Are you struggling to find the perfect fit when shopping for jeans or skirts? Do you often end up with ill-fitting bottoms that do not flatter your body shape? Well, the secret to finding the perfect fit lies in measuring your hips correctly. Many people make the mistake of assuming that their dress size is all they need to know when it comes to their lower body measurements. However, understanding your hip measurement is crucial in finding the right fit and flatter your figure. In this article, we will delve into the topic of measuring hips and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to do it correctly.
Why is it important to measure your hips?
Before we dive into the specifics of measuring hips, let us understand why it is essential to do so. Our bodies come in different shapes and sizes, and our hips are a key factor in determining our body shape. Measuring your hips will help you understand your body shape better and enable you to make informed decisions when it comes to dressing and finding the right fit.
Moreover, knowing your hip measurement will save you the hassle of trying on multiple bottoms in the fitting room, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, armed with your hip measurement, you can shop with confidence, knowing your measurements and what size to look for.
Steps to measure your hips correctly
Now that we understand the importance of knowing our hip measurement, let us delve into the actual process of measuring hips. Below are the steps that you need to follow to measure your hips correctly.
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools
To measure your hips accurately, you will need a measuring tape, a mirror, and a pen and paper or your phone’s notepad. Ensure that you have a flexible measuring tape, as a stiff one may yield inaccurate results.
Step 2: Get into the right clothing
To get an accurate hip measurement, you need to be in the right clothing. Avoid wearing bulky or baggy clothes to get an accurate reading. Instead, opt for well-fitted underwear or shapewear that gives you a smooth silhouette.
Step 3: Stand straight in front of the mirror
Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart in front of the mirror, making sure that your back is against a flat surface.
Step 4: Locate your hip bones
Use your hands to locate your hip bones on either side of your body. Your hip bones are considered the widest part of your hips, and this is where you will measure your hips.
Step 5: Measure the circumference of your hips
Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, making sure that it is parallel to the floor and crosses your hip bones. Take note of the measurement where the end of the tape meets the other end. This is your hip measurement in inches.
Step 6: Double-check your measurement
To ensure that you have an accurate measurement, take the tape measure from the back and wrap it again around your hips. The measuring tape should align with your first measurement. If it does not, re-measure to ensure accuracy.
Step 7: Record your hip measurement
Take note of your hip measurement in inches and write it down on your paper or phone’s notepad for future reference.
Things to keep in mind when measuring hips
– Ensure that the measuring tape is snug but not too tight when measuring your hips.
– Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor to get an accurate measurement.
– Measure around the widest part of your hips, which is usually at your hip bones.
– Do not pull the measuring tape too tight as it may give you an inaccurate measurement.
– If you are in between sizes, go for the larger size for a more comfortable fit.
How to convert hip measurement to dress size?
Many fashion brands use different sizing charts, making it challenging to know which size would fit us the best. However, knowing your hip measurement can make this task easier. To convert your hip measurement to dress size, you can refer to the brand’s size chart or use a conversion chart available online. However, it is essential to note that these charts are only a general guide, and your best bet is to try on the clothes to ensure the perfect fit.
Tips for measuring hips accurately
– Always make sure to measure your hips while standing in front of a mirror.
– Measure your hips when wearing well-fitted underwear or shapewear for accurate results.
– Avoid measuring your hips during your menstrual cycle as your body tends to retain water, which could affect the measurements.
– To get an accurate measurement, take multiple measurements and take the average.
– When measuring, make sure that the measuring tape is not twisted or folded as it may give you an incorrect reading.
How to measure hips for different body shapes?
As mentioned earlier, our hips play a significant role in determining our body shapes. Our body shapes fall into four categories – pear, apple, hourglass, and rectangle. Each body shape requires a slightly different approach when it comes to measuring hips. Below are some tips for measuring hips for different body shapes.
1. Pear body shape
If you have a pear body shape, your hips are the widest part of your body. When measuring hips for a pear body shape, ensure that the measuring tape goes around the widest part of your hips, not the lower abdomen.
2. Apple body shape
In an apple body shape, the waist tends to be the widest part of the body. When measuring hips for an apple body shape, make sure to measure around the lower abdomen, below the belly button, where your hips would naturally fall.
3. Hourglass body shape
For an hourglass body shape, the hips and bust are almost equal in measurement, and the waist is significantly smaller. When measuring hips for an hourglass body shape, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and make sure that it is parallel to the floor.
4. Rectangle body shape
For a rectangle body shape, the hips, waist, and bust are often the same or very close in measurements. When measuring hips for a rectangle body shape, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and make sure to keep it parallel to the floor.
Common mistakes to avoid while measuring hips
1. Measuring over clothes
One of the most common mistakes people make is measuring their hips over their clothes. This can lead to an inaccurate measurement as the clothes may add an extra layer of fabric, leading to a larger measurement.
2. Not taking note of the measurement
It is crucial to write down or take note of your measurements, especially if you are measuring for the first time. This will save you the trouble of having to measure again in the future and ensure consistency in your measurements.
3. Pulling the measuring tape too tight
As mentioned earlier, the measuring tape should be snug but not too tight when measuring your hips. Pulling too tight could lead to an incorrect measurement, which would, in turn, result in an ill-fitting outfit.
4. Not considering the clothing material
Some fabrics tend to stretch, and this could affect the hip measurement. When measuring hips for clothing made from stretchy material, it is essential to take this into account and ensure that the measuring tape is not pulled too tight or loose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measuring hips is crucial in understanding your body shape and finding the perfect fit when shopping for bottoms. With the right tools and techniques, measuring your hips can be a simple and quick process. Remember to measure around the widest part of your hips, keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor, and take note of your measurement for future reference. With these tips in mind, you can now confidently measure your hips and shop for bottoms that fit and flatter your figure. Happy shopping!