Simple stupid question about men's pant sizes

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
Does the size of a man's pants equate to the exact inch size of the waist? When I measure my waist it does not "EVER" match my pant size by 3-5 inches off every time.

 

Lonyo

Lifer
Aug 10, 2002
21,938
6
81
Size also depends on the fit, not just the waist measurement. But I think in theory it's supposed to be a waist measurement.
Sometimes a 32" is too big for me, and sometimes it's fine, sometimes a 30" is fine and sometimes it's waaay too tight.
 

destrekor

Lifer
Nov 18, 2005
28,799
359
126
Originally posted by: episodic
Does the size of a man's pants equate to the exact inch size of the waist? When I measure my waist it does not "EVER" match my pant size by 3-5 inches off every time.

I think everyone measures differently. I've had multiple brands where the waist measurement is different but fit basically the same. Not sure what my exact waist measurement is so not sure what the difference is.

Are you sure you are measuring your waist though, and not closer to your hips? The waist is basically right around your belly button iirc.

+
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
I'm pretty large. I'm loosing weight, down 13 pounds from 340. I wear size 52-54 pants - but when I get a tape measure it says 58. My 54's are loose without a belt. I just don't really understand it I guess.
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
Originally posted by: destrekor
Originally posted by: episodic
Does the size of a man's pants equate to the exact inch size of the waist? When I measure my waist it does not "EVER" match my pant size by 3-5 inches off every time.

I think everyone measures differently. I've had multiple brands where the waist measurement is different but fit basically the same. Not sure what my exact waist measurement is so not sure what the difference is.

Are you sure you are measuring your waist though, and not closer to your hips? The waist is basically right around your belly button iirc.

+

Yea, I've even went to "how to measure my waist" websites and confirmed I'm doing it right.
 

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
Originally posted by: loki8481
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.

I'm measuring where my pants fit just at the middle of my belly button.
 

Jugernot

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
6,889
0
0
Originally posted by: episodic
Originally posted by: loki8481
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.

I'm measuring where my pants fit just at the middle of my belly button.

This thread is not going to end well.... being a big guy myself, I have seen many a larger person get ripped to shreds on ATOT talking about anything to do with a waist line that is larger than 32"....

Beware episodic, beware....

In classic Kanye West fashion "ATOT does not like fat people"!

Jugs
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
I decided a long time ago to quit paying attention to the size of pants. Whatever fits is the right size. It's not just pants, shirts vary widely too.

Great system if you're in the store, not so great if you're ordering online.
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
Originally posted by: Jugernot
Originally posted by: episodic
Originally posted by: loki8481
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.

I'm measuring where my pants fit just at the middle of my belly button.

This thread is not going to end well.... being a big guy myself, I have seen many a larger person get ripped to shreds on ATOT talking about anything to do with a waist line that is larger than 32"....

Beware episodic, beware....

In classic Kanye West fashion "ATOT does not like fat people"!

Jugs

I don't really care too much about that. I'm loosing weight and wanted to track my measurements and just am a little confused. Most of AT has been really supportive in the Health and Fitness board.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
Originally posted by: episodic
Originally posted by: Jugernot
Originally posted by: episodic
Originally posted by: loki8481
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.

I'm measuring where my pants fit just at the middle of my belly button.

This thread is not going to end well.... being a big guy myself, I have seen many a larger person get ripped to shreds on ATOT talking about anything to do with a waist line that is larger than 32"....

Beware episodic, beware....

In classic Kanye West fashion "ATOT does not like fat people"!

Jugs

I don't really care too much about that. I'm loosing weight and wanted to track my measurements and just am a little confused. Most of AT has been really supportive in the Health and Fitness board.

I think that's awesome, and you're to be commended for that. Good luck! :)

Personally, I have noticed variation in fit as well, even within brand. For example, I'm 5'7", weight 198lbs currently, and wear a 33" waist. Levis 569s in a 33 are loose on me, but 550s are either just right or slightly snug.
 

woodie1

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2000
5,947
0
0
I've found a big variance by brand in sizes. Doesn't matter if you're talking pants or shirts. Then if you have wash and wear the dryer temperature can make them shrink if you don't watch out. ;)
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
9,865
105
106
I'm slim and do not want ton of fabric flapping around my butt so I have to buy from places like Express because not everyone makes clothes that fit slim men. The only way to ensure a good fit in my case is to try every pair on.
 

ed21x

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 2001
5,411
8
81
Originally posted by: episodic
Originally posted by: loki8481
probably also depends on whether or not you wear your pants at your "real" waist line.

