5 Easy Steps to Measure Your Hips for Modeling

Model Measuring Hips

Entering the world of modelling, one must possess not only the confidence and charisma but also a thorough understanding of their body measurements. As a model, your physical attributes are your currency, and it is crucial to know how to measure them accurately to ensure you meet the industry standards and succeed in your career. Among the essential measurements, the hip measurement plays a significant role in determining your proportions and overall physique. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of hip measurement, providing you with precise techniques and tips to ensure you obtain reliable results.

The hip measurement is taken around the widest part of your hips, encompassing the curve of your buttocks and the top of your thighs. It is important to stand with your feet together and your body relaxed for an accurate reading. Using a flexible measuring tape, position it horizontally around your hips, ensuring the tape is parallel to the floor. Take the measurement snugly but not too tightly to avoid constricting your body and affecting the accuracy of the result. Double-check the measurement by taking it multiple times to ensure consistency and minimize the risk of error.

Accurately measuring your hips is not merely about obtaining a number; it empowers you with knowledge about your body and its proportions. By understanding your hip measurement, you can select clothing that flatters your figure, accentuating your curves and creating a balanced silhouette. It also enables you to track changes in your body composition over time, allowing you to adjust your diet and exercise regimen accordingly to achieve your fitness goals. Furthermore, knowing your hip measurement is essential for wardrobe planning, ensuring you have garments that fit you perfectly, enhancing your overall presentation and confidence.

The Bare Necessities: Equipment for Accurate Hip Measurement

When it comes to modeling, precise hip measurements are crucial. To achieve accurate readings, you’ll need a few essential tools:

1. Measuring Tape: The foundation of any hip measurement kit, a measuring tape should be flexible, durable, and marked in both inches and centimeters. Look for tapes made of fiberglass or a combination of polyester and latex for maximum accuracy and longevity. Avoid tapes that stretch or fray easily, as these can compromise your readings.

*** Choosing the Right Measuring Tape ***

Feature	Recommendation
Material	Fiberglass or polyester-latex blend
Length	At least 60 inches or 150 centimeters
Markings	Clear and precise in both inches and centimeters
Flexibility	Malleable enough to conform to body curves
Durability	Resistant to stretching and fraying

Take care not to use a fabric or clothing measuring tape, as these materials can stretch and provide inaccurate results.

2. Measuring Mat: A measuring mat can help you maintain a consistent and level measuring surface. Choose a mat that is large enough to accommodate your posture and has a non-slip backing to prevent it from shifting during the process.

Step 1: Find Your Natural Waistline

Locating your natural waistline is crucial for accurate hip measurements. It’s the narrowest part of your torso, typically above your belly button and below your rib cage. To determine your natural waistline:

Stand up straight and relax your body.
Locate your rib cage by placing your hands on your sides and feeling for the bottom edge of your ribs.
Place your index fingers on the highest point of your hip bones.
Bend sideways at the waist. The crease that forms at the bottom of your rib cage is your natural waistline.

Alternatively, you can use a measuring tape to locate your natural waistline:

Method 2: Using a Measuring Tape

1. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, aligning it with the crease formed at the bottom of your rib cage (your natural waistline).
2. Pull the tape snugly, but not too tightly, until it’s just touching your skin.
3. Read the measurement on the tape where it overlaps at your starting point.
4. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Step 2: Locate Your Hip Bones

Once you have identified your waistline, it’s time to locate your hip bones. These are the two large, bony protrusions at the sides of your pelvis. To find them:

3. Using Fingers to Precise Measurement

For the most accurate measurement, use your fingers to locate the exact bony points of your hip bones. Place your hands on your hips, with your thumbs pointing towards your spine and your fingers extended out to the sides. Apply gentle pressure and slide your fingers down until you feel the bony ridge of your hip bone. These points will mark the widest part of your hips.

Measurement Method	Instructions
Using a Tape Measure	Wrap the tape measure around your hips at the widest point, ensuring it is parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight. Note down the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Using Fingers	Locate the bony ridges of your hip bones by placing your thumbs pointing towards your spine and your fingers extended out to the sides. Gently slide your fingers down until you feel the bony points. These points will mark the widest part of your hips.

