There’s nothing better than a perfectly fitting pair of jeans. Not only are they a wardrobe staple, but they’re absolutely timeless. Looked after well, they can last forever.
However working out what size jeans you should wear can be so confusing. When they aren’t offered in the sizing we’re accustomed to, it can throw us off.
READ MORE: 14 Key Trends For Spring Summer 2022 You Need to Know About
Once you understand how denim sizing works however, it’s a doddle. Read on how to find out how to figure it all out, as well as a handy denim sizing calculator and size chart.

Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one of our articles onto a retail website and make a purchase.
For fashion advice and chit-chat, join our Facebook group What To Wear Next or follow us on Instagram.
How do I figure out my jeans size?
The easiest way to work out your jeans size is by measuring your waist and the length of your legs with a measuring tape, or by measuring a pair of perfectly fitting jeans you already own. Then enter your measurements into the calculator below.
To measure your waist, find the circumference of your belly by placing the tape masure at the level of your belly button.
If measuring jeans, lay them flat on a surface and measure their width from left to right, at the level of the waist button, over the zipper.
When you find the perfect fit, double the jeans’ width to get your waist length.
To measure the length of your legs, measure from your groin to the desired length of your jeans. If measuring your jeans, measure their inner length by following the inner seam, to the bottom of the leg.
READ MORE: Is the Balaclava the Surprise Trend Of The Season?

Jeans Size Calculator
While some jeans come in regular UK sizes such as 6 or 16, many offer more precise sizing.
For example, a size 10 is a jeans size 28. However if you find you’re in-between sizes, a waist 29 pair of jeans equates to a size 11. A size 12 would wear a jeans size 30, but a size 31 in jeans equates to a size 13 in regular UK sizing.
This system means you can find the best fit for your waist, without denim being a little loose or tight.
Jeans size chart
XXS | XXS-XS | XS – S | S – M | M – L | L – XL | XL – XXL | |
UK | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
US | 00 | 0 | 2-4 | 4-6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
Italy | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
France | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
Denmark | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 |
Russia | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Germany | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 |
Australia | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Japan | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
Jeans (in inches) | 23 | 24 – 25 | 26 – 27 | 27 – 28 | 29 – 30 | 31 – 32 | 32 – 33 |
Shop jeans
Ready to find a pair of jeans that fit like a glove?
Here’s our edit of the best jeans you can shop now.

Lofty Lo Dry Blues, £105, Nudie Jeans – buy now

Circular Denim 5 Pocket, £110, Organic Basics – buy now

Straight High Ankle Jeans, £24.99, H&M – buy now

Women’s Hemp Denim High-Rise Wide leg Jeans, £170, Pangaia – buy now
501® Levi’s® Original Jeans, £100, Levi – buy now

Relaxed Straight-Leg Jean, £175, ME+EM – buy now