Jeans and pants for short men: inseam and rise by height

As a starting estimate, an inseam of about 44% of height works for most men: roughly 68 cm (27 in) at 155 cm, 70 cm (27.5 in) at 160 cm, 73 cm (28.5 in) at 165 cm and 75 cm (29.5 in) at 170 cm. It is the default Leumas uses until you enter your own.

Leg length varies a lot between men of the same height, so the best number is always your own: lay a pair that breaks where you like it flat and measure from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the hem.

A 28-inch inseam (71 cm) suits most men around 160–163 cm (5'3"–5'4"). A 30-inch inseam (76 cm) is closer to 172–175 cm (5'7"–5'8"); shorter than that, a 30 usually stacks at the shoe unless you want a break.

Rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Trousers graded for taller men carry a longer rise, so on a shorter torso the waistband rides up and the seat hangs low.

When two sizes have a similar inseam, pick the one with the shorter front rise.

Look for a relaxed or tapered cut rather than a slim one in a bigger size: a bigger size adds inseam and rise you then have to hem. Compare the thigh measurement on the chart with a pair that fits you, and choose the cut by the thigh and the length by the inseam.

Shorts should end at or above the knee on a shorter man. 7/8-length trousers should end below the knee and above the ankle; on a shorter leg, a standard 7/8 can land at full length. Where a maker lists only the outside leg, subtract the rise for an approximate inseam.