How to measure butt size?

Measuring your butt size primarily involves taking your hip measurement at its widest point, which is essential for ensuring a comfortable and accurate fit for various clothing items, especially pants.

Understanding "Butt Size" – The Hip Measurement

In the context of clothing and tailoring, "butt size" is generally referred to as the full hip measurement. This measurement is taken around the fullest part of your glutes and hips, providing the most crucial dimension for garments like pants, skirts, and fitted dresses. It's the key body measurement when sewing pants and for selecting the correct size from a size chart.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Hips

Accurately measuring your hip circumference requires a few simple tools and careful attention to technique.

What You'll Need

• A flexible, non-stretchable tape measure
• A mirror (optional, but helpful for checking tape placement)
• Pen and paper (to record your measurement)

The Measurement Process

Follow these steps for an accurate hip measurement:

1. Preparation: Stand upright with your feet together, in a relaxed, natural posture. For the most accurate reading, wear only light clothing or your underwear. Avoid wearing bulky items that could distort the measurement.
2. Locate the Widest Point: Identify the fullest part of your glutes, which typically corresponds to the widest point of your hips. This is where your tape measure should be positioned.
3. Position the Tape: Place the tape measure around your body, encircling your hips and the biggest part of your booty.
4. Ensure Proper Snugness: Bring the ends of the tape measure together at the front. The tape should be loosely placed but tight enough that it just stays put without falling down. Ensure it's not digging into your skin or too slack.
5. Read the Measurement: Read the number where the tape measure overlaps. This is your hip measurement.
6. Double-Check: For consistency and accuracy, it's a good practice to take the measurement two or three times and use the average, or the most frequent reading.

Tips for Accuracy and Best Results

• Keep the Tape Level: Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor all the way around your body. It should not be angled up or down at any point.
• Breathe Naturally: Do not suck in your stomach or push out your hips. Stand in a relaxed, normal breathing posture.
• Seek Assistance: If possible, have someone help you take the measurement. This can ensure the tape remains level and straight, especially around your back.
• Consider Undergarments: If you plan to wear a specific type of shapewear or undergarment with the clothing item, measure while wearing it.

Why Your Hip Measurement Matters

Your hip measurement is a fundamental body dimension for several reasons:

• Clothing Fit: It's critical for selecting the correct size of pants, skirts, shorts, and certain types of dresses (especially those fitted around the hips). Many clothing brands provide size charts where you'll use your hip measurement to determine your best fit.
• Sewing and Pattern Making: If you're sewing your own clothes, the hip measurement is one of the primary figures used to select the appropriate pattern size and make necessary alterations for a custom fit.
• Progress Tracking: For fitness or weight management goals, tracking your hip measurement can be a useful indicator of changes in body composition.

Common Measurement Terms & What They Mean

While this guide focuses on butt size (hip measurement), understanding related body measurements can also be helpful for clothing fit:

For more general body measurement tips, you can refer to resources like this body measurement guide.