What is the Outseam on Shorts: How to Measure & Size Guide

In this post, you will learn how to measure outseam vs inseam.

Alright, let’s talk shorts – not just any shorts, but what the heck the outseam on them actually is. You know, that little mystery measurement that pops up when you’re shopping for swim trunks, board shorts, or just trying to find the perfect pair of shorts for a summer day. So, buckle up because by the end of this, you’ll be the outseam expert you never knew you wanted to be.

Cool, but what’s the outseam?

The outseam is the measurement that runs from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem, all the way down the outside of the leg. Yeah, it’s that simple. Think of it as the long journey your shorts take down the side of your leg. It’s important because the outseam length basically tells you how much leg coverage you’re getting.

So, if you’re rocking a pair of shorts with a 15-inch outseam, you’re looking at something that’s going to sit closer to the knee. A pair of swim trunks with a shorter outseam, say around 7-9 inches? Well, those will give you a bit more freedom, perfect for a laid-back beach day or a dip in the pool.

Outseam vs Inseam: The Great Debate

Now, let’s clear up the confusion between outseam and inseam measurements. The inseam runs from the crotch seam down to the bottom of the leg. It’s kind of like the outseam’s shy cousin – less visible, but still very important when you’re after the perfect fit.

The outseam measurements help you figure out the overall length of your shorts or pants. The inseam, on the other hand, determines how much leg room (literally) you’ve got. It’s essential to get the right balance. Too much inseam, and you might feel like you’re drowning in fabric. Too little? Well, let’s just say your shorts might end up feeling a bit too “free.”

Outseam vs. Inseam: What’s the Difference?

Measurement Type	Description	Importance
Outseam	Measures from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem down the outside of the leg.	Tells you the full length of the shorts, key for overall fit and leg coverage.
Inseam	Measures from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem down the inside of the leg.	Determines how much room you have in the leg area, important for movement and comfort.

Why Does Outseam Matter?

Think about it: outseam length determines how short or long your shorts will be. If you’re going for something casual, mid-length board shorts are a solid choice. Not only do they give you enough space to move around freely, but they also avoid showing off too much skin – a great middle ground.

Looking for something a little shorter, like swim trunks? In that case, a shorter outseam gives you that relaxed vibe while keeping things light. But if you want something that gives you a great option for both land and water, a mid-length outseam, around 17-19 inches, can be your go-to.

Best Shorts Styles Based on Outseam Length

Shorts Style	Outseam Length Range	Best For
Swim Trunks	5-7 inches	Casual beach days, swimming, laid-back outings.
Board Shorts	8-10 inches	Surfing, beach sports, or general summer activities.
Athletic Shorts	8-12 inches	Gym, running, sports, and other high-mobility activities.
Casual Shorts	9-14 inches	Everyday wear, errands, or casual dinners.
Cargo Shorts	15-19 inches	Longer style, more formal casual wear, or outdoor activities like hiking.

Measuring Your Shorts: The Outseam Edition

Now that we’ve got the what and why out of the way, let’s dive into how you can measure the outseam on your shorts. Grab your pair of shorts, lay them flat on a flat surface, and follow these steps:

• Place the shorts on a flat surface: Whether it’s your bed, desk, or kitchen counter, just make sure it’s smooth and flat. The key here is to avoid any wrinkles or bunching.

• Find the top of the waistband: Start at the very top where your waist size is measured.

• Measure down to the bottom hem: This is the full length of your pair of jeans or shorts, running down the outside of the leg. The number you get is your outseam!

How to Measure Your Outseam

Step	Description
1	Lay the shorts flat on a flat surface, ensuring they are smooth with no wrinkles.
2	Find the top of the waistband and hold your measuring tape there.
3	Measure straight down the outside of the leg to the bottom of the hem. This is your outseam measurement.

What Affects the Outseam?

Shorts aren’t just about the outseam – the design of the waistband and whether there’s an elastic waistband or not also plays a role. Shorts with a relaxed elastic waistband may sit higher or lower on your waist depending on the fit, affecting the overall outseam length. Similarly, inner lining in some styles, like swim trunks, can change how the shorts feel and fit.

On top of that, the fabric can also affect the measurement. Stretchy materials might feel different in terms of how much space they provide compared to stiffer materials like denim.

Finding the Right Outseam for You

When shopping for shorts, especially online, selection results can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you go for the classic 7-inch swim trunks? The 19-inch board shorts? Or something entirely different? It all comes down to your comfort level and the look you’re after.

For taller folks or those with longer legs, you might want a longer inseam to balance things out and avoid the “too short” look. Shorter inseams, like the 5-7 inch range, are better for more laid-back, casual days. Want to keep it classy for a beachside dinner? Go for something in the middle – a great option if you’re not sure what to choose.

Outseam Length Guide: Finding the Right Shorts

Outseam Length	Best For	Description
5-7 inches	Casual wear, swim trunks	Shorter outseam lengths ideal for those who want a relaxed, sporty vibe. Provides more leg exposure.
8-10 inches	Everyday casual, board shorts	A great middle ground. Works well for most body types and is common in board shorts and versatile swim trunks.
11-14 inches	Long shorts, athletic shorts	Offers more coverage. Ideal for those who want extra length for activities or personal style preference.
15-19 inches	Knee-length, cargo shorts	Best for individuals who prefer full leg coverage or for more formal, casual summer styles.

Wrapping Up the Outseam Game

So, next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of shorts for that summer day, you’ll know exactly what to look for. From casual board shorts to functional swim trunks, the outseam measurements will help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re measuring a pair of jeans or shorts, that outseam length matters more than you think.

Keep this guide in mind when shopping and you’ll always be prepared to make the right call. Until then, happy shopping, and may your outseams always hit that sweet spot! 😎

In this post, you have learned how to measure outseam vs inseam.

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