Measure Your Waist, Hips, and Bust Like a Pro

The perfect shapewear fit starts with one key detail: accurate measurements. A high-quality Colombian faja or shaping piece should feel supportive and secure—never painful, suffocating, or impossible to live in. The fastest way to roll, pinch, or waste time on returns is getting your measurements wrong. Measure your waist, hips, and bust the right way, then use those numbers to shop with full confidence.

This guide walks you through step-by-step measuring, common pitfalls, what to do if you land between sizes, and how to turn your numbers into the most flattering fit for your body.

What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather:

  • A soft tailor's measuring tape
  • A mirror (or a friend to help you double-check)
  • A notebook or your phone's notes app
  • Fitted underwear or slim clothing (no thick layers)

FemmeBonita Tip: For the most realistic fit, measure toward the end of the day. Your body naturally shifts slightly throughout the day. If you're measuring for a specific event, measure under the same conditions you'll wear the shapewear—same bra, same time of day, same posture.

Now, let's walk through the exact steps to measure yourself before ordering a Colombian faja from FemmeBonita.

Step 1: Measure Your Natural Waist

Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button and below your rib-cage.

How to measure it correctly

  • Stand tall and let your stomach relax (no sucking in).
  • Pinpoint the narrowest part of your midsection.
  • Wrap the tape around that point, keeping it level all the way around.
  • Keep the tape snug but not squeezing—you should be able to slide one finger underneath.
  • Breathe out normally, then write down the number.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring over bulky clothing
  • Holding your breath or pulling your stomach in
  • Letting the tape angle up or down in the back

Step 2: Measure Your Hips (Fullest Part)

For shapewear, hips are measured around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks—not at your hip bones.

How to measure it correctly

  • Stand with your feet together.
  • Locate the fullest part of your hips and backside (often several inches below your waist).
  • Wrap the tape evenly around your body.
  • Keep it level in the mirror, then record the measurement.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring too high at the hip bones
  • Standing with feet apart (this changes the shape)
  • Pulling the tape too tightly

Step 3: Measure Your Bust (Fullest Part)

Bust measurement is essential for bodysuits, shaping tops, or styles with built-in support. With these numbers, you'll also be better prepared to choose pieces like the Silueta Esencial and Formaliss from FemmeBonita.

How to measure it correctly

  • Wear a well-fitting bra (minimal padding if possible).
  • Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust.
  • Keep the tape level across your back.
  • Don't over-tighten; just record the true circumference.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Measuring too high near your armpits
  • Measuring over your ribcage instead of the fullest part
  • Wearing a push-up bra that distorts your real size

Optional Measurements That Help

Depending on the style, these can be super helpful:

  • Underbust: directly under the bust, perfect for waist cinchers like Cintura de Reina
  • Torso length: from shoulder down to crotch
  • Thigh circumference: for shorts or leg shapers that may roll

If you're often between sizes or have a longer torso, these extra measurements make shopping significantly easier.

How to Turn Measurements Into the Right Size

Once you have your waist, hips, and bust, use FemmeBonita's size chart—not your usual jeans or dress size. Sizing varies by brand and style, so your tape measure is the only truth that matters.

Rule 1: Start with your measurements
Clothing sizes are inconsistent. Your numbers are not.

Rule 2: Match the measurement to the garment's purpose

  • For waist-focused pieces → prioritize waist
  • For shorts, full-body shapers, or fajas → prioritize hips + waist
  • For bodysuits or tops → prioritize bust + waist

Rule 3: Never size down for "more compression"
This is the #1 mistake that leads to rolling, pinching, and discomfort. The right size smooths your silhouette without pain.

What If You're Between Two Sizes?

Totally normal. Here's how to decide:

Choose the smaller size if:

  • You like strong compression
  • Your measurements are just barely over the smaller size
  • You already handle snug garments well and this style is built for high compression

Choose the larger size if:

  • You're new to shapewear
  • You want all-day comfort (work, long events, travel)
  • You're more than a small gap between sizes
  • You've had rolling, pinching, or breathing issues in the past

Best practice: For everyday wear, most customers feel best in the size that matches their actual measurements—not the smaller one.

How Tight Should Shapewear Feel?

Your shapewear should feel:

  • Snug and supportive
  • Smooth under clothes
  • Secure at the waist and hips
  • Comfortable enough to breathe, sit, and move normally

It should not feel:

  • Painful or sharp
  • Numb, tingly, or cold
  • Like you can't sit comfortably
  • Like it's digging in or rolling aggressively

If it feels like a battle the second you put it on, the size or style may not match your body shape.

Quick 2‑Minute Fit Test

When your FemmeBonita shapewear arrives:

  1. Put it on and stand for 1 minute.
  2. Sit for 1 minute.
  3. Walk around for 30 seconds.
  4. Ask yourself: Does it roll down? Does it pinch? Can I breathe normally? Does it smooth without creating new lines?

If it fails, try a different size or style by reaching out to FemmeBonita or checking the refund policy.

Special Case: Post‑BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)

If you've had a BBL, always choose one size up from your usual Colombian faja size. Your body needs extra room for post-surgical swelling while still receiving the right compression to support your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Morning or night—when should I measure?
Either works, but late afternoon or evening is often more realistic since your body can shift during the day.

2. Should I measure over clothes?
No. Measure over underwear or very fitted clothing for the most accurate result.

3. Should I suck in my stomach?
No. Measure while relaxed so you pick a size you can actually wear comfortably all day.

4. My waist fits one size and my hips another—what do I do?
Choose based on the garment's purpose. For shorts and bodysuits, prioritize hips + waist together and consider sizing up if needed for comfort.

5. How often should I re-measure?
Re-measure whenever your body changes, when trying a new style, or at least every few months if you're actively working on your measurements.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact FemmeBonita directly.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Now that you have your waist, hips, and bust numbers, you're ready to shop confidently. A true fit is what makes shapewear look invisible, feel comfortable, and actually shape the way you want it to.

Explore the FemmeBonita collection, check the size guide, and choose the Colombian faja that matches your body—and your confidence.