Figuring out your pants size might seem simple, right? Look at the tag and order similar ones online – that's it. However, this purchasing method often leads to disappointment when choosing regular everyday pants, let alone tactical models. Firstly, different fabric types, cuts, and individual waistband features can provide completely different fits and comfort levels even with the same marked size. Secondly, using the letters and numbers on the tag of your old pants as a guide when choosing new ones almost always results in the wrong size. Why does this happen, and how do you correctly determine your pants size? We'll explain everything in detail now.
How to Take Pants Measurements
One of the main mistakes in this process is measuring existing trousers and buying new ones based on their parameters. Measurements should only be taken from the body, specifically:
- measure the waist circumference (at the narrowest part of the abdomen). Do not suck in your stomach or tighten the measuring tape – it should fit snugly but not constrict;
- measure the hip circumference. This is the most protruding part of the buttocks, not the "widest part of the pelvis" (as sometimes mistakenly written);
- side seam length – from the waistband to the bottom of the leg (in our case, the ankle) along the outside of the leg;
- inseam length – from the ankle to the crotch.
Measuring based on pants instead of your body is only acceptable if you want to buy the same model but in a different color, for example. However, here you need to carefully read the product specifications. After all, the manufacturer might have changed the fabric composition or added tightening elements to the waistband, etc. All of this can affect the fit and wearing comfort slightly or quite significantly. Therefore, before measuring your pants size and placing an order, be sure to review the product parameters.
Types of Tactical Pants
Sizes Tables with letters, numbers, and inches can confuse anyone. But knowing the basic principles of size chart construction will minimize the risk of choosing the wrong-sized pants. So, in our market, you can find two of the most common size systems for military pants.
Men's Military Pants Sizes W/L – American Inch System In this case, W is the waist circumference in inches, and L is the inseam length (from the crotch to the ankle), also in inches. Often, size charts come without letter designations, just numbers, for example, 34/32:
- waist 34 inches – 86.4 cm;
- leg length 32 inches – 81.3 cm.
And there's one important nuance here. The W/L size system does not specify the length of the leg from the waistband to the ankle. Why? This standard for measuring pants length, adopted in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, and by all well-known tactical brands there, takes into account the fact that everyone's leg is structured roughly the same from the crotch to the ankle. But the waistband length is a very variable parameter that depends not only on the fit of the pants but also on body build. In this case, there are two ways to find out the length of military pants from the waistband to the ankle:
- A frequently used but unofficial method. Add 20-30 cm to the inseam length, depending on the type of fit: Low rise – ~20 cm, medium rise – ~25 cm, high rise – 28-30 cm.
- The most accurate and reliable method. Contact the manufacturer and ask for this measurement for a specific model of trousers.
International Letter System (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, etc.) Men's military pants and women's models here are indicated in a combined format, for example S/R:
- the first part (S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc.) – the width of the garment, that is, a guide to the waist circumference;
- the second part (R, S, L) – height, that is, the side seam length.
Important: do not choose pants based on the principle "I wear size M/XL, so these will fit." One manufacturer's M will be 94 cm, while another's will be 84-88 cm. Always rely solely on the specific brand's size chart.
The correctly chosen size of tactical trousers is not only a matter of comfort but also the effectiveness of this type of clothing. If you need help choosing high-quality military pants, contact the specialists at the military surplus store M-GEAR® (contacts). You will receive highly qualified advice from them and are guaranteed to buy pants that fit and have the necessary functionality.
