One of the biggest challenges of buying underwear online is getting the size right. Unlike trying on clothing in-store, online shopping requires you to rely on measurements and size charts. The good news is that with accurate measurements and an understanding of how different brands size their products, you can confidently purchase underwear that fits perfectly every time.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Underwear that doesn't fit properly is underwear that won't be comfortable. Too tight, and you'll experience digging, pinching, and restricted movement. Too loose, and the fabric will bunch, shift, and fail to stay in place. Unlike outer clothing where slight sizing variations are more forgiving, intimate apparel needs to fit within a narrow range to function correctly.
Additionally, underwear sizes vary significantly between brands. Your size in one brand may differ by one or even two sizes in another. Rather than guessing or assuming consistency, taking accurate measurements allows you to compare your actual dimensions against each brand's specific size chart.
Take measurements in your usual underwear or without clothes. Wearing bulky clothing over your underwear will give inaccurate readings.
Essential Measurements for Underwear
Waist Measurement
Your waist measurement determines how the waistband of your underwear will fit. Here's how to measure accurately:
- Stand straight with your feet together and your body relaxed.
- Find your natural waist, which is typically the narrowest point of your torso, usually about 2-3 centimetres above your belly button.
- Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your waist, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- The tape should be snug but not tight enough to compress your skin.
- Take the measurement at the end of a normal exhale, not while holding your breath.
Hip Measurement
Hip measurement is often more important than waist for underwear, particularly for styles like G-strings that sit on the hips rather than the natural waist:
- Stand with your feet together and weight evenly distributed.
- Find the widest part of your hips, typically around the fullest part of your buttocks.
- Wrap the measuring tape around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- Ensure the tape passes over the fullest part of your bottom.
- The tape should be snug without compressing.
Key Takeaway
For most underwear styles, your hip measurement is the primary determining factor for size. When in doubt between sizes, prioritise matching your hip measurement to the size chart.
Understanding Size Charts
Once you have your measurements, you'll need to compare them against brand-specific size charts. Here's what to know:
Australian Sizing
Australian underwear sizes typically use numbers (8, 10, 12, 14, etc.) or letter sizing (S, M, L, XL). Most size charts will provide corresponding waist and hip measurements for each size. When your measurements fall between sizes, consider the fabric and fit preference. Stretchy fabrics can accommodate sizing down slightly, while non-stretch fabrics work better when sizing up.
International Sizing
When shopping from international brands, be aware of sizing differences:
- US sizing: Generally runs one size smaller than Australian. An Australian 12 is typically equivalent to a US 8.
- UK sizing: Very similar to Australian sizing in most brands.
- European sizing: Uses numerical measurements (36, 38, 40, etc.) that correspond to hip circumference in centimetres.
When Measurements Span Two Sizes
It's common for your waist and hip measurements to correspond to different sizes. In these cases:
- For underwear that sits on the hips (most G-strings), prioritise hip measurement.
- For high-waisted styles, waist measurement becomes more important.
- If in doubt, size up rather than down for comfort.
Always check the specific brand's size chart before purchasing. Don't assume your size will be consistent across different brands or even different styles within the same brand.
Tips for More Accurate Results
Measure Multiple Times
Take each measurement at least twice to confirm accuracy. It's surprisingly easy to read a measuring tape incorrectly or to have it shift during measurement.
Use the Right Tools
A flexible fabric measuring tape provides the most accurate results. Metal or rigid tapes don't conform to body curves and will give inaccurate readings. If you don't have a fabric tape, you can use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler.
Keep Records
Write down your measurements and update them periodically. Body measurements can change over time, and having a reference helps when shopping. Also note which sizes worked well in which brands for future purchases.
Consider Fabric Stretch
The amount of stretch in a fabric affects how a size fits. Highly stretchy materials like spandex blends can accommodate a range within each size. Less stretchy fabrics like cotton require more precise sizing. When a product description mentions the stretch level, factor this into your size selection.
Special Considerations for G-Strings
G-strings have some unique fitting considerations:
- Hip-sitting designs: Most G-strings sit on the hips, not the waist. Focus on hip measurements.
- String width preference: Some styles have adjustable or varying back widths. Consider your comfort preferences when selecting.
- Front panel coverage: Different brands offer varying front coverage. If this matters to you, check product descriptions for specifics.
What to Do If Your Size Is Wrong
Despite best efforts, occasional sizing misses happen. Here's how to handle them:
- Check return policies: Many retailers, including Amazon, accept returns on unworn underwear with tags attached.
- Document the issue: Note how the sizing was off (too tight in the waist, too loose in the hips) to inform future purchases.
- Try a different size: If a style otherwise seems perfect, reorder in the next size up or down.
With accurate measurements and careful attention to size charts, you can shop for underwear online with confidence. Take the time to measure properly, and you'll find that getting the right fit becomes straightforward and reliable. Ready to find your perfect style? Use our Style Quiz to get personalised recommendations.