Measure first, then read the size chart. Take a soft tape around the waist and around the hips, use the larger of the two numbers, and carry that number to the chart on the product page or in our size guide. It takes about a minute, and it avoids many of the leg gaps and loose waistbands that come from a guessed size.
What you need: a soft tape and a minute
- A soft fabric measuring tape, the kind used for sewing. A stiff or metal tape does not bend around the body well.
- If you do not have one, a piece of string and a ruler work: wrap the string, mark it, then lay it flat against the ruler.
- Pen and paper to write the numbers down.
- The person in light clothing or underwear. Thick clothing adds to the number.
Product pages in Canada may give sizes in inches, centimetres or both. One inch is 2.54 centimetres, so write down the number in the unit the page uses. If you are measuring someone else, explain what you are doing first and keep them covered as much as you can.
Where to measure the waist
Wrap the tape around the middle of the body at about the level of the navel. Makers describe the waist point in slightly different ways, so check whether the chart on the product page says where to measure. Keep the tape level all the way round, parallel to the floor. It should be snug, not tight. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Read the number where the end of the tape meets the tape.
Where to measure the hips
Wrap the tape around the widest part of the hips and bottom, again level all the way round. Check the back of the tape is not higher or lower than the front. A mirror or a helper makes this easy. Write down the number.
Use the larger of the two numbers
A brief or pull-on pair of underwear has to fit around the widest part of the body. So take the larger of your waist and hip measurements, and use that to find your size. If your hips are the larger number, use the hips. If your belly is larger, use the waist. If a product page asks for one measurement in particular, follow the page.
Sizes on charts are ranges, for example from one number to another, and your number should fall inside the range. Do not use the smaller number to pick a smaller size, because the product may pinch or fail to close.
Measuring someone who is seated or in bed
If the person can stand safely for a minute, standing gives the easiest measurement. If not:
- Seated: have them sit upright on a firm chair with their feet supported. Ask them to lean slightly to one side so you can pass the tape behind, then measure around the widest part of the hips, keeping the tape level.
- In bed: with the person lying on their back, ask them to roll slightly toward one side, or help them do it, then slide the tape beneath and bring it around when they roll back. Measure the hips at the widest point and the waist the same way, keeping the tape level.
A measurement taken seated or lying can read a little differently from one taken standing, so take it twice. If moving the person is difficult or painful, ask a nurse or occupational therapist how to do it safely.
Taking the numbers to the size chart
Product pages list a size range for each size, and the sizes are labelled in different ways. The titles in our shop show the variety: Small/Medium, Size 16/Large, Size 20/X-Large, and a range in the title itself, as in Wings Adult Quilted Briefs, Heavy Absorbency, Large (45 to 58 inches). Check whether the page says which measurement its range refers to before you match your number.
For a wider look, use our size guide or the baby and adult size chart. To practise matching your number to a size, open a product page such as Attends Briefs, Medium and look for the waist or hip range given for that size. If a page does not show one, ask us before you order. If your number falls between two sizes, look at the maker's notes on the page. Tab-style briefs can be tightened at the waist, and pull-on underwear relies on stretch, so the two styles can behave differently around the same size. You can browse both in the Incontinence Products collection.
Shop this guide
- Poise Postpartum Incontinence Pads, Moderate Absorbency, Long, 108 Count (2 Packs of 54) (ships via Amazon)
- TENA Overnight Incontinence Underwear for Women, Large, 11 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Poise Ultra Thin Incontinence Pads with Wings, Moderate Absorbency, 90 Count (3 Packs of 30) (ships via Amazon)
- Prevail Maximum Absorbency Underwear for Men, Small/Medium, 20 Count (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Adult Incontinence
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
When to measure again
- When weight goes up or down.
- When you switch to a new maker or style, because sizing differs between them.
- When leaks begin at the legs or the waistband starts to gape.
- When the waistband leaves marks. If skin looks red or sore, check with a doctor or nurse.
Common questions
Should I measure over clothes?
Light clothing or underwear is fine. Thick pants or a heavy skirt add to the number, so take them off first.
What if my waist and hips are far apart?
The larger number sets the size. Adjustable tabs can then be tightened at the waist, so look at how the page describes the fit.
Is the size the same as my clothing size?
Not necessarily. Use your measurements and the maker's chart, because clothing sizes vary.
Do I need to measure for every product?
Measure once and keep the numbers. Check them against each maker's chart, since the ranges differ.
If you are unsure which size to order, send us your measurements through the contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.