If You're Measuring Your Health Risk By Your Pant Size, Think Again (2024)

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If You're Measuring Your Health Risk By Your Pant Size, Think Again (1)

By Katherine Hobson

Having too much fat around your middle has been associated with a higher risk of heart attackand a shorter life, particularly if you're also overweight. So public health authoritiesgenerally say that women should aim for a waistline circumference of 35" or less and men, 40" or less -- measured at your natural waist, just above your hipbone.

But for those men who are walking around in size 36 Old Navy casual dress pants, smug in the knowledge that you've got nothing to worry about, Esquire has some unfortunate news. The magazine's Style Blog actually measured the waistlinesof a variety of "size 36" pants and found that the actual size ranges from 37" (H&M) to Old Navy's 41". (Most hovered around 39".)

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If You're Measuring Your Health Risk By Your Pant Size, Think Again (9)

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If You're Measuring Your Health Risk By Your Pant Size, Think Again (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy pant size? ›

A waist size of more than 35 inches (or 88 cm) in women and over 40 inches (or 102 cm) in men is considered as unhealthy. The ideal waist size would be 32 ½ inches for women and 35 inches for men.

What your waist size says about your health? ›

Why does your waist measurement matter? Waist circumference is a good measure of fat around your middle. This type of fat builds up around your organs, and is linked to high blood fat levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. A larger waist usually also means there is excess fat inside your organs.

What is the real pant size hip size or waist size? ›

The first number refers to the waist size, and it implies the measurement of your waist in inches. The second number indicates the length of the pant, and it implies how long the pant is when measured from the inseam or crotch to the ankles. Thus, jean sizes indicate the waist and length of the garment, respectively.

Is your hip size your pants size? ›

Add 0.7-1.5 to your hip body measurement, then divide it in half. This will yield the Hip Width to save in your custom pant size. For example, if your hips/seat measure 40.0” all the way around your body, a Hip Width of 20.75” (41.5″ in circumference) should be a comfortable fit.

What is a healthy pant size for a woman? ›

The average weight for women is around 170 pounds. With these measurements, the typical American woman wears a large to extra large pant size, or between a size 18 and 20.
...
Averages for U.S. women.
AgeWaist size in inches
20 to 3037.1
40 to 5939.4
60 and over39.9
Jun 12, 2019

What pant size should I wear? ›

Women's Pant Size Conversion Chart – Width/Waist
Your Waist in InchesMisses SizePant Size (W/L)
34 - 35"1834
36 - 37"2036
38 - 39"2238
40 - 41"2440
10 more rows

What is the healthiest waist size for a woman? ›

For your best health, your waist should be less than 40 inches around for men, and less than 35 inches for women, although it may vary depending on race or ethnicity. If it's larger than that, you may want to talk with your doctor about what your next steps are, including losing weight.

What is the ideal waist size for a 5 5 woman? ›

You are healthy! Ashwell has proposed that governments adopt a simple public health message: “Keep your waist to less than half your height.” That means someone who is 5 foot 5 (65 inches; 167.64 centimeters) should maintain a waistline smaller than 33 inches or 84 centimeters.

What size should your waist be for weight and height? ›

Waist to height ratio is an indicator of your risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. It is obtained by dividing waist size by height. Men and women should keep their waist circumference, no more than half their height.

How many pounds do you have to lose to go down a pant size? ›

How much weight do i need to lose to drop pants size? On average, every 10 lbs of weight a person loses will equate to 1 pant size smaller. So, for example, if someone lost 25 pounds, they would likely drop 2 and a half sizes in pants.

What pant size is a 32 inch waist? ›

For example: If you have a 32 inch waist, your size is a US-Size M or Euro-Size 42.
Waist (Inch)Hips (Inch)US Size / Internat.
28 - 2938 - 39S
29 - 3039 - 40M
31 - 3240 - 41M
33 - 3441 - 42L
12 more rows

What pant size is a 34 inch waist? ›

What size is a 34 inch waist in Women's Jeans? A jean with 34 inches (ca. 86 centimeters) waist approximately corresponds to a US size 20 or XL size.

What hip size is a 26 waist? ›

SIZE2426
inchinch
WAIST (BODY SIZE)2426
WAIST (RELAXED)30 1/832
HIP36 4/538 7/9
4 more rows

Why does my waist measure bigger than my jean size? ›

Your pant is built from the waist down. Most pant waist sizes today are not true to size, i.e., most brands add extra inches to the actual waist measurement. For example, a pant waist labeled 34 may measure 35 1/2 inches.

Should pants fit waist or hips? ›

The waist of the trouser should sit comfortably on your natural waist, not your hips. Jeans are often cut to sit lower on the hips with a natural “sag” effect, but not trousers. This is why men who don't often wear trousers feel that they are sitting uncomfortably high.

