Discover the secret to measuring your waist effortlessly in just 5 easy steps!
- Knowing your waist size is important for finding the right legging,pants or whatever your bottom desires and keeping track of your weight.
- Measuring your waist is a breeze, as it starts at the top of your hip bone and goes up to just below your rib cage.
- This guide will teach you how to easily measure your waist and understand what the numbers mean.
1. Take off or lift up your clothes.
To get a precise measurement, make sure the tape measure is touching your exposed stomach, so eliminate any garments that obstruct your waist. Remove your top or raise it slightly below your chest. If your pants are causing interference, unfasten them and lower them around your hips.
2 Find your waist.
To locate your waist, place your fingers on the top of your hips and the bottom of your rib cage. The waist is the soft area between these two bony points. It is typically the narrowest part of your body and can be found around or above your belly button.
3 Measure your waist
To measure your waist, wrap the tape measure around your midsection. Keep your posture upright and breathe normally. Start at your navel and bring the tape around your back to the front of your waist. Ensure that the tape is parallel to the ground and fits comfortably around your torso without causing any discomfort. Double-check that the tape is straight and not twisted, particularly at the back.
4 Read what's on the tape
Look at the tape measure to find your waist measurement. Breathe in deeply and observe the number where the loose end of the tape meets the zero end. This number represents your waist measurement, which can be in inches or centimeters depending on the type of tape measure you are using.
5 Double-check your measurement results
Double-check your initial measurement by taking it again to ensure its accuracy. In case the second measurement shows a difference from the first one, go ahead and measure for a third time. Once you have all three numbers, calculate their average to get a more reliable result.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
How to measure waist without measuring tape?
There's a simple way to measure your waist using just a piece of string or a long strip of paper. All you need to do is wrap it around your waist at its narrowest point, make a mark where it overlaps, and then measure the length using a ruler or any object with known measurements, like a book. It's an easy and convenient alternative to a traditional tape measure.
How often should i measure my waist?
Once a month
Regularly monitoring one's waist circumference can be considered a sensible practice, such as conducting measurements once a month. Additionally, paying attention to the fit of clothing can serve as a useful albeit less accurate method to gauge any potential weight gain.
What should your waist size be to be healthy?
According to the British Heart Foundation, men are considered to be at 'low risk' if their waist circumference is below 94cm (37in), while a waist circumference of 94-102cm (37-40in) is classified as 'high risk'. If a man's waist circumference exceeds 102cm (40in), it is categorized as 'very high' risk. On the other hand, for women, a waist circumference below 80cm (31.5in) is considered 'low risk'. If the waist circumference falls within the range of 80-88cm (31.5-34.6in), it is classified as 'high risk'. However, if a woman's waist circumference exceeds 88cm (34.6in), it is labeled as 'very high' risk.
Should I measure my waist before or after eating?
Before eating
For the most precise measurement, it's best to do it in the morning before having breakfast and after using the restroom. Remember to be aware and avoid sucking in your stomach while checking the measuring tape, as this could impact the accuracy of the results.
What is the healthiest waist size for a woman?
35 inches
To maintain optimal health, it is recommended that men have a waist circumference of less than 40 inches, while women should aim for less than 35 inches. However, it's important to note that these measurements may vary slightly depending on factors such as race or ethnicity.
