Measuring your hips accurately is crucial for determining your body shape, selecting the right clothing sizes, and tracking your fitness progress. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or simply curious about your body measurements, understanding how to measure your hips correctly is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions and tips to help you obtain accurate hip measurements.
Before beginning the measurement process, it’s important to gather the necessary materials. You will need a flexible measuring tape, preferably one designed for taking body measurements. Ensure that the tape is not too tight or loose when wrapped around your body. Additionally, wear clothing that fits comfortably and does not constrict your waist or hips. Loose-fitting pants or a stretchy dress would be ideal for this purpose.
Now that you have the necessary materials, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of measuring your hips: 1. Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Avoid standing with one hip higher than the other. 2. Locate the widest part of your hips, which is usually around the level of your buttocks. This point is typically where the top of your thigh meets your hip bone. 3. Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, ensuring that it remains parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not cutting into your skin. 4. Note the measurement where the tape overlaps. This is your hip circumference measurement.
Determining Your Hip Circumference
Measuring your hip circumference is a simple yet essential step in determining your body’s proportions. Here’s a detailed guide to accurately measure your hips as a woman:
1. Identify Measurement Locations
- Hip Line: This is the widest part of your hips, usually around the level of your hip bones.
- Waist: The narrowest part of your torso, located just above your belly button.
- Thigh Crease: The point where your thigh meets your hip.
2. Choose a Measuring Tool
- Measuring Tape: A flexible measuring tape that reads in inches or centimeters is the most accurate tool.
- Hip Circumference Meter: A specialized device designed to measure hip circumference.
3. Stand Upright
- Stand in a relaxed position with your feet hip-width apart.
- Ensure your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
4. Locate Hip Bones
- Place your hands on your hips, with your fingers on the top of your hip bones.
- These bones will feel like firm points on each side of your pelvis.
5. Position Measuring Tape
- Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- Position the starting point of the tape directly below your hip line.
- Ensure the tape passes over the widest part of your hips.
6. Adjust Measuring Tape
- Slide the tape until it snugly fits around your hips without being too tight or too loose.
- Avoid pulling the tape too tightly, as it can alter the measurement.
7. Record Circumference
- Read the measurement where the tape overlaps.
- Note down the circumference in inches or centimeters.
| Measurement Unit | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Inches | 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters |
| Centimeters | 1 centimeter = 0.39 inches |
Measuring with a Measuring Tape
Step 1: Prepare Your Measuring Tape
To ensure accuracy, use a flexible measuring tape marked in inches or centimeters. Ensure it’s not too loose or too tight.
Step 2: Locate the Widest Part of Your Hips
Stand with your feet slightly apart and shoulder-width distance. Lower your arms to the sides. Identify the widest point around the circumference of your hips. This may be located slightly below your waistline or around the pubic bone area.
With the measuring tape, wrap it horizontally around the widest point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Ensure the tape is snug but not constricting.
Tip:
To get the most precise measurements, consider standing in front of a mirror. This allows you to visualize where to place the tape and ensure it’s level and in the correct position.
| Measurement Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Hip | Measure around the widest part of your hips, which is usually located below your waistline. |
| High Hip | Measure around the narrowest part of your hips, which is typically located around your pubic bone area. |
| Full Hip | Measure around the widest part of your buttocks, including the fullest part of your rear. |
Measuring with a Yardstick
Measuring your hips with a yardstick is a simple and accurate way to get your hip measurements. Here’s how to do it:
1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
2. Wrap the yardstick around your hips, making sure that it’s parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
3. Keep the yardstick level and make sure it’s not pinching your skin. Read the measurement where the yardstick crosses in front of itself. This is your hip measurement!
| Measurement | Hips |
|---|---|
| inches | 36-48 |
| centimeters | 91-122 |
Using a String or Rope
If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or rope to measure your hips. Here’s how:
- Wrap the string or rope around your hips at the widest point, making sure it’s parallel to the floor.
- Mark the point where the string or rope overlaps.
- Unroll the string or rope and use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between the two marks.
- This length is your hip measurement.
Tips for Using a String or Rope:
Here are some tips for getting an accurate hip measurement using a string or rope:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. | This will ensure that your hips are in a neutral position. |
| Relax your body and don’t hold in your stomach. | This will give you a more accurate measurement. |
| Measure over your underwear or thin clothing. | Thick or bulky clothing can add to your measurement. |
| Take the measurement twice and average the two results. | This will help to minimize error. |
Taking Measurements in Inches
To measure your hips in inches, follow these steps:
- Stand up straight with your feet together.
- Place the measuring tape around your hips, just below your waist and parallel to the floor.
- Make sure the tape is snug, but not too tight.
- Read the measurement on the tape where it meets the starting point.
- Record your measurement in inches.
Here are some additional tips for taking accurate hip measurements:
- Wear tight-fitting clothing or underwear so that the tape measure can sit close to your skin.
- Don’t suck in your stomach or hold your breath while taking the measurement.
- If you’re having trouble getting an accurate measurement, ask a friend or family member to help you.
Here is a table with some common hip measurements in inches:
| Size | Hip Measurement (inches) |
|---|---|
| XS | 32-34 |
| S | 36-38 |
| M | 40-42 |
| L | 44-46 |
| XL | 48-50 |
Taking Measurements in Centimeters
To measure your hips accurately, follow these steps:
1. Stand Up Straight
With your feet together and your weight evenly distributed, stand up straight and tall.
2. Locate the Widest Part of Your Hips
Place your measuring tape around the widest part of your hips. This is typically around the area where your hip bones protrude the most.
3. Hold the Tape Horizontally
Ensure that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and not tilted or angled.
4. Read the Measurement
Note the measurement in centimeters where the tape meets itself. You can use a mirror for accurate reading if necessary.
