Harriet Wetton
When you are choosing new clothes, tailoring a specific garment, or tracking your fitness progress, getting the correct body measurements is the secret to success.
Among all the numbers you might track, knowing how to measure hips accurately is one of the most critical skills to have. It ensures that your pants, skirts, and dresses fit comfortably and look exactly the way they were intended to look.
Beyond fashion, your hip measurement serves as a vital health indicator. Many health professionals look at the waist to hip ratio to understand body fat distribution and overall wellness.
This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, human way, ensuring you get the exact results every time. If you are also interested in physical wellness, you might want to learn how to pop your hip safely or understand how these measurements relate to your overall mobility.
Why Learning How to Measure Hips is So Important
Understanding the right way to take this measurement is about much more than just a number on a tape. It impacts several areas of your daily life and long term goals.
- Perfect Clothing Fit: There is nothing more frustrating than buying clothes online only to find they pinch at the hips or bag out awkwardly. Accurate measurements take the guesswork out of shopping.
- Tracking Fitness and Weight Loss: If you are working on a new health routine, the scale doesn’t always tell the full story. Often, you will see inches disappear from your hips before the weight significantly drops.
- Professional Tailoring: If you are making your own clothes or getting a suit altered, your tailor needs the exact circumference of the widest part of your lower body to ensure mobility.
- Health Monitoring: Keeping an eye on your hip and waist measurements can help you stay within healthy ranges for your body type.
Essential Tools for Taking Your Measurements
Before we dive into the steps, you need to gather a few simple items. Having the right tools makes the process much smoother and prevents common errors. You will need:
- A full length mirror: This is non negotiable if you are measuring yourself. You need to see if the tape is level all the way around.
- A flexible cloth tape measure: Do not use a metal construction tape. It won’t wrap around your curves and will give you a false reading.
- Pen and paper: Or a note app on your phone to record the numbers immediately.
- Correct attire: You should measure in your underwear or very thin leggings to get the most accurate “skin” measurement.
How to Take Hip Measurement Accurately: Step by Step
Follow these twelve steps to ensure your data is reliable. Whether you are doing this for a sewing project or a fitness journey, consistency is key.
1. Find a Full Length Mirror
Position yourself in an area with plenty of light and a mirror that allows you to see your entire body from head to toe.
While it is possible to measure your hips without a mirror, using one helps you confirm that the tape is not tangled or slanted. You want the tape to be a perfect horizontal circle around your body.
2. Remove Any Bulky Clothing
To get a true measurement, you need to get as close to the skin as possible. Bulky jeans, sweaters, or even thick sweatpants can add an extra inch or two to your total, which leads to poorly fitting clothes. Ideally, perform this task in your underwear or very thin, form fitting gym gear.
3. Stand with Your Feet Together
This is a common mistake. Many people stand with their feet shoulder width apart when measuring. However, when you spread your legs, your hip area spreads as well, leading to a larger reading.
For the most accurate results, bring your heels and toes together so they are touching.
4. Identify Your Natural Waist vs. Your Hips
Before you wrap the tape, make sure you are in the right zip code. Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually located just above your belly button. Your hips are much lower, located at the widest point of your buttocks and pelvic bones.
If you are also working on other areas of your body, you might need to know how to measure the inseam to get a complete picture for pant sizing.
5. Locate the Widest Point
Feel for the area where your buttocks protrude the most. This is generally the “true” hip measurement used by clothing manufacturers and tailors.
It is usually about 7 to 9 inches below your natural waist, though this varies based on your height and body shape.
6. Position the Start of the Tape
Hold the “zero” end of the cloth tape measure against one side of your hip. It doesn’t matter if you start on the left or right side. Hold it firmly against your skin with one hand while you use the other hand to wrap the rest of the tape around your body.
7. Wrap the Tape Around Your Back
Bring the tape around your backside, making sure it stays over the fullest part of your glutes. Be careful not to let the tape slide up or down as you move. This is why having your feet together is so important, as it provides a stable base for the tape to rest on.
8. Verify the Level in the Mirror
Turn to the side in your mirror. The tape should be perfectly parallel to the floor. If it is dipping down at the back or pulled too high at the front, your measurement will be skewed. Adjust until it looks like a straight line from every angle.
9. Check the Tension
The tape should be snug against your skin but not digging in. You are looking for a “comfortable” fit. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slide one finger under the tape without feeling like you are forcing it. If the tape is leaving a red mark or indentation, it is too tight.
