Knowing your overall proportions is essential in life. Having an accurate idea of your dimensions allows you to dress for your body, which means so much more than simply looking fantastic - you’ll also feel fantastic.

Many bodily ailments, from bunions to sore backs, are the fault of poorly fitting clothes. What’s more, your confidence could also suffer if your outfits do not do your silhouette justice. 

While most seamstresses offer professional measuring and tailoring, stepping into their studios isn’t always necessary. 

In fact, with the help of a measuring tape, a second set of hands, and somewhere to mark down your measurements, you can give yourself the full professional measuring treatment from the comfort of your home.

Once done, you can fill your wardrobe and drawers with high-quality, sustainable clothes that go the distance. And better yet, you’ll know how you size up in relation to the average, giving you an idea of your general health.

The essential measurements we’ll be covering in this guide:

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 • How to Measure Your Waist

 • How to Measure Your Ring Size

 • How to Measure Your Bra Size

 • How to Measure Your Hips 

 • How to Measure Your Hat Size 

 • How to Measure Your Foot Size

 • How to Measure Your Inseam?

 • How To Measure Shoulder Width

 • How to Measure Your Thighs

So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

Standard body measurement guide

Waistline

The waist is a highly contentious body part. We hear plenty of talk of cinching it, shrinking it, and enhancing it with the latest styles. But first and foremost, your waist is the center of your body. You should find your natural waistline hits the area between the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your rib cage.

Why it’s important to know your waistline measurement.

Your waistline and abdominal area are so much more than just another body part. In fact, the waist is one of the most significant indicators of overall health. So, even if you forgo sizing up any other body parts, be sure to put a number on your waistline. That way, you can know if you fall within the health-based guidelines.

How to Measure Your Waist

Instructions

1. Locate the area from just under the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.

2. Carefully wrap your tape measure around the halfway between them. For most people, the tape measure should lie just above the belly button.

3. Ensure the tape measure is pulled tight without digging into your skin. There should be no room for a finger to slip between your waist and the tape.

4. Breathe out naturally, relax your body and take your measurement.

5. Repeat the above steps for accuracy.

6. Take note of the final measurement.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully measured your waistline. Now that you’ve secured a figure, you’re probably wondering how your waist compares to others.

So, what is considered a normal waistline?

The ideal waistline is generally 37 inches (94cm)  or less for men and 31.5 inches (80cm) or less for women. However, everyone’s built differently depending on their genetics and individual bone structure. So, if you’re slightly above average, don’t worry; it could be your natural anatomy.

Note: Consider consulting your doctor if you have any fears about your waistline circumference. 

Relationship Between Waistline And Health 

A person’s waistline measurement reveals more information than just their clothing size. In fact, there’s a notable correlation between the circumference of your waist and your overall health.

This link is due to what’s hidden beneath the skin. Your waistline size can be a good indicator of excessive abdominal visceral fat, otherwise known as the fat that builds up around and inside your organs. This type of fat differs from “regular” fat that sits just beneath the skin and can be pinched. Due to its proximity to your organs, it’s considered extra dangerous.

So, even if your weight-height ratio places you within a normal BMI range, your visceral fat level could still be dangerously high.

Risks of Having a Larger Than Average Waist Circumference

 • High blood fat levels.

 • High blood pressure.

 • Diabetes.

 • Impaired pulmonary function.

 • Stroke.

 • Breast cancer.

 • Colon cancer.

 • Dementia.

Factors That Can Affect Waist Size 

An expanding waistline can be the result of many factors. As mentioned above, your waistline is often decided by your DNA. However, some variables are controllable, meaning you can either grow or shrink your visceral fat content. 

 • Poor diet

A well-known saying in the health and wellbeing community is that you can’t outrun a bad diet. This theory suggests abdominal fat and girth are primarily due to food choices rather than activity, explaining why some people complain of being unable to lose belly fat despite regular exercise.

So, eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy waistline. 

