31" waist - size up or down?

[ShaneB]

Hi all,

Trousers seem to fit me best when they measure 15 1/2" across the waist, which not surprisingly leads me to believe that I have a 31" waist. For trousers I normally buy a 30": a true 30" is slightly too tight (not massively so but I'd like a bit of space for sitting, eating etc.) but many brands seem to fit bigger anyway, but those that don't I take to the tailor to release 1/2 an inch. My question is what to go for really: is it best to keep buying the 30" waist and release a bit of material if necessary or go for a 32" waist and decrease the waist size slightly (assuming they all fit TTS) or is really neither here nor there? Cheers, Shane.

 

[Liquidus]

Originally Posted by ShaneB

Hi all,

Trousers seem to fit me best when they measure 15 1/2" across the waist, which not surprisingly leads me to believe that I have a 31" waist. For trousers I normally buy a 30": a true 30" is slightly too tight (not massively so but I'd like a bit of space for sitting, eating etc.) but many brands seem to fit bigger anyway, but those that don't I take to the tailor to release 1/2 an inch. My question is what to go for really: is it best to keep buying the 30" waist and release a bit of material if necessary or go for a 32" waist and decrease the waist size slightly (assuming they all fit TTS) or is really neither here nor there? Cheers, Shane.

Given a waist size, pairs of pants have different cuts. You should get the one that fits you in the legs/thighs/seat and adjust accordingly.

 

[ShaneB]

Originally Posted by Liquidus

Given a waist size, pairs of pants have different cuts. You should get the one that fits you in the legs/thighs/seat and adjust accordingly.

I always thought that reducing the waist size leaves the thighs looking slightly baggy? i.e. it becomes disproportionate to the new waist size? Or am I talking rubbish?

 

[alliswell]

It all depends on the cut of the pants. Try both sizes, see which one works best. The waist is the easiest thing to fix.

 

[NewYorkIslander]

Really depends on the cut and your build as well. I have a 33 waist with a huge ass and thighs from running/soccer/hockey. So I tend to size up when there is an issue and take in the waist. If I were to size down then the thighs would be too tight on many pairs.

 

[Don Carlos]

What everyone else has said. Plus, many brands have vanity sizing, to varying extents. A 34 pant might be labeled "32" to make aging or fattening American buyers feel better about themselves.

Generally speaking, if I'm going to be off by a half-bubble with my waist sizing, I'd prefer to be a tiny bit too big. I can always get it taken in. Plus, I share NYR's predicament to some extent. I've got a smallish waist, but a runner's ghetto booty and thighs.

 

[ThinkDerm]

size up

 

[alexanduh]

lose a lil off the waist haha.

 

[ShaneB]

Originally Posted by alexanduh

lose a lil off the waist haha.

I'm not fat.... at all. Infact I'm pretty thin / skinny - I've got chicken legs so tightness around the thighs / buttocks is never a problem; actually, in most instances I have to get my trousers tailored because they're too baggy - but that being said, I have pretty large hip bones, hence me needing a larger waist in proportion to my built / weight.

 

[alexanduh]

only joking haha. if its your large hip bones maybe seek pants with a higher rise?

 

[ebmk3891]

Given what liquidus said, I would find something that fits the legs/thigh/seat better and adjust accordingly. I've lost some weight over the years and had waist taken in, but the legs were still baggy and the crotch area looked awkward. Not everything is created equal so you there's no standard for this. Find the best overall fit and then adjust

 

[pebblegrain]

I'm the same as you and I buy 30. 80% of pants labeled "30" measure at least 31 inches. Look at ebay listings showing measurements and you will find the same. Have you checked?

 

[Grayland]

Originally Posted by NewYorkRanger

Really depends on the cut and your build as well. I have a 33 waist with a huge ass and thighs from running/soccer/hockey. So I tend to size up when there is an issue and take in the waist. If I were to size down then the thighs would be too tight on many pairs.

I'm built the same way and I do the same thing.

 

[ter1413]

Originally Posted by alliswell

It all depends on the cut of the pants. Try both sizes, see which one works best. The waist is the easiest thing to fix.

+1.
don't assume every 31 is the same fit. try on any buy what fits best!