How to Measure Yourself for Shapewear (Waist, Hips, Bust)

Getting the right shapewear fit starts with one thing: accurate measurements. A great Colombian faja or shaping piece should feel supportive and secure—but not painful, restrictive, or impossible to breathe in. The fastest way to avoid rolling, pinching, or sizing frustration is to measure your waist, hips, and bust the right way (and then use those measurements to choose your size).

This guide walks you through step-by-step measuring, common mistakes, what to do if you’re between sizes, and how to use your numbers to shop confidently.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, grab:

• A soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape)

• A mirror (or a friend to help)

• A notebook/notes app to write measurements down

• Fitted clothing or underwear (avoid thick clothing)

Noga's advice: Measure at the end of the day if you want the most realistic sizing (your body can fluctuate slightly). If you’re measuring for a special event, measure in the same conditions you’ll wear the shapewear (for example, with the bra you’ll use).

Now, lets review the right steps to measure before purchasing a Colombian faja

Step 1: Measure Your Waist (Natural Waist)

Your “natural waist” is the narrowest part of your torso—usually above your belly button and below your ribcage.

How to measure it correctly

1. Stand tall and relax your stomach (don’t suck in).

2. Find the narrowest point of your midsection.

3. Wrap the tape around that point so it’s level all the way around.

4. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight (you should be able to slide one finger underneath).

5. Exhale normally and record the number.

Common mistakes

• Measuring over thick clothes

• Holding your breath or sucking in

• Tilting the tape upward or downward in the back

Step 2: Measure Your Hips (Fullest Part)

Hip measurement for shapewear is usually taken around the fullest part of your hips and butt—not where your hip bones sit.

How to measure it correctly

1. Stand with feet together.

2. Find the fullest part of your butt/hips (often several inches below your waist).

3. Wrap the tape evenly around the body.

4. Keep it level in the mirror and record the number.

Common mistakes

• Measuring too high (at hip bones)

• Measuring with feet apart (can change the number)

• Pulling the tape too tight

Step 3: Measure Your Bust (Fullest Part)

Bust measurement helps if you’re shopping for bodysuits, shaping tops, or pieces with a built-in bra area. As of today, this will help you to measure yourself for the Silueta Esencial and Formaliss of Noga Curves.

How to measure it correctly

1. Wear a bra that fits well (no heavy padding if possible).

2. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust.

3. Keep the tape level across your back.

4. Record the number without tightening too much.

Common mistakes

• Measuring too high near the armpits

• Measuring too low over the ribcage instead of the fullest part

• Using a push-up bra that changes the true size

(Optional) Extra Measurements That Help

Depending on the shapewear style, these can be useful:

• Underbust: directly under the bust (great for Cintura de Reina)

• Torso length: shoulder down to crotch

• Thigh: for shorts/leg shapers that can roll

If you’re often between sizes or have a longer torso, these extra measurements can make shopping much easier.

How to Use Your Measurements to Pick the Right Size

Once you have your waist, hips, and bust, the next step is using the brand’s size chart—not guessing based on jeans sizes. Shapewear sizes can vary across brands and styles.

Rule 1: Always use your measurements first

Jean sizes and dress sizes are inconsistent. Your tape measure is the truth.

Rule 2: Prioritize the measurement that matches the garment’s purpose

• If you’re buying a waist-focused piece, prioritize waist first.

• If it’s a full-body shaper or short, prioritize hips and waist together.

• If it’s a bodysuit/top, prioritize bust + waist.

Rule 3: Don’t size down “for more compression”

This is the #1 reason shapewear becomes uncomfortable, rolls down, or creates bulges. The correct size gives you smooth shaping—not pain.

What If You’re Between Two Sizes?

This happens all the time, and it’s totally normal. Here’s the easiest way to decide:

Choose the smaller size if…

• You prefer stronger compression

• Your measurements are barely over the smaller size

• The item is designed for high compression and you know you tolerate snug fits well

Choose the larger size if…

• You’re new to shapewear and want comfort first

• You want all-day wear (work, errands, events)

• You’re between sizes by more than a small margin

• You’ve experienced rolling, pinching, or difficulty breathing before

Best practice: For everyday comfort, most people do better choosing the size that matches their measurements—not the smaller one.

How Tight Should Shapewear Feel?

Shapewear should feel:

• Snug and supportive

• Smooth under clothing

• Secure at the waist and hips

• Like you can breathe and move normally

It should not feel:

• Painful

• Numb or tingly

• Like you can’t sit comfortably

• Like it’s digging into your skin or rolling aggressively

If you put it on and instantly feel like you’re fighting it, the sizing may be off—or the style may not match your body shape.

Quick Fit Test (2 Minutes)

When your shapewear arrives, do this quick test:

1. Put it on and stand for 1 minute.

2. Sit for 1 minute.

3. Walk around for 30 seconds.

4. Check:

   • Does it roll?

   • Does it pinch?

   • Can you breathe normally?

   • Does it smooth without creating new lines?

If it fails the fit test, try a different size or style by contacting Noga Curves or review our refund policy!

Special Case: Had a BBL?

If you have had a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), always choose one size up from your normal Colombian faja size. Your body needs extra space to accommodate post-surgical swelling while maintaining proper compression for your results.

Answers for Frequent question: Measuring Yourself for Shapewear

1) Should I measure in the morning or at night?

Either is fine, but late afternoon/evening can be more realistic because your body may fluctuate slightly during the day.

2) Do I measure over clothes?

No—measure over underwear or fitted clothing for the most accurate results.

3) Should I suck in my stomach when measuring my waist?

No. Measure while relaxed so you choose a size you can actually wear comfortably.

4) My waist fits one size but my hips fit another—what do I do?

Choose based on the garment’s purpose. For shorts and bodysuits, prioritize the hips + waist combination and consider sizing up for comfort if needed.

5) How often should I re-measure?

Re-measure if your body changes, if you’re shopping a new style, or at least every few months if you’re actively changing your measurements.

If you have any other question, do not hesitate to contact us and ask!

Ready to Find Your Fit?

Now that you have your waist, hips, and bust measurements, you’re ready to shop with confidence. A good fit is what makes shapewear look smooth, feel comfortable, and actually work the way you want it to. Review our products and choose whichever product you like! To find the perfect fit, check our Size Guide to choose the perfect Colombian faja.