Measuring the hip size accurately is essential for determining the correct size of clothing and ensuring a proper fit. The hip measurement is taken around the fullest part of the buttocks, and it is typically used in conjunction with the waist measurement to determine the body shape and proportions. Whether you are shopping for new clothes, getting fitted for a dress, or simply tracking your body measurements, knowing how to measure your hip size is a valuable skill.
Before taking your hip measurement, it is important to find a measuring tape that is flexible and easy to read. A soft measuring tape is recommended to ensure accuracy and to avoid any discomfort. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Relax your body and let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
Locate the fullest part of your buttocks, which is typically around the middle of your rear end. Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, making sure that it is parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight. Take the measurement while exhaling gently to get the most accurate reading. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, and use this value to determine your hip size when shopping for clothing or getting fitted for a dress.
Measuring the Hip Circumference
Measuring the hip circumference is a crucial step in determining body size and body composition. It provides valuable insights into overall health and fitness, and can be an indicator of potential health concerns.
To measure the hip circumference accurately, follow these steps:
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and facing forward.
- Locate the widest point of your buttocks, which is usually just below your hip bones.
- Wrap a measuring tape around your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not constricting.
- Take a deep breath and relax your body as you measure. Make sure the tape is straight and not twisted.
- Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets itself. Record the circumference in inches or centimeters.
Important Considerations:
| Do not measure over clothing. | Take the measurement at the widest part of your buttocks. | Use a non-stretchy measuring tape. | Round the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter. |
|---|
Determining Hip Width
To accurately measure your hip width, follow these steps:
Step 1: Stand with feet hip-width apart
Ensure your feet are parallel and your weight is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Place a measuring tape around your hips
Position the tape around the widest part of your hips, approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) below your waistline, ensuring it is snug but not too tight.
Step 3: Measure the circumference of your hips
Read the measurement on the tape where it meets the starting point. Round the measurement to the nearest whole or half inch (centimeter) for accuracy.
Step 4: Interpret the Measurement
The average female hip circumference is 38-42 inches (97-107 cm), while the average male hip circumference is 36-40 inches (91-102 cm). However, individual measurements may vary significantly based on body composition and genetic factors.
| Hip Circumference | Body Type |
|---|---|
| 36-40 inches (91-102 cm) | Average male |
| 38-42 inches (97-107 cm) | Average female |
| Less than 36 inches (91 cm) | Narrow hips |
| Greater than 42 inches (107 cm) | Wide hips |
Using a Measuring Tape
This is the most accurate method of measuring your hip size. You will need a flexible measuring tape, which can be found at most fabric or craft stores. Follow these steps:
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, at the widest part of your buttocks.
- Make sure the tape is level and parallel to the floor.
- If you are not sure how to measure your hips, ask a friend or family member to help you.
4. Read the measurement:
The number on the measuring tape that lines up with the starting point is your hip size. If you are between sizes, round up to the next whole number.
Here is a table to help you interpret your hip measurement:
| Hip Size | Description |
|---|---|
| Less than 36 inches | Narrow hips |
| 36-40 inches | Average hips |
| 40-44 inches | Wide hips |
| 44 inches or more | Very wide hips |
Employing a Circumference Tape
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Obtain a flexible circumference tape, measuring at least 60 inches in length.
Step 2: Position Yourself
Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward.
Step 3: Locate Your Hip Bones
Place your hands on your hips and feel for the bony protrusions on the sides of your pelvis. These are your hip bones.
Step 4: Place the Tape
Position the tape around your waist, keeping it parallel to the ground. The tape should be just above the tops of the hip bones.
Step 5: Measure Your Waist and Hip Circumference
Adjust the tape until it snugly fits around your waist.
Take note of the measurement in inches:
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Waist Circumference | Circumference around the narrowest part of your waist |
| Hip Circumference | Circumference around the widest part of your hips |
Hold the tape in place and ensure it remains parallel to the ground. Move to the widest point of your buttocks. Record this measurement as your hip circumference.
Step 6: Calculate Your Hip Size
Subtract your waist circumference from your hip circumference to determine your hip size. For example, if your hip circumference is 40 inches and your waist circumference is 28 inches, your hip size would be 12 inches.
Using a Flexible Measuring Device
Measuring your hip size requires a flexible measuring tape or a tailor’s tape. Follow these steps:
- Wear appropriate clothing: Remove any bulky clothing or belts that may interfere with the measurement.
- Stand upright: With your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight, relax your body.
- Locate the widest part of your hips: While standing, locate the point on your hips where your body is widest, usually around the level of your buttock muscles.
