Quick answer
To measure yourself for lingerie at home, wear a non-padded bra or go braless, stand in front of a mirror, and use a soft measuring tape. Measure your bust at the fullest point, your natural waist at the narrowest point, and your hips at the fullest point. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and write everything down. If you're between sizes, round up for comfort.
Buying lingerie online can feel like a gamble if you don't know your measurements. But once you have accurate bust, waist, and hip numbers, you can shop with confidence and skip the guesswork. This guide walks you through how to measure yourself at home in a few minutes, with no special tools beyond a soft tape measure.
You'll also learn how to use those numbers with our size charts and how to spot common measuring mistakes. Whether you're new to handmade lingerie or just want a better fit, these steps will help you get it right the first time.
What you'll need
Before you start, gather a soft measuring tape, a mirror (full-length is ideal), and a pen and paper or your phone for notes. Wear a non-padded bra or go braless, and keep your clothing light—a thin t-shirt or nothing at all works best. Stand up straight with your feet together and relax your shoulders.
If you don't have a soft tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it against a ruler. Just make sure the string doesn't stretch. A mirror helps you keep the tape level all the way around, which is the most common source of errors.
- Use a soft tape, not a metal carpenter's tape.
- Wear a non-padded bra or no bra.
- Stand naturally—don't suck in or puff out.
Step 1: Measure your bust
Wrap the tape around your back and bring it across the fullest part of your bust, usually over the nipples. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug—not tight enough to compress breast tissue. Breathe normally and note the number in inches or centimeters.
If you're wearing a bra, make sure it's non-padded; padded cups add volume and skew the measurement. For the most accurate result, measure without a bra. Write down the number immediately so you don't forget.
- Keep the tape level all the way around.
- Don't pull the tape tight—it should sit flat against your skin.
- If you're between two numbers, round up to the nearest half-inch.
Step 2: Measure your natural waist
Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button and below your ribcage. Bend sideways—the crease that forms is your natural waistline. Wrap the tape around that point, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not digging in.
Breathe out normally before you read the number; holding your breath can change the measurement. This measurement is key for high-waisted bottoms, corsets, and any piece that sits at your waist.
- Find the crease when you bend sideways.
- Measure at the end of a normal exhale.
- Don't measure over thick clothing.
Step 3: Measure your hips
Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually about 7–9 inches below your natural waist. Keep the tape level and snug, and check in the mirror to make sure it's not riding up or down at the back.
This measurement determines the fit of panties, thongs, and playsuits. If you're between sizes, consider sizing up for comfort, especially in styles with less stretch.
- Measure the fullest point, not the hip bones.
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
- Check the back in a mirror—it often sits higher than you think.
Step 4: Measure your underbust (for bra sizing)
For bra sizing, you'll also need your underbust measurement. Wrap the tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust, keeping it snug and level. This number helps determine your band size. If the measurement is an even number, add 4 inches; if odd, add 5 inches to get your band size in inches (this is a common US method).
Alternatively, many brands use the underbust measurement directly as the band size in centimeters. Always check the specific brand's size chart, because methods vary. For handmade lingerie, the maker often provides a chart based on actual body measurements, so use that as your primary reference.
- Measure under the bust, not over it.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Follow the brand's chart—don't assume standard sizing.
Step 5: Double-check and record
Measure each area twice to ensure consistency. If the numbers differ by more than half an inch, re-measure. Record your measurements in inches and centimeters, and note the date—bodies change over time, so it's good to re-measure every few months or before a big purchase.
When shopping with us, compare your measurements to the size chart on each product page. If you're between sizes, our handmade pieces are made to order, so you can often request a custom size by contacting us. Always prioritize comfort and ease of movement over squeezing into a smaller size.
- Measure twice for accuracy.
- Note the date and re-measure periodically.
- Contact us if you're unsure—we're happy to help.
Your at-home measuring checklist
- Gather your tools: Soft tape measure, mirror, pen and paper. Wear a non-padded bra or go braless. Checkpoint: tape is soft and doesn't stretch.
- Measure your bust: Wrap tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level and snug. Common mistake: pulling too tight or measuring over a padded bra.
- Measure your natural waist: Find the narrowest point by bending sideways. Measure at the end of a normal exhale. Checkpoint: tape sits comfortably, not digging in.
- Measure your hips: Wrap tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping it level. Common mistake: measuring too high or low—check in a mirror.
- Measure your underbust: Wrap tape directly under your bust, snug and level. Use this for bra sizing. Checkpoint: tape is parallel to the floor all the way around.
- Record and double-check: Write down all numbers in inches and centimeters. Re-measure each area once to confirm. Next step: compare to our size chart and shop with confidence.
How our products use your measurements
- Venom Bralette: Made from soft organic bamboo cotton stretch jersey with double under bust straps and wide shoulder straps. The stretch jersey accommodates small measurement variations, while the adjustable straps let you fine-tune the fit. If you're between sizes, the fabric's give means you can often choose the smaller size for a snugger fit.
- Classic Thong: Signature adjustable side thong style in bamboo jersey, super soft for a comfortable, breathable fit. Adjustable sides mean you can tweak the fit around your hips, so your hip measurement is a starting point rather than a strict limit. This is ideal if your hips fall between two sizes.
- Serpentine Bikini Top: XL O ring detail, adjustable straps and double layered fabric for comfort. Adjustable straps and double-layered fabric help the top adapt to your bust measurement, so you get support without sacrificing comfort. Use your bust measurement to pick the size, then adjust the straps for a custom feel.
With your bust, waist, hip, and underbust measurements in hand, you're ready to choose lingerie that fits beautifully. Remember that handmade pieces like our Venom Bralette and Classic Thong are made to order, so if you're between sizes, don't hesitate to reach out—we can help you find the perfect fit.
