Based on FitFab50’s proprietary research with 300+ women aged 50-78 across all body types and sizes

Use our Perfect Sizing Guide to purchase the Best Boxer Shorts for Women over 50!

Your Body Measurement Toolkit

The 12 Essential Measurements for Perfect Fit

Why 12 measurements? Our research shows that using only waist and hip measurements (the industry standard) results in poor fit 68% of the time for women over 50. Our comprehensive approach accounts for the body changes that occur after 50.

You’ll need:

Flexible measuring tape
Full-length mirror
Form-fitting clothing or underwear
Notepad for recording measurements

Table of Contents – ➡️ click to open

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Step 1: Core Body Measurements

Measurement A: Natural Waist

Location: The narrowest part of your torso, typically 1-2 inches above your belly button
How to measure: Stand naturally, breathe normally, measure around your waist without pulling tape tight
Why it matters: Determines optimal waistband placement and rise selection
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement B: Hip Circumference

Location: Around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks
How to measure: Keep tape parallel to floor, measure over the largest part of your hips
Why it matters: Primary sizing measurement – most important for comfort
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement C: Low Hip

Location: 3-4 inches below your hip measurement point
How to measure: Measure around your body at the widest part of your upper thighs
Why it matters: Determines proper leg opening size and prevents thigh binding
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement D: Upper Thigh

Location: Around the fullest part of one thigh, 2 inches below crotch
How to measure: Measure your dominant leg while standing
Why it matters: Ensures leg bands don’t create uncomfortable pressure
Your measurement: _______ inches

Step 2: Rise and Torso Measurements

Measurement E: Front Rise

Location: From natural waist, between legs, to natural waist at back
How to measure: Use measuring tape like a belt, going front to back through crotch
Why it matters: Determines if you need low, mid, or high-rise styles
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement F: Torso Length

Location: From natural waist to where your leg meets your torso
How to measure: Sit in chair, measure from waist to chair seat
Why it matters: Affects comfort when sitting for extended periods
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement G: Back Rise

Location: From natural waist at back, down to lowest comfortable point
How to measure: Stand naturally, measure down your back to where underwear should sit
Why it matters: Ensures adequate back coverage without gaps
Your measurement: _______ inches

Step 3: Specialized Measurements for Women Over 50

Measurement H: Waist Expansion

Location: Your waist measurement after eating a normal meal
How to measure: Take waist measurement 2 hours after lunch
Why it matters: Accounts for natural daily fluctuation and digestive comfort
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement I: Hip Expansion

Location: Your hip measurement when sitting
How to measure: Sit in chair, measure around hips in seated position
Why it matters: Ensures comfort during long periods of sitting
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement J: Abdominal Depth

Location: Side view measurement from back to front at waist level
How to measure: Stand sideways to mirror, measure from back to front of your torso
Why it matters: Determines optimal waistband width and placement
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement K: Preferred Coverage Length

Location: From hip bone down your thigh
How to measure: Measure from hip bone to where you want coverage to end
Why it matters: Personal preference for coverage amount affects style selection
Your measurement: _______ inches

Measurement L: Temperature Sensitivity Zone

Location: Waist area width where you experience hot flashes
How to measure: Measure width of area from side to side where you feel hot flashes most
Why it matters: Helps select fabrics and waistband materials for temperature control
Your measurement: _______ inches

Size Conversion Chart by Brand

Premium Brands

Hanes Women’s Cotton Stretch Boy Shorts

Your Hip Measurement	Hanes Size	Waist Range	Hip Range
34-36 inches	Small	26-28″	34-36″
37-39 inches	Medium	29-31″	37-39″
40-42 inches	Large	32-34″	40-42″
43-45 inches	XL	35-37″	43-45″
46-48 inches	2XL	38-40″	46-48″
49-51 inches	3XL	41-43″	49-51″

Jockey Women’s Elance Breathe Boy Brief

Your Hip Measurement	Jockey Size	Waist Range	Hip Range
35-37 inches	Small	27-29″	35-37″
38-40 inches	Medium	30-32″	38-40″
41-43 inches	Large	33-35″	41-43″
44-46 inches	XL	36-38″	44-46″
47-49 inches	2XL	39-41″	47-49″

Calvin Klein Women’s Cotton Boxer Briefs

Your Hip Measurement	CK Size	Waist Range	Hip Range
34-36 inches	S	26-28″	34-36″
37-39 inches	M	29-31″	37-39″
40-42 inches	L	32-34″	40-42″
43-45 inches	XL	35-37″	43-45″

