Hip measurement for joggers and where to place the tape

Short answer: Your hip measurement is the distance around the widest part of your hips and bottom, and it is the most important number when you order joggers. Here we show where to place the tape and how to use the number.

Why joggers need a proper measurement

Joggers sit loose, but they still need to fit over the hips and thighs. If they are too small they pull across the bottom, and if they are too big they hang and can look heavy. A proper measurement is the easiest way to avoid a wrong purchase and a return.

Where to place the tape

Stand with your feet close together and place the tape around the widest part of your hips and bottom. That is often a hand or two below the waist. The tape must lie level all the way round, so check in the mirror. Wear thin clothes or measure against the skin, so the number is right.

How tight the tape should be

The tape should be snug without pressing into the body. You should be able to slip a finger underneath. If you pull too hard the measurement comes out too small, and if you let the tape sag it comes out too big. Measure twice and take the larger number if the two differ.

Hip measurement and sweatpants

When you look for bamboo sweatpants for women, compare your hip measurement with the information for that exact style. Sweatpants are meant to sit relaxed, so the fit is looser than in close fitting clothes. If you are between two sizes, the larger one can be more comfortable day to day.

Waist, crotch and leg length

The hip measurement matters, but also check the waist, so the waistband does not pinch, and the leg length, so the cuff ends at the ankle. Measure the inside of a pair of trousers you like, from crotch to ankle. Then you have three numbers to compare, and the choice becomes easier.

Stretch and drawcord

Knitted fabrics stretch, and joggers often have a drawcord in the waistband that can be adjusted. That gives a little room in the size. Even so, it is best to be roughly right, since a drawcord cannot make a very small pair of trousers bigger. Use it for fine tuning, not to fix a wrong size.

Hoodie and joggers as a set

If you want a matching look, also look at the bamboo hoodie for women, which you judge the same way: shoulder seam at the shoulder, sleeves to the wrist and a length around the waistband. Use your measurements for both, so you choose the size without guessing.

A t-shirt under the hoodie

Under the hoodie you can wear one of the bamboo T-shirts for women, which you measure by bust and length. Note all your measurements together, so you have them to hand next time. That makes it easy to order several things at once without starting over.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the hip measurement taken?

It is the distance around the widest part of your hips and bottom, often a hand or two below the waist, with the tape level all the way round.

Should I go up a size if I am between two?

For joggers the larger one can be more comfortable day to day, because they are meant to sit relaxed. Look at the information for the style.

Can the drawcord fix a wrong size?

No, it can fine tune the waistband, but it cannot make a very small pair of trousers big enough. Choose the size from your measurements.