Men's Jeans Sizes
Men's jeans should fit perfectly without a belt (the belt is there to emphasize the waist, not to hold up jeans that are too big) and should show off your figure. There is therefore one size that fits you and one only — it's no coincidence that the American size range is so wide, generally from W28 to W36. It's better to know your size before shopping to save time. Sizes may vary slightly between brands but rarely by more than one size.
| US Size | French Size | Flat measurement | Waist circumference |
| W28 | 37/38 | 38 cm | 76 cm |
| W29 | 38/39 | 39 cm | 78 cm |
| W30 | 39/40 | 40 cm | 80 cm |
| W31 | 40/41 | 41 cm | 82 cm |
| W32 | 41/42 | 42 cm | 84 cm |
| W33 | 42/43 | 43 cm | 86 cm |
| W34 | 43/44 | 44 cm | 88 cm |
| W35 | 44/46 | 45 cm | 90 cm |
| W36 | 46/48 | 48 cm | 96 cm |
| W38 | 48/50 | 50 cm | 100 cm |
Two sizing systems exist:
- The French system: 38, 40, etc. This system has the disadvantage of a narrower range and does not account for leg length.
- The American system which accounts for both width and length: W=waist width and L=jean length
| International size | FR | Jeans US | IT |
| XXS | 38 | 27" - 28" | 42 |
| XS | 40 | 29" - 30" | 44 |
| S | 42 | 31" - 32" | 46 |
| M | 44 | 33" - 34" | 48 |
| L | 46 | 35" - 36" | 50 |
| XL | 48 | 37" - 38" | 52 |
| XXL | 50 | 39" - 40" | 54 |
| XXXL | 52 | 41" - 42" | 56 |
| US Sizes | French Sizes | Flat measurements | Waist circumference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 37/38 | 38 cm | 76 cm |
| 29 | 38/39 | 39 cm | 78 cm |
| 30 | 39/40 | 40 cm | 80 cm |
| 31 | 40/41 | 41 cm | 82 cm |
| 32 | 41/42 | 42 cm | 84 cm |
| 33 | 42/43 | 43 cm | 86 cm |
| 34 | 43/44 | 44 cm | 88 cm |
| 36 | 44/46 | 46 cm | 92 cm |
| 38 | 46/48 | 48 cm | 96 cm |
Jean and trouser length
| US Length | Total length (cm) | Inseam length |
|---|---|---|
| L30 | 108 / 110 | 78 / 80 |
| L32 | 112 / 114 | 82 / 84 |
| L34 | 116 / 118 | 86 / 88 |
Brand equivalences
| LEVIS Size | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 38 |
| DOCKERS Size | 30 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 38 | ||
| REDSKINS Size | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | ||||
| French Size | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
Jeans are a timeless staple. Everyone has at least one pair in their wardrobe. They can be worn for almost any occasion and easily repurposed for DIY or gardening. They can be customised and are loved by the whole family.
The W/L (Waist/Length) system is the world standard for men's jeans. W = waist in inches, L = inseam in inches. A W32/L32 jean is 32 inches waist (81 cm) and 32 inches inseam (81 cm). This double measurement allows precise body fit.
In France the waist in cm is more intuitive. Our table provides the conversion: W28 (71 cm), W30 (76 cm), W32 (81 cm), W34 (86 cm), W36 (91 cm), W38 (96 cm), W40 (101 cm). Beware vanity sizing: a Levi's W32 may fit 84 cm, a Diesel W32 may fit 81 cm.
Additional questions
How do I measure my waist for men's jeans?
Measure your waist in inches to find your W size. For the L (length), measure from the crotch to the ankle.
What does W32 L32 mean?
W32 = 32-inch waist (≈ 81 cm), L32 = 32-inch inseam (≈ 81 cm).
What W size is an 86 cm waist?
86 cm is approximately 34 inches, so W34.
How do I measure my waist for jeans?
Measure horizontally at the narrowest point, where your usual pants belt sits. Snug but not compressed. Note in cm and divide by 2.54 for W in inches.
What length (L) for my height?
L30 for 1m70, L32 for 1m75-1m80, L34 for 1m80-1m85, L36 for over 1m85. Varies by cut (slim vs regular vs bootcut) and rise (high vs low).
Does raw denim shrink at first wash?
Yes, up to 5% for non-sanforized raw denim. That's about half a W size and 1-2 cm of length. Pre-washed (sanforized) barely shrink. Check the fabric before buying.