Shorts Measurements and Fit
The same waist size can look completely different depending on fit, rise and inseam. This hub explains the fits and the measurements that decide how long a short sits and how it moves, so you can order the right size first time. See our full size guides (/pages/size-guides).
Fits
Slim Fit Shorts
A close cut through the seat and thigh for a clean, modern line.
What it is
Slim-fit shorts sit close to the leg without gripping, tapering slightly toward the hem for a tidy silhouette.
Who it suits
Slim fit suits leaner and athletic builds and pairs best with chino and tailored shorts.
Regular Fit Shorts
A balanced cut with room through the seat and thigh for everyday comfort.
What it is
Regular fit gives a straight, comfortable line that skims rather than hugs the leg.
Who it suits
Regular fit suits most builds and is the safe default for casual chino and cargo shorts.
Relaxed Fit Shorts
A generous cut with extra room for a laid-back look and full movement.
What it is
Relaxed fit adds volume through the leg for an easy, unstructured feel.
Who it suits
Relaxed fit suits comfort-first and streetwear looks, and works well for sweat and utility shorts.
Athletic Fit Shorts
Room through the thigh with a tapered leg for muscular builds and sport.
What it is
Athletic fit adds room where the quads need it, then tapers so the short does not look baggy.
Who it suits
It suits muscular and sporty builds and is common on training and running shorts.
Key measurements
Waist Measurement
The circumference the waistband is built to sit at.
What it is
Waist measurement is taken around the natural waist where the short sits. Sizing is given in inches or by S-XL.
How to measure
Measure around where you wear the waistband, keeping the tape level. Compare against our size guides (/pages/size-guides).
Rise Height
The distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
What it is
Rise sets where the short sits on the body -- a higher rise sits at the natural waist, a lower rise sits on the hips.
Why it matters
Rise decides comfort and proportion. A mid rise suits most builds and the majority of modern shorts.
Length and leg
Inseam Length
The seam length from crotch to hem that defines how short a short is.
What it is
Inseam is measured along the inner leg. A 5 inch inseam is a short running cut; 7 to 9 inches is a mid casual length.
Why it matters
Inseam is the single biggest driver of how a short looks. Shorter reads sporty; longer reads casual and covering.
Outseam Length
The full length from waistband to hem down the outer leg.
What it is
Outseam runs from the top of the waistband to the hem and gives the total length including the rise.
Why it matters
Outseam helps compare shorts with different rises, since two shorts can share an inseam but sit at different heights.
Leg Opening
The circumference of the hem, deciding how close or open the leg sits.
What it is
Leg opening is the width of the short at the hem. A narrower opening reads slim; a wider one reads relaxed.
Why it matters
It shapes the whole look -- a slim short with a wide leg opening can still look baggy at the knee.
Mid Thigh vs Knee Length
Where the hem lands, from athletic mid-thigh to covering knee length.
What it is
Mid-thigh shorts sit well above the knee for a sporty look; knee-length and Bermuda shorts sit at or just above the knee for a smarter, covering look.
How to choose
Pick mid-thigh for sport and hot weather, and knee length for smart-casual and taller frames.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good inseam length for shorts?
A 5 to 7 inch inseam gives a sporty, above-the-knee look; 7 to 9 inches is a versatile casual length; 9 inches and over sits at or below the knee for a smarter, covering cut.
What is the difference between inseam and outseam?
Inseam is measured along the inner leg from crotch to hem and drives how short the short looks; outseam runs from the waistband to hem and includes the rise, useful for comparing shorts with different rises.
How should shorts fit around the waist?
The waistband should sit level and secure without a belt digging in or gaping at the back. Measure your natural waist and check it against our size guides before ordering.