How to measure your hips for boxer briefs

Short answer: You measure your hips by standing with your feet together and placing a soft tape around the widest part of hip and seat. The tape should be level and snug without pressing. Read the number in centimetres and compare it with the size guide.

What you need to measure

You need a soft tape measure, preferably a tailor's tape, and ideally a mirror. If you do not have a tape, use a piece of string and measure it afterwards with a ruler. Measure over thin clothes or on bare skin, so the number is right and not too big.

How to stand when you measure

Stand with your feet together, relaxed and natural, without pulling in your stomach. Keep the tape level all the way round so it does not slope at the back. A mirror helps you see whether it is straight, and a friend can help if it is difficult.

Where the hip is widest

Your hip measurement is the widest part of hip and seat, and it is often lower than people think. Move the tape up and down a little until you find the largest number. That is the number you need, and it is not necessarily the same as the waist size of your trousers.

Snug but not pressing

The tape should lie close to the body but must not press in. If you can slide one finger between tape and body, it is about right. If it is too loose the number comes out too big, and if it is too tight it comes out too small.

Use the size guide

Once you have the number, compare it with the size guide for bamboo underwear for men. Sizes are not the same across brands, so use the table and not just the size you usually take. If you fall between two, read the next section.

If you are between two sizes

If you are between two sizes, think about how you want the underwear to sit. If you want it close with support, choose the smaller, and if you want more freedom, choose the larger. Look at bamboo boxer briefs and feel what seems right.

Measuring and fit are not the same

The measurement tells you the size, but fit also depends on the style and your fabric. A style with longer legs sits differently from one with short legs. Read the description and try to imagine how it would feel when you move.

Measure again now and then

The body changes over time, so measure again if you have gained or lost weight. It takes a minute and saves you from buying wrong. Write the number down with the date, and you will have it at your next purchase.

In short, measure the hip properly

Stand relaxed with your feet together, measure the widest part level and snug, and read in centimetres. Compare with the size guide and choose according to how you want them to sit. Then you are closer to a size that fits. See also bamboo T-shirts for men if you want everything chosen from the same guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where on the body should I measure?

Measure the widest part around hip and seat, with the tape level and snug, but not pressing.

What if I do not have a tape measure?

Use a piece of string and measure it afterwards with a ruler. Measure over thin clothes or on bare skin.

Should I size up or down if I am between two?

It depends on how you want them to sit. Choose the smaller for a close fit and the larger for more freedom.