Hip size and underwear size, how they relate

Short answer: Hip size and underwear size are linked, but not always one to one. Your hip size is the fullest measurement around your seat, and most size guides translate that number into S, M, L or a number size, so always check the guide for the specific cut.

What hip size means

Your hip size is the measurement around the fullest part of your hips and seat, taken with a soft tape. It is different from your waist measurement, which sits higher up. Knowing your hip size gives you a fixed number that you can compare across brands and cuts.

How hip size becomes a letter size

Brands group ranges of hip size into letters such as S, M and L, or into number sizes. Each brand draws the lines in its own place, so a medium in one brand can be a large in another. Keep your number at hand rather than relying on the letter alone.

Where to find your hip size on a size guide

Many guides list hip size next to waist size, and some list only one of them. When you look at bamboo underwear for men, find the row that matches your hip size and check which measurement the guide expects. If you land between two rows, read on.

Waist and hip size do not always match

Two men with the same waist can have a different hip size, and the other way round. A man with a flatter seat may fit the waist of a guide but have a smaller hip size, while another man needs the larger size at the hips. Choose the size that suits the larger of the two numbers.

Stretch and cut change the answer

A cut with more stretch forgives small differences in hip size, while a close, firm cut shows them. Boxer briefs that sit snug on the thigh need a closer match than a looser cut. Think about how much room you want, then decide whether to go up a size or stay with the number.

Socks and other clothes follow different numbers

Underwear sizes do not carry over to everything else. Your hip size says little about sock size, which follows shoe size, so check bamboo socks on their own guide. Keep a short note with each type of garment so you do not have to measure again.

Why your hip size can change

Training, age, weight and seasons can all change your hip size a little. If your underwear has started to feel different, measure again before you decide that the garment has changed. A fresh number is the quickest way to find out whether you need another size.

Planning a wardrobe from your measurements

Once you know your hip size and your usual size in each cut, it is easier to plan the rest of your wardrobe. Look at bamboo clothing for men with the same notes in hand, and compare each guide against your numbers. It reduces guesswork when you order.

Frequently asked questions

Are hip size and waist size the same thing?

No, hip size is taken around the fullest part of the hips and seat, while waist size is taken higher up. Many guides use only one of them, so check which measurement applies.

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

Think about the cut and the stretch, and choose the size that gives you the room you prefer. If you sit close to the line between two rows, the larger size can be the most comfortable.

Is the same size the same at every brand?

No, brands draw the lines differently, so a medium can vary. Use your hip size and the brand's own guide every time instead of going by the letter alone.