Measurement Guide
How to Measure Hips
A complete guide to measuring your hips correctly at home — for women and men. Covers hip measurement for jeans, pants, dress, underwear, and how to measure bust, waist, and hips together.
Use Your Hip Measurement
Enter bust, waist, high hip, and hip into our free body shape calculator to find your body type instantly.
Visual Guide
Hip Measurement Points Explained
There are two hip measurements used in body shape, clothing size, and pants fitting. This diagram shows where each one is taken.
Before You Start
What You Need to Measure Your Hips
Hip measurements are easy to take at home with a few simple things.
Flexible Tape Measure
A soft cloth or plastic measuring tape is essential. It needs to wrap smoothly around the curved hip area. A rigid metal tape will not sit correctly and will give an inaccurate reading. If you do not have one, use a non-stretchy piece of string and measure it against a ruler.
Thin or Fitted Clothing
Measure in underwear or thin fitted clothing for the most accurate result. Thick jeans, padded layers, or bulky fabric around the hips will add to the measurement. Remove anything sitting in pockets as well — pocket contents add bulk to the hip area.
Full Length Mirror
A side mirror lets you check that the tape is at the same height all the way around your body. From the front the tape may look level, but it can dip lower at the back without you noticing. A mirror or a helper at the back gives the most accurate placement.
Step by Step
How to Measure Your Hips
Follow these steps to get an accurate full hip measurement. This is the standard hip measurement used for body shape calculations, clothing size charts, and pants or dress sizing.
Step 1 — Stand Straight With Feet Together
Stand naturally upright with your feet together and your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides. Do not turn your feet outward or shift your weight to one side — this changes the position of the hips and can affect where the widest point sits.
Step 2 — Find the Widest Part of Your Hips
The hip measurement is taken at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. For most people this is 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist. Stand sideways in front of a mirror and look at where your hip and seat area is fullest. This is the correct point to place the tape. The widest point varies between individuals — do not assume it is exactly at the hipbone.
Step 3 — Wrap the Tape at the Widest Point
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest point of your hips, keeping it horizontal and parallel to the floor all the way around. Check in the mirror that the tape is at the same height at the front, sides, and back. The tape should lie flat against your clothing without twisting, bunching, or pulling to one side.
Step 4 — Check the Tension
The tape should be snug against your body without compressing the skin or fabric. You should be able to slide one finger underneath. Do not pull the tape tight — this gives a smaller number that does not represent your actual hip measurement and will result in clothing that is too tight.
Step 5 — Read the Measurement
Stand naturally and read the number where the end of the tape meets the beginning. Do not bend down or twist to look at the tape — this shifts your posture and changes the reading. If you cannot read it easily, use a mirror or ask a helper to read it for you.
Step 6 — Take It Again to Confirm
Remove the tape and repeat the measurement at least once. Small variations in tape placement can give different readings. Use the most consistent number across two or three attempts for the best accuracy.
High Hip vs Full Hip
Hip Measurement vs High Hip Measurement
Some body shape calculators and sewing patterns ask for both hip and high hip measurements. Here is the difference between the two.
Full Hip Measurement
The full hip measurement is taken at the widest point of the hips and buttocks — usually 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist. This is the measurement used in standard clothing size charts for pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses. It is also the hip measurement used in waist-to-hip ratio calculations.
High Hip Measurement
The high hip measurement is taken 3 to 4 inches below the natural waist, around the upper hip or seat area. It is used in some body shape calculators — including ours — to give a more complete picture of lower body proportions. It is also used in sewing patterns and some style guides to understand the curve at the upper hip.
Jeans and Pants
How to Measure Hips for Jeans and Pants
Hip measurement is one of the most important numbers for finding the right fit in jeans and trousers. Here is how to use it.
Where to Measure for Jeans
Use your full hip measurement — the widest point of the hips and seat. This is the number that corresponds to the hip column in jeans size charts. Most jeans size charts for women list waist and hip measurements together. Find the size where your hip measurement fits, then check the waist size. If your waist and hip fall in different sizes, size up to fit the hips and use a belt for the waist if needed.
