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How To Calculate Your Waist, Bust, and Hip to Find Your Ideal Length
You've probably noticed that your hips and waist tend to fluctuate in size more than your chest and hip measurements if you've been paying attention. Your waistline is the most visible feature of your silhouette and can often be the first thing people notice when they look at you. But measuring your waist, hips, and bust doesn't just give you a better idea of what style fits you. It can also help you figure out your ideal body shape and size. We already covered how to measure your bust and hips, so now let's look at how to calculate your ideal body shape and size based on your measurements.
Steps for Calculating Your Body Shape and Size
Use these steps to help you calculate your body shape and size. Make sure to record your exact measurements, and if you're wondering how to do the calculations, don't worry. We've got you covered!
Step 1 - Waist
Start by measuring the smallest part of your waist. Wrap the tape measure snugly, but not uncomfortably, around your body. Remember to keep the measuring tape level and not let it droop down lower than your pelvic bone.
Step 2 - Hips
Next, measure the largest part of your hips. Make sure to stand straight and keep the measuring tape comfortably above your pelvic bone so that there is no extra slack.
Step 3 - Bust
Finally, use your measuring tape to measure your bust. Start with your hair pulled to one side and with your head tilted down to measure the fullest part of your bust. Keep the measuring tape level, and don't let it droop down lower than your shoulders.
Steps for Calculating Your Body Shape and Size
A few online calculators can help you figure out your body shape and size. Here are a few to try out: BOD data collection - This one is super easy to use, and it only takes a few seconds to figure out your answers. This is a great one if you're on a mobile device or want a general idea of your body type. Bod Pod is for iOS users only, but it's very easy to use, and it will even tell you your bust, waist, and hip measurements. My Body Shape & Size - This is another great one for Android users. And there are also body-shapers that you can buy that have built-in calculators, like the Misfit Shine, Withings Body, and others.
Waist
This is probably the most obvious yet often mis-measured part of the body. The trick is to find a measuring tape that fits comfortably around your waist and make sure you measure right. It is the smallest part of your body, after all.
Hips
This is another one that can be tricky to measure, so make sure you have someone to help you out. The best way to find out if a certain pair of jeans or shorts fit is to don them while you're squatting down or have a friend help you measure at the right place.
Bust
This is probably the most obvious one, but it can be tricky to figure out. The best way to test for your bust size is to find a soft fabric and gently place it against your body to measure from there. Be sure to support the fabric with your hand, so it doesn't move around while you're measuring.
Length from shoulder to waist
This is probably the easiest one to figure out, yet the most often mis-measured part of the body. You want to find a piece of string or a strip of paper that is about a foot long and then wrap it around your shoulder, over your head, and back down to your waist. The length you want to measure should be the shortest distance.
Bottom half - Waist to hip ratio
This is the most important step, and it's also the one that most people mess up, so don't let this be you! The bottom half of your body is made up of your legs and your hips, and you want them to be of equal length. This will ensure that your silhouette is evenly proportioned and that you don't have one too short or one too long.
Final step: Find your ideal body shape and size.
Now that you've got all the information you need to find your ideal body shape and size, all you have to do is go out and shop! There are so many loose-fitting, comfortable clothing options that you can wear to flatter your shape. And you can even try switching up your hair and makeup to match your new wardrobe.
How do you like to wear your clothes? Do you have any tips for other readers who want to find their ideal body shape and size? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