Those who are health-conscious will already know that a diet replete with low-protein and high-carb foods has been linked to weight gain.

Trans fats consumption is linked to inflammation and may lead to obesity. These fats are found in many foods, including fast food and baked goods like muffins and crackers. Keep your intake of these foods to a minimum for optimal results.

 • Lack of exercise

Despite the above, regular exercise can still wick away belly fat.

Excessive alcohol consumption

A 2015 report on the link between alcohol consumption and obesity found that drinking excess alcohol leads to weight gain in the stomach area for males, though results for females were inconsistent.

 • Smoking

A 2012 study demonstrated that smoking increases abdominal and visceral fat in those who regularly smoke.

 • Stress

Cortisol is the hormone that controls the body’s fight or flight reaction and appetite. The adrenal glands release it during periods of stress, anxiety, or worry. As a result, the repeated elevation of cortisol due to stress can result in overeating or binge eating leading to increased fat stores around the abdominal area.

 • Inadequate sleep

A 2013 studyTrusted Source links weight gain to short sleep duration, leading to increased belly fat. 

Poor sleep is also linked with a larger intake of calories, possibly explaining the increased risk of developing abdominal fat.

Choosing Clothes to Suit Your Waistline

If you’re hoping to draw attention away from your waist, try peplum tops, tunics, and draped knits. Stock up on trapeze necks while avoiding horizontal stripes at all costs. On the other hand, vertical lines can create the illusion of a more slender, drawn-out waistline.

Ring size

Knowing your ring size can be the difference between buying a ring that fits perfectly and one that slides right off your finger. 

These days, we also do most of our shopping online, meaning that trying a ring on before purchasing may not be possible. That considered, it’s critical that you know the exact circumference of each of your fingers. Plus, if you have any nuptial plans for the future, it’s always best to be prepared!

So, here’s how you can skip the jeweler and measure your ring size on the down-low.

How to Measure Your Ring Size 

The String Method

What you’ll need 

 • A piece of string or a thin slither of paper

 • a ruler

 • pen or marker

Instructions 

1. Loop the string around the base of the finger you wish to measure.

2. Move the loop upwards, ensuring that it can pass over your knuckle before slipping it back on.

3. Using the pen, mark the point where the string/paper overlaps, forming a full circle.

4. Finally, take the ruler and measure the length from the starting end of the string/paper to the pen mark.

For a more accurate reading, it’s best to measure your finger towards the end of the day when your finger circumference is at its largest.

How to Remove A Stuck Ring 

It happens. Even if we measure our fingers precisely and purchase the ideal ring, sometimes it just won’t budge. Our fingers can swell for numerous reasons; water retention, changes in body temperature, injury, infections, and arthritis, just to name a few. 

Whatever has gotten you into this mess, don’t worry. Just as many ways a ring can become stuck, it can also become unstuck.

Here are a few tried & tested methods that should help the ring seamlessly slide right off.

Lubricate 

Applying any of the below substances to the ring area reduces friction between the ring and skin, thus easing ring removal.

 • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

 • Various oils such as vegetable oil or coconut oil

 • Liquid dishwashing soap or regular soup

 • Butter

 • Hair conditioner or shampoo 

Even applying water can facilitate movement and slippage. Once you’ve applied one of the above substances, try twisting the ring off rather than pulling it upwards. The sideways movement further reduces friction and helps the ring slip off effortlessly.

Reduce swelling

1. Submerge your hand in cold or ice water. Placing your finger under cold running water should also suffice.

2. Leave your finger in the cold water for 3-5 minutes. If you’re using a container such as a cup or glass during this step, consider elevating it above your head. This impedes circulation to the finger, thus reducing swelling faster.

3. Slowly and gently ease the ring off your finger. 

For best results, try a combination of the ring-removal strategies above. Should you have no luck removing the ring, it’s best to contact emergency services or seek medical help. Most jewelers, fire departments, and emergency rooms will have ring cutters and other necessary equipment to remove the ring safely.

