Your inseam is the length of the inside of your leg, measured from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. It is a key measurement for determining the size of clothing and apparel you should buy, and is especially important when selecting your cycling apparel, including shorts, jerseys, and bibs. Knowing your exact inseam length will help you to identify the size of shorts, jerseys, and bibs that will fit comfortably and provide an optimal fit. In this article, we will cover the basics of measuring your inseam, and discuss how to use the measurement to determine the size of cycling apparel you should purchase.
How to Measure Your Inseam
Measuring your inseam is relatively easy. You will need a flat surface, a piece of string or tape measure, and a pencil. Begin by standing on the flat surface with your feet slightly apart and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Place the string or tape measure at the top of your inside leg, about an inch or two above your crotch. Then, pull the string or tape measure down the inside of your leg until it reaches the bottom of your ankle. While you are doing this, have someone mark the point of measurement with a pencil. Finally, measure the distance between the top of the inseam to the point of measurement with the pencil.
Using Your Inseam to Determine Cycling Apparel Size
Once you have measured your inseam, you can use the measurement to determine the size of cycling apparel you should purchase. Generally, cycling apparel manufacturers use centimeters (cm) as the unit of measurement for clothing sizes, so you will need to convert your inseam measurement to centimeters if it is not already in that unit. Most cycling apparel manufacturers offer size charts on their websites, which list recommended sizes for a variety of inseam lengths. For example, a common size chart for cycling shorts will list recommended sizes for inseam lengths of 68cm, 71cm, 74cm, and so on. You can then use this chart to determine the size of shorts you should purchase.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cycling Apparel Size
When choosing the size of cycling apparel, it is important to consider a few additional factors in addition to your inseam measurement. First, you should consider your waist size. Different cycling apparel manufacturers may have different waist measurements for their sizes, so it is important to make sure you are selecting the right size for your waist as well. Additionally, you should consider the fit and style of the garment you are selecting. Some cycling apparel manufacturers offer a “race fit” style, which is designed to provide a more aerodynamic fit, while other manufacturers offer a “comfort fit” style, which is designed to provide a more relaxed fit. It is important to consider the fit and style that suits you best before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inseam?
An inseam is the length of the inside of your leg, measured from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle.
How do I measure my inseam?
To measure your inseam, stand on a flat surface with your feet slightly apart and your weight evenly distributed. Place the string or tape measure at the top of your inside leg, about an inch or two above your crotch. Then, pull the string or tape measure down the inside of your leg until it reaches the bottom of your ankle. Have someone mark the point of measurement with a pencil and then measure the distance between the top of the inseam to the point of measurement with the pencil.
How do I use my inseam measurement to determine the size of cycling apparel I should purchase?
Most cycling apparel manufacturers use centimeters (cm) as the unit of measurement for clothing sizes. Once you have measured your inseam, you can use the measurement to determine the size of cycling apparel you should purchase. Generally, cycling apparel manufacturers offer size charts on their websites, which list recommended sizes for a variety of inseam lengths. You can use this chart to determine the size of shorts, jerseys, and bibs you should purchase.
What factors should I consider when choosing cycling apparel size?
When choosing the size of cycling apparel, it is important to consider a few additional factors in addition to your inseam measurement. First, you should consider your waist size. Different cycling apparel manufacturers may have different waist measurements for their sizes, so it is important to make sure you are selecting the right size for your waist as well. Additionally, you should consider the fit and style of the garment you are selecting. Some cycling apparel manufacturers offer a “race fit” style, which is designed to provide a more aerodynamic fit, while other manufacturers offer a “comfort fit” style, which is designed to provide a more relaxed fit.
Is it important to wear cycling apparel that fits correctly?
Yes, it is important to wear cycling apparel that fits correctly. Wearing apparel that fits too loosely or too tightly can cause discomfort and impede performance. Additionally, apparel that does not fit correctly can cause chafing and other skin irritations.
Do all cycling apparel manufacturers use the same sizing standards?
No, not all cycling apparel manufacturers use the same sizing standards. Different manufacturers may have different measurements for their sizes, so it is important to make sure you are selecting the right size for your body.
What is the difference between a “race fit” and a “comfort fit”?
A “race fit” is designed to provide a more aerodynamic fit, while a “comfort fit” is designed to provide a more relaxed fit. Generally, “race fit” apparel is designed for more competitive cyclists, while “comfort fit” apparel is designed for recreational cyclists.
What should I do if I purchase cycling apparel that does not fit correctly?
If you purchase cycling apparel that does not fit correctly, you should contact the manufacturer or retailer and see if they can exchange the item for a size that fits better. Many manufacturers and retailers have generous return policies, so you should be able to exchange the item without any issues.