more accurate advice, but it means your FITJEANS size may not match your usual store size. Always go by the tape measure, not the number on your old jeans.

What should I do if my jeans don't fit?

First, try them on properly: do them up, sit, squat and walk around. Stretch jeans often feel snug in the first few minutes. If they really aren't right, keep them unworn and unwashed with the tags on, and visit the returns page on our website for the options in your country. Washed jeans can't be returned, so try first and wash later.

And if you're unsure before ordering, just ask. Send us your waist and inseam measurements and our customer service team will help you find your size.

FAQ

What size jeans am I?

Measure your waist at the narrowest point and compare it with the style's chart. At FITJEANS, a 65–70 cm (25.5–27.5") waist is a size S in Flared and Skinny styles.

Should jeans be sized by waist or hips?

For high and mid waisted stretch jeans, size by your waist. For low waisted styles that sit on the hips, use your hip measurement.

How do I measure my inseam for flared jeans?

Measure from your crotch to your heel. Flares are meant to cover part of your shoe.

Do I size up or down in stretch jeans?

Take the size your waist points to. Our waistbands are designed to be snug. If you're between sizes: size up in black (stiffer fabric), size down in the lightest washes, and for Pastel check the size guide or ask help@fitjeans.com — Pastel behaves differently.

What sizes does FITJEANS offer?

XXS to XL, with Petite, Regular and Tall lengths on many styles.

Can I get personal sizing help?

Yes. Send your waist and inseam to our customer service team and we'll recommend a size and length.