Underwear size guide and how to measure yourself correctly

Short answer: You measure yourself correctly with a soft tape, over underwear or thin clothes, without pulling hard. Take your waist and hip measurements and compare them with the size guide. Here is a calm walk through the steps.

Find a soft tape measure

Use a tailor's tape made of fabric, not a stiff builder's rule. A stiff tape cannot follow the shape of the body, so the number ends up unreliable. If you have no tape, use a piece of string and lay it against a ruler afterwards, which gives you the same result.

Measure around the waist

The waist is the narrowest part of the torso, usually a little above the belly button. Stand straight and breathe out calmly before you read the number. Keep the tape level all the way round, and pull it only tight enough that it lies flat without pressing into the skin.

Measure around the hips

You measure the hips at the widest point, often around the fullest part of the seat. Stand with your feet together and keep the tape level. This number usually decides the size of bamboo underwear for women, so measure twice to be safe.

Compare with the size guide

Write the numbers down and hold them next to the size guide on the product page. The guide is made for that exact model, and it can differ from other brands. So do not simply buy the size you always take if your measurements point somewhere else.

When you fall between two sizes

If your numbers fall between two sizes, think about the cut and how much the fabric stretches. A soft fabric with a little elastic gives more than a firm one. If you like it loose, take the larger size, and if you like it close, take the smaller one.

Try a single pair first

If you are unsure, order one pair and see how it sits before you buy more. Wash it once so you know whether it changes. With a pair of bamboo knickers you quickly learn whether the waistband and leg openings suit you.

Measure again from time to time

The body changes over time through weight changes, pregnancy, age or exercise. So measure yourself again now and then, especially if your underwear suddenly feels different. It takes a few minutes and can save you from buying the wrong size several times.

Use the numbers for other clothes too

Your measurements are not only for underwear. They also help when you choose tops such as bamboo T-shirts for women, but always check the individual model, because cut and length vary. Save your measurements in your phone so you always have them to hand.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure myself in underwear or without clothes?

It is best to measure on bare skin or over thin clothes. Thick clothes make the number too large. Stand relaxed and let the tape lie flat without pressing into the skin.

Which measurement matters most for knickers?

Hips and waist are the two key numbers. The hip measurement usually decides the size, while the waist shows whether the waistband will sit well. Always compare with the guide for the specific model.

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

Choose by how close you like your underwear to sit. The larger size sits looser and the smaller one closer. Order one pair first if you are unsure, and wash it before you judge it.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.