The Symbolism Behind Where You Choose to Wear A Ring 

Interestingly, every one of your fingers carries a different meaning when it comes to rings. Differing across cultures, ethnicities, and creeds – these meanings can stretch from relationship status all the way to professional signaling. So let’s take a quick look at some of the most common connotations attached to different fingers.

Left Pinky Finger - Marital Status (Potential Mafia Connections)

Two rings on this finger once signified that a man was married. It can also be associated with organized crime culture, something the Sopranos have recently further popularised. However, these days, wearing a ring on this finger is considered chic among younger generations, with little to no serious connotations.

Left Ring Finger - Marital Status, Betrothal, and Romance

This is the finger for engagement rings, promise rings, wedding bands, and anything else that suggests intimacy and commitment. It was once believed that a vein called “Vena Amoris” (translates to the vein of love) ran through this finger and directly into the heart.

Right Index Finger - Marriage 

While largely insignificant in most cultures, this finger represents commitment in some Jewish communities.

Right Ring Finger - Marriage in Some Cultures

Although many cultures reserve the left ring finger for wedding and engagement rings, several countries use the opposite ring finger for the same purpose. These include Germany, Russia, India, and many others.

Right Pinky Finger - Professional Status

Symbol of having graduated with a degree in certain engineering fields

While most of the above are cultural interpretations, there are also universal significances that apply to different fingers:

 • Thumb – associated with power

 • Index finger – social status

 • Middle finger – balance and equilibrium

 • Ring Finger – Marital status

 • Pinky finger – Family, relationships, and style

How to Choose A Ring Based on Your Skin Tone

To understand what ring best suits your skin tone, you first have to analyze your veins. Blue veins indicate a "Cool" skin tone, while Green veins suggest a more "Warm" skin tone. If you have a cool skin tone, silver, platinum, and white gold will match your skin. If you have a warm or tanned skin tone, gold, rose gold, brass, or bronze rings are perfect for you. If you have a neutral skin tone, you'll look good in white metals and yellow metals.

Bust

Wearing an ill-fitting bra can be more than just uncomfortable; it can also foretell back problems and sagging skin in the long term. Fortunately, avoiding all of these afflictions is as simple as getting to know your bra size.

How to Measure Your Bra Size

Grab a measuring tape and have a calculator at the ready – discovering your bra size is simple. Here’s how:

Determining your band size

1. While braless, wrap the tape measure around yourself directly under your bust where a bra would sit. The tape should be level and snug.

2. Take note of where the measuring tape meets itself. This is your measurement.

3. Round this number to the nearest whole number; if the number is even, add four inches; add five if it’s odd. Finally, add these numbers to get your band size. This will become your ‘band number’ (e.g., the 34 in 34D).

Determine your bust measurement

1. Loop the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest.

2. Round this measurement to the nearest whole number.

Calculating your cup size

And finally, subtract your bust size from your band size. The difference will determine your cup size.

5 Key Signs It’s Time For New Underwear 

While we’re accustomed to routinely washing our underwear, there’s no denying that it has an expiration date. However, it’s a mistake to allow your intimate garments to go on past this date. Well-fitting underwear provides a comfortable and supportive foundation underneath your clothes. Better still, it offers you the support you need for long-term health benefits while being gentle on your skin.

 • They’re worn.

 • Holes are forming.

 • It’s lost its elasticity.

 • It’s not comfortable anymore. 

 • Your Style is Changing. 

How to Match Clothes According to Bust Size

If you have a large bust, V necks, scoop necks, and square necks, don’t bulk you up with extra fabric and create an ‘elegant frame’ for the bust. Wear longer tops for more harmonized proportions. 

Avoid:

 • High Necklines.

 • Ruffles Around the Bust.

 • Voluminous Sleeves.

Hips

The hips are often underestimated when it comes to measuring body parts. However, they play an essential role in health, style, and perhaps even attraction. These days, the trend is towards larger, fuller hips resulting from exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Knowing how you size up can help you to achieve your body goals and dress for your hips.

