Hip measurement, how to take it correctly

Sep 20, 2026

Short answer: Measure around the widest part of your hips and seat with the tape level. Stand with your legs together and your weight evenly on both feet. That gives you a hip measurement that works for trousers, skirts and anything that sits over the seat.

Why the hip measurement matters

Your hip measurement decides whether trousers and skirts go over your seat and sit without pulling. Many people choose a size by the waist alone and then find the fabric pulls across the hips. An accurate hip measurement gives you the other half of the picture, and with your waist you can choose a size that fits all the way.

The widest point is usually at the back

The tape should sit over the widest point of your seat, not over the hip bones. Many people place it too high because the hip bone feels like the natural spot. Move the tape up and down and see where the number is largest. That number decides the size of bamboo sweat for men and women on the bottom half.

Keep your legs together

If you stand with your legs apart, the measurement comes out too large because the thigh and seat muscles spread. Place your feet side by side and spread your weight evenly. Stand naturally, without pushing your hip forward or to the side. Use the number to choose from our most popular styles.

Keep the tape level

Your seat makes it hard to see whether the tape is straight. It slides down at the back, and the number gets too large. Turn slightly in front of the mirror to see your side, or ask someone to look. Hold the tape lightly between your fingers so it rests without pressing. If one finger fits underneath, it is right.

Measure over a thin layer or without clothes

Thick trousers or a full pocket quickly add a couple of centimetres. So measure without clothes or only over thin underwear. Empty your pockets if you measure over clothes. A couple of centimetres does not sound like much, but it can be the difference between two sizes, especially in trousers without stretch.

Measure twice

Measure twice and use the average. If the two numbers are far apart, the tape has probably moved, so measure a third time. Write down your hip measurement with a date alongside your other measurements. Then it is ready next time you shop, and you can see whether it has changed over time.

Compare with your waist

The difference between waist and hip tells you which fit suits you best. If it is small, most straight styles will fit. If it is large, choose something with stretch so both waistband and hips fit. Look at a bamboo sweatshirt for women, where soft fabric gives room where you need it.

When hip and waist point to different sizes

If your waist shows one size and your hips another, you usually choose by the hips, because the fabric has to go over your seat. An elastic waistband then adapts to the waist. If the waistband is firm, you may need to try both sizes. That is completely normal and not a sign that anything is wrong.