How to Measure Yourself for Lingerie at Home

Incorrect measurements are the most common reason lingerie doesn't fit. Many people experience bras that dig in, ride up, or fail to provide support — not because their body is wrong, but because their measurements are inaccurate. Getting your measurements right is the foundation of comfort, support, and handmade lingerie that actually feels good all day — whether you're ordering a corset, a bra, high waist panties, or a nightgown from our sustainable lingerie collection.

What you need

You only need a few things to measure yourself accurately at home:

A soft tape measure
A mirror
2–3 minutes of calm

Key measurements to take

Full bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest. Keep the tape measure level and not too tight.

Under bust: Measure directly under your bust where a bra band sits. This is the most important measurement for bra support.

Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips for accurate underwear and panties sizing.

Waist: Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso. Essential for corsets and high waist styles.

Tip: Stand straight, breathe normally, and don't pull the tape measure too tight.

Common measuring mistakes

Holding the tape measure at an angle rather than level
Pulling too tight (gives a smaller measurement than your true size)
Measuring over clothing
Skipping the under-bust measurement

These small errors can result in lingerie that feels completely wrong — even in the “right” size. This is especially important for made-to-order pieces in lace, mesh, satin, or cotton, where fit is everything.

Our cotton underwear — a great starting point

If you're new to ordering handmade lingerie, our Natural Cotton Underwear is a wonderful first piece — soft, breathable, eco-friendly, and made to your measurements in Oslo. Also available in Fuchsia, Lilac, and Beige.

When standard sizes don't work

Standard sizes are made for mass production — not for individual bodies. If you find that bras never sit quite right, panties are always either too tight or too loose, or you're constantly adjusting what you're wearing — there's nothing wrong with you. Standard sizing simply wasn't designed for your body. This is why we work with slow fashion principles and ethical production: every piece at Pastel Artwear is handmade in Oslo, Norway, in small batches, made to order with eco-friendly materials chosen for their comfort and natural beauty.

In that case, bespoke made-to-measure lingerie is the best solution. Read more about our sustainable materials or explore our custommade collection for inspiration.