So you need to measure your hips? Maybe for ordering jeans online, sewing a dress, or tracking fitness progress? I get it - I once ordered three pairs of pants that didn't fit before I learned the right technique. It's frustrating when clothes don't fit because of wrong measurements.
Why Hip Measurements Actually Matter
Hip measurements aren't just for tailors. Your hip size affects:
- Clothing fit (obviously)
- Health risk assessments (that waist-to-hip ratio doctors talk about)
- Fitness tracking progress
- Body shape classification (apple vs. pear shape matters for styling)
I helped my neighbor measure for a wedding dress last month. She'd been using the wrong spot for years - no wonder her skirts never sat right!
Pro Tip: Your hip measurement point isn't where your hands rest on your hips. It's lower and wider - we'll get to that.
Essential Tools You'll Need
Don't overcomplicate this. I've tried fancy tools and honestly, here's what works:
| Tool | Why It Works | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric tape measure (plastic-coated) | Flexible, cheap, easy to read | Metal tapes (too stiff) or string+ ruler method (inaccurate) |
| Full-length mirror | Helps position tape correctly | Measuring without visual checks |
| Form-fitting clothes | Prevents bulk interference | Measuring over thick jeans or sweats |
That digital tape I bought online? Total waste of $25. Stick with the basic fabric tape - it hasn't failed me in 10 years of sewing.
Step-by-Step: How Do You Measure Hips Correctly
Most people measure hips wrong. They go too high or don't find the widest part. Let's fix that:
- Stand naturally - Feet together, weight even
- Find your hip bones - Place hands on waist and slide down until you feel bony protrusions
- Locate the widest point - Usually 7-9 inches below natural waist (near buttocks peak)
- Wrap tape horizontally - Keep parallel to floor (use mirror to check)
- Snug but not tight - Shouldn't indent skin (one finger should slip under tape)
- Take three measurements - Record the largest number
My first time? I pulled the tape so tight I lost circulation. Don't be like past me.
Warning: Avoid sucking in your stomach or wearing shapewear during measurement. Those Spanx lie distort your real shape!
Body Position Matters More Than You Think
How you stand affects measurements dramatically:
| Position | Impact on Measurement | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Feet together | Standard for most applications | Clothing sizing, health checks |
| Slight stride (6" apart) | Adds 0.5-1 inch for some body types | Athletic wear, pants fitting |
| Sitting measurement | Increases by 1-3 inches | Wheelchair users, custom seat cushions |
I made my husband measure himself three different ways last week. The sitting measurement shocked him - "No wonder airplane seats feel tight!"
Common Mistakes in Hip Measurement
After helping over 50 people measure hips at our community sewing group, I've seen every error imaginable:
- Measuring at hip bones instead of fullest part (error: 2-4 inches too small)
- Letting tape droop in back (adds 1-3 inches)
- Wearing bulky clothing during measurement (adds 1-5 inches)
- Holding breath or sucking in (distorts natural shape)
- Using stretched-out tape measure (check against ruler!)
Special Situations: Pregnancy and Weight Fluctuation
Regular rules don't apply here. When I was pregnant:
- Measure at widest point weekly (it moves!)
- Note measurement dates on your chart
- Use maternity-specific size charts
For significant weight changes:
- Measure every 2-4 weeks
- Track alongside weight (hips change slower)
- Buy interim clothing at discount stores
Converting Measurements to Clothing Sizes
This is where people get confused. Size charts lie. Here's the reality:
| Hip Measurement (inches) | US Women's Size | International Size | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-36 | 2-4 | XS | May need petite lengths |
| 37-38 | 6-8 | S | Most common "straight size" |
| 39-40 | 10-12 | M | Often needs curvy-fit pants |
| 41-43 | 14-16 | L | Look for "curvy" or "plus" lines |
| 44-46 | 18-20 | XL | Specialized patterns needed |
Brand Warning: Zara runs smaller than Old Navy. Always check each brand's specific hip measurement chart before buying!
Health Implications of Hip Size
Doctors don't ask for hip measurements just for fun. That waist-to-hip ratio matters:
| Waist/Hip Ratio | Women | Men | Health Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 0.80 | Pear shape | Low abdominal fat | Lowest risk |
| 0.81-0.85 | Moderate | Moderate | Average risk |
| Above 0.85 | Apple shape | High abdominal fat | Highest risk* |
*Associated with higher diabetes and heart disease risk
My doctor friend Sarah says: "We care more about waist-to-hip than BMI now. It shows fat distribution."
