To accurately measure your waist and hips, follow these steps:
- Find your natural waistline:Your natural waistline is typically located just above your belly button and below your ribcage. It's the narrowest part of your torso.
- Stand up straight:Stand naturally, with your feet about hip-width apart, and relax your body. Don't suck in your stomach.
- Wrap the tape measure around your waist:Use a soft, flexible measuring tape. Wrap the tape around your natural waistline, ensuring it’s parallel to the ground.
- Check the fit:The tape should be snug but not tight. It should not dig into your skin.
- Take the measurement:Breathe normally and exhale before reading the measurement. Make sure the tape measure is flat against your body and not twisted. Note the number where the tape meets, which will be your waist measurement.
- Locate the widest part of your hips:This is usually around the top of your buttocks, across your hip bones.
- Stand with your feet together:Keep your legs straight and close together to ensure accurate measurement.
- Wrap the tape measure around your hips:Position the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, ensuring it is parallel to the floor.
- Check the fit:As with the waist, the tape should be snug but not tight. Avoid it being too loose.
- Take the measurement:Stand relaxed and breathe normally. Exhale before reading the measurement to ensure it’s not artificially inflated. Note where the tape measure meets to get your hip measurement.
- Use a soft, flexible measuring tape (the kind used for sewing).
- Measure in front of a mirror to make sure the tape is level all around your body.
- Take measurements at least twice to ensure accuracy.
- Measure at the same time of day (ideally in the morning) to avoid natural fluctuations in body size due to food, water intake, or bloating.
These measurements are useful for tracking fitness progress or finding clothing that fits you better!