noun

inseam

IN-seem

Inseam (noun) means the measurement from the crotch of a pair of trousers down to the bottom of the leg, used as a sizing measurement. Example: “I take a 32 waist with a 30 inseam.”

noun

The measurement from the crotch of a pair of trousers down to the bottom of the leg, used as a sizing measurement.

"I take a 32 waist with a 30 inseam."

"Check the inseam before you order, as the cut runs long."

The seam itself, running along the inner side of a trouser leg from crotch to hem.

"The inseam had split and needed restitching."

"Reinforced inseams make the work trousers last far longer."

How to Use Inseam

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow long the trouser leg is from the crotch to the bottom.

When to use it

Chiefly American English; everyday clothing and retail vocabulary.

Memory tip

The rise is a third trouser measurement — from the crotch up to the waistband — and is often confused with the inseam.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

outseam inside leg rise →

Common pairings

30-inch inseam short inseam measure the inseam

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I take a 32 waist with a 30 _____.

Etymology

A compound of in and seam, from the seam on the inner side of a trouser leg.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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inside leg leg length

Rhymes for inseam

seam team ream beam cream dream steam bream gleam stream scream sunbeam

See all rhymes for inseam →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between inseam and outseam?

The inseam is measured along the inside of the leg from the crotch to the hem, while the outseam runs down the outside from the top of the waistband to the hem. The outseam is therefore always the larger number.

Is inseam the same as inside leg?

Yes. Inseam is the usual American term and inside leg the usual British one, and both refer to the same measurement. A tailor in London will ask for your inside leg; a website in the United States will list an inseam.

How do you measure your inseam?

Take a pair of trousers that already fit well, lay them flat, and measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom hem along the inner edge. Measuring an existing garment is more reliable than measuring your own leg.