Pants Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Fit for Your Shape

Quick answer

Pick pants by three numbers: rise, inseam, and waistband type. If you want a high-rise, relaxed look, choose a rise near 11-11.5 inches and an inseam around 31 inches. If you prefer a lower, closer fit, choose a rise near 8 inches and a 31-inch inseam. Match the waistband to your daily routine: drawstring for adjustability, elastic for comfort.

Most pants fit problems come down to three measurements: rise, inseam, and waistband. Get those right and you can shop almost any style with confidence. This pants buying guide walks through each number, then applies it to real Brandy Melville Canada sweatpants so you can see how the math works before you order.

You will also see how to choose pants when your shape does not match a standard size chart. The goal is not a perfect number, but a fit that feels comfortable and looks intentional from morning to night.

Start with rise: where the waistband sits

Rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. A low rise (around 8 inches) sits closer to your hips and can feel less restrictive. A mid-to-high rise (around 11 to 11.5 inches) sits closer to your natural waist and often feels more secure when you move. Neither is better; they suit different shapes and different outfits.

If you have a longer torso, a higher rise can balance your proportions and keep your top from riding up. If you have a shorter torso, a lower rise may feel more comfortable and prevent the waistband from digging in when you sit. Measure a pair you already like, then compare that number to the product measurements before you buy.

• Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband on pants you already own.
• Add or subtract about 1 inch from your favorite rise to change how high the waistband sits.
• Higher rise pairs well with cropped tops; lower rise pairs well with longer tops.

Check inseam: how long the leg falls

Inseam is the distance from the crotch seam to the hem. It decides whether pants pool at your ankles, hit right at the shoe, or stop above it. A 28-inch inseam tends to work for petite frames or anyone who wants a cropped look. A 31-inch inseam usually reaches the top of the foot on average heights and can be cuffed or hemmed if you are shorter.

If you are between lengths, choose the longer inseam. You can always cuff or tailor, but you cannot add fabric back. Also consider the shoe you wear most: chunky sneakers eat length, while flats show more ankle. The same inseam can look completely different depending on what is on your feet.

• Stand barefoot and measure from your crotch to where you want the hem to land.
• Add 1 inch if you plan to wear pants mostly with sneakers or boots.
• Cuffing a longer inseam is easier than lengthening a short one.

Choose your waistband: drawstring vs elastic

Drawstring waistbands let you tighten or loosen the fit through the day, which helps if your weight fluctuates or you eat a big meal. Elastic waistbands stretch on their own and feel simpler to pull on. Many sweatpants combine both, giving you structure plus comfort. The trade-off is that drawstrings can bunch under fitted tops, while plain elastic can feel less adjustable.

Think about how you will wear the pants. For lounging and errands, a drawstring inside the waistband is practical and easy to hide. For layering under a fitted top, a clean elastic band may look smoother. Neither option is wrong, but the right one depends on your daily routine.

• Drawstring: best if you want to adjust tightness without a belt.
• Elastic: best for quick changes and a smooth line under tops.
• Both: look for an inner drawstring so the outside stays clean.

Match fabric to season and shape

Fabric changes how pants drape and how warm they feel. Cotton waffle knit is thicker and holds its shape, which can smooth the silhouette and add warmth in cooler months. Standard cotton sweatpants are lighter and more breathable, which suits mild weather and layered outfits. Neither fabric is inherently better, but they solve different problems.

If you want pants that feel cozy indoors and outdoors, a thicker waffle texture may be the better pick. If you want something you can wear year-round under a hoodie or sweatshirt, a lighter cotton pair is more versatile. Check the fabric content on each product page so you know exactly what you are getting.

• Waffle knit: warmer, more texture, good for fall and winter.
• Standard cotton: lighter, breathable, good for spring and fall.
• Higher cotton content usually means a softer hand feel.

