Waistline measurement

Alright, I've always measured where my jeans sit and considered that as my waist measurement. I think I got thrown off because male jean sizes are in inches so I automatically assume that the waist measurement is where they sit.

However, I noticed that most people consider the waistline to be the thinnest area between the ribs and hips.

Depending on which I use, the measurement is totally different. I may have a feminine build or something, but where the jeans sit is 33" and in the other location just above the belly button, it's 29".

So, which measurement should I be using? It's not a big deal really, I'd just like to be consistent and found this kind of confusing.

The wastline is the area above your belly button...the 29" one...the other one might me your hip measurement.

Really, it doesn't much matter unless you are getting clothes made, as long as you are consistent.

Here are two websites that give some guidance:  http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/Taking-Body -Measurements.asp and http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diet-fitn ess/how-do-take-my-measurements.html

Even they differ somewhat as far as waist.  Make a note to yourself of where you are measuring, and just use that each time.

I measure right on my belly button, cause I can usually find it, and I can measure that consistently.  My hips, I measure right on the top hip bone.  I won't tell you how I measure my butt consistently, cause this is a family forum...

Clint

Okay first let me say I work for men's wearhouse and spend my life measuring guys.  Your waist measurement for pants depending in your build is any wear from the top of the hip bone to your belly button.  What makes the difference is whether or your mostly torso or leg. 

not that you asked but since you mentioned you "may have a feminine build" and if you really want to know measure your hips also.  Middle of the hip bone across your butt.  The difference should be 6 inches for 90% of men the full range for an average build is 5-7 in difference between those 2 numbers.

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

Even they differ somewhat as far as waist.  Make a note to yourself of where you are measuring, and just use that each time.

Yeah, that's sort of what I've been doing. I guess as long as there's fat there and you're measuring the same place, you will see measurements decrease.

Original Post by pamm915:

Okay first let me say I work for men's wearhouse and spend my life measuring guys.  Your waist measurement for pants depending in your build is any wear from the top of the hip bone to your belly button.  What makes the difference is whether or your mostly torso or leg. 

not that you asked but since you mentioned you "may have a feminine build" and if you really want to know measure your hips also.  Middle of the hip bone across your butt.  The difference should be 6 inches for 90% of men the full range for an average build is 5-7 in difference between those 2 numbers.

 

Oh alright, looks like I'm normal then. There was a ~6.5 inch difference.

Original Post by pamm915:

Okay first let me say I work for men's wearhouse and spend my life measuring guys.  Your waist measurement for pants depending in your build is any wear from the top of the hip bone to your belly button.  What makes the difference is whether or your mostly torso or leg. 

not that you asked but since you mentioned you "may have a feminine build" and if you really want to know measure your hips also.  Middle of the hip bone across your butt.  The difference should be 6 inches for 90% of men the full range for an average build is 5-7 in difference between those 2 numbers.

 

 What kind of build do you have if you're only 3.25" difference? (33.25 waist, 36.5 hips)?

Clint

Original Post by bear999:

Original Post by pamm915:

Okay first let me say I work for men's wearhouse and spend my life measuring guys.  Your waist measurement for pants depending in your build is any wear from the top of the hip bone to your belly button.  What makes the difference is whether or your mostly torso or leg. 

not that you asked but since you mentioned you "may have a feminine build" and if you really want to know measure your hips also.  Middle of the hip bone across your butt.  The difference should be 6 inches for 90% of men the full range for an average build is 5-7 in difference between those 2 numbers.

 

 What kind of build do you have if you're only 3.25" difference? (33.25 waist, 36.5 hips)?

Clint

 Either  measured in the wrong place or, to be blunt, you have no butt.  Could also be your thinker in the middle but judging from ur profile pic, your tush is flatter then average.  You probably always need a belt to keep ur jeans up.  You just fall into that 10%.  One advantage you will always look good any style or cut suit or tux coat....makes shopping very easy. :-)

ive always been jealous that male pant shopping is so much easier because the sizing actually makes sense. when i try to explain womens sizing of 5, 7, 9 etc to my male friend he is clueless....

Original Post by pamm915:

Original Post by bear999:

Original Post by pamm915:

Okay first let me say I work for men's wearhouse and spend my life measuring guys.  Your waist measurement for pants depending in your build is any wear from the top of the hip bone to your belly button.  What makes the difference is whether or your mostly torso or leg. 

not that you asked but since you mentioned you "may have a feminine build" and if you really want to know measure your hips also.  Middle of the hip bone across your butt.  The difference should be 6 inches for 90% of men the full range for an average build is 5-7 in difference between those 2 numbers.

 

 What kind of build do you have if you're only 3.25" difference? (33.25 waist, 36.5 hips)?

Clint

 Either  measured in the wrong place or, to be blunt, you have no butt.  Could also be your thinker in the middle but judging from ur profile pic, your tush is flatter then average.  You probably always need a belt to keep ur jeans up.  You just fall into that 10%.  One advantage you will always look good any style or cut suit or tux coat....makes shopping very easy. :-)

 You're right about having no butt, I think. :)  Guess I better work on my squats or something.

Clint