Ever bought a pair of shorts online, only to have them arrive and fit completely wrong? We've all been there! Proper fit is crucial for shorts, impacting not only comfort but also style and confidence. Shorts that are too tight can restrict movement and be unflattering, while shorts that are too loose can look sloppy and unkempt. Taking accurate measurements ensures you choose the right size, avoiding the hassle of returns and guaranteeing a perfect fit every time.
Understanding how to measure yourself correctly for shorts is an invaluable skill, especially when shopping online or when brands have varying sizing standards. This guide will walk you through each necessary measurement, offering clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure accuracy. Whether you're buying tailored shorts, casual chinos, or athletic shorts, getting the right measurements will lead to a much more satisfying shopping experience and a wardrobe full of perfectly fitting pieces.
What measurements do I need and how do I take them?
How do I measure my waist accurately for shorts?
To accurately measure your waist for shorts, stand naturally and locate the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your bare waist, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Breathe normally and note the measurement where the tape overlaps. This is your waist measurement.
When taking your waist measurement, accuracy is key for ensuring a comfortable and well-fitting pair of shorts. Avoid holding your breath or sucking in your stomach, as this will result in an inaccurate reading. Wear minimal clothing, ideally just your underwear, to prevent any added bulk that could skew the measurement. It's also helpful to use a new or gently used measuring tape, as older tapes can stretch and provide inaccurate results. For best results, ask a friend or family member to assist you. This ensures the measuring tape remains parallel to the floor around your entire waist. If you're measuring alone, stand in front of a mirror to check the tape's alignment. After obtaining your measurement, compare it to the sizing chart provided by the brand or retailer you're purchasing shorts from. Sizing can vary significantly between different manufacturers, so relying solely on generic size labels isn't always reliable.What's the best way to measure my inseam for shorts?
The best way to measure your inseam for shorts is to use a flexible measuring tape while wearing a pair of well-fitting shorts of the style you intend to buy, or having a friend measure you. This provides the most accurate reflection of how the shorts will actually fit on your body and ensures you select the correct size when purchasing new shorts.
To get the most accurate inseam measurement, put on a pair of shorts that fit you well and represent the length you are aiming for in your new shorts. Stand on a flat surface with your feet shoulder-width apart. Have a friend or family member measure from the crotch seam (where the inseams meet) down the inside of your leg to the point where you want the shorts to end. Keep the measuring tape straight and taut, but not too tight. Alternatively, lay the well-fitting shorts flat on a surface and measure the inseam from the crotch seam to the hem. If you are measuring yourself, this can be a bit tricky, and the results may be less accurate. If measuring alone, stand in front of a mirror. While holding the end of the tape measure at your crotch, extend it down your inner thigh to your desired length. Note that the measurement might be slightly off compared to having someone else help. It's better to err on the side of a slightly longer inseam, as it's easier to hem shorts than to add length. Remember to consider the rise of the shorts as this impacts how the inseam measurement translates to the overall fit.Should I measure over clothes or directly on my skin?
For the most accurate shorts measurements, measure directly against your skin. Measuring over clothes will add extra bulk and lead to inaccurate sizing, potentially resulting in shorts that are too large.
When measuring for shorts, it’s crucial to use a flexible measuring tape and stand in a relaxed, natural posture. Avoid sucking in your stomach or pulling the tape too tightly, as this will skew the results. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor when measuring your waist and hips. These measurements form the foundation for finding the right size. Ultimately, the goal is to obtain measurements that closely reflect your body's natural dimensions. Measuring directly on your skin provides the truest reflection, eliminating the interference of fabric thickness and layers. While you might be tempted to measure over clothes for convenience, the potential for error is significant, and it's best to take the extra minute to measure accurately against your skin.How do I find the right rise measurement for shorts?
To find the right rise measurement for shorts, measure from the crotch seam (where the leg seams meet in the front) up to the top of the waistband. Compare this measurement to the rises of shorts you already own and find comfortable. A higher rise will sit closer to your natural waist, while a lower rise will sit closer to your hips. Personal preference dictates the "right" rise, so consider your comfort and desired style.
