How do you know your underwear size is right? Unless you broke out your measuring tape at some point (and even then, things may have changed), it all comes down to the moment of truth when you put them on.
You may know from experience that when your underwear doesn’t fit properly – too low/high; too tight/loose – it’s uncomfortable and unflattering. Women’s underwear sizes aren’t universal. And like bra sizes, underwear sizes depend on maker and style. One brand’s medium could be another brand’s small.
To help you avoid fit issues from wearing the wrong underwear size, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about properly measuring underwear size to find the right underwear.
How to Use the Underwear Size Chart
Our underwear size chart works the same way as any other size chart, which means the first step is needing to know your measurements; for that, all you need is your trusty measuring tape. Keep in mind, not all underwear charts are the same, so your measurements will prove invaluable when underwear shopping.
1. Measure Hip Size
To measure your hips, stand on a level surface with your feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and butt, keeping the tape parallel with the floor. Easy as that!
2. Measure Waist Size
Measure your waist by bending to one side, and make a mental note of where your waist naturally indents in your torso. Then, wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline, keeping the tape parallel with the floor with one finger between your body and tape for a more comfortable fit.
3. Find Your Underwear Size
Looking at the underwear size chart below, simply match your measurements to the underwear sizes listed.
How to Know If You Have The Right Underwear Size
Along with the underwear size chart, it’s important to know how your underwear is supposed to fit and feel on your body. Too tight and you’ll get unflattering bulges and lumps (not to mention poor ventilation!). Too loose and it will bunch up and/or start to ride up as you move. Let’s nip all that right in the bud. Here’s a quick guide for how your underwear should properly fit:
Butt: The coverage should feel balanced and symmetrical, unless you’re wearing a style with little to no coverage like a thong or g-string. It should feel comfortable and stay in place, no riding up or sagging.
Waistband: Properly-fitting waistbands should sit flat, snug, and smooth against your hips. Where it sits will depend on the underwear style.
Legs: The leg openings in your underwear should be evenly arched from front to back and rest comfortably on your cheeks.
Crotch: The crotch area shouldn’t have any extra fabric in the back or front. It should fit comfortably, without loose sagging, and without wedgies (back or front) from being too tight.
Types of Underwear
Thongs
Thongs are perfect underwear to hide panty lines in tight pants, dresses, and skirts.
Bikini
Bikini underwear is perfect for all day comfort; they have more coverage than the thong, but less coverage than a hipster or brief.
Hipster
Hipster underwear rises up higer than a bikini bottom and provide more coverage. They are very figure flattering with the additional booty coverage.
Knowing your underwear size and how to convert your measurements in an underwear size chart is the best way to make sure you’re wearing a pair that will fit comfortably. Now that you’ve got our handy underwear size chart to back you up, check out our entire line of underwear in styles and fabrics you’ll never want to take off.