How to Measure Your Hips

1. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in either your underwear or thin tights/bottoms.

2. Place your feet together and flat on the ground with your toes facing forward.

3. Determine the broadest part of your hips and place your measuring tape in the middle of this point. Hold the tape using your thumb on the side of your hip so as not to impede accurate measurement.

4.While keeping the tape level, loop it around yourself to join at the starting point.

5. Hold the tape firmly, allowing for a snug fit, but not digging in. If you can slide a finger under the tape, pull tighter.

6.Record the number at the meeting point of the tape. This is your hip measurement.

Factors That Can Affect Hip Size 

When you’re born, your future hip size is already written in your DNA. However, depending on childhood nourishment - particularly during puberty – your predetermined hip size can alter. This is most notably due to your body’s ability to produce androgens and growth hormones which together promote the onset of secondary sex features, such as the hips or bust.

However, hips size is also age-dependent, with some studies suggesting women’s hip bones widen by 3 inches throughout their lives. In addition, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can also change muscle tone and fat content in the area, thus modifying the hip frame.

How to Increase Your Hip Circumference

The above information suggests that you can shape your hips within reason by making small life changes.

Research has shown that resistance training can significantly improve your lean muscle mass. Combining resistance exercises with a healthier diet could help you tone your muscles and lose fat in the hip area.

Resistance exercises for your lower body:

 • Squats

 • Lunges

 • Step-upswith weight

 • Side lunge with dumbbells.

 • Side dumbbell abductions.

These exercises all target the major muscles in your lower body. By regularly partaking in hip-related workouts and movements, you not only strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and quads, but you also burn calories. This may result in leaner, more toned, and prominent hips.

How to Dress For Your Hips 

Trends change fast, and it can be hard to adapt them for our unique (and beautiful!) body shapes. However, some timeless guidelines for flattering all hip types have stood the test of time.

For wide hips:

 • Replace skinny joins for wide-legged pants/jeans, such as flares.

 • Stock up on A-line dresses and skirts that evoke a harmonious silhouette.

 • Opt for flowy dresses.

For small hips:

Focus on cinching your waist with belts and bottom-ruffled dresses. Flowy, flared, or A-line skirts are known to add volume to the bottom half without swamping your hips.

Head

Everyone should know their head size and shape. Without this knowledge, it’s almost impossible to select sunglasses and hats that flatter your natural proportions. Never watching your hat blow away in the wind again is as simple as grabbing a measuring tape and undertaking the following steps:

How to Measure Your Hat Size

1.Place the tape just above the middle of your forehead, over your ears, and midway at the back. Don’t squeeze the tape too firmly unless you plan on wearing a tight hat.

2.If you don’t have a tape measure, wrap a string or piece of ribbon around your head before measuring its length with a ruler.

3.Place your finger on the point where the measuring tape meets itself to record the measurement once the measuring tape is unraveled. Or take your measurement in front of a mirror.

4.Repeat the measurement process 2 – 3 times to ensure accuracy.

Now that you’ve figured out the circumference, it’s time to move onto the face!

How to Determine Your Face Shape 

The five basic face shapes are oval, round, square, diamond, heart.

Here’s how to know which one you have:

 • Oval 

If your face is long, and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, while your jawline is soft, without any sharp angles or points, you have an oval-shaped face.

 • Round

Round faces have no sharp edges, points, or corners. Your face will be equally wide as it is long, with a relatively high degree of symmetry.

 • Square 

If the length of your face is about equal to the width of your face, and your jaw is angular instead of rounded, your face shape is square.

 • Diamond 

Diamond faces are composed of a narrow forehead and a small chin balanced by more prominent cheekbones.

 • Heart 

People with heart face shapes have a slightly pointy chin, broad forehead, and generally a more angular jawline, making the face resemble–you guessed it–a heart shape.

