Waist measurement, how to take it correctly

Short answer: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, which is usually just above the navel. Stand relaxed and let your stomach be as it is. That gives you a waist measurement that matches how you stand and sit during the day.

Why the waist measurement matters

Your waist measurement decides how waistbands sit on trousers, skirts and underwear. Too small, and the waistband pulls and can leave marks. Too large, and trousers slide down when you move. An accurate waist measurement makes it easier to choose a size that sits well, both standing up and sitting down.

Find the narrowest point

Bend slightly to the side, and where your body folds is your waist. For most people it is a few centimetres above the navel. Place the tape there and keep it level all the way round. You use this number for bamboo underwear for women and trousers, where the waistband should sit calmly without pressing.

Keep your stomach relaxed

If you pull your stomach in, the measurement comes out too small and your clothes feel tight when worn. Many people do it without thinking in front of a mirror. Breathe out calmly and read the number while you stand as usual. The same calm helps when you choose socks for men and women by foot size.

Keep the tape level

A tilted tape gives a number that is too large. It usually happens at the back, where the tape slides towards the hip. Check in the mirror or turn slightly so you can see your side. Hold the tape lightly between your fingers so it rests without pressing. If one finger fits underneath, it is right.

Measure at the same time

Your waist measurement changes more during the day than most other measurements. After a meal and in the evening it is often a little larger than in the morning. So measure at the same time each time, ideally in the late morning. Then you can compare your numbers over time and see whether anything has changed.

Write the number down

Note the measurement with a date so you can see if it changes over time. Keep it on your phone with your chest and hip measurements. Use it next time you buy bamboo sweatpants for women, where the waistband should feel comfortable both on a walk and on the sofa.

The waist and the rise

Many trousers do not sit exactly on the waist but slightly below. If the guide says a style has a low or high rise, think about where the waistband will actually sit. For a low rise, you can measure where the waistband sits and compare. That gives a more accurate picture of the fit.

Compare with your hip measurement

The waist measurement makes most sense together with the hip measurement. The difference between the two tells you how much room you need over the seat compared with the waistband. If the difference is large, a style with an elastic waistband is often the most comfortable choice, as it adapts to both measurements.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the waist

At the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel. If you bend slightly to the side, your body folds right there.

Should you measure above or below the navel

Above, at the narrowest point. Measuring below the navel usually gives a larger number that suits a low waistband better.

How much can the waist change in a day

Two to four centimetres between morning and evening. So measure at the same time each time, so your numbers stay comparable.