The Hip Width measurement determines the widest part of the seat of the pants. With the pants lying face up on a flat surface, button the waistband, zip the fly closed, and use your hands to spread the pants out flat. Starting 7” below the top of the waistband, measure across the front of the pants, parallel to the waistband, from one side of the pants to the other.
Pant Hip Width Measurement vs. Body Measurement
If you typically have issues with achieving a proper fit in the seat of your pants, measuring your body around the fullest part of your hips/seat area can help identify the right Hip Width for your saved custom pant size(s). The total circumference of the hips of the pants should be 0.7-1.5” bigger than your body measurement around the fullest part of the seat. Add 0.7-1.5″ to your hip body measurement, then divide it in half. This will yield the Hip Width to save in your custom pant size.
For example, if your hips/seat measure 40.0” all the way around your body, a Hip Width of 20.75” (41.5″ in circumference) should be a comfortable fit.
Hip Width Measurements for Pleated vs. Non-Pleated Pants
Pleated trousers are constructed differently from non-pleated trousers, requiring an entirely new sewing pattern. This is because the pleats are open when the garment measurements are taken, but they are closed when the trousers are cut and sewn, so keeping the same Hip Width as your non-pleated trousers will cause the pants to become too tight around the hips. For this reason, you’ll need to create a special size with a larger Hip Width to order pleated trousers. For Single Pleat Trousers, increase your Hip Width 0.8” from your No Pleat pant size. For Double Pleat Trousers, increase your Hip Width 1.3” from your No Pleat pant size. Learn more about creating a Pleated Tailored Trouser Size here. Click here to view Trouser Front Options.