How to Measure for a Woman's Girdle

In order to select the correct size girdle, you must measure your waist AND your hips. This is not normally done with men's clothing, but it is of great importance for a woman's girdle.

The Waist

Woman's girdles are sold by waist size. A woman measures her waist at the narrowest part of her midsection, between the hips and the breasts. This is called the "natural waist". Note the drawing from Better Half Fashions. You should measure at area C, where your torso is the smallest. This is the size by which girdles are sold. Manufacturers of girdles expect a woman to use this measurement when purchasing girdles.

To purchase trousers, a man normally measures his waist across his navel, or slightly above. This is NOT the place to measure for a woman's girdle. If a man uses his trouser size to order a woman's girdle, he will, in most cases, end up with a girdle that is too large.

To wear a woman's girdle, a man should measure in the same place as a woman, i.e. the narrowest part of his midsection, just above the love handles. The tape should be snug, but not tight. He should use this measurement as a starting point when shopping for a girdle. Notice, I said starting point.

The Hips

Measure and record your hips across the widest part (Section D in the drawing above). This information will be used in a girdle sizing chart in the next section to give you a better idea of what size you will need.

Below: Notice in the first photo that the tape measure is placed at the narrowest part of the torso, just above the love handles; this is the natural waist. On some men, this may be difficult to recognize depending on how much body fat is involved. The 2nd photo is showing where to measure the hips. The 3rd photo is showing where to measure for trousers. This measurement should NOT be used for selecting/purchasing a woman's girdle.

Yes	Yes	No
Natural Waist	Hips	Trousers