How to Match Different Head Shapes With Hats

 • Oval  

If your face is on the longer side, you have the luxury of wearing wide-brimmed hats to add width. This includes trendy cowboy hats and floppy beach hats. However, overall, you’re fortunate enough to have a face shape that gets along with all hats.

 • Round 

A hat-picking rule of thumb for those with round faces is to always go for the opposite. This means that there should be no rounded, soft edges to any headwear they choose. Instead, angular sides and sharp edges are adept at offsetting any lack of definition.

 • Square 

Floppy hats or hats worn to the side soften the shape of square faces while adding an elegant and refined touch. Placement is key, with tilted trilbys often cited as a must-have for those with more square jawlines.

 • Diamond 

Much like square faces, for those with diamond looks, the placement of the hat is almost as important as the hat itself. Taking this into consideration, it’s crucial to choose an easily adjustable hat such as a beanie, beret, or one with a more malleable brim. Again, think along the lines of an Outback-style hat, which tilts forward to help disguise the forehead and thus highlight the cheekbones.

 • Heart 

Caps, cloche hats, short-brimmed hats, and more! A heart face doesn’t need much shaping from a hat. Therefore, you’re free to pick from the entire hat selection!

Feet

Almost everywhere we go, we bring out shoes with us. They protect our feet from the harsh surfaces of the outdoors and carry us to every one of our destinations. In short, our feet deserve the best armor possible, and so too do we.

However, when our footwear is too loose or tight, the discomfort is often unbearable, and we lose full range of movement. Moreover, we put ourselves at risk of developing chronic feet ailments and paints. So, getting to know your feet is essential to life quality and health. Find out all you need to know about your feet below.

How to Measure Your Foot Size

1.Place your foot flat on the ground with your heel against a wall or any straight surface.

2.Lay a ruler down beside your foot, ensuring that one end is also touching the surface your heel is against.

3.Take your measurement in millimeters from the tip of your longest toe to your heel.

4.Repeat the above steps with your other foot.

Note: Be aware that your longest toe may not always be your big toe.

How to Take Care of Your Feet

Our feet go through a lot every day. They carry the entire weight of our bodies and can often travel miles within a single day. If not tended to regularly, some of the following foot-related nightmares can arise:

 • Bunions.

 • Hip, knees, or joint pain.

 • Ankle Injuries.

 • Shin Splints.

 • Hammer Toes.

 • Plantar Fasciitis.

And the list goes on.

Here’s how you can limit your chance of developing the above feet issues and give your feet the care they deserve.

While we’ve all heard of the potential damages of excessive high heel-wearing wearing, did you know it’s best to avoid tight-fitting footwear in general? Sporting shoes that pinch your foot can lead to bunions, foot/leg pain, and other long-term health issues.

However, when ridding your life of heels and snug shoes, try not to reach for flats or sandals. Often, there is little to no sole or instep support in the structure of these shoes, leading to fallen arches and pain.

Here’s a foot-care checklist

 • Check them regularly for cuts, blemishes.

 • Moisturize them every day with lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly.

 • It's recommended that you clean your feet in warm water every day but avoid soaking them for long periods as this can dry the skin out.

 • Dry thoroughly after to avoid developing Athlete’s foot.

 • Consider purchasing a pumice to rub off any dead skin cells or dry skin patches.

 • Cut your nails straight across to prevent the risk of developing ingrown toenails.

However, while the above list is a good foot-care start, overall, the first step in any good foot-care strategy should be getting to know your feet so you can fix any underlying issues.

What Are The Different Types of Feet?

Did you know that your foot could contain a wealth of information about who you are? Ancestry websites include archaic-looking charts with foot types labeled “Greek,” “Egyptian,” “Roman,” “Celtic,” and “Germanic.” Some other sites even claim your foot shape corresponds to your personality. 

However, officially, foot types are generally classified into three categories: pronator, neutral, or supinator. Pronation and supination refer to the side-to-side motions your foot carries out as you move. Those with pronated feet tend to walk with their foot angled slightly inward, whereas those with supinated feet tend to roll their feet outwards as they walk.

