How to Measure Yourself for Activewear Sizes
To find your activewear size, measure your natural waist, the fullest part of your hips, your bust at its fullest point and your underbust just below it, using a soft tape that sits flat and level without pulling tight. Compare those numbers with the size guide for the item, and if you fall between two sizes, choose the larger size for a less snug fit.
What do I need to measure myself?
You need a soft, flexible tape measure, a mirror, and a few minutes. Measure over light underwear or close-fitting clothes, not over jeans or a padded bra, since thick layers add to the numbers. If you do not have a soft tape, wrap a piece of string around yourself, mark it, and measure the string against a ruler or a rigid tape.
Stand straight and relaxed with your feet together, breathe normally, and keep the tape flat and level all the way around. It should sit snugly against your skin without digging in. Write each number down straight away, and measure twice if a result surprises you.
How do I measure my waist and hips?
Your waist and hips are the key measurements for leggings, shorts, skirts and the bottom half of a set.
- Waist: find your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually a little above your belly button. Bend to one side; the crease that forms is your natural waist. Measure around it without holding your breath in.
- Hips: stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check in the mirror that the tape is level at the back, as it tends to slip down.
- High-rise styles sit at or near the natural waist, so your natural waist measurement is the one to use for them.
How do I measure my bust and underbust?
For sports bras, crop tops and bodysuits, two chest measurements help. Wear a non-padded bra or no bra so the tape sits on your natural shape.
- Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest, usually across the nipples, keeping the tape level under your arms and across your back.
- Underbust: measure directly under your bust, where a bra band would sit. Pull the tape snug, as this is the measurement the band relies on.
- Our size guide currently lists waist and hip measurements; for bras and tops, start from the letter size you usually wear and use your bust and underbust to decide whether to size up.
What if I am between sizes?
It is common to fall between two sizes, or to be one size at the waist and another at the hips. As a general rule, choose the larger size for a less snug fit. A size that is too small overstretches the fabric, which can feel restrictive and can make fabrics look thinner.
For bottoms, let the larger of your waist and hip measurements guide you if you want comfort through the seat and thighs. For bras, the underbust usually matters most because the band does most of the work. Stretch fabrics with a higher spandex share are more forgiving, so a between-sizes choice matters a little less with them than with firmer fabrics.
How does fit differ for leggings, bras, sets and one-pieces?
Different garments rely on different measurements, so it helps to know which ones count for what you are buying.
| Garment | Key measurements | Fit tips |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings and shorts | Waist and hips | Should sit close without digging in at the waist; consider your leg length when choosing full length or 7/8 |
| Sports bras and tops | Bust and underbust | The band should feel secure and level; straps should not cut in |
| Matching sets | Waist, hips, bust and underbust | Check whether the top and bottom fit the same size for you; the product page lists what the set includes |
| Jumpsuits and bodysuits | Bust, waist, hips and torso length | If you are tall for your size or have a long torso, consider sizing up |
| Skirts and skorts | Waist and hips | Built-in shorts follow the hip measurement |
| Swimwear | Bust, underbust, waist and hips | One-pieces depend on torso length, much like jumpsuits |
Where do I find the right size for each item?
Once you have your measurements, compare them with our size guide, which lists waist and hip measurements with US, UK and EU size equivalents. Sizes can differ from store to store, so go by your measurements rather than the size you usually buy elsewhere.
Size options also vary by style. Most of our styles come in S to XL, and some extend to XXL or beyond, so check the sizes shown on each product page. Measuring again every so often keeps your numbers up to date.
Questions and answers
Should I measure in inches or centimeters?
Either works, as long as you compare with the same unit. Our size guide lists measurements in both centimeters and inches, with US, UK and EU size equivalents.
Should I size up or down in leggings?
If you are between sizes, size up for a less snug fit. Sizing down overstretches the fabric, which can feel tight and look thinner.
Which measurement matters most for a sports bra?
The underbust usually matters most, because the band sits there. Use the bust measurement as well, start from the letter size you usually wear, and size up if you are between sizes.
How do I size a jumpsuit?
Compare your waist and hip measurements with our size guide and check your bust against the top you usually wear. If you are tall for your size or have a long torso, consider the next size up.
Shop: Leggings · Bras & Tops · Jumpsuits · Find your fit in our size guide · Terms explained in the glossary
