Fit with wider hips

Short answer: Choose the size by your hips for bottoms and by your chest for tops. Fabric with a little stretch makes the difference between tight and comfortable, because it follows the body instead of pressing in one place.

Bottoms follow the hips

Panties and sweatpants need to fit over the widest point, and with wide hips that is the hips, not the waist. If the waistband is loose but the hips are tight, the size is too small. Look at the styles in bamboo panties and compare the hip measurement in the chart with your own.

Tops follow the chest

A top does not need to follow the hips unless it is long. A short jumper ending at the waist or just above the hips is chosen by chest measurement. So choose by the chest in bamboo sweatwear. If the top reaches over the hips, check the hem measurement too, so it does not ride up.

Stretch does the rest

A fabric with elastane follows the body instead of pulling tight in one spot. It spreads the pressure evenly and gives room where you need it. This applies to panties, trousers and underwear for the upper body. See the compositions in the bamboo bra range and note how much stretch each style has.

Different sizes top and bottom

It is completely normal to wear one size in tops and another in bottoms. Many people with wide hips wear a size larger below than above. It is not a sign that anything is wrong, simply that the body does not follow one fixed system. Choose each piece by the measurement that matters for it.

The waistband should not dig in

A waistband that digs in is a sign that the size is too small or the band too narrow. A wide, soft waistband spreads the pressure better and stays put without leaving marks. Check whether it lies flat when you sit down. If it rolls or cuts in, try a size up or another style.

The side panel makes a difference

On panties, the width of the side panel matters with wide hips. A narrow side can contract and cut in, while a wider panel spreads the fabric better over the hip. High waisted styles can also give a calmer line, because they rest on the waist rather than where the body is widest.

Sweatpants with room

Sweatpants with an elastic waist can often be worn in the size that fits over the hips, even if the waist is then a little roomy. The elastic gathers the excess without looking wrong. With a drawstring, you can tighten the waist further. That makes sweatwear an easy choice when hips and waist differ.

Wash to keep the shape

Soft fabric with elastane keeps its shape best with gentle washing. Wash at a low temperature and avoid the tumble dryer, which can wear on the elastane over time. Lay garments flat to dry or hang them over a line. That way panties and trousers keep their stretch longer.

Frequently asked questions

Should you choose a size up

Only if your hips need it. If the waist is then too loose, it can be taken in, or you can choose a style with elastic or a drawstring in the waistband.

Which styles work best

Styles with a wide side panel and a little elastane spread the fabric better over the hips. High waisted styles often give a calmer fit too.

Why do panties ride up with wide hips

Because the fabric is stretched to its limit and contracts. A size up often solves it, because the fabric then has room to lie still.