How to measure your waist for underwear and trousers at home
Short answer: You can measure your waist yourself with a tape measure, and it takes under a minute. Stand relaxed, measure around your body at the navel and compare the number with the size chart. That gives you a size that suits both underwear and trousers.
Why it pays to measure yourself
The size on a label does not always match your own measurements, because cuts and makers vary. When you know your own number, you do not have to guess and you avoid exchanges. It takes a few minutes and makes it easier to choose right every time.
What you need
You need a soft tape measure that bends around the body. If you do not have one, use a piece of string and measure it afterwards with a ruler. Stand in front of a mirror so you can check that the tape lies level all the way round and that you can read the number.
How to measure your waist step by step
Stand relaxed and breathe out normally. Place the tape around your body where the waist is narrowest, usually at the level of the navel or a little above. The tape should lie flat and level without pressing in. Read the number in centimetres. For a place to start, see bamboo underwear for men.
Measure where the waistband sits
The waistband of underwear and trousers does not always sit at your narrowest waist. For many it sits at the hip, for others a little higher. If you want a number that matches your clothes, measure where the waistband actually sits on you and compare it with your narrowest waist.
Hip size can matter just as much
Waist is not the only measurement that decides the fit. The hip is often the widest point, and if it is large compared with the waist, you may need a size up. Measure around the widest point above the thighs and check both numbers against the chart on the product.
How to use your measurement in the size chart
Find your waist measurement in the chart and read which size it matches. If you are between two sizes, think about whether you prefer a close fit or something a little looser. Also look at bamboo underpants for men, where the chart is shown on every product page.
When trousers and underwear are different sizes
It is perfectly normal to wear a different size in underwear and trousers. Trousers are often labelled in inches, while underwear is labelled in letters or centimetres. Use your own measurement as the starting point and always read the chart rather than assuming the numbers match each other.
Measure again when your body changes
Your body changes over the years, so measure yourself again now and then, especially after a change in weight. Save the number in your phone so you have it at hand when you shop. It is a small habit that saves you many exchanges and poor purchases, also when you look at a bamboo T-shirt for men.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure over clothes or on bare skin?
It is best to measure directly on the skin or over thin clothing, so you get an honest number. Thick clothing adds centimetres and makes you choose a size that is too big.
How tight should the tape measure be?
It should lie flat and level around the body without pressing in. If you can just fit a finger under the tape, it sits right.
What if I am between two sizes?
Choose by whether you prefer the underwear close to the body or with a little room. Close fit means the smaller size, a looser fit means the larger.
