Where are the waist measurements taken?

Waist measurements are taken at the natural waist, which falls below the ribcage and above the belly button. The waist can be identified by bending to the side; the crease that forms when bending is the site of the natural waistline.

When taking a waist measurement, make sure the measuring tape is level to the ground all the way around. Sucking in the stomach produces a false measurement. Some clothes have waistlines that do not fall at the natural waist; if measuring for this type of pattern, take the measurement along the garment's waistline as well as at the natural waist.