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Jeans sizing: how to find the right size (W, L and measurements)

Published on 03 November 2026, updated on 03 November 2026, by Mathilde Puh

Jeans sizing: how to find the right size (W, L and measurements)

Contents

  1. Finding your jeans size at a glance
  2. How do you take measurements for jeans?
  3. Waist circumference
  4. Hip circumference
  5. Inside-leg length
  6. Reading jeans sizes: W, L and French sizing
  7. Size also depends on cut and fabric
  8. Rigid or stretch
  9. Slim, straight or wide: different amounts of ease
  10. Which jeans length should you choose?
  11. Between sizes: which one should you take?
  12. How do you know jeans are the right size?
  13. Jeans sizing FAQ
  14. What is French size 38 in jeans?
  15. What is jeans size 32?
  16. What is size 33?
  17. What size is a 32-length jean for?
  18. What is size L in jeans?

Finding your jeans size takes three measurements: waist, hips and inside leg. The first two help determine W, the waist-size number. The third tells you whether the jeans will sit at the right point on your shoes. At Freeman T. Porter, our jeans use US denim sizing (24 to 34 for women, 28 to 38 for men), and each style has its own length. Here is how to find your way, measurement by measurement.

Finding your jeans size at a glance

  • Three measurements are enough: waist, hips and inside leg, measured with a tape measure and recorded in cm.
  • W = waist circumference in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm), L = inside-leg length in inches.
  • Women: jeans size 28 corresponds to French size 38. Men: 32 corresponds to French size 42.
  • At Freeman, there is no L to choose: length depends on the style, ranging from 65 to 85 cm inside leg among the jeans checked.
  • Read the product-page note: “true to size” or “runs large”.

How do you take measurements for jeans?

Use a flexible tape measure while wearing underwear. Record every measurement in cm.

Waist circumference

Place the tape where you wear your jeans waistband, keeping it level without pulling tight. For women's high-rise jeans, measure above the navel. For low-rise jeans, measure lower, at hip level. This measurement determines your W.

Hip circumference

Measure around the widest part of your bottom, feet together. Hip circumference matters especially for fitted cuts: slim jeans that fasten at the waist but squeeze the hips are too small.

Inside-leg length

Measure barefoot from the crotch to the floor. Easier still: lay flat a pair of jeans whose length suits you and measure from the crotch seam to the hem. Compare this number with “View dimensions” on our product pages.

Reading jeans sizes: W, L and French sizing

US jeans sizes are written W30 L32: W gives the waist circumference (30 inches) and L the leg length (32 inches, around 81 cm). Every brand has its own chart, which is why knowing your measurements in cm is useful. In our charts, the French size is 10 higher than the W number:

  • W26 = French size 36: women's S (68 cm waist), men's XS (76 cm).
  • W28 = French size 38: women's M (72 cm), men's S (80 cm).
  • W30 = French size 40: women's L (76 cm), men's M (84 cm).
  • W32 = French size 42: women's XL (80 cm), men's L (88 cm).
  • W34 = French size 44: women's XXL, men's XL (92 cm).

Notice the difference: for the same W, men's waist measurements are 8 cm larger in our charts. The complete chart, including odd-numbered sizes, hip measurements and length conversions, is in our article on US sizing for jeans and trousers.

Size also depends on cut and fabric


Rigid or stretch

Jeans in rigid pure cotton or raw denim without elastane do not get bigger. They loosen a little with wear, especially at the waist, but should feel comfortable when first tried on. Stretch denim follows the body and is more forgiving of an extra centimetre. Beware of tumble dryers: our care guide advises against them because they shrink cotton. Composition is always listed on our product pages: 100% cotton for Maeva or Jessy, super-stretch fabric for Madie.

Slim, straight or wide: different amounts of ease

The same size fits differently depending on the cut and your shape (our guide to choosing jeans for your figure helps). Slim jeans sit close to the body: every centimetre counts. Wide-leg or boyfriend jeans allow more room, and some styles run large. Our wide-leg chino jeans Nickie are one example: the product page recommends one size below your usual size. Understand each cut with our guide to jeans cuts and, for men, our men's jeans fit guide.

Which jeans length should you choose?

At Freeman, you do not choose an L: each style has a fixed length, with big differences between jeans. Examples from our product pages:

  • Maeva, women's boyfriend jeans: 65 cm inside leg in size 24, 67 cm in size 30.
  • Jessy, women's flare jeans: 82 cm in size 24, 85 cm in size 33.
  • Eddy, men's straight jeans: 82 cm in size 28, 84 cm in size 34.

To help, our women's jeans are divided into two collections: Denim Team Petite for shorter styles such as Maeva or the 7/8-length Alexa Cropped, and Denim Team Grande for longer lengths such as Jessy. Photos provide another reference: on the Jessy product page, the model is 172 cm tall and wears size 27.

If your jeans are too long, a hem solves the problem in minutes: follow our guide to hemming jeans.

Between sizes: which one should you take?

  • Rigid jeans (100% cotton): take the larger size; the jeans will not gain room.
  • Stretch jeans: take the smaller size if you like a close fit; they loosen up.
  • Slim fit: rely on your hip measurement rather than your waist measurement.
  • Wide-leg or boyfriend fit: your usual size, unless the product page says “runs large”.

If you have already bought slightly tight jeans, there are solutions: our article on loosening jeans that are too tight reviews them.

How do you know jeans are the right size?

Four tests as soon as they arrive:

  1. The waistband does not gape at the back when you sit down.
  2. You can slide two fingers between the waistband and your stomach, no more.
  3. You can squat without the jeans pulling at your thighs or slipping down.
  4. The hem skims the top of the shoe on straight or bootcut jeans and reaches the ankle on a 7/8 style.

Jeans sizing FAQ


What is French size 38 in jeans?

French size 38 corresponds to jeans size 28 for both women and men in our charts. That is women's M and men's S.

What is jeans size 32?

Jeans size 32 is W32, equivalent to French size 42. Do not confuse it with French clothing size 32, which corresponds to women's W22.

What is size 33?

W33 falls between French sizes 42 and 44. Odd-numbered sizes are available across all our jeans, from 25 to 33 for women and 29 to 33 for men.

What size is a 32-length jean for?

L32 indicates length, not width: around 81 cm inside leg, regardless of W. At Freeman, longer styles such as Jessy or Eddy are close to this (82 to 85 cm).

What is size L in jeans?

According to our size guides, L corresponds to women's W30 (French size 40) and men's W32 (French size 42).

Three measurements in centimetres, a glance at the chart, then two checks on the product page: “true to size” or “runs large”, and the style's inside-leg measurement. That way, the right jeans arrive first time. Save your measurements on your phone: they are useful for every new purchase.