Vintage trouser sizing requires measuring the natural waist, not the hip waist used by modern jeans. Here is the correct method.
| EU | US Waist | UK Waist | USSR/RU | Waist cm | Inseam cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 28" | 28" | 44 | 71 | 76 |
| 40 | 30" | 30" | 48 | 76 | 78 |
| 42 | 32" | 32" | 52 | 81 | 79 |
| 44 | 34" | 34" | 54 | 86 | 80 |
| 46 | 36" | 36" | 56 | 91 | 81 |
| 48 | 38" | 38" | 58 | 97 | 82 |
| 50 | 40" | 40" | 60 | 102 | 82 |
| 52 | 42" | 42" | 62 | 107 | 83 |
| 54 | 44" | 44" | 64 | 112 | 83 |
| 56 | 46" | 46" | 66 | 117 | 84 |
Natural Waist vs Hip Waist
The natural waist is at the narrowest point of your torso, 1–2 inches above the navel. This is where vintage trousers sit. Modern jeans typically sit 2–4 inches lower. A vintage 'waist 32' is measured at the natural waist, not the hip.