Jeans sizes in cm: waist (W) and length (L)
Jeans are sized in inches: W is the waist and L is the length of the inside leg seam. W32 L30 means a 32-inch waist (81.3 cm) and a 30-inch inseam (76.2 cm).
Waist (W) in cm
W is the waist of the jeans in inches. Fit and stretch vary by brand, so check the brand’s own size chart before you order.
| Size | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|
| W24 | 61 |
| W25 | 63.5 |
| W26 | 66 |
| W27 | 68.6 |
| W28 | 71.1 |
| W29 | 73.7 |
| W30 | 76.2 |
| W31 | 78.7 |
| W32 | 81.3 |
| W33 | 83.8 |
| W34 | 86.4 |
| W35 | 88.9 |
| W36 | 91.4 |
| W37 | 94 |
| W38 | 96.5 |
| W39 | 99.1 |
| W40 | 101.6 |
| W41 | 104.1 |
| W42 | 106.7 |
| W43 | 109.2 |
| W44 | 111.8 |
Length (L) in cm
L is the inseam: from the crotch seam down to the hem.
| Length | Inseam (cm) |
|---|---|
| L26 | 66 |
| L28 | 71.1 |
| L29 | 73.7 |
| L30 | 76.2 |
| L31 | 78.7 |
| L32 | 81.3 |
| L33 | 83.8 |
| L34 | 86.4 |
| L36 | 91.4 |
How to find your size
- Waist: measure around your body with a soft tape where you wear your jeans, without pulling tight. Divide the centimeters by 2.54 and round to the nearest inch.
- Length: lay a pair of trousers that fit flat and measure the inside seam from the crotch to the hem.
- European (EU 40, 42…) and UK women’s sizes use other systems, so compare W and L in centimeters rather than by number.
Measuring without a tape
Lay a pair of jeans that fit well on a table, button them and measure straight across the waistband from edge to edge. Double it to get the waist. A 40 cm waistband is 80 cm around, which is 80 ÷ 2.54 = 31.5 inches: W31 or W32 depending on the fit you like.
Common mistakes
- Measuring over thick clothing: it adds 2–3 cm (about 1 inch).
- Ignoring stretch: stretch denim fits tighter at first and gives 1–2 cm with wear.
- Choosing L by height alone without thinking about your shoes and where the jeans sit on the waist.
Frequently asked questions
What is W32 in cm?
32 inches is 81.28 cm around the waist.
What does W30 L32 mean?
A 30-inch waist (76.2 cm) and a 32-inch inseam (81.3 cm).
My waist is 86 cm. What W size am I?
86 ÷ 2.54 = 33.9 inches, so W34.
More size guides
TV sizes in cm: width and height chart · Screen sizes in cm: phones, tablets, laptops and monitors · Fractions of an inch to millimeters
Inches to cm converter · Centimeters to inches Converter · Inches to cm chart (with fractions) · Photo and paper sizes in cm · How to convert inches to centimeters – and read a tape measure