How To Measure High Hip Accurately For Perfect Garment Fitting
Measuring the high hip—also known as the upper hip or low waist—is essential for achieving a precise fit in structured trousers, pencil skirts, and shapewear. By identifying the iliac crest and keeping a flexible tape parallel to the floor, you can capture the exact skeletal contour needed to bridge the gap between your natural waist and full hip dimensions.
Preparing Your Measuring Workspace and Tools
Achieving professional-grade tailoring results requires minimal yet specific equipment and an understanding of human skeletal landmarks. The high hip measurement sits distinctly below the narrowest part of the waist and above the maximum curvature of the gluteal muscles, typically resting right over the top of the pelvic bone (the iliac crest).
- Essential Gear and Tools: A flexible, non-stretch fiberglass or vinyl measuring tape, a full-length mirror to verify tape alignment, and a close-fitting garment such as shapewear or underwear to prevent fabric bulk from distorting the numbers.
- Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Recognize that the high hip is not a standardized fashion industry term; commercial sewing patterns and retail size charts often fluctuate. Always verify whether a specific pattern designer or apparel brand defines the high hip at 3 inches, 4 inches, or directly on the iliac crest below the natural waistline.
- Estimated Duration and Budget: The entire procedure takes under 3 minutes and requires no financial investment beyond a standard $5 tailoring tape.
Step-by-Step High Hip Measurement Workflow
Step 1: Don Form-Fitting Apparel and Maintain Proper Posture
- Remove bulky outer layers, heavy sweaters, and loose shirts. Wear form-fitting garments or undergarments that do not compress or alter your natural silhouette.
- Stand upright with your feet together, weight evenly distributed across both heels and balls of your feet. Avoid slouching, twisting to the side, or holding your breath, as postural shifts directly alter the circumference of the upper pelvic girdle.
Pro-Tip: Tie a thin piece of elastic cord or string tightly around your waist, letting it naturally settle into your narrowest point. This serves as your visual baseline for measuring downward.
Step 2: Locate the Iliac Crest Landmarks
- Place your hands on your waist and slide your fingers downward until you feel the hard, bony shelf of your pelvic bones situated at the sides of your torso.
- This bony projection is the iliac crest, which serves as the precise anatomical foundation for the high hip measurement.
Warning: Do not confuse the high hip with the full hip or seat. The full hip measurement encompasses the widest part of the buttocks and hips, which sits several inches lower down the body.
Step 3: Position the Measuring Tape Correctly
- Wrap the flexible measuring tape around your torso, aligning the top edge of the tape directly with the iliac crest bone you identified in Step 2.
- Ensure the tape rests horizontally all the way around your body. It should run parallel to the floor, without dipping lower in the back or riding up in the front.
Step 4: Tension Adjustment and Reading the Value
- Pull the tape snugly against your skin, but ensure you do not pull it so tight that it indents or depresses the flesh. The tape should maintain contact without exerting compression force.
- Check your position in the full-length mirror or look straight down to read the measurement where the zero end of the tape meets the overlapping value. Record this number to the nearest quarter-inch or half-centimeter.
How to Measure Hips: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
High Hip vs. Natural Waist vs. Full Hip Comparison
| Measurement Zone | Anatomical Location | Primary Garment Application | Common Fitting Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Waist | Narrowest part of the torso, typically above the navel | High-waisted skirts, corsets, structured bodices | Measuring too low near the belly button |
| High Hip | Across the iliac crest bone, roughly 3 to 4 inches below the waist | Mid-rise trousers, fitted sheath dresses, waistbands | Confusing it with the widest point of the gluteal muscles |
| Full Hip | Widest part of the buttocks and upper thigh area | Pants, hip-slung skirts, flared dresses | Pulling the tape too tightly or measuring on an angle |
Troubleshooting Common Measurement Inaccuracies
Even experienced sewists and shoppers occasionally encounter discrepancies when recording upper body dimensions. Review these common failure scenarios to ensure consistent sizing data.
- Root Cause: The measuring tape is tilted downward in the back or sagging due to lack of a mirror check.
- Actionable Fix: Enlist a partner to read the tape, or position yourself sideways between two mirrors to verify that the tape forms a strictly horizontal plane parallel to the floor.
- Root Cause: Inconsistent posture or slouching during the process collapses the torso and shortens the distance between the waist and hip.
- Actionable Fix: Reset your posture by rolling your shoulders back, engaging your core gently, and standing tall against a flat wall before wrapping the tape.
- Root Cause: Measuring over thick denim seams, belt loops, or heavy winter clothing layers adds false inches to the final calculation.
- Actionable Fix: Strip down to form-fitting base layers or lightweight undergarments to ensure the tape sits flush against the skin or thin fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches below the waist is the high hip?
On average, the high hip is located approximately 3 to 4 inches below the natural waistline, resting directly on the top shelf of the pelvic bone (iliac crest). However, this distance varies based on individual torso length and skeletal proportions. Always rely on touching the pelvic bone rather than a fixed vertical drop measurement.
Why do some sewing patterns require a high hip measurement?
Pattern makers use the high hip measurement to grade patterns for individuals whose torso shape transitions sharply from a narrow waist to a fuller hip or thigh. It helps prevent gaping waistbands in trousers and ensures that fitted garments contour smoothly over the upper pelvic curve without pulling or wrinkling.
Should I pull the measuring tape tight when measuring my high hip?
No, the tape should be held taut and flat against the skin or form-fitting undergarment without compressing the soft tissue. Pulling the tape too tightly results in an undersized measurement that will cause garments to feel restrictive and uncomfortable.
Can I measure my high hip by myself?
Yes, you can easily measure your high hip independently by standing in front of a full-length mirror. Using a mirror allows you to monitor the tape placement in the front and sides, ensuring it remains parallel to the floor while you record the number.
What should I do if my high hip measurement falls between two pattern sizes?
When your high hip measurement falls between two standard sizes on a commercial sewing pattern or ready-to-wear chart, it is generally recommended to choose the larger size. You can easily take in or tailor the excess fabric at the side seams for a custom, professional fit.
Mastering the high hip measurement is the foundation of superior tailoring, custom pattern adjustments, and confident online apparel shopping. Apply these precise anatomical techniques today to ensure every garment you create or purchase fits your unique silhouette flawlessly.