Fit guidance by body shape

If you have a curvy hip and thigh area, a higher rise with a relaxed leg often feels more comfortable and avoids pulling across the front. If you have a straighter shape, a lower rise with a closer fit can create definition without feeling tight. If you are petite, a shorter inseam or a cuff keeps the hem from dragging. If you are tall, a longer inseam prevents the flood-water look.

The most useful test is movement. Sit, squat, and step up onto a stair. If the waistband digs in, the rise is too low or the waist is too small. If the fabric pulls across the hips, size up or choose a looser cut. Pants should feel secure but not restrictive.

• Curvy shapes: higher rise, relaxed leg, stretchy waistband.
• Straight shapes: lower or mid rise, closer leg, clean waistband.
• Petite: 28-inch inseam or plan to cuff.
• Tall: 31-inch inseam or longer if available.

Decision rules for buying pants online

• If you want a high-waisted fit: Choose a rise of 11 inches or more. The Anastasia Tie Sweatpants have an 11.5-inch rise, which sits close to the natural waist. Check that your tops are cropped or tuckable so the waistband stays visible.
• If you are petite or want a cropped hem: Choose a 28-inch inseam. The Anastasia Sweatpants have a 28-inch inseam and an 11-inch rise, giving a higher waist with a shorter leg. Measure your favorite cropped pants to confirm the length feels right.
• If you are tall or want a full-length leg: Choose a 31-inch inseam. The Anastasia Thermal Sweatpants and Anastasia Tie Sweatpants both have a 31-inch inseam. Pair with sneakers or boots and check the hem does not drag.
• If you want adjustable tightness: Look for an inner drawstring. The Anastasia Sweatpants and Anastasia Tie Sweatpants both have one, so you can tighten or loosen without a visible tie. Drawstrings are helpful if your waist measurement changes through the day.
• If you want warmth and texture: Choose a waffle knit. The Anastasia Thermal Sweatpants are 100% cotton waffle, which feels thicker than standard sweatpant fabric. Waffle knit is better for cool weather; standard cotton is better for mild weather.

Real Brandy Melville Canada pants and tops to compare

• Anastasia Thermal Sweatpants: 100% cotton waffle sweatpants with an elastic waistband and side pockets. Measurements: 8" rise, 31" inseam, 26" waist (stretches). The 8-inch rise sits lower on the hips, while the 31-inch inseam gives full length. The waffle cotton adds warmth and texture, making these a strong pick for cooler days or anyone who prefers a lower rise.
• Anastasia Sweatpants: 100% cotton sweatpants with an inner drawstring waistband and side pockets. Measurements: 11" rise, 28" inseam, 26" waist (stretches). The 11-inch rise sits higher on the waist, and the 28-inch inseam suits petite frames or a cropped look. The inner drawstring lets you adjust tightness without a visible tie.
• Anastasia Tie Sweatpants: 100% cotton sweatpants with an inner drawstring waistband and side pockets. Measurements: 11.5" rise, 31" inseam, 26" waist (stretches). This is the highest rise and longest inseam in the set, so it works well for taller frames or anyone who wants a high-waisted, full-length fit. The drawstring adds adjustability.
• Bonnie Top: Cotton blend off-the-shoulder long-sleeve top with a raw hem. Measurements: 19" length, 18" bust. A cropped top like this pairs naturally with a higher-rise sweatpant, since the shorter length keeps the waistband visible and the outfit balanced.

Who these pants are for

Best for

• Shoppers who want exact rise and inseam numbers before buying online
• Anyone building a comfortable everyday wardrobe with cotton sweatpants
• Petite and tall shoppers who need specific length options
• People who prefer an adjustable drawstring or a simple elastic waist

Not for

• Shoppers looking for structured trousers or dress pants
• Anyone who needs a custom waist size beyond the listed 26-inch stretch waist
• People who want a tailored, slim-leg silhouette rather than a relaxed sweatpant fit

Use the three numbers, rise, inseam, and waistband type, to narrow your choices before you order. Then compare those numbers to the real measurements on each product page. A pair that fits your shape and your daily routine will get worn far more than one that only looks good in a photo.