This preference is entirely natural and only develops into an issue if the foot rolls excessively in either direction. Those with neutral feet are categorized in the middle ground, with their feet showing no preference for moving in either direction.

Going further, feet can also be classified according to relative arch height, with low, medium, and high being the primary categorizations.

If the footprint gets significantly skinnier in the middle, you have a high-arched foot. High arches also tend to be associated with supination. 

If your footprint has completely flat sides and little or no indent in the middle, then you have flat feet and most likely also fall under the pronator category.

Finding The Right Shoe For Your Foot Type 

 • Supinator (high-arched)

Supinator or high-arched feet are susceptible to long-term aches and pains due to being unable to absorb shocks and jolts. Instead, they send any impact shock waves upwards, leaving the legs, hips, and back to deal with the day-to-day workload.

However, if you have these feet, the good news is that you have no reshaping to do. Instead, you are free to buy the most comfortable shoes you can find. 

 • Pronator (flat-arched)

Pronator or flat-arched feet are generally more flexible. While this may sound like a good thing, in reality, it means your feet are more prone to injury, especially during exertion (running, jumping.) Heavier, stiffer shoes can help stabilize this foot type and offer any much-needed support. Moreover, insoles are designed to fill shoes and offer arch support, formation to pronator feet.

Inseam

Everything You Need to Know About Your Inseam

In the most simple terms, an inseam is a seam that binds the interior of a pant leg. Without a sewn or glued inseam, your trousers would take the shape of an open skirt. To go into more technical depth, the inseam is the distance between the top of the crotch of your trousers to the bottom of the leg opening and has no relation to the waist of the trousers. 

As you can imagine, wearing trousers or pants with a suitable inseam is crucial to comfort and aesthetics. Get your inseam wrong, and you could end up with a pair of trousers that are too tight or too loose.

Consequently, professional inseam measuring is widespread, especially among men being fitted for a suit or general formal wear. However, measuring your own inseam is possible with patience, a measuring tape, and attention to detail.

How to Measure Your Inseam?

There are numerous tactics for deciphering your inseam measurement. Starting with the easiest, grab a pair of perfectly well-fitting pants from your wardrobe and check the tag. Thereupon, you should find an accurate inseam figure.

If not, lay the pair of jeans out flat on an even table. Take your measuring tape and measure from the center crotch of the trousers down to the bottom of the leg. Take note of the length. This is your inseam measurement.

However, if you don’t have any trousers or pants that you feel fit the above description, don’t worry – you can measure your own inseam.

It’s as simple as using your measuring tape to calculate the length between just below your crotch and the bottom of your ankle. Make sure you’re standing with your feet flat on the ground and legs straight before taking any measurements. Suppose you feel you lack the flexibility to achieve an accurate result. Why not ask a friend or family member to lend a hand?

How to Shop For Your Inseam 

Knowing your inseam measurements is key to unlocking clothing’s figure-flattering, enhancing, and altering abilities. If you’d like longer, modelesque legs, high-waisted pants, and high-rise style, in general, are the choice for you. 

Dark-colored pants can also help carve out length and add emphasis to the legs. Boyfriend jeans are well-known for creating the appearance of a longer inseam.

On the flip side, if you’d like to proportion your legs, low-rise pants are the optimal style choice for balancing your silhouette.

Shoulders

Understanding Shoulder Width

Shoulder width, otherwise known as Biacromial width, is the width across the shoulders. This distance essentially determines your shoulder structure. The shoulder width measurement is measured from one side of the body to the other, just above the top part of the shoulder blades.

What is a normal shoulder width?

Based on their measurements, for the average 18-year-old female, the average shoulder width is about 14 inches or 35 cm. For comparison, the average shoulder width is about 15 inches or 39 cm. for males of the same age. However, naturally, shoulder width changes for both genders as they age, with shoulders often becoming slightly wider over time.