Step 3: Measure Your Hips

To accurately measure your hips, ensure you are standing upright with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.

4. Mark the Widest Points

Using a fabric measuring tape, locate the widest points on your hips. Typically, these are the areas around your outer buttocks. Mark these points with pins or small pieces of tape.

Tip:
If you find it challenging to locate your widest hip points, consider having a friend assist you or using a mirror to observe yourself from multiple angles.

Wrap the measuring tape around your hips, aligning the zero end with the mark you made on the leftmost widest point. Stretch the tape across the back of your body and bring it back to the mark on the rightmost widest point.

Understanding Hip Measurement Standards in the Modeling Industry

The Importance of Hip Measurement for Models

Hip measurement is a crucial aspect of modeling, as it determines the fit and proportion of clothing and accessories. The industry standard for hip measurement is the circumference around the fullest part of the hips, taken approximately 7 inches below the waistline.

Measuring Hips Accurately

To ensure accurate hip measurements, follow these steps:

Locate the Hip Bone: Stand with feet together and locate the protruding bones on the sides of your hips (the hip bones).
Mark the Measuring Point: Measure 7 inches down from the waistline on both hip bones and mark these points.
Take the Measurement: Place the measuring tape around your hips, aligning the zero mark with one of the marked points. Wrap the tape horizontally, ensuring it covers the fullest part of your hips.
Record the Circumference: Read the measurement on the tape where it meets the zero mark again. This represents the circumference of your hips.

Hip Measurement Standards

The industry standard for hip measurement varies depending on the modeling niche. In general, the following measurements are considered ideal for commercial and high-fashion modeling:

Modeling Niche	Hip Measurement (Inches)
Commercial	36-38
High Fashion	34-36

Additional Tips

* Use a fabric measuring tape for accuracy.
* Wear minimal clothing during measurement.
* Inhale and relax your body before taking the measurement.
* Repeat the measurement several times to ensure consistency.
* Consider having a professional or experienced model measure your hips if possible.

Measuring Your Hips for Modeling

To obtain accurate hip measurements, follow these steps:

Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart.
Place the measuring tape around your hips at the widest point.
Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor.
Read the measurement where the tape overlaps.

Troubleshooting Common Measurement Errors

1. Measuring in the Wrong Spot

Ensure that you are measuring at the widest part of your hips, which is typically around mid-thigh.

2. Measuring Too Loose or Too Tight

The tape should be snug but not so tight that it digs into your skin or so loose that it falls off.

3. Having on Too Much Clothing

Remove any bulky clothing or undergarments that could add extra inches to your measurement.

4. Not Standing Up Straight

Standing with a hunched back or tilted hips can distort your measurements.

5. Using a Damaged Measuring Tape

Inspect the measuring tape for any kinks, tears, or stretching, as these can affect the accuracy of your readings.

6. Reading the Measurement Incorrectly

Double-check the measurement where the tape overlaps to ensure precision.

7. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Error	How to Avoid
Measuring above or below the widest point	Palpate the widest part of your hips before placing the tape.
Pulling the tape too tightly	Gently wrap the tape around your hips without constricting.
Incorrectly reading the measurement	Align your eyes perpendicularly with the tape’s overlap point.

Ensuring Consistency in Hip Measurements

Achieving accurate and consistent hip measurements is crucial for modeling. Here are some guidelines to ensure uniformity:

1. Stand Upright:

The subject should stand upright with their feet hip-width apart, shoulders back, and head straight.

2. Calibrate the Measuring Tape:

Ensure the measuring tape is calibrated to the nearest 0.1 inch before taking measurements.

3. Determine the Widest Point:

Identify the widest point of the hips, which is typically around the hip bones.

4. Measure Horizontally:

Run the measuring tape horizontally around the hips, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not too tight.

5. Record Both Measurements:

Take two measurements, one on each hip, to ensure symmetry. Note down both measurements accurately.

