How To Measure Your Hips At Home In 3 Steps

Theodora Ghita

February 3, 2025

Upgrading your wardrobe can be easily done by shopping online. No more crowds or endless aisles! Ordering from your favorite brands in just a few minutes saves you loads of time and makes the entire experience considerably more entertaining.

That is until you get your packages and discover you’ve ordered the wrong size and need to return the product. That’s when the ordeal starts.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you should give up on online shopping. It just means that you need to take your correct body measurements. And we have the guide for it.

In this article, you will discover:

Why Hips Measurements Matter
What Do You Need To Measure Your Hips
How To Measure Your Hips
How Esenca Sizing Can Help

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Why Hips Measurements Matter

Imagine that after endless research, you finally find that one pair of high-waisted jeans that simply completes your wardrobe. You select what you think is your size and order them. So far, so good.

As soon as they arrive and you try them on, you quickly realize how uncomfortable they are.

Now, you’re left with two choices. You either give up your dream pair of pants, ask for a refund, and go back to surfing online, or return the product, asking for a new size.

No matter what you choose, it’s annoying and incredibly time-consuming.

Online shopping doesn’t have to be a troublesome experience. It’s quite the opposite of why it was invented in the first place (among other reasons, of course).

Knowing your hip measurements allows you to choose clothing pieces that look and feel good. You will own clothes that fit your size, are a joy to wear, and complement your body figure.

And it’s not only about fashion.

Knowing how to measure your hips/bottom helps you monitor your weight. Whether you are working out or on a diet, you can track progress by correctly measuring areas that are of interest to you like your waist or hips.

Each body is unique. So, instead of trying to guess your size simply by looking at standard sizes, it’s always best to have accurate body measurements and based on them choose the right option.

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What Do You Need To Measure Your Hips

Like any other process, learning how to measure your hips/bottom requires a bit of setup.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A measuring tape: It is advisable to use a cloth measuring tape, which is flexible and has markings in both centimeters and inches. This type of tape ensures the accuracy of your hip measurements and it’s simple to use.

A mirror: While it’s not mandatory if this is the first time you are taking hip measurements, having a full-length mirror offers a good view of what you are doing and helps you get the job done well.

A trusted friend: Measuring your hips/bottom especially for the first time can often be challenging. So, having someone around to assist you will make the entire process simpler and more precise.

If you find yourself without a measuring tape, don’t despair. You can always use a string and a liner to obtain your hip measurements.

How To Measure Your Hips

You’ve reached the most important part of our guide, the step-by-step process of how to measure your hips/bottom. We’ll keep this short, sweet, and easy-to-follow. Let’s begin:

Step 1: Prepare Yourself

Accurate measuring requires dressing appropriately, or in this case, undressing. Like in all other body measurement situations, you need to be dressed lightly, preferably in your underwear. Having clothes on when measuring will most certainly influence the results.

Posture is important as well. Stand up straight and keep your feet together, never wider than shoulder-width. For clarity, the distance between your feet should be around 20 centimeters. Keeping them apart will impact the measurement, making it larger than what it really is.

And don’t forget to breathe!

Step 2: Find Your Hips

Hip measurements are the most prone to error for a simple reason. Contrary to what you might think, to determine your hip measurements, you shouldn’t place the tape around your hip bones.

Also, make sure you understand the difference between your hips and your natural waist.

The natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, typically located above your belly button. Below this is the lower waist, and above it is the upper waist. The waistline gradually widens as you move towards your hips/bottom.

So, when taking your hip measurements, you need to find the widest part of your hip/bottom line.

Identify this point correctly, either by giving it a few tries or by asking a trusted friend to help you with the accurate positioning of the measuring tape.

Step 3: Start Measuring

With that out of the way, it’s time to measure.

Place the measuring on one hip. You don’t need to start with a particular side. In fact, if it is simpler, you can hold it more towards the middle for better control.

The most important thing is to hold on tight to that end until you bring the other one. With one end placed in position, wrap the measuring tape over your hips/bottom at their widest point and bring the other end over the first one.

Make sure the measuring tape doesn’t twist, as this could impact the results. You can use the mirror to check on the situation to make sure all is good and that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor.

Read the measurements and write them down.

The next time you order something online, you can check the brand’s sizing table and select the correct size based on your hip measurements.

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How Esenca Sizing Can Help

Yes, the traditional measuring tape is a solid method to discover your body size.

But there are other ways you can try, especially if you want to complete this process, fast, effortless, and as precisely as possible.

Esenca Sizing is a body measuring solution that allows shoppers, like you, to discover their correct sizing. In a matter of seconds and using only two photos taken with your phone camera, you are provided with hundreds of relevant measurements. From hips, waist, and chest to feet or hand measurements, Esenca Sizing gives you a no-fuss approach to identifying correct sizing and enjoying comfortable and form-fitting outfits.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to learn something new and educating yourself on how to measure your hips/bottom or take different body measurements, for that matter, should definitely be a priority.

Not only can you find those pairs of pants or skirts that fit well and complement your body shape, but you can also keep track of your weight loss journey and health goals.

Hips don’t lie, so just use a measuring tape to know them better.

FAQ

How do I know if I’m accurately measuring my hips?

The key to success in determining your hip measurements is correctly placing the tape. So, be sure to measure the widest part of your hips/bottom and not the hip bones. This is different for every person so finding the right place to position the measuring tape might require a few tries. Also, consider taking the measurements at least three times to verify the results.

How often should I measure my hips?

There is no calendar to follow here. It depends on why you are measuring your hips/bottom in the first place.

For instance, if you are following a weight loss plan or tracking your health, measuring your hips once or twice per month may suffice.

What if my hips are uneven?

Uneven hips is rather uncommon. Generally speaking, you might have this impression due to incorrect posture or past injuries. If this is something you are experiencing and is causing a significant difference in your measurements, it might be a good idea to visit a healthcare specialist.

Unlike the hips, noticing that your hands or feet are not identical twins is a relatively common situation. It’s good to know that Esenca Sizing swiftly recognizes these differences and delivers precise sizing recommendations for a perfect fit.

Can I use a tape measure from a sewing kit?

Of course, you can! A measuring tape taken from a sewing kit is a great instrument for gathering hip measurements. Just make sure it is flexible and has the correct markings on it.