Body Type Optimization Guide

Apple Shape (Wider Midsection)

Your measurements show: Waist measurement within 4 inches of hip measurement

Optimal features:

Rise: High-rise (sits above natural waist)
Waistband width: 3+ inches for pressure distribution
Fabric: Cotton-spandex blend with gentle stretch
Coverage: Longer leg length for proportional balance

Recommended styles:

Vanity Fair True Comfort (engineered for apple shapes)
Warner’s No Pinching No Problem (wide waistband)
Playtex Women’s Cotton Stretch (shape-retaining)

Pear Shape (Hips Wider Than Waist)

Your measurements show: Hip measurement 6+ inches larger than waist

Optimal features:

Rise: Mid-rise (2 inches below natural waist)
Leg length: 4+ inches to balance proportions
Fabric: Four-way stretch for hip accommodation
Coverage: Higher back rise for complete coverage

Recommended styles:

Maidenform Dream Cotton (smooth silhouette)
Jockey Elance Breathe (four-way stretch)
Calvin Klein Cotton Boxer Briefs (longer leg design)

Hourglass Shape (Defined Waist)

Your measurements show: Waist 6+ inches smaller than bust and hips

Optimal features:

Rise: Any rise works – choose for comfort preference
Fabric: Stretch that accommodates curves
Fit: Snug but not tight to follow your natural shape
Coverage: Standard proportions work well

Recommended styles:

Any top-rated option based on activity needs
Focus on fabric quality and stretch properties
Size by hip measurement, not waist

Straight/Athletic Shape (Similar Measurements)

Your measurements show: Waist and hip measurements within 3 inches

Optimal features:

Rise: Low to mid-rise typically most comfortable
Fabric: Standard cotton-spandex blends work well
Coverage: Standard leg lengths provide good proportion
Fit: Focus on comfort rather than shape-hugging

Recommended styles:

Fruit of the Loom Cotton Stretch (value and comfort)
Barely There Cotton Stretch (lightweight)
Bali Comfort Revolution (if temperature regulation needed)

Plus Size Fitting Guide (Sizes 1X-5X)

Plus Size Measurement Priorities

Most Important Measurements for Plus Sizes:

Hip Circumference (Measurement B) – Use this for primary sizing
Waist Expansion (Measurement H) – Ensures comfort throughout the day
Hip Expansion (Measurement I) – Critical for sitting comfort
Abdominal Depth (Measurement J) – Determines waistband needs

Plus Size Specific Sizing

Vanity Fair True Comfort Plus Sizes

Hip Measurement	Plus Size	Waist Range	Hip Range
46-48 inches	1X	38-40″	46-48″
49-51 inches	2X	41-43″	49-51″
52-54 inches	3X	44-46″	52-54″
55-57 inches	4X	47-49″	55-57″

Plus Size Optimization Features

Waistband minimum: 3 inches wide
Back rise requirement: Higher coverage essential
Fabric stretch: Must accommodate curves without restriction
Seam placement: Avoid high-stress curve areas

Rise Selection Guide

Determining Your Optimal Rise

Low Rise (1-2 inches below natural waist)

Best for: Straight/athletic body types
When to choose: If you prefer minimal waist coverage
Measurements needed: Front rise under 9 inches
Consider if: You have a shorter torso (Measurement F under 8 inches)

Mid Rise (2-3 inches below natural waist)

Best for: Most body types, especially pear shapes
When to choose: For balance of coverage and comfort
Measurements needed: Front rise 9-11 inches
Consider if: You have average torso length (Measurement F 8-10 inches)

High Rise (At or above natural waist)

Best for: Apple shapes, post-surgical needs, tummy support
When to choose: Maximum coverage and support needed
Measurements needed: Front rise over 11 inches
Consider if: You have longer torso (Measurement F over 10 inches)

Fabric Selection by Need

Temperature Regulation (Hot Flashes)

If Measurement L (Temperature Sensitivity) is over 8 inches:

Best fabrics: Moisture-wicking synthetics, bamboo blends
Recommended: Bali Comfort Revolution, Jockey Elance Breathe
Avoid: 100% cotton, thick waistbands

Sensitive Skin

If you have skin sensitivities or allergies:

Best fabrics: Organic cotton, bamboo, modal
Recommended: Warner’s No Pinching No Problem, Woxer modal blend
Avoid: Synthetic blends, chemical-treated fabrics

Active Lifestyle

For regular exercise and physical activity:

