The pants manufacturers are trying to flatter us. And this flattery works: Alfani's 36-inch "Garrett" pant was 38.5 inches, just like the Calvin Klein "Dylan" pants — which I loved and purchased.

It is also true that some brands offer men’s and women’s pants in basic ready-to-wear sizes, and most big denim labels offer men’s and women’s jeans according to waist and inseam numbers.