How to measure your waist

Your waist is measured standing, in a natural posture, without pulling your stomach in or pushing it out, with the tape measure at navel level. At the back, the tape settles of its own accord into the hollow of the lower back. At Swann, a Parisian made-to-measure shirt house, we show you how to take it on video.

How to take the measurement

One of the essential steps in getting the right measurements for your men's shirt is taking your waist measurement.

After the chest, we move on to the waist. Stand normally, without pulling your stomach in or pushing it out. Place the tape measure at navel level. At the back, the tape measure naturally settles on its own into the hollow of the lower back.

Tips

A few more pointers to get it right

Take care to keep a natural posture, without pulling your stomach in or pushing it out and without arching your back.
Avoid wearing thick clothing.

Frequently asked questions about the waist measurement

Where should the tape measure go to measure the waist?

At navel level, with the tape horizontal. At the back, it naturally settles into the hollow of the lower back.

Are the belt-line and waist measurements the same?

Yes, for a shirt. Both refer to the circumference taken at navel level, between the chest and the hips.

Should I pull my stomach in when I measure myself?

No. Stand normally, without pulling your stomach in or pushing it out and without arching your back. The shirt should stay comfortable when seated or at the end of a meal, and a measurement taken with the stomach pulled in would give a shirt that is too tight.