Quick question about pants waist size

[PolePosition]

Hi. I'm not sure how to ask this but in what relation should slacks/trousers' waist size be to my measured waist size?

Let me preface this by saying that my waist I just found out measures to be 35". This shocked me as I've been wearing pants that have been measured 33-34" in the waist (true measured size, not just tagged size) for so many years. Then I put on multiple pairs of pants and noticed that I have to pull a little to button the buttons together but since my jeans and khaki's have somewhat elastic waistbands I've never really noticed it since they fit me comfortably.

So what is the proper way to be sized? Should I be buying waist size 35" pants and have zero effort in lining the buttons/clip up? Or should be getting waist size 34" since surely fabrics can stretch an inch like I've been doing for so long without noticing. Or do dress pants fabric have less elasticity?

Mainly I'm asking because a) Want nice pants to fit properly and b) Want to order slacks/trousers online without the benefit of trying them on in person

Thanks!

 

[yo!]

Most guys wear their pants too low and therefore think that they are a smaller waist size.

It is a simple effect of low rise pants and/or having a gut.

Real pants will sit just below (normal rise) or on top of (high rise) the navel.

 

[PolePosition]

Originally Posted by yo!

Most guys wear their pants too low and therefore think that they are a smaller waist size.

It is a simple effect of low rise pants and/or having a gut.

Real pants will sit just below (normal rise) or on top of (high rise) the navel.

I have a gut

so I have to wear my pants below it. But yes when I meant measuring my waist I meant measuring about 2" below the navel which is where my pants sit.....so the question is, when closing up properly fitting pants, should the buttons line up without me pulling (meaning I should actually be getting 35" waist pants) or should I be expected to pull them close, meaning I should be getting 34" and just pull that extra inch to button them up.

 

[DocHolliday]

If you wear them too tight, you'll have a fat waterfall both above and below your waistband.

They should fit snug, but you shouldn't have to battle your button.

 

[underwearer]

sounds like they are too small...You should be able to close them without struggle even with a shirt tucked in. Pants look weird when they are obviously too tight. I like dress pants to fit a tad loose untucked and when tucked I don't need a belt.