How to Measure Hips on Jeans or Pants
To measure the hip of a pair of jeans or trousers, lay them flat on a surface. Measure across the seat of the pants from one side seam to the other at the fullest point — usually 8 to 10 inches below the waistband. Double that number to get the full hip measurement of the garment. Compare this to your own hip measurement, leaving at least 1 to 2 inches of ease for comfortable movement.
How to Measure Waist and Hips for Pants
For pants sizing, take both your natural waist measurement and your full hip measurement. Enter both into the size chart. The waist measurement determines the waistband fit. The hip measurement determines the seat and thigh fit. If you fall between sizes on either measurement, size up and adjust the waist with a belt or have it taken in by a tailor.
Dress Sizing
How to Measure Hips for a Dress
Dress sizes use bust, waist, and hip measurements together. The hip measurement is often the deciding factor for fit in the lower half of a dress.
Which Measurement to Use
Use your full hip measurement — the widest point of the hips and buttocks. Compare this to the hip column in the dress brand's size chart. For fitted or bodycon styles, your hip measurement is the most important number. For A-line or flared styles, the waist measurement may matter more as the skirt does not follow the hip closely.
When Your Measurements Fall in Different Sizes
If your bust falls in a size 12 but your hips fall in a size 14, choose the larger size and look for adjustable or stretchy styles. A tailored dress can be taken in at the bust. A dress that is too tight across the hips cannot be easily let out. Always size to your largest measurement for fitted styles.
Underwear Sizing
How to Measure Hips for Underwear
Underwear sizing is based on the hip measurement for most styles, including briefs, boyshorts, and bikini cuts.
Where to Measure
For underwear, use your full hip measurement taken at the widest point of the hips and seat. This is the same measurement used for pants and dress sizing. Some underwear size guides also use the high hip measurement — check the specific brand's guide to confirm which point they measure from.
How to Use the Measurement
Compare your hip measurement in inches or centimeters to the brand's size chart. Underwear sizes vary significantly between brands. A size medium in one brand may correspond to a hip measurement that falls in large or small in another. Always check the specific brand's size guide rather than relying on general size labels.
For Men
Hip Measurement for Men
Hip measurement for men follows the same process as for women. In men's clothing, this measurement is often called the seat measurement rather than the hip measurement.
How to Measure Hips for Men
Stand straight with feet together. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the seat and hips — usually across the fullest part of the buttocks. Keep the tape horizontal and parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not tight. Read the number and record it in inches or centimeters.
Hip Measurement vs Waist for Men's Pants
Men's pants are usually sized by waist measurement alone, but the seat or hip measurement matters for fit in the seat and thighs. If you find that pants fit your waist but are tight across the seat, measure your hips and compare to the brand's seat measurement guide. Many premium trouser brands list both waist and seat measurements in their size charts.
Men's Hip Measurement for Body Shape
For male body shape calculations, the hip or seat measurement is one of the four key numbers used alongside chest, waist, and sometimes shoulders. Our body type calculator for men uses these measurements to identify athletic, oval, trapezoid, and other male body shapes.
Try Our Body Type Calculator →Waist vs Hips
How to Measure Waist vs Hips
Waist and hip measurements are often taken together for body shape, clothing size, and waist-to-hip ratio calculations. Here is how they differ and how to take both correctly.
Waist Measurement
Waist is measured at the natural waist — the narrowest part of the midsection, usually 1 to 2 inches above the belly button. Bend gently to one side to find the natural crease in your torso. That is your waist. The tape should be snug and horizontal at this point.
Full Waist Guide →Hip Measurement
Hips are measured at the widest point of the hips and seat — 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist for most people. The tape goes around the fullest part of the buttocks and hips, not at the hip bone level.
Full Hip Guide (this page)All Three Together
How to Measure Bust, Waist, and Hips
For body shape calculations, you need all three measurements taken in the correct order. Here is how to do all three in one session.
1. Bust First
Start with the bust measurement at the fullest part of the chest. Take this measurement before the others so you are fully upright and relaxed.