- Wrap the tape around your hips: Hold one end of the tape measure at the widest point of your hips.
- Keep it parallel to the floor: Run the tape measure around your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
- Read the measurement: Where the tape meets the starting point, note the measurement indicated on the tape. This is your hip size.
Tips for Accuracy:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| – Use a flexible measuring tape for accurate contouring. | – Use a rigid ruler or metal tape measure. |
| – Keep the tape parallel to the floor to obtain the widest measurement. | – Hold the tape at an angle, which will result in an inaccurate reading. |
| – Measure on bare skin or over thin clothing for a precise measurement. | – Measure over bulky clothing, which can add to your hip measurement. |
| – Relax your body and breathe naturally during measurement. | – Hold your breath or tense up your muscles, which can constrict your hip size. |
Measuring in Inches
To measure your hip circumference in inches, follow these steps:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
- Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your hips at the widest point, just below your hip bones.
- Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.
- Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets.
Measuring in Centimeters
To measure your hip circumference in centimeters, follow these steps:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
- Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your hips at the widest point, just below your hip bones.
- Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.
- Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets.
Converting from Inches to Centimeters
To convert a hip circumference measurement from inches to centimeters, multiply the measurement by 2.54. For example, if your hip circumference is 36 inches, then your hip circumference in centimeters is 36 x 2.54 = 91.44 cm.
Converting from Centimeters to Inches
To convert a hip circumference measurement from centimeters to inches, divide the measurement by 2.54. For example, if your hip circumference is 91.44 cm, then your hip circumference in inches is 91.44 รท 2.54 = 36 inches.
| Unit | Conversion Factor |
|---|---|
| Inches | 2.54 |
| Centimeters | 0.3937 |
Marking the Measurement Point
To ensure accurate hip size measurement, it is crucial to determine the correct measurement point. For women, this point is typically the widest part of the hips, which can vary depending on body shape and build. For men, the widest point may be at the pelvis, which can also differ between individuals.
To determine the measurement point, follow these steps:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not constrict your hips.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
- Bend forward slightly from the waist, allowing your arms to hang loosely at your sides.
- Identify the crease between your buttocks and waistline on each side. This crease is known as the hip line.
- Place your fingers on the hip line, either directly on the crease or slightly below it.
- Move your fingers laterally (outward) until you reach the widest part of your hips.
- Mark the measurement point on both sides of your hips with a small dot or piece of tape.
Once you have marked the measurement point, you can proceed to measure the circumference of your hips at that point.
Here is a table summarizing the key points:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wear loose-fitting clothing. |
| 2 | Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. |
| 3 | Bend forward slightly. |
| 4 | Identify hip line. |
| 5 | Place fingers on hip line. |
| 6 | Move fingers laterally to widest point. |
| 7 | Mark measurement point. |
Obtaining an Accurate Measurement
To ensure an accurate hip measurement, follow these steps:
- Wear minimal clothing or form-fitting clothing that does not add bulk to your hips.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, facing a mirror.
- Locate your hip bones (the bony protrusions on the sides of your pelvis).
- Place the measuring tape around your hips, just below the hip bones.
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.
- Note the measurement where the tape overlaps itself.
- Repeat the measurement to ensure accuracy.
- If you are measuring someone else’s hips, have them stand still and relaxed.
- Take the measurement from the back, ensuring the tape is horizontally aligned and not slipping.
Additional Tips
- Use a soft measuring tape for more precise results.
- Measure at the widest point of your hips, which may not necessarily be at the level of your hip bones.
- If you have a protruding belly, the tape may not be able to reach all the way around your hips. In this case, measure the largest circumference that you can, making a note of any unevenness or distortion.
| Hip Measurement | Size Range |
|---|---|
| Less than 36 inches | Small |
| 36-40 inches | Medium |
| 40-44 inches | Large |
| 44 inches or more | Extra Large |
How To Measure The Hip Size
The hip is the widest part of your body, and it’s important to know your hip size when you’re shopping for clothes, especially if you’re buying pants or skirts. To measure your hip size, you’ll need a measuring tape.
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, making sure it’s parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug, but not too tight.
3. Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets itself. This is your hip size.
People Also Ask
How do I measure my hips if I don’t have a measuring tape?
If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or yarn to measure your hips. Just wrap the string around your hips, mark the point where it meets itself, and then measure the length of the string with a ruler or yardstick.
What is a good hip size for a woman?
The average hip size for a woman is between 36 and 40 inches. However, hip size can vary depending on your body type and weight.
What is a good hip size for a man?
The average hip size for a man is between 38 and 42 inches. However, hip size can vary depending on your body type and weight.
