APsavings Shop Denim Fit Guide
Find your fit, one style at a time
Use this guide with the size information and fit notes for the specific jeans you are considering. A size label is not a measurement: sizes, rise, stretch and cut can differ between products and brands. Available size labels alone do not establish waist, hip, inseam or rise measurements.
How to measure
Use a flexible tape over light clothing, stand naturally, and keep the tape snug without compressing your body. Record the units. Keep body measurements separate from garment measurements, and follow the product chart's measuring instructions when supplied.
Waist
Measure around your natural waist, keeping the tape level. If a product chart specifies the waistband position instead, measure at that position. A low-rise waistband sits below the natural waist, so these measurements are not interchangeable.
Hips
With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Keep the tape level and do not pull it tight.
Inseam
Lay a pair of jeans with your preferred length flat. Measure along the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem. Compare this garment measurement with the product's listed inseam, allowing for the intended cropped or full-length look and your footwear. Do not assume an inseam from a petite, regular or tall label.
Rise
Fasten a well-fitting pair of jeans and lay them flat without stretching. Measure the front rise from the crotch seam up to the top of the front waistband. If needed, measure the back rise separately. Compare like-for-like measurements for the listed size; front and back rise are different measurements.
Low, mid and high rise
Low rise generally sits below the natural waist toward the hips. Mid rise generally sits between the hips and natural waist. High rise generally sits at or above the natural waist. These labels are relative, not universal inch ranges. Torso length, size and the garment's cut affect where a waistband sits. Check the style's actual rise measurement and fit notes, and compare with jeans you already like.
Should you size for waist or hips?
Compare both measurements with this product's chart. First check whether the chart describes body measurements or finished garment measurements; garment measurements may include intended ease. Use the decisions below rather than a universal waist-to-hip rule.
| Your comparison with this product's chart | What to do |
|---|---|
| Waist and hips point to the same size | Use that size as a starting point, then check rise, inseam, cut and the product's fit notes. |
| Hips point to a larger size than waist | Check the style's hip allowance and stretch information. In a close-fitting rigid style, sufficient room through the hips is important, but a larger size may leave room at the waist. Consider another cut or ask about this specific style before choosing. |
| Waist points to a larger size than hips | Check waistband construction and where this rise sits on your body. Make sure the waistband has sufficient room, while considering whether the seat and legs will be looser than intended. |
| You are between sizes | Follow the product's between-size advice if provided. Otherwise compare garment measurements with jeans you own or request style-specific guidance. Do not automatically size up or down. |
| No measurements or fit guidance are supplied | A size label alone cannot determine fit. Ask for waist, hip, inseam and rise information for the exact style and size before deciding. |
Before choosing a size
Check the exact style's available sizes, chart, fabric composition, stretch notes, rise and inseam. Do not assume stretch percentage or fit allowance from a fabric name alone. For a fit question, include the product name, intended size, your waist and hip measurements, preferred inseam, and the rise of a pair you like.
This guide applies to jeans and denim bottoms. Denim tops and jackets need their own garment-specific measurements and fit guidance.
