5XL and 6XL Shorts for Men: Waist Measurements and Size Guide
In BiggerBetter's shorts size chart, 5XL has a 46-inch garment waist and 6XL has a 48-inch garment waist. Both have a 19-inch overall length and a 6-inch inseam. These are garment measurements, not a promise that the same number will match your body waist.
If you are comparing 5XL shorts for men with 6XL, measure a comfortable pair you already own before choosing. The difference between these two chart rows is in the relaxed waistband measurement; it is not an extra inch of leg length.
The 5XL and 6XL shorts measurements
| Measurement | 5XL | 6XL |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | 46 | 48 |
| Length | 19 | 19 |
| Inseam | 6 | 6 |
The BiggerBetter size chart defines waist as the relaxed waistband measured flat and doubled. Length runs from the top of the waistband to the hem; inseam runs from the crotch seam to the hem. The stated measurement tolerance is 0.5 to 1 inch.
Measure a comfortable pair in three steps
- Lay the shorts flat. Smooth the waistband without pulling the elastic. Measure straight across from one side to the other and double that number. A flat width of 23 inches equals a 46-inch garment waist; 24 inches equals 48 inches.
- Measure the outside length. Start at the top of the waistband and measure to the bottom hem. Do not start below the waistband, which would shorten the reading.
- Measure the inseam separately. Follow the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem. This is a different measurement from overall length, so record both.
Use a pair whose fabric and waistband feel reasonably similar to the shorts you are considering. Stretched-out elastic or a very different cut can make a comparison less useful. Measure twice with the garment resting flat.
Why a 46-inch chart entry is not a body-size conversion
An elastic waistband changes shape as you put the garment on and move. A relaxed garment measurement tells you how the shorts were measured; it does not tell you the maximum comfortable stretch or a universal body-waist range.
Do not subtract or add a fixed number of inches to invent that range. Likewise, a 5XL label from another brand is not enough evidence that BiggerBetter's 5XL will fit identically. Compare the actual measurements, then consider how you want the waistband, seat and thighs to feel.
When the waist looks right but the shorts still feel wrong
Start by locating the problem. If the waistband feels comfortable but the legs catch when you sit, waistband width alone has not resolved the fit. If the seat pulls or the hem rides up, compare the cut and room through the hips and thighs rather than assuming a longer inseam will fix it.
The published 5XL and 6XL chart rows do not include thigh, rise or seat measurements, so they cannot settle those questions by themselves. Our shorts waist-comfort guide explains the movement checks, while the shorts inseam guide focuses on where the hem sits.
Apply the measurements to the style you want
A plain pair such as Black Cotton Shorts is a simple example for everyday outfits. The Nordic Blue Camouflage Dri-fit Shorts add a tonal print and a different fabric choice. Compare the garment measurements before letting the colour or print decide.
For other styles, browse the joggers and shorts collection or our plus size shorts range. Keep your three measurements alongside you so each comparison starts from the same reference.
Quick size questions
Are 6XL shorts longer than 5XL shorts?
Not in BiggerBetter's published shorts chart. Both rows show a 19-inch overall length and a 6-inch inseam. The garment waist changes from 46 to 48 inches.
Should I automatically choose 6XL if I am between sizes?
No automatic rule works for every fit preference. Compare a comfortable garment and consider where the smaller pair feels restrictive. Going up a label is not a substitute for checking the shape.
Can I use the jogger length for shorts?
No. Use the shorts section of the chart. The waist numbers may match a jogger row, but the overall length and inseam describe different garments.
BiggerBetter's overall clothing range includes S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL, 7XL, 8XL, 9XL, 10XL, 11XL and 12XL.
