Quick answer

Measure your bust, waist, and hips over a thin, unlined bra or bare skin, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight. Write the numbers down and compare them to each product's size options and fit notes before ordering. For structured pieces like bustiers, your underbust and torso length matter as much as your bust measurement.

What you need before you start

Use a soft, flexible measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror so you can check that the tape stays horizontal. Wear a thin, unlined bra or nothing on top; padded or push-up bras add inches that will throw off your bust number. If you are measuring alone, a mirror or a phone propped up can help you confirm the tape is not twisted. Keep a pen and paper nearby so you do not have to remember the numbers.

How to measure bust, waist, and hips

Measure your bust at the fullest part, usually across the nipple line, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For your waist, find the natural crease when you bend sideways; that is your true waist, not the top of your jeans. Measure your hips at the fullest point, typically about 7 to 9 inches below the waist. Record each number in inches or centimeters and note which unit you used so you do not mix them later.

Extra numbers that help with teddies and bustiers

Teddies and bustiers rely on more than the three main measurements. Your torso length, from the top of the shoulder to the crotch, tells you whether a one-piece teddy will pull or bunch. Your underbust measurement helps you judge whether a structured bustier will sit flat against your ribcage. If a product page does not list these measurements, treat that as a decision limitation and size up when you are between sizes.

How to use your numbers with a size chart

A lingerie size chart guide is only useful if you match your largest measurement to the chart, not the smallest. If your bust falls into one size and your hips fall into the next, choose the larger size for teddies and the size that matches your underbust for bustiers. Check whether the chart uses body measurements or garment measurements; the two are not the same and mixing them up is a common source of returns.

Your at-home lingerie measuring steps

  1. Step 1: Put on the right base layer: Wear a thin, unlined bra or nothing on top. A padded bra adds volume and will make your bust measurement too large. Checkpoint: the tape should touch your skin or a single thin layer, not a molded cup.
  2. Step 2: Measure your bust at the fullest point: Wrap the tape around your back at the same height as the fullest part of your bust. Keep it level and snug, not tight. Checkpoint: the tape should not dip or rise in the back. If it does, reset and measure again.
  3. Step 3: Find and measure your natural waist: Bend sideways to find the crease at your waist, then measure around that point. Breathe normally; do not suck in. Checkpoint: your waist number should be smaller than your bust and hip numbers. If it is not, you measured too low.
  4. Step 4: Measure your hips at the fullest point: Stand with feet together and wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and seat, usually 7 to 9 inches below your waist. Checkpoint: keep the tape parallel to the floor all the way around.
  5. Step 5: Add torso and underbust for one-piece styles: Measure from the top of your shoulder, down over your bust, to your crotch for torso length. Measure around your ribcage just under your bust for underbust. Checkpoint: these two numbers are the ones most people skip, and they are the ones that decide whether a teddy or bustier fits.
  6. Step 6: Match your largest measurement to the size chart: Compare your numbers to the size options on the product page. When you fall between sizes, choose the larger size for teddies and the size that matches your underbust for bustiers. Checkpoint: confirm whether the chart lists body measurements or garment measurements before you order.

Product facts that reward accurate measuring