How much does a size 10 woman weigh? ›

Mondor
SizeHeightWeight
6-843" - 52" / 109 - 133cm50 - 65lbs / 23 - 30kg
8-1048" - 57" / 121 - 145cm60 - 75lbs / 27 - 34kg
10-1252" - 60" / 133 - 154cm70 - 85lbs / 32 - 38kg
12-1456" - 62" / 142 - 158cm80 - 100lbs / 36 - 45kg
2 more rows

What size does a 250 pound woman wear? ›

Size Chart
SizeWeightHeight
2X180 - 230 lbs5'1" - 5'7"
3X215 - 265 lbs5'4" - 5'10"
4X250 - 300 lbs5'7" - 6'
5X300 - 335 lbs5'4" - 5'9"
3 more rows

What is the average weight of a woman? ›

American women aged 20 years and above weigh an average of 170.6 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . While these numbers may be the average, they are not a measure of health.

How do you tell if pants are too big or too small? ›

How to Tell if Your Pants are Too Big
  1. Wearing a Belt as More Than an Accessory. First it was the suspenders, and then it was the belt. ...
  2. Slipping Out of Them Without a Second Thought. ...
  3. Bunching Your Pants at the Ankle. ...
  4. Gapping at the Waist. ...
  5. Constantly Adjusting Your Pants.
May 16, 2022

What size is a 30 waist in women's? ›

A 30 inch waist typically corresponds to a US dress size of 10-12 or 40-42 in Euro sizes. Additionally, this waist circumference should put you in an international size Medium for other women's clothing.

What size is a 24 in jeans equal to? ›

When you see a size 24 in jeans, this is referring to your waist size in inches. So a 24 is equivalent to a size 0. When in doubt, stop in to Posh Boutique and try on a few different styles and sizes to really learn what styles fit your body best!

How much should a 5 foot 2 inch woman weigh? ›

Weight and height guide chart
HeightNormal weight BMI 19–24Overweight BMI 25–29
5 ft 2 in (62 in)104–131 lb136–158 lb
5 ft 3 in (63 in)107–135 lb141–163 lb
5 ft 4 in (64 in)110–140 lb145–169 lb
5 ft 5 in (65 in)114–144 lb150–174 lb
15 more rows

What weight is considered obese? ›

Height: Weight: Your BMI is , indicating your weight is in the category for adults of your height. BMI is a screening measure and is not intended to diagnose disease or illness.
...
Adult BMI Calculator.
BMIWeight Status
18.5—24.9Healthy Weight
25.0—29.9Overweight
30.0 and AboveObesity
1 more row

What is the prettiest waist size? ›

Never mind perfectly sculpted cheekbones, enviably arched brows or a pert derriere, a recent study has discovered the most attractive female attribute is a cinched-in waist: one that measures a fraction under 26½ in (the equivalent of a size eight).

What is the average clothing size of a woman? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average woman wears a size 16 (typically translated to an XL); this has historically represented the end, or the beginning of the end, of many apparel size runs, when, logically, it should be the very middle.

How many inches is your waist if you wear a size 5? ›

Details
Dimension/size35
Bust3031
Waist2223
Hips3233
Back-waist length13.7514
1 more row

What is the average size of a woman in the United States? ›

As of 2016, the average height for American women 20 years old and up is just under 5 foot 4 inches (about 63.7 inches) tall. The average weight is 170.6 pounds.

What waist size is considered obese? ›

Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference, and Associated Disease Risks
Disease Risk* Relative to Normal Weight and Waist Circumference
Overweight25.0–29.9Increased
Obesity30.0–34.9High
35.0–39.9Very High
Extreme Obesity40.0 +Extremely High
3 more rows

What should my waist size be for my age? ›

Many people consider their waist size to be the leading fitness indicator. If they see a bulging belly, they know they need to start working on their fitness.
...
What is the average waist size for women?
AgeAverage Waist Size (inches)Average Waist Size (cms)
20-2936.692.1
30-3938.397.2
40-4939.299.5
50-5939.399.8
3 more rows

What size waist should I have to lose weight? ›

So, what is a healthy waist measurement? Put simply, you should probably try to lose weight if you're a man with a waist more than 94cm (37 inches) or a woman with a waist of more 80cm (31.5 inches).

Where do you lose weight first? ›

Mostly, losing weight is an internal process. You will first lose hard fat that surrounds your organs like liver, kidneys and then you will start to lose soft fat like waistline and thigh fat. The fat loss from around the organs makes you leaner and stronger.

How many pounds is a dress size? ›

You can drop a dress size (anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds, or about an inch or two from your bust and hips) and be special-occasion slim in only six weeks. Our simple exercise and eating plan will show you how. The secret? A combination of and strength training.

