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The fit guide No. 470
How do I measure my waist and hips for lingerie?
Waist at the narrowest point, hips at the fullest point, feet together. Read both numbers before you choose a size.
Lace Index — 2,491 lingerie styles, S–3XL, selected 4XL, $9.90–$47.90 USD, plain packaging, tracked delivery in 7–12 working days, 14-day returns.
Measure first, then choose the shape. Between sizes, take the larger.
Match the piece to the outfit, the light and how long you will wear it.
Plain packaging, tracked delivery and 14-day returns with the seal intact.
Waist and hip measurements matter most for panties, slips, bodysuits and anything that sits close to the body; Lace Index stocks 2,491 sexy lingerie styles in S–3XL, with selected 4XL, and each product page lists the exact sizes in stock. A bra size does not tell you these numbers. Measure both in centimetres, with the tape level and not pulled tight, then compare them with the chart. If the two numbers point to different sizes, choose the size that fits the larger area and adjust with the cut of the piece.
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Pieces for this answer.
01
Find the waist
The waist is the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel. Stand straight and breathe out normally. Wrap the tape around that point, keep it level, and read the number without pulling it in. Do not hold your breath or suck in; the tape should touch the skin, not compress it.
02
Find the hips
The hips are the fullest part of the lower body, usually about 20 cm below the waist. Stand with your feet together and the tape level around the fullest point of the seat. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. If you are wearing a skirt or loose trousers, measure against the body or in close-fitting underwear.
03
Read the chart
The chart pairs waist and hip ranges: XS is 58-62 cm waist and 84-88 cm hip, S is 63-67 and 89-93, M is 68-72 and 94-98, L is 73-78 and 99-104, XL is 79-84 and 105-110, 2XL is 85-91 and 111-117, 3XL is 92-98 and 118-124, 4XL is 99-106 and 125-132. The product page lists the sizes held for that style.
04
Choose between sizes
If your waist and hip fall into different sizes, choose the size that fits the larger measurement, then look at the cut. A slip or a bias-cut piece has more room through the hip; a structured bodysuit has less. Between two sizes, take the larger for comfort. If the piece has adjustable ties or a stretch panel, the smaller size may still work; check the product description.
05
Posture and tape
Stand straight with your feet together and breathe normally. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight. Measure twice; if the numbers differ by more than 2 cm, check the tape position.
06
Use the numbers together
Waist and hip often point to different sizes. Choose the size that fits the larger area, then check the cut. A bias-cut slip has more room through the hip; a structured bodysuit has less.
07
Between sizes
If you are between sizes, take the larger for comfort. If the piece has adjustable ties or a stretch panel, the smaller size may still work; check the product description.
08
Common mistakes
A tape that slopes, clothes that add bulk and holding your breath all change the number. Measure against the body or in close-fitting underwear, keep the tape level and breathe normally. Repeat both measurements.
09
Write it down
Keep your waist and hip measurements in a note on your phone. The numbers are more useful than a dress size when you shop a new brand or a different cut.
10
Recheck before ordering
Measure again before a new order if your weight or shape has changed. Use the same tape and the same posture. The product page is the final check for the sizes held.
11
Keep the tape
Keep a soft tape in your drawer so you can recheck before an order. A tape that has stretched or a measurement taken over clothes is a common source of the wrong size.
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At a glance
| Category | Slips & Sleepwear |
|---|---|
| Price | From $9.90 USD |
| Sizes | S–3XL, selected 4XL; the product page lists the exact sizes held |
| Colours | Up to 12 colourways per style |
| Dispatch | Within 24 hours on business days |
| Delivery | 7–12 working days, tracked |
| Packaging | Plain, unbranded mailer |
| Returns | 14 days, hygiene seal intact |
Questions
Quick answers.
How do I measure my waist and hips for lingerie?
Where is the waist?+
At the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel.
Where are the hips?+
At the fullest part of the lower body, about 20 cm below the waist, feet together.
Should I measure over clothes?+
Measure against the body or in close-fitting underwear for the cleanest number.
What if my waist and hips are different sizes?+
Choose the size that fits the larger measurement and check the cut of the piece.
Do I need both numbers for a bra?+
No. For bras, use the bust and underbust. Waist and hips are for panties, slips and bodysuits.
Still unsure?
Send us your measurements.
Tell us the piece you are considering and the fit you want. We will compare it with the actual stock.