How to measure your waist correctly

Short answer: Waist size is measured straight around where you normally wear your trousers, not at your natural waist. Stand relaxed and let the tape lie flat without pulling, and you get a figure that works for both underpants and soft trousers.

Where the tape goes

Place the tape where your trouser waistband sits, usually just above the hip bone. If you measure higher up at the narrowest part of the body, you get a figure that is too small for trousers and underpants. Use a mirror to check that the tape is level all the way round and not dipping at the back.

Stand normally

Do not pull your stomach in or breathe out hard. The figure should match how the clothes will sit on an ordinary day, while sitting, walking and eating. Breathe calmly and read the tape after a normal breath out. If you measure twice and get two different figures, use the average.

How tight the tape should be

The tape should lie flat against the body without pressing into the skin and without sagging. If you can just slide a finger under it, it is right. A tight tape gives a figure that is too small, and you end up with a waistband that digs in during the day.

Use the figure in the chart

Compare the number with the chart on the product page rather than going by what you usually buy. Trouser sizes in inches and other size numbers vary between brands, while centimetres are the same everywhere. If you are unsure how to take your other measurements, see our measuring guide.

For underpants

Waist size is the most important measurement for underpants. The waistband should sit firmly without pinching, and the legs should lie smooth without riding up. A size too small is felt quickly at the waist, while one too large folds. See the styles in bamboo underpants for men.

For trousers and sweatpants

Soft trousers with an elastic waist give you more room, because the waistband gives. The measurement is still the starting point, but you can choose by how loose you want them. Remember to check the leg length too. See the styles in bamboo sweatpants for men.

If you are between two

Choose by how the piece should fit. For underpants worn under close fitting trousers, the smaller is often better. For lounge trousers and nightwear, the larger is often more comfortable. Read more in between two sizes and in our size guide.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is measuring at the narrowest point and using that figure for underpants. The next is measuring over thick clothes such as jeans or knitwear, which adds centimetres. The third is pulling the tape tight to get a nicer number. Avoid all three and you will get it right.

Write it down

Your waist size does not change from week to week, so there is no need to measure every time you shop. Write the figure down on your phone with your other measurements. Measure again if you have lost or gained weight, or if it is a few years since last time.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure with or without clothes

In thin clothing or directly on the skin. Thick layers such as jeans or knitwear add centimetres to the figure, and then you choose a size that is too large.

Is waist size the same as natural waist

No. The natural waist is the narrowest point of the body, while waist size is measured where your trousers sit, usually a little lower. For trousers and underpants you need the waist size.