6. Use a Reference Point:

Mark a reference point, such as the belly button, to ensure the measuring tape is placed in the same position each time.

7. Practice Consistency:

Regularly practice taking hip measurements to develop consistency and proficiency.

8. Use a Measurement Table:

Create a measurement table to record the subject’s hip measurements along with other body measurements, such as waist and bust. This table should include:

Measurement	Left Hip	Right Hip
Circumference	(Measurement in inches)	(Measurement in inches)
Width (from hip bone to hip bone)	(Measurement in inches)	(Measurement in inches)

Consistency in hip measurements ensures accurate sizing for clothing and eliminates discrepancies in measurements taken by different individuals. By following these guidelines, modeling professionals can obtain reliable and standardized hip measurements.

Special Considerations for Different Body Types

Taking your hip measurements accurately is crucial for ensuring a proper fit in clothing and achieving the desired silhouette. However, it’s important to consider that different body types may require slight variations in the measuring process to account for varying proportions and contours.

Overweight and Obese Individuals

When measuring hips for individuals who are overweight or obese, it’s essential to ensure that the measuring tape is placed at the widest point of the hips, typically just below the buttocks. This provides a more accurate representation of the hip circumference, which is crucial for selecting garments that fit comfortably and flatter the figure.

Curvy Individuals

For curvy individuals, the hip measurement should be taken around the fullest part of the buttocks. This may extend beyond the widest point of the hips to capture the full curve of the body. It’s important to stand with feet hip-width apart and keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor for an accurate reading.

Petite Individuals

Petite individuals often have narrower hips than taller individuals. When taking hip measurements, focus on the widest point of the hips, which may be higher on the body. Additionally, it may be beneficial to use a measuring tape with smaller increments to ensure precision and avoid overestimating the hip circumference.

Tall Individuals

Tall individuals typically have longer legs and narrower hips compared to their height. To avoid underestimating the hip circumference, place the measuring tape at the point where the legs begin to curve outward from the hips. This measurement should be taken while standing with feet hip-width apart and the measuring tape parallel to the floor.

Maintaining Accurate Hip Measurements for Successful Modeling Careers

1. Identify the Hip Points

Locate the greater trochanters, the bony knobs at the top outer corners of your hips. Also, identify theASIS (anterior superior iliac spine), the bony points on the front of your hips.

2. Use a Flexible Measuring Tape

Invest in a flexible measuring tape made of fabric or thin plastic that can easily conform to your body’s curves.

3. Measure Standing

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Hold the measuring tape around your hips, level with your ASIS.

4. Take the Measurement

Pull the end of the measuring tape snugly around your hips without squeezing or creating bulges. Read the measurement at the point where the tape meets the other end.

5. Repeat for Accuracy

Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy. If your measurements vary, take the average as your hip measurement.

6. Measure from Both Sides

Measure the circumference of your hips from both the front-facing and side-facing positions to ensure an accurate representation.

7. Note the Hip Drop

If you have a hip drop, where one hip is slightly lower than the other, measure the higher hip for modeling purposes.

8. Stay Consistent

For accurate tracking of your hip measurements over time, use the same measuring tape and measuring technique each time.

9. Consider a Professional Measurement

For the most accurate hip measurements, consult a professional tailor or clothing designer who specializes in custom fitting.

10. Hip Measurement Table for Modeling

Measurement Category	Female Model (inches)	Male Model (inches)
Regular-Height Model	36-38	38-40
Plus-Size Model	40-44	42-44
Petite Model	28-32	30-32
Runway Model	32-34	34-36

How To Measure Hips For Modelling

To measure your hips for modeling, you will need a tape measure. Wrap the tape measure around your hips at the widest point, making sure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor. The measurement should be taken at the bottom of your hip bone, not at the top. Once you have the measurement, write it down and keep it for future reference.

Here are some additional tips for measuring your hips:

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Relax your hips and let them hang naturally.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a moment.
Wrap the tape measure around your hips at the widest point.
Exhale and make sure that the tape measure is snug but not too tight.
Read the measurement and write it down.