Bust Guide →2. Waist Second
Move the tape to the natural waist — the narrowest part of the midsection above the belly button. Breathe out gently before reading.
Waist Guide →3. Hips Last
Finish with the hip measurement at the widest point of the hips and seat, 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist.
No Tape Measure?
How to Measure Hips Without a Measuring Tape
If you do not have a flexible tape measure, you can use a piece of string or ribbon to get your hip measurement at home.
String Method
Wrap a piece of non-stretchy string or ribbon around the widest part of your hips and seat, following the same steps as above. Hold the point where the string meets itself, then lay the string flat against a ruler or straight edge to read the measurement. This works just as well as a tape measure when done carefully.
Important Tips
Use non-stretchy string — elastic cord will compress and give a smaller reading. Mark the point with a pen or pinch it between your fingers before removing the string from your body. Lay the string completely flat and straight against the ruler to get an accurate reading.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Measurement
How do you measure hips correctly?
Stand straight with feet together. Find the widest part of your hips and seat — usually 7 to 9 inches below your natural waist. Wrap a flexible tape measure horizontally around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Read the measurement where the tape meets the beginning. Take it two or three times and use the most consistent number.
Where exactly is the hip measurement taken?
The hip measurement is taken at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. For most people this is 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist. It is not at the hip bone — the hip bone sits higher. Stand sideways in front of a mirror and look for the fullest point of the seat area to find the correct position.
What is the difference between hips and waist measurement?
The waist is measured at the narrowest part of the midsection — usually above the belly button. The hips are measured at the widest part of the hips and seat — usually 7 to 9 inches lower. For most women the hips measurement is 8 to 14 inches larger than the waist measurement.
How do I measure hip circumference?
Hip circumference is the complete measurement around the hips at the widest point — the same as the full hip measurement. Wrap the tape all the way around your hips and seat at the widest point and read the number where it meets the beginning. This is the circumference.
How do I measure my hips for jeans?
Use your full hip measurement at the widest point of the hips and seat. Compare this to the hip column of the jeans brand's size chart. If your hip and waist fall in different sizes, size up to fit the hips. Most women find jeans fit better when sized to the hip rather than the waist.
Why does my hip measurement vary each time?
Small differences happen because of tape position, posture, or clothing layers. Make sure the tape is at the same height all the way around and is at the widest point of the seat each time. Taking the measurement two or three times and using the consistent number helps reduce variation.
How do men measure their hips?
Men measure hips the same way as women — at the widest point of the seat and hips. Stand straight with feet together, wrap the tape horizontally around the fullest part of the buttocks, keep it level, and read the number. In men's clothing this is often called the seat measurement.
Is the hip measurement the same as the seat measurement?
Yes — hip measurement and seat measurement refer to the same point. Seat is the term more commonly used in men's tailoring and trouser sizing. Hip is the term more commonly used in women's clothing and body shape calculations. Both are taken at the widest point of the buttocks and hips.
Common Mistakes
Tips for an Accurate Hip Measurement
These are the most common errors when measuring hips and how to avoid them.
Measuring at the Hip Bone
The hip bone sits above the widest part of the hips and seat. Measuring there gives a smaller, incorrect number. Always measure at the fullest point of the buttocks and hips, not at the hip bone.
Tape Not Level at the Back
The tape can dip lower at the back without you noticing from the front. Always check with a mirror or ask someone to verify the tape is at the same height all the way around.
Measuring Over Thick Clothing
Thick jeans, padded layers, or items in pockets add bulk to the hip area. Always measure over thin fitted clothing or underwear for the most accurate reading.
Pulling the Tape Too Tight
A tight tape compresses the body and gives a smaller number. The tape should be snug with room to slide one finger underneath.
Only Measuring Once
A single measurement can be affected by small errors in tape placement. Always take the measurement two or three times and use the most consistent number.
Shifting Weight to One Side
Standing with your weight on one hip changes the shape of the body at the hip area. Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both feet for a consistent measurement.
Next Step
Use Your Hip Measurement
Now that you have your hip measurement, use it in our free body shape calculator or waist-to-hip ratio calculator.