How To Measure Shoulder Width

Hold your back straight, but allow them to hang naturally in a relaxed position. Try not to tense or flex as the added muscle mass could result in an inaccurate measurement.

As you can guess, measuring shoulders is a two-person job. So you may need to enlist the help of another person, but don't worry; it shouldn't take longer than a minute or two to get an accurate measurement.

Note: if you can't find a pair of helping hands, select one of your well-fitting shirts and measure it instead.

The official method to measure your shoulder width is to measure joint-to-joint, AKA shoulder tip to shoulder tip.

Instruct your friend to place one end of the measuring tape where your shoulder meets the top of your arm (often the boniest part of your shoulder.) From there, holding the tape firmly, they should stretch the other side of the tape directly to the tip of your other shoulder blade. The resulting measurement is your shoulder width.

What Are The Different Types of Shoulders?

The width between your shoulders varies according to genetics, body type, weight, and other factors. The researchers who study human measurement, called anthropometry, have developed metrics and methods for measuring the width of your shoulders. 

However, to keep it simple, we’ll only deal with the three basic types of shoulders: narrow, average, and broad.

Figuring out which bracket you fall into can help you choose clothes since certain styles of clothing look more flattering on specific types of shoulders. 

As mentioned above, the average shoulder width for women is 14 inches or 35 cm and 15 inches or 39 cm for men. Therefore, if your measurements place you within an inch of the standard, your shoulders are considered average in size. However, if your measurements place you above or below the one-inch leeway on either side, you fall into the narrow or broad brackets.

Thighs

The thighs are a naturally tricky body part. They often seem to bear no relation to the calf or any other bodily proportion. And the reason is no mystery. The thighs are where most women (and some men) store body fat. Consequently, their size constantly fluctuates, meaning that jeans could fit perfectly one week and require some wiggling the following week.

To combat this uncertainty, the best tactic is to know how to track the size of your thighs. Here’s how.

How to Measure Your Thighs

1. Begin by determining the ‘fullest’ part of your thigh. This spot should usually be situated in the upper part of your thigh, just below the buttocks.

2. Stand in front of a mirror with your feet placed firmly on the ground and keep your legs straight.

3. Wrap the tape measure around the predetermined thickest area of your thigh.

4. Mark the number where the tape measure meets itself. This is your thigh size.

5. Repeat the above steps for your other thigh.

What Factors Affect Thigh Size?

Genetics

Genetics plays a role in thigh size. Some experts estimate that 50% of thigh size is a genetic-based limit, while lifestyle choices determine the remaining 50%.

Exercise 

Your thigh is composed of three large muscles:

 • The hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh.

 • Thequadriceps muscles in the front.

 • The adductor muscles on the inside.

As with all muscles in the body, these muscles can be enhanced through regular and targeted exercise, thus toning and possibly enlarging your thighs.

Top exercises for thigh growth:

 • Back Squats.

 • Front Squats.

 • Hack Squats.

 • Leg Press.

 • Stiff Leg Deadlifts.

Hormones 

The main cause of weight gain in your thighs is estrogen. This hormone drives the increase in fat cells in females, causing deposits to form most commonly around the buttocks and thighs.

Diet

As mentioned above, thighs are fat stores. Naturally, a diet with an excess of fatty, sugary, and carb-filled foods could result in larger thighs. 

Choosing The Right Clothes For Your Thighs

If you’d like to call attention away from your thighs, wide-legged trousers are a good fit for you. They effortlessly slim the thighs, evoking a longer, slimmer look. Pair these comfortable trousers with a top that ends right at your hips, and you have the perfect thigh-size harmonizing outfit. 

Another unfailing strategy is to opt for darker, more uncomplicated bottoms that define the thighs clearly, carving out a more crisp, toned silhouette.

Final Word

I hope you’ve gained some valuable insights about your body’s dimensions and the implications they can have on both your wellbeing and style from reading this self-measurement guide. Be sure to keep a record of your measurements for future use.