WHERE IS MY ACTUAL WAISTLINE???
This is a question most often asked when conducting a cut-to-order fitting. Here’s an exploration into the world of your true waist size!
While doing some research this is the best understanding to the waist sizing metric in our current retail landscape.
“Does actual waist size differ from jean size? When I measured my waist (belly button area) it was 3 inches bigger than the size I wear in jeans“
Colin DeMer says:
“The actual answer is vanity sizing – with men’s cuts on Levis, the waist is pretty much the size (maybe an inch below). My waist says it is 37″ on the tape measure but I get into size 34 (snug)/36 (moves well) dress slacks. Dress slacks are a good indicator since there is no joking with size.
With Levi’s, I can do a 32/34 in men’s and a size 12/14 (33 in – 35 in) in women’s slimmer fit Levi’s.
People wear their jeans snug around the waist so the size discrepancy is based on how tight you like your waist. Also, some brands vanity size their clothes so that a 28″ written waist (in men’s) actually fits a 34″ waist. It makes the customer ‘feel good’. This all differs between brands, so my solution was to pick a brand and stick with it. Another option is to wind up having to try everything on in the store”
MEASURING UP
There are two variables to consider when trying to accomplish your true waist size.
One- A Woman’s measure at a higher place than what the believe is their actual waistline. While Men measure at a lower.
Here’s a Quick Tip for Women:
To measure your waist: find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. Use a standard sewing tape measure to around your waist, midway between these points. breathe out naturally before taking the measurement. If you bend to the side, the crease that forms is your natural waistline.
- Locate your upper hip bone. You can find the proper spot by placing your hands around your waist, squeezing slightly, and then moving your fingers downward until you feel the top curve of your hips.
- Place a tape measure around your bare stomach just above the upper hip bone.
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So before you order that next pair of designer jeans that look they fit your sense of style, do a waist check to ensure the fit matches the aesthetic