How to measure your hips for pants
Key takeaways
- The hip measurement is taken at the fullest part of the seat, not at the hip bone.
- That point sits roughly 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist on most bodies.
- Feet together, tape level, snug not tight — each of those changes the number.
- Measure over nothing or over thin underwear; over jeans adds an inch or more.
Where the measurement is actually taken
Charts mean the fullest part of the seat, seen from the side, which is usually over the widest point of the buttocks rather than at the bony point of the hip. On most bodies that lands 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist. Measuring at the hip bone gives a smaller number and sends you a size down, which is the version of this mistake that arrives as a pair you cannot get over your seat.
How to hold the tape
Stand with your feet together. Feet apart widens the seat and adds to the reading. Bring the tape all the way round and check in a mirror that it is level with the floor at the back, because the back of the tape drops without you feeling it. Pull it snug enough that it stays put and no tighter: pulling tight takes an inch off and you will find that inch again the first time you sit down.
What you are wearing changes the number
Measure over bare skin or thin underwear. Measuring over jeans or a thick layer adds an inch or more, and a chart cannot tell the difference between that inch and your body. If you are recording measurements to reuse, write down what you were wearing along with the number, so the next comparison is against the same conditions.
Using the number against a chart
Find the size whose hip range contains your measurement, then check what that size says about the waist. When waist and hip point at different sizes, the hip usually decides for a woven pair, because a woven fabric will not open up to let the seat through, while a waist that is a little loose can be belted or taken in. For a knit — a legging or a jegging — the fabric absorbs more of the difference, and either size may work depending on how much give it has.
Related questions
- where to measure hips
- how many inches below waist are hips measured
- hip measurement for jeans
- measuring hips vs seat
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
- How many inches below the waist is the hip measured?
- Roughly 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist on most bodies. Rather than counting down, find the fullest point of the seat in a side view and measure there.
- Should I measure my hips or my seat?
- They are the same measurement in a size chart. "Hip" is the label, and the fullest part of the seat is the place.
- My waist and hip say different sizes. Which do I follow?
- For woven pairs follow the hip, because the fabric will not stretch to let the seat through. For knits either can work, since the fabric takes up more of the difference.
Sources
- Waist - Wikipedia
Background reference for the definitions used in this guide.
Accessed September 5, 2026
- Clothing sizes - Wikipedia
Background reference for the definitions used in this guide.
Accessed September 5, 2026
- JEGINS Fit measurement standard
Our published editorial standard for the figures used in this guide.
JEGINS Fit · Accessed September 5, 2026
Scope and limits of this guide
This guide describes what we have measured or sourced. It does not cover every brand, and body measurements vary: use it as a starting point and check the specific product page for its evidence level before buying.
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