The rise is a key factor in how shorts fit and feel. A higher rise can be more comfortable for some body types, especially if you prefer a secure fit around the waist or want to avoid the feeling of shorts sliding down. It can also create a longer-leg illusion. Conversely, a low rise can be more fashionable or comfortable for others, particularly in warmer weather, offering more freedom of movement. However, it's important to ensure the low rise doesn't result in a fit that's too tight or revealing. When shopping online, pay close attention to the product descriptions. Many retailers will list the rise measurement. If it's not listed, don't hesitate to contact customer service for clarification. Also, be aware that rise measurements can vary slightly between brands and styles. Reading customer reviews can sometimes offer insights into how accurately the advertised rise reflects the actual fit. Always prioritize comfort and the look you are trying to achieve when deciding on the right rise for your shorts.What if my hip measurement doesn't match the size chart?
If your hip measurement falls between sizes on the shorts size chart, or doesn't align with the waist measurement for your preferred size, it's generally best to choose the larger size. Shorts that are too tight across the hips can be uncomfortable, restrict movement, and create an unflattering fit. Prioritize comfort and mobility, especially for shorts intended for active wear.
While the waist measurement is important for ensuring the shorts stay up, the hip measurement often dictates how well the shorts will fit through the seat and thighs. If your hip measurement is significantly larger than the size chart suggests for your waist size, you might need to consider brands that cater to different body shapes or look for shorts with a more generous cut in the hips and thighs. Some brands offer "curvy fit" options that are specifically designed to accommodate larger hips and smaller waists. Ultimately, the goal is to find shorts that fit well and feel comfortable. If possible, try on shorts in different sizes and styles to see what works best for your body shape. Consider the fabric and the style of the shorts. Some fabrics have more give than others, and some styles are more forgiving in the hips. Also, remember that you can always have shorts altered by a tailor to achieve a more customized fit.Where on my body is the natural waist located for measuring?
Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, typically located between your rib cage and your hips. It’s where your body creases when you bend to the side.
Finding your natural waist is crucial for accurate measurements when buying or making shorts. Don't rely on where you typically wear your pants, as that's often lower on your hips. To locate it precisely, stand straight and bend to the side. The point where your torso bends inward is your natural waist. You can also place your hands on your sides and gently wiggle from side to side; the place where your torso creases and your hands naturally settle is a good indication of your natural waistline. Once you've identified your natural waist, use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference at that point. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and comfortably snug, but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger or two between the tape and your skin. This measurement is your natural waist size and should be used when referring to sizing charts for shorts that specify natural waist measurements. Ensure you're breathing normally during the measurement; holding your breath can slightly alter the results.How should I account for stretch or shrinkage in the fabric?
To account for stretch or shrinkage when measuring for shorts, pre-wash and dry your fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions before cutting. Then, when measuring, add or subtract from your measurements based on the fabric's properties: add ease for fabrics that might shrink, and consider subtracting a small amount if the fabric is prone to significant stretching after wearing.
Pre-treating the fabric is absolutely crucial. Skipping this step can lead to a perfectly sewn pair of shorts that no longer fit after their first wash. Different fabrics react differently: natural fibers like cotton and linen are notorious for shrinkage, especially if washed in hot water or dried on high heat. Synthetics, on the other hand, might stretch or distort, particularly knits. Always err on the side of caution and wash/dry the fabric the way you intend to wash/dry the finished garment.
After pre-treating, measure the fabric again to see how much it changed. Use these post-wash measurements as your new baseline. When selecting your size based on measurements, consider adding ease. Ease is the extra room you add to the garment to allow for movement and comfort. For woven fabrics that might shrink slightly further, add a little more ease than you normally would. For knit fabrics that might stretch, you might choose to use the actual pre-treated measurements or even subtract a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 inch) if the fabric has a tendency to "grow" with wear. Remember, always test on a scrap piece of fabric if you are unsure how the fabric will react!
And that's all there is to it! Measuring for shorts doesn't have to be a hassle. Thanks for checking out this guide – we hope it helps you find the perfect fit. Happy shopping, and be sure to come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!