Motorcycle Pants Fit
How to Read a Motorcycle Pants Size Chart
Why a US 32 can be a 28.3 in or a 32 in waist, what each size chart column means, how charts measure differently, and what to do between two sizes.
Read a motorcycle pants size chart from the measurement columns, not the size label. Find the row whose hip, waist and inseam match your body, then read off the label for that row. Labels change between makers: a "US 32" lists a 28.3 in (72 cm) waist on one leather chart and means a 32 in waist on another.
This page is part of our motorcycle pants sizing and fit guide.
Labels vs measurements: three charts compared
The same size number can sit on very different waists. Here is how three charts handle it:
The lesson: use the chart of the maker you are buying from, and never carry a label across brands. Eagle Leather says the same: sizing varies between brands.
| Chart | How the size label works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Collection pants | US, EU and international labels, each tied to body measurements in cm and inches | US 32 / EU 42 / XS = 28.3 in (72 cm) waist; US 34 = 29.9 in (76 cm) |
| Eagle Leather (US gear shop) leather pants | The size is the waist in inches; inseam is 34 in for every size | Size 32 = 32 in waist |
| Alpinestars apparel | Separate rows for Euro size, US size and US pant size, with a waist range per size | US pant 34 = Euro 50 = US 40, waist 33 1/8-34 5/8 in |
What each column means
On a typical leather pants chart, such as the Leather Collection size guide, you'll see these columns:
- US / EU / INTL size. Labels only. On that chart, US 32 is XS, US 38-40 is M and US 50 is XXL.
- Waist. Your body measurement around the waist, about 2 in (5 cm) below the navel on this chart. It goes up 4 cm (about 1.6 in) per size.
- Hip. Around the widest point of the hips.
- Inseam. From the highest point in the crotch to just above the ankle bone. Men's inseams run 29.4-33.9 in (74.6-86.2 cm), standing.
- Height. Without shoes, standing upright.
There is no thigh or rise column, so check the product page for those.
Charts don't measure the same way
Two charts can put the tape in different places. Even one store's pages differ. We list them side by side; follow the definition printed on the chart you order from.
A tape that ends at the ankle bone and one that ends at the floor give different numbers. Leather Collection hasn't said which of its two wordings it expects for pants, so note on your order how you measured. Step-by-step measuring is in how to find your motorcycle pants size.
| Measurement | Leather Collection size guide | Other wording |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | About 5 cm below the navel | LC how-to-measure page: natural waist; MotoSpeeds: where the pants will sit; Alpinestars: in line with the navel; Eagle Leather: where you wear a belt |
| Inseam / leg | Highest point in the crotch to just above the ankle bone | LC how-to-measure page: lowest part of the crotch to the ground, or waistband to hem; Eagle Leather: crotch to the floor; Alpinestars: crotch to the bottom of the leg |
How to read a chart in four steps
- Measure your body, not your jeans. Sizes are labels, not measurements.
- Convert if you need to. 1 in = 2.54 cm, so a 32 in waist is about 81 cm.
- Find your row by hip first. Leather usually has less give than stretch fabric, so the hip is hard to fix later.
- Check waist and inseam in that row, then read the label.
When you fall between two rows
If your waist and hip point to different rows, check which measurement the cut leaves least room for, usually the hip or thigh. Don't size down and hope the leather gives: a fit that is clearly too small shouldn't be left to wear in. Why, and how much leather eases, is in do leather motorcycle pants stretch.
According to the store's blog, the size guide's "go up a size" advice is written for boots and gloves and doesn't mention pants. MotoSpeeds says to choose a custom size if your numbers fall between sizes. Leather Collection offers a custom size on every pair in its riding range, and its custom pants form asks for waist, hips, thigh, knee, inseam and calf, taken standing.
Which number matters most for you
If the right size still climbs off your boots, see how to keep motorcycle pants from riding up.
| You are... | Watch this column |
|---|---|
| A sport rider leaned forward | Waist: D3O suggests sizing up the waist and using a belt or braces so it doesn't dig in |
| Tall or short for the chart | Inseam: the men's column tops out at 33.9 in (86.2 cm); a custom size covers long or short legs |
| Buying over-pants | Eagle Leather says its over-pants already allow for clothes underneath |
| Buying leather chaps | Same chart; see the guide to motorcycle leather chaps |
What the chart can't tell you
Every number on the chart is taken standing. On the bike your knees bend and pull the legs up, so pants that fit when you ride look a little long when you stand. Many leather pants are made to be trimmed to length, according to Eagle Leather. The seated check is in how long motorcycle pants should be when seated.
Compare sizes on real pants
Every pair in the Leather Collection leather motorcycle pants range can be ordered from the chart or in a custom size. Women's standard sizes are listed as US 6-18 on the category page but US 6-20 on the size guide, so check the product page for your size.
FAQ
Is 32 a size L or M?
On the Leather Collection pants chart, US 32 is XS, with a 28.3 in (72 cm) waist. M there is US 38-40. Other makers map labels differently, so check the chart you're buying from.
Is a 34 in pants large?
Not on its own. On Leather Collection's chart US 34 is S, with a 29.9 in (76 cm) waist. On Alpinestars' chart a US pant 34 sits with Euro 50, waist 33 1/8-34 5/8 in. Read the waist measurement, not the number.
Motorcycle Leather Pant Editorial Team
Motorcycle Leather Pant articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.