Will my clothes still fit if I lose 10 pounds? ›

Keep in mind the 10lb rule For every 10lbs you lose, you can expect to go roughly down 1 size in clothes. Use a whole new wardrobe/nicer clothes as motivation but don't buy clothes in aspirational "goal" sizes. Buy clothes that make you look good for the size you are now.

What size waist is a size 8? ›

Women's Size Guide (Numeric)
US Size - Numeric008
Bust31"36"
Waist23"28"
Hip34"39"

What size is large in women's pants? ›

Women's Pants Size Chart & Fit Guide
SizeNumeric SizeWaist
L1433.5"
XL1635"
1836.5"
XXL2038"
8 more rows
Sep 20, 2022

Does waist size affect leg length? ›

The leg length does not change between sizes.

Is a size 6 skinny? ›

A size 6 is slim. Average (depending on which source you reference) is between 12-16.

What does 36x34 pants mean? ›

A: It means 34 inch waist and 36 inch length inseam.

What is perfect body size for female? ›

The specific proportions of 36–24–36 inches (90-60-90 centimeters) have frequently been given as the "hourglass" proportions for women since at least the 1960s (these measurements are, for example, the title of a hit instrumental by The Shadows).

What is the average hip size for a woman? ›

Similarly, the waist measurement of women 18-29 years old is about 71.4 cm, the hip circumference is 88.5 cm. Women aged 30 to 49 years, waist measurement is 76.1cm, hip measurement is 90.7cm and in the final age range, waist-hip measurement is 79.2cm - 90.7cm.

What size waist is a size 14? ›

Hitched's Women's Dress Size Guide
SizeBustWaist
1237″28″
93cm75cm
1439″31″
98cm80cm
20 more rows
Apr 16, 2018

What waist size is unhealthy? ›

What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more than 102cm (40in) is 'very high'. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.

Does waist size change with weight? ›

The expansion of muscles, coupled with the fat in your body, will make your waistline bigger. The only way to get rid of this effect is NOT to stop working out but to give attention to and change your eating habits.

Why is my waist getting bigger but my weight is the same? ›

A combination of things happens as we age. We tend to lose muscle mass, so our abdominal muscles aren't as tight as they once were, and the loss of elastin and collagen in our skin allows gravity to have its way so skin starts to sag. Both can cause the waistline to expand.

How long should jeans be without shoes? ›

Generally, jeans should be long enough to reach the tops of your feet with a little extra fabric, but short enough that the hems aren't dragging on the ground.

Should pants be tight or loose? ›

Comfort is key: When you find the right fit in a pair of pants, you know. The waistband should be snug, but not overly tight (a good rule of thumb: You should be able to place a finger or two comfortably between your waist and the waistband). The pants shouldn't be sliding down or off your waist.

Where should your jeans sit on your waist? ›

Your jeans should sit at your natural waistline, usually around the belly button. They'll sag if they're too low; if they're too high, they'll cut into your waist and be uncomfortable.

What is the ideal waist size? ›

Now that you've measured your waist circumference you need to know what it means. To have your best chance at maintaining good health, you should aim for: Men should have a waist circumference of 40 inches or less. Women should have a waist circumference of 35 inches or less.

What is the normal size of a woman's waist? ›

According to the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the average waist size for men is 40.2 inches (102.1 cm). While the average waist size for women is 38.6 inches (98 cm).

Is 27 inches a big waist? ›

Generally speaking, a 27-inch waist is on the small side. However, the likelihood of a 27-inch waist depends on your gender and overall fitness.

What size waist should a 5 5 woman have? ›

You are healthy! Ashwell has proposed that governments adopt a simple public health message: “Keep your waist to less than half your height.” That means someone who is 5 foot 5 (65 inches; 167.64 centimeters) should maintain a waistline smaller than 33 inches or 84 centimeters.

What are unhealthy waist sizes? ›

Waist Circumference

If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you're at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men.

How big is a size 8 woman? ›

Women's Size Guide (Numeric)
US Size - Numeric008
Bust31"36"
Waist23"28"
Hip34"39"

Does waist size increase with age? ›

Fat distribution also differs by gender, with men having a relatively more central distribution of fat. These differences strongly manifest in puberty and are related to sex hormones. In both men and women, waist and waist-to- hip ratio increase with aging.

Is a 26 inch waist a size 8? ›

A 26-inch waist: Measurement equivalent to a UK size 8 found to be most attractive attribute.

What is my waist size if I wear a size 7? ›

Details
Dimension/size37
Bust3032
Waist2224
Hips3234
Back-waist length13.7514.25
1 more row

Is 38 hip size big? ›

Usually, we consider hip sizes above 36 or 37 inches curvy and hip sizes below 34 to be a slim silhouette. Also, the waist-to-hip ratios of curvy individuals are often in the range of 0.7 to 0.8.

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