How to Measure Yourself for Undies That Actually Fit
By ARQ – ARQ | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to measure your waist and hips at home so you can find your undie size with confidence and avoid the guesswork of trial and error.
Quick answer
To find your undie size, measure your natural waist (the narrowest part of your torso) and your hips (the fullest part of your seat) with a soft tape measure. Prioritize your waist measurement for high-rise styles, and if your waist and hip measurements span three or more sizes, split the difference. If you are between sizes in a body-skimming fit, size down.
Why waist and hip measurements matter more than your jeans size
Your jeans size reflects the fit of a specific brand and cut, not your body. Undies sit directly against your skin, so a half-inch difference in the waistband can mean the difference between a comfortable stay-put fit and constant adjusting. High-rise styles are designed to sit at your natural waist, so that measurement is the most reliable starting point. If your waist and hip measurements span three or more sizes on a chart, split the difference to avoid a waistband that digs in or a seat that sags.
How to measure your waist and hips at home
Stand in front of a mirror in lightweight clothing or your undies. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing your skin. For your waist, find the natural crease when you bend sideways—that is your waistline. For your hips, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your seat, usually about 8 inches below your waist. Write both numbers down and compare them to the size chart for the specific style you are considering. If you are between sizes and the style is cut for a body-skimming fit, size down.
What to do when your measurements fall between sizes
A body-skimming fit is designed to hug your curves without cutting in, so sizing down often gives you the intended look and prevents the fabric from shifting. However, if your waist and hip measurements span three or more sizes, splitting the difference is the safer choice. For styles with a high-cut leg and moderate coverage, like the MISHA UNDIES, juice, prioritize your waist measurement unless that three-size gap applies. Always check the specific product page for any style-specific sizing notes.
Step-by-step: measure yourself for undies
- Gather your tools: Use a soft tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler. Stand in front of a mirror so you can keep the tape level. Checkpoint: the tape should be flat against your body, not twisted.
- Find your natural waist: Bend to one side. The crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape around that point, keeping it snug but not tight. Common mistake: measuring over clothing or at your belly button instead of the natural crease.
- Measure your hips at the fullest point: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your seat, usually about 8 inches below your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Checkpoint: the tape should touch your skin without compressing it.
- Compare to the size chart: Write down both measurements. Match them to the size chart for the specific undie style you want. If you are between sizes, size down for body-skimming fits. If your waist and hip measurements span 3+ sizes, split the difference.
- Double-check before you buy: Re-measure once to confirm. If you are still unsure, choose the size that matches your waist measurement for high-rise styles. Next step: order one pair to test the fit before buying multiples.
Product facts to keep in mind
- HIGH-RISE UNDIES, slipper: Cut for a body-skimming, ultra-comfy fit. If between sizes, size down. 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Signature bound-edge construction. The body-skimming cut means the fabric follows your shape without digging in. Sizing down when between sizes helps maintain that smooth fit.
- MISHA UNDIES, juice: High-rise and high-cut with moderate coverage and soft bound edges. Sizing: Use our sizing chart and prioritize your waist measurement (unless your waist and hip measurements span 3+ sizes, then split the difference). 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Waist measurement is the best starting point for this style, and the high-cut leg with moderate coverage stays put without riding up.