DIY Measurement vs Professional Help
When should you pay a tailor $20 to measure hips?
- Do it yourself if: Taking measurements for online shopping, tracking fitness changes, basic sewing projects
- See a professional if: Making wedding/bridal wear, custom suits, medical compression garments, or if you have asymmetry
That time I tried measuring my own hips for a formal gown? Let's just say the side zipper didn't lie flat. Sometimes $20 saves $200 in alterations.
Advanced Measurement Techniques
For my sewing geeks and fitness trackers:
Three-Dimensional Body Scanning
New mall kiosks offer full scans. My experience:
- Cost: $40-100
- Accuracy: ±0.25 inches
- Best for: Bespoke tailoring, athletes
Historical Measurement Methods
Vintage sewing books show crazy techniques like:
- Using knotted string (inaccurate)
- Measuring over corsets (why?!)
- Employing "professional measurers" (still exist in high fashion)
Remember: Knowing how do you measure hips correctly saves money on alterations and returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you measure hips with a broken tape measure?
A: Use non-stretchy ribbon + ruler. Wrap ribbon around hips, mark meeting point, then measure length against ruler. Don't use string - it stretches!
Q: Should men measure hips differently?
A: Same anatomical point! But men's fullest part is usually higher - around hip bones rather than buttocks. Athletic men often underestimate.
Q: How often should I re-measure hips?
A: Every 3 months for fitness tracking. Before major clothing purchases. After significant weight changes (±10 lbs).
Q: Why does my hip measurement change throughout the day?
A: Bloating and posture changes! Measure first thing in morning for consistency. I gained 1.5 inches after taco Tuesday once.
Q: Can I measure hips alone accurately?
A: Yes - use mirror to check tape position. For hard-to-reach areas, try the "back to wall" method: Stand against wall, mark widest points with pencils, then measure distance between marks.
Maintaining Measurement Consistency
Tracking changes? Use these pro tips:
- Always measure at same time of day (morning best)
- Use identical tape measure (tapes vary!)
- Wear similar clothing (or none)
- Note measurement conditions (example: "pre-breakfast, after bathroom")
- Take photos from front/side for visual reference
My fitness coach client Mark insists: "Without consistent measuring protocols, you're not tracking progress - you're tracking errors."
Digital Tracking Tools
Apps I've tested:
| App Name | Best Feature | Hip Tracking Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| MyBody | Photo comparison | ★★★★☆ |
| FitMetrics | Custom reminders | ★★★☆☆ |
| SewSize | Pattern sizing conversion | ★★★★★ |
That expensive smart tape that syncs to phones? Not worth it unless you're measuring daily.
Troubleshooting Measurement Issues
Common problems solved:
"Tape won't stay parallel!"
Try the mirror trick: Stand sideways, hold tape end with one hand, use other hand to adjust position while viewing profile.
"I have asymmetrical hips"
Measure each side separately from center front. Many people have 0.5-1 inch differences (my right hip is 0.75" larger!)
"Can't locate fullest point"
Do the pencil test: Hold pencil horizontally against body parallel to floor. Where pencil tip extends furthest from body is your widest part.
Medical Alert: Sudden unexplained hip size changes (especially unilateral) warrant doctor visit. Could indicate fluid retention or other issues.
Cultural Differences in Hip Measurement
Working with global clients taught me:
- European patterns use centimeters (multiply inches by 2.54)
- Asian sizing often runs smaller (check country-specific charts)
- Traditional African garments require sitting measurements
- Middle Eastern abayas need hip + upper thigh measurements
My Japanese client was shocked when her "XL" US dress arrived too small. Always convert!
Beyond the Tape: Alternative Methods
When tape isn't available:
| Method | Accuracy | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Well-fitting pants tag size | ★★☆☆☆ | Emergency shopping |
| Phone measuring apps | ★☆☆☆☆ | Rough estimates only |
| Dollar bill method (6" long) | ★★★☆☆ | Travel situations |
Seriously though, just buy a $2 tape measure. It pays for itself in avoided return shipping.
Final Tip: How Do You Measure Hips for Jeans?
Special rules apply:
- Measure over similar denim weight
- Account for stretch fabrics (subtract 1-2 inches)
- Note rise measurement (distance from crotch to waistband)
- Compare to brand's specific size chart (Levi's vs. Madewell differ!)
After measuring hundreds of hips, I'll say this: Your exact number matters less than consistent technique. Whether you're 38 or 42 inches, knowing how do you measure hips accurately saves time, money and frustration. Now go find that tape measure!
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