10. Read the Measurement
Look at the point where the zero end of the tape meets the rest of the length. Take a deep breath and exhale normally before reading the number. Don’t suck in your stomach or flex your muscles, as this can shift the position of your hips slightly.
If you are measuring for clothing, you might also want to check how to measure sleeves length to ensure your entire outfit fits perfectly.
11. Record the Number Immediately
Write down the number in both inches and centimeters. It is easy to forget the exact decimal point just a few minutes later. Keeping a log is especially helpful if you are trying to lose weight, as it allows you to see patterns over several months.
12. Account for “Ease” in Clothing
If you are taking this measurement to sew a garment, remember that your body needs room to move.
If you make a pair of trousers exactly to your hip measurement, you won’t be able to sit down comfortably. Professional patterns usually add a few inches of “ease” to the hip area for flexibility and comfort.
Pro Tips for High Hip Measurements
Sometimes, a pattern or a fitness coach will ask for a “high hip” measurement. This is different from the standard hip measurement we just discussed. Here is how to handle it:
- Locate the pelvic bones: The high hip is usually measured around the top of the hip bones, which is higher than the widest part of your buttocks.
- Repeat for accuracy: Because body shapes vary, it can be tricky to find the exact spot. Try measuring three times and taking the average.
- Avoid metal tapes: We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Metal tapes cannot follow the curve of your high hip bone, making them useless for this task.
- Stay relaxed: If you are tense, your muscles can change the shape of your hips. Shake out your legs and take a few steps before standing still for the measurement.
Comparing Hips with Other Vital Metrics
Knowing how to measure hips is just one piece of the puzzle. To get a complete understanding of your body composition or to buy the best fitting clothes, you should pair this data with other measurements.
For example, measuring your waist circumference alongside your hips allows you to calculate your waist to hip ratio. This is a common metric used to determine if someone is carrying too much visceral fat.
Additionally, tracking your thigh circumference can be helpful if you are an athlete or someone focused on building lower body strength. If you are looking to improve your overall physique, you might find our guide on swimmer exercises helpful for toning the entire body.
Maintaining Your Tools and Accuracy
Over time, cloth tape measures can actually stretch out, especially if they are made of cheap plastic materials. If you notice your measurements seem “off” or if the tape feels thinner than it used to, it might be time for a replacement.
You can even find printable tape measures online that are surprisingly accurate if printed at a 100% scale. Just make sure to check them against a standard ruler before using them for a big project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a guide, it is easy to make small errors that add up. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Measuring over jeans: Jeans have thick seams and pockets that can add significant bulk.
- Holding your breath: This changes the tension in your torso and can slightly shift your hip position.
- Letting the tape sag: If the tape sags in the back, the circumference will be larger than reality.
- Using an old, stretched tape: Accuracy starts with your equipment.
If you are currently focusing on self improvement and body care, you may also be interested in learning how to take care of yourself through proactive health measures. Keeping track of your body’s changes is a great first step in that journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where exactly should I measure my hips?
You should measure around the fullest part of your buttocks. This is typically the widest point of your lower body and is lower than your hip bones. Using a mirror is the best way to ensure you have found the right spot.
Should I pull the tape measure tight?
No, the tape should be snug but comfortable. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your skin. If the tape is squeezing your skin or causing a bulge, it is too tight and will give you an inaccurate reading for clothing.
Is hip measurement the same as waist measurement?
No, they are different. Your waist is the narrowest part of your middle, usually near the belly button. Your hips are much lower and include the widest part of your glutes. Both are needed for proper clothing sizing.
Do I need someone else to measure me?
While a friend can make it easier to ensure the tape is level in the back, you can easily do it yourself with the help of a full length mirror. Just follow the 12 steps outlined in this guide for the best results.
How often should I measure my hips for fitness tracking?
Measuring once every two to four weeks is usually sufficient. Measuring every day can be discouraging because your body naturally fluctuates with water weight and bloating. Consistency in the time of day you measure is also important.
Conclusion
Mastering how to measure hips is a fundamental skill whether you are a fashion enthusiast, a fitness buff, or someone simply looking to feel more comfortable in their clothes.
By finding the widest point of your glutes, keeping your feet together, and ensuring your tape is level, you can obtain professional grade measurements from the comfort of your own home.
Remember that your body is more than just a set of numbers. These measurements are simply tools to help you reach your goals, whether that is a perfectly tailored dress or a healthier lifestyle.
Keep your tools in good condition, record your progress carefully, and always prioritize accuracy over speed. With these 12 steps, you are well on your way to becoming an expert in your own body’s dimensions.