I'm measuring where my pants fit just at the middle of my belly button.

that is not where the waste is. The waste is a few inches below that where the side of your pelvic bone extends out.
 

legoman666

Diamond Member
Dec 18, 2003
3,628
1
0
Originally posted by: Kadarin

Personally, I have noticed variation in fit as well, even within brand. For example, I'm 5'7", weight 198lbs currently, and wear a 33" waist. Levis 569s in a 33 are loose on me, but 550s are either just right or slightly snug.

Holy crap. I'm 5'10" and 140lbs and I wear 32-33's normally. I have a 31" waist. You're 3" shorter, 60lbs heavier, but wear the same pant size?


However, I have a pair of 33 jeans that are about 3 inches too big around the waist.
 

rezinn

Platinum Member
Mar 30, 2004
2,418
0
0
You know the difference between loose and lose, right?

I always buy the same size no matter the brand. An inch is an inch, but some pants shrink more than others. If pants don't fit well it's because the style is wrong. An inch is an inch in my experience. Maybe waist sizes that big are off so you feel less fat, like womens shoes/clothes?

In the end it doesn't really matter. If you wear clothing that actually fits you, you should always try it on.
 

arkcom

Golden Member
Mar 25, 2003
1,816
0
76
Originally posted by: legoman666
Originally posted by: Kadarin

Personally, I have noticed variation in fit as well, even within brand. For example, I'm 5'7", weight 198lbs currently, and wear a 33" waist. Levis 569s in a 33 are loose on me, but 550s are either just right or slightly snug.

Holy crap. I'm 5'10" and 140lbs and I wear 32-33's normally. I have a 31" waist. You're 3" shorter, 60lbs heavier, but wear the same pant size?


However, I have a pair of 33 jeans that are about 3 inches too big around the waist.

He must have about a 50" chest.
 

Pabster

Lifer
Apr 15, 2001
16,986
1
0
Originally posted by: Jugernot
This thread is not going to end well.... being a big guy myself, I have seen many a larger person get ripped to shreds on ATOT talking about anything to do with a waist line that is larger than 32"....

Beware episodic, beware....

In classic Kanye West fashion "ATOT does not like fat people"!

Jugs

Heh. Tell 'em to piss off.

As for OP, I find the sizing varies wildly by brand name. For example, I wear Tommy jeans and size 32 is fairly snug. But other brands, I can wear a 30 or 31 and it may even be a tad loose around the waist.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
Originally posted by: arkcom
Originally posted by: legoman666
Originally posted by: Kadarin

Personally, I have noticed variation in fit as well, even within brand. For example, I'm 5'7", weight 198lbs currently, and wear a 33" waist. Levis 569s in a 33 are loose on me, but 550s are either just right or slightly snug.

Holy crap. I'm 5'10" and 140lbs and I wear 32-33's normally. I have a 31" waist. You're 3" shorter, 60lbs heavier, but wear the same pant size?


However, I have a pair of 33 jeans that are about 3 inches too big around the waist.

He must have about a 50" chest.

I have a LOT of muscle.
 

bunnyfubbles

Lifer
Sep 3, 2001
12,248
3
0
Originally posted by: legoman666
Originally posted by: Kadarin

Personally, I have noticed variation in fit as well, even within brand. For example, I'm 5'7", weight 198lbs currently, and wear a 33" waist. Levis 569s in a 33 are loose on me, but 550s are either just right or slightly snug.

Holy crap. I'm 5'10" and 140lbs and I wear 32-33's normally. I have a 31" waist. You're 3" shorter, 60lbs heavier, but wear the same pant size?

you can be thin and still be 'heavy' if you have a lot of lean muscle mass

of course you can also be a Hank Hill type where you have skinny legs and no ass and a sizable gut