Men - measuring your waist

donjtomasco

So is there a real answer to this one? There are so many different opinions on this. Seems like the best one I could find was to measure right at the belly button to get the best indicator of fat accumulation. I am measuring semi flexed and relaxed, since there seemed to be no real answer there either. Sucking in your gut makes the measurement feel better, but it is not so realistic. I read that relaxing the belly gives the best TRUE indicator of what your waist measurement is, and the best indicator of fat accumulation.

Additionally, it seems that men used to wear their pants a lot higher (look at old photos) so the waist size on pants was a truer indicator of a more accurate measurement. Now men seem to wear their pants below their belly where the measurement will be less, but not a true waist measurement.

Just wanting to get others thoughts on what is the best "real" measurement for tracking the belly/waist.

rainbowbow

The real measurement for tracking your waist is...

Measure your waist at the smallest point. This is usually about an inch to an inch and a half above the belly button.

Your stomach should naturally be sucked in to some degree ALL DAY LONG. You'll want to measure your waist with your natural posture. I.E. don't stick your stomach out all the way or totally let it hang out, and don't suck it in purposely. You want to measure your natural waist.

You can go ahead and let go of the measurements you have in mind in relation to clothing making. They aren't relevant.

cwolfman13

Around your abdomen just above the top of the hip bones

AnvilHead

The most consistent recommendations I've seen are for men to measure at the navel, so that's what I do. Coincidentally (or not), it's also right where the most fat accumulation is, at least for me. The navel also provides a good, repeatable landmark for measurement.

rainbowbow

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Around your abdomen just above the top of the hip bones

I was instructed when learning to take these measurements that this is a highly innacurate location, especially for men because of the obliques.

cwolfman13

rainbowbow wrote: »

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Around your abdomen just above the top of the hip bones

I was instructed when learning to take these measurements that this is a highly innacurate location, especially for men because of the obliques.

Hmm...that's always where I was measured in the military and had to measure for my kilt

rainbowbow

cwolfman13 wrote: »

rainbowbow wrote: »

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Around your abdomen just above the top of the hip bones

I was instructed when learning to take these measurements that this is a highly innacurate location, especially for men because of the obliques.

Hmm...that's always where I was measured in the military and had to measure for my kilt

Just google searched and apparently some places say different things for men and women.



In any case, I would say as long as you are measuring in the same place and can keep it consistent then it should be fine. I measure all of my male clients on the most narrow place and have absolutely no issues.