5. Repeat for Accuracy
Take the measurement twice and check if they are consistent. If not, take an average of the two readings.
6. Consider Your Body Type
The ideal hip measurement for your body type will vary depending on your height, weight, and overall shape. Use the following table as a general guideline:
| Body Type | Hip Measurement Range |
|---|---|
| Petite | 86-96 cm |
| Average | 96-106 cm |
| Curvy | 106-116 cm |
| Plus Size | 116-126 cm |
Remember that these are just general guidelines, and the perfect hip measurement for you is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Measuring at the Widest Point
To measure your hips at their widest point, follow these steps:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
- Place the measuring tape around your hips at the widest point.
- The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
- Read the measurement from the measuring tape.
- Round the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
- Repeat the measurement several times to ensure accuracy.
- Take the average of the measurements as your hip measurement.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Make sure the measuring tape is placed at the widest point of your hips.
- Do not hold your breath or suck in your stomach while measuring.
- If you are measuring yourself, it may be helpful to use a mirror to ensure the tape is straight.
- If possible, have someone else measure your hips for you to ensure accuracy.
Measurement Chart
The following table provides guidelines for hip measurements based on your height:
| Height (inches) | Hip Measurement (inches) |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ to 5’4″ | 35″ to 38″ |
| 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 36″ to 40″ |
| 5’10” to 6’0″ | 37″ to 41″ |
Measuring at the Crest of the Hip
This measurement determines the widest point of your hips, which can be slightly different from your waist and thigh measurements. Follow these steps for an accurate reading:
1. Preparation
Wear form-fitting clothing or underwear that doesn’t constrict your natural body shape.
2. Placement
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your body and keep your weight evenly distributed.
3. Locate Waistline
Find the natural crease around your waistline where your waist bends.
4. Measure Hips
Place the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, typically just below the waistline. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
5. Read the Measurement
Note down the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preferred unit of measurement.
6. Multiple Measurements
Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy. If the measurements vary slightly, take the average.
7. Symmetry
Check if your hips are symmetrical by bending down slightly and placing your hands on your hips. Ensure that the tape is at the same height on both sides.
8. Common Mistakes and Tips
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
| Mistakes | Tips |
|---|---|
| Measuring too low or too high | Place the tape at the widest point of your hips, typically just below the waistline. |
| Measuring while holding your breath | Relax and breathe normally while taking the measurement. |
| Using a loose or stretchy tape | Use a non-stretchy tape measure or firm ribbon and ensure it’s snug without digging into your skin. |
| Not standing upright | Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your core engaged. |
Considering Body Positioning
1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Your arms should be at your side.
2. Relax your hips and let them drop to their natural position. Don’t squeeze or hold back your hips.
3. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will help you relax and get a more accurate measurement.
4. Place the tape measure around your hips at the widest point. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and snug against your body, but not too tight.
5. Read the measurement at the point where the tape measure crosses itself. Round the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
6. Repeat the measurement 2-3 times to ensure accuracy. If the measurements are different, take the average of the three measurements.
7. Note whether you are measuring your hip circumference or your hip width. Hip circumference is the measurement around the widest part of your hips, while hip width is the measurement between your hip bones.
8. If you are measuring your hip width, place the tape measure between your hip bones, at the level of your greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is the bony prominence on the outside of your hip.
9. To measure the height of your hips from the floor, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your back straight. Place a tape measure on the floor, perpendicular to the ground, at the point where your hip bone intersects with the floor. Measure the distance from the floor to the top of your hip bone. Round the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
How to Measure Hips for Women
Measuring your hips accurately is important for determining your body type, finding a good fit in clothing, and assessing your health.
Tips for Accurate Measurements
1. Wear close-fitting clothing or underwear.
2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
3. Relax your body and keep your legs straight.
4. Use a flexible measuring tape.
5. Place the measuring tape around your hips, just below your hip bones.
6. The tape should be parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
7. Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets itself.
10. Check your measurements against a size chart
Once you have your measurements, you can compare them to a size chart to determine your clothing size. Keep in mind that different brands and styles of clothing may have different sizing, so it’s always a good idea to try on garments before purchasing.
Here is a general size chart for women’s hip measurements:
| Hip Measurement | Clothing Size |
|---|---|
| 34-36 inches | Small |
| 37-39 inches | Medium |
| 40-42 inches | Large |
| 43-45 inches | X-Large |
| 46-48 inches | XX-Large |
How to Measure Hips for Women
Measuring your hips accurately is crucial for determining the right clothing, pants, and skirt sizes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure your hips like a pro:
- Stand upright: Ensure your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
- Locate the widest point: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and toes facing forward. Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your buttocks, which is typically a few inches below your waistline.
- Keep the tape parallel: Ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and not tilted at an angle.
- Read the measurement: Read the measurement on the tape at the point where it overlaps the end.
Remember to measure yourself without any clothing on or with only thin undergarments for accuracy. Keep the tape snug but not too tight to avoid incorrect readings.
People Also Ask
How to measure hip drop?
Hip drop refers to the difference in height between the two hip points. To measure hip drop, stand with your feet hip-width apart and toes facing forward. Measure from the floor to the hip bone on the lower side. Repeat for the other side and subtract the smaller measurement from the larger one to get the hip drop.
What is hip to knee measurement?
Hip to knee measurement refers to the distance from the hip bone to the knee. It is typically used for sizing trousers and skirts. To measure your hip to knee, stand upright and place the end of the measuring tape on the hip bone. Extend the tape down along the thigh and measure to the center of the kneecap.
How do I measure my hips for jeans?
When measuring your hips for jeans, follow the steps outlined above. However, ensure the jeans you intend to wear are similar in style to the ones you’re measuring for. Different styles, such as skinny jeans or wide-leg jeans, may require slightly different measurements.
