How to Measure Yourself for Shapewear: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To measure for shapewear, use a soft tape measure to record your natural waist, the fullest part of your hips, and your torso length. Compare these numbers to the brand's size chart, and when in doubt, size up for comfort and to avoid rolling or digging.

Getting the right fit for shapewear starts with accurate measurements. Whether you're shopping for high-waisted briefs or a full body shaper, knowing your waist, hips, and torso length ensures you choose a piece that smooths without discomfort. Here's a simple, step-by-step method to measure yourself at home.

You'll need a soft, flexible tape measure and a mirror. Wear minimal clothing or underwear that doesn't add bulk. Stand straight but relaxed, and keep the tape snug—not tight—against your skin. Write down each number as you go, and always double-check before ordering.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather a few essentials: a soft tape measure (the fabric or plastic kind used for sewing), a mirror to check tape placement, and a pen and paper to record your measurements. Avoid using a metal tape measure, as it won't conform to your body curves.

Wear lightweight, form-fitting clothing or none at all for the most accurate numbers. If you measure over bulky fabric, you'll get a larger reading than your true size, leading to a shapewear piece that's too loose and doesn't provide the smoothing you expect.

• Use a soft tape measure, not a metal one
• Measure over bare skin or thin clothing

How to Measure Your Waist

Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button. Bend to one side—the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Breathe out normally and read the measurement without pulling the tape tight.

For high-waisted shapewear that extends above the navel, also measure your waist at the belly button level. This gives you a sense of how the garment will fit across your midsection. Many shaper briefs and shorts target the tummy area, so this second measurement helps you choose a style that offers the right compression without rolling down.

• Measure at the narrowest point for your natural waist
• For high-waisted styles, also measure at belly button level

How to Measure Your Hips

Stand with your feet together and find the fullest part of your hips and buttocks—usually about 7 to 9 inches below your waist. Wrap the tape around this area, ensuring it's level all the way around. Keep the tape snug but not compressing your skin.

This measurement is critical for shaper shorts and body shapers, as they need to fit your hips and thighs without riding up or feeling too tight. If you're between sizes, consider the style: a firmer compression garment may require sizing up for comfort, while a lighter control piece can fit true to size.

• Measure at the widest point for accurate hip sizing
• Keep feet together to avoid an inaccurate reading

Measuring Torso Length for Full-Body Shapers

For bodysuits or step-in shapers, torso length is key. Measure from the top of your shoulder (near the neck) down the front of your body, through your legs, and up your back to the starting point. This is your full torso length. Alternatively, measure from your shoulder to your natural waist for half-torso styles.

A too-short torso measurement means the shaper will pull on your shoulders or ride up; too long, and it may bunch at the crotch. If you're between lengths, opt for the longer size for comfort. Some brands offer adjustable straps, but knowing your length helps narrow down options.

• Measure from shoulder through crotch and up the back for full torso
• For waist-high styles, measure from waist down to upper thigh

Using a Size Chart Correctly

Once you have your numbers, compare them to the brand's size chart. Size charts vary between brands and even between styles, so always use the specific chart for the product you're eyeing. For example, a high-waisted brief may have different sizing than a shaper short.

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the fabric and compression level. For firm compression garments, sizing up often prevents discomfort and ensures the garment stays in place. For moderate control, you might prefer the smaller size for a more sculpted look. When in doubt, order two sizes and return what doesn't fit.

• Always refer to the product-specific size chart
• When between sizes, consider compression level and fabric

Step-by-Step Measuring Process

1. Step 1: Measure Your Natural Waist: Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button. Keep it parallel to the floor and breathe normally. Checkpoint: The tape should feel snug but not dig into your skin.
2. Step 2: Measure Your Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, ensuring the tape is level. Checkpoint: The measurement should be taken without pulling the tape tight.
3. Step 3: Measure Torso Length for Bodysuits: For full-body shapers, measure from your shoulder, down the front, through the crotch, and up the back to the starting point. Checkpoint: If between lengths, choose longer for comfort.
4. Step 4: Compare to Size Chart: Use the brand's specific size chart for the style you want. Match your largest measurement to the size, not the smallest. Checkpoint: If between sizes, consider fabric and compression level.
5. Step 5: Re-measure if Needed: Measure twice to ensure accuracy. Weight fluctuations can change your size, so re-measure before each purchase. Checkpoint: Always use the most recent measurements.

Products That Fit Your Measurements

• 3-Pack High-Waisted Classic Sculpting Briefs: Made of SkinFuse® fabric for moderate compression, with a double-layered waistband for mid-to-lower tummy control and flexible side boning to prevent rolling. If your waist and hip measurements align with the size chart, this brief offers comfortable all-day smoothing without constant adjusting.
• Firm Compression Butt Lifter Shaper Short: Firm compression PowerSlim® fabric sculpts tummy, waist, and thighs, with MagicUp® bands and a ruched seam for a butt-lifting effect. Accurate hip and thigh measurements ensure the leg bands stay flat and don't ride up, so you get the lifting benefit without discomfort.

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a comfortable, effective shapewear fit. By following these steps and referencing the size chart, you'll avoid common pitfalls like rolling, digging, or insufficient smoothing. When in doubt, size up for comfort, and remember that different styles may require different measurements.