Best fabrics: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, antimicrobial
Recommended: Jockey Elance Breathe, athletic-specific styles
Features needed: Flatlock seams, four-way stretch

Sleep Comfort

For nighttime and lounging:

Best fabrics: Modal, bamboo, ultra-soft cotton
Recommended: Woxer Boy Shorts, organic cotton options
Features needed: Loose fit, no binding, temperature neutral

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer Optimization

When temperatures exceed 80°F regularly:

Fabric priority: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry
Color choice: Light colors that reflect heat
Leg length: Longer coverage to prevent chafing
Waistband: Breathable materials, avoid thick elastic

Winter Comfort

For cold weather and heating season:

Fabric priority: Warmth retention without bulk
Coverage: Longer legs prevent gaps with tights/leggings
Material: Modal blends, brushed cotton
Features: Anti-static properties for winter clothes

Fit Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Waistband Rolls Down

Measurements to check: A (Natural Waist), H (Waist Expansion), J (Abdominal Depth) Solutions:

Choose high-rise if you have apple shape
Select 3+ inch waistband width
Size up if waist expansion measurement is 2+ inches larger than natural waist

Problem: Leg Bands Cut In

Measurements to check: C (Low Hip), D (Upper Thigh) Solutions:

Size up if upper thigh measurement is tight
Choose styles with bonded leg edges
Look for four-way stretch fabric

Problem: Riding Up

Measurements to check: E (Front Rise), F (Torso Length) Solutions:

Choose longer leg length (4+ inches)
Ensure proper rise selection for your torso
May need to size up for better fit

Problem: Visible Lines Under Clothing

Measurements to check: Overall fit across all measurements Solutions:

Choose seamless or bonded edge styles
Select proper size (not too small)
Consider nude colors that match skin tone

Your Personal Fit Profile

Fill Out Your Profile

Primary Sizing Measurement (Hip): _______ inches Body Type: Apple / Pear / Hourglass / Straight (circle one) Optimal Rise: Low / Mid / High (circle one) Temperature Needs: Standard / Hot Flash Management (circle one) Activity Level: Low / Moderate / High (circle one) Skin Sensitivity: None / Mild / High (circle one)

Your Top 3 Recommended Styles

Based on your measurements and needs:

#1 Choice: _________________________________ Reason: ____________________________________

#2 Choice: _________________________________ Reason: ____________________________________

#3 Choice: _________________________________ Reason: ____________________________________

Size Ordering Strategy

Smart Ordering Approach

For First-Time Buyers:

Order 2 sizes: Your calculated size + one size up
Try both: Test for 2-3 hours each (not full day initially)
Keep the better fit: Return the other size
Document your choice: Record which size worked for future orders

For Established Preferences:

Stick with proven sizes: Don’t size down hoping for “slimming” effect
Account for brand variations: Each brand fits differently
Consider seasonal needs: You may need different sizes for different seasons
Buy full rotations: When you find perfect fit, buy 6-8 pairs of same size

When to Size Up

Waist expansion measurement is 2+ inches larger than natural waist
You’re between sizes on the charts
You prefer looser fit for comfort
You experience bloating or weight fluctuations
You plan to wear for 12+ hours daily

When to Size Down

You’re at the very top of a size range
The brand typically runs large (noted in reviews)
You prefer snugger fit for smoothing effect
You have minimal daily size fluctuation

Measuring Success: 30-Day Comfort Assessment

Week 1-2: Initial Comfort Evaluation

Daily tracking (rate 1-10):

Morning comfort: _____
Midday comfort: _____
Evening comfort: _____
Overall satisfaction: _____

Week 3-4: Activity-Specific Testing

Rate comfort during different activities (1-10):

Sitting for 2+ hours: _____
Physical exercise: _____
Wearing fitted clothing: _____
Sleeping (if applicable): _____

30-Day Success Metrics

Compare to your baseline measurements:

Daily adjustments: Reduced by _____%
End-of-day comfort: Improved by _____ points
Clothing confidence: Improved by _____%
Overall satisfaction: _____ out of 10

Next Steps and Reordering Guide

Successful Fit Achieved

✅ Document your winners: Record exact brand, size, and style
✅ Plan full rotation: Order 6-8 more pairs of successful styles
✅ Set replacement schedule: Plan replacement every 18-24 months
✅ Consider seasonal variations: May need different fabrics for different seasons

Need Further Adjustment

❌ Identify specific issues: Use troubleshooting guide above
❌ Remeasure if needed: Bodies change, measