When shopping for khakis online, getting the right fit is crucial. Since you can’t try them on before buying, you’ll need to know your exact measurements. Measuring yourself properly and comparing those numbers against a clothing brand’s size chart is the key to buying well-fitting khakis sight unseen. Below are the steps to take for measuring yourself and tips for finding the perfect fitting pair of khakis from an online retailer, like Bills Khakis.
Table of Contents
Gather Your Measuring Supplies
Before starting, collect the following supplies:
- A cloth measuring tape
- A full length mirror
- Paper and pen for writing down measurements
- Form-fitting clothing like leggings and a tank top
Make sure the measuring tape hasn’t stretched out from previous use. You want it to give accurate readings.
Measure Your Waist
Wrap the measuring tape snugly (but not too tight) around your natural waistline above your belly button and hip bones. Make sure the tape measure stays parallel to the floor all the way around. Exhale normally and record this waist measurement in inches. This is the number you’ll match to the size charts for pant waist sizes. It’s best to measure your waist at the end of the day when it’s likely to be a bit larger than in the morning. This ensures the khakis will still be comfortable after meals and end of day bloating.
Measure Your Hips
With the measuring tape, measure the fullest part of your hips and butt. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground. Record this hip measurement in inches. For khakis, you’ll want to compare this number against the pant brand’s hip measurement for your waist size. It will influence what cut of khaki fits best. Make sure to measure over any clothing for the most accurate reading.
Measure Your Inseam
For getting the right khaki length, you’ll need your inseam measurement. Stand against a wall with your feet shoulder width apart. Place a book or box upright between your legs, just touching your crotch. Bring the measuring tape from the top of the book straight down along the inside your leg to your ankle bone. Record this inseam length in inches. If measuring yourself, have someone else position the book and do the measuring to get it just right.
Check the Rise
The rise refers to the distance between the crotch seam and waistband. For khakis, you generally want a rise that sits at your natural waistline. To determine your rise, measure from the top of the book placed at your crotch up to your belly button. Record this rise measurement in inches. The rise is an often overlooked but important measurement for achieving maximum comfort.
Compare to Size Charts
Once you have your waist, hip, rise and inseam measurements, it’s time to interpret. Go to the size chart of the khaki brand you wish to buy. Compare your waist measurement against their waist sizes. Then compare your hip measurement to the matching hip size for that waist. Make sure your rise measurement aligns with their regular rise. For the inseam, choose your general length – regular, long, or extra long. Or go custom and enter your exact inseam number. Matching all 4 of your measurements against the size chart is the key to success.
Consider the Fit
Beyond the numbers, think about how you like the general fit. Most khaki brands come in slim, straight, or relaxed cuts. If you like a trimmer silhouette, go with slim. If you prefer room to move, try relaxed. Straight is the middle ground – not too tight or too loose. Consider what styles you gravitate toward with other pants to help choose a khaki cut.
Buy a Test Pair
When buying khakis online for the first time, consider ordering just one test pair in the size you think will fit best. This lets you test out the sizing and fit. If they aren’t quite right, you can return and exchange for a better size with that brand’s chart now perfectly dialed in. Or try a different brand if the cut just doesn’t suit your body type.Many online retailers offer free shipping and returns to make test pairs a no risk option.
Read the Reviews
Always check out the user reviews on khakis you’re considering. Look for feedback on sizing and fit. People often comment if a particular style runs large, small, stretches out, or shrinks in the wash. This can further guide you in choosing the optimal size. Sort reviews from newest to oldest to get info on the current version of that khaki model. Sizing and fit can change over time.
Following the steps above to measure yourself accurately and cross-check against size charts will take the guesswork out of buying khakis online. Taking the extra time will ensure you get the perfect fitting pair delivered right to your door.