When it comes to finding the perfect fit for your shapewear, you need to think beyond standard dress sizes. For the best results, whether you’re wearing anything from a waist trainer to a bodysuit, you need to take accurate measurements for your whole torso.

Note that the most important measurements depend on the garment; for example, for a waist trainer, your waist size is most relevant. Torso length can matter in garments like full-body shapers that go from your bust down to your legs.

Here are the measurements you should be taking:

1. Bust

Wear a well-fitting, non-padded bra during measurement. For the underbust measurement, wrap your measuring tape snuggly around your ribcage, under your breasts. For your bustline, measure the fullest part of the breasts. For both measurements, make sure your tape is level with the floor.

The band size on a bra is the underbust measurement, plus four or five inches (whichever gets you an even number). To determine your cup size, subtract your underbust size from your bust size. Every inch of difference represents a letter in your cup size. So, if you have a 31-inch underbust and a 35-inch bustline, you are a 36D.

2. Waist

Your natural waist is about two inches above your bellybutton; you can also find it by bending to one side. Standing straight, take a level measurement that fits comfortably around your waist. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body. Be sure to refer to our size chart if you’re measuring for a corset.

3. Hips

Measure the fullest part of your hips, which should be about 8 inches below your natural waist. Keeping the tape level, measure the fullest part.

4. Torso

Find someone to help you as you run measuring tape full circle from your shoulder at the neck, over the fullest part of your bust, down between your legs and back to the starting point.

Knowing your torso length can be helpful, particularly with full-body shapers. If it’s long, you may want to order a size larger or a shaper designed specifically for long torsos. If you’re petite, just avoid the long torso products. Here are some average comparative dimensions for reference (in inches).

Bust	35	36	37.5	39	40.5	42.5	44.5	46.5	48.5
Waist	27	28	29.5	31	32.5	34.5	36.5	38.5	40.5
Hips	37.5	38.5	40	41.5	43	45	47	49	51
Average Torso	60	61.5	63	64.5	66	67.5	--	--	--
Long Torso	62	63.5	65	66.5	68	69.5	--	--	--
Short Torso	57	58.5	60	61.5	63	--	--	--	--

As always, if you ever have questions about what size and what style of garment is best for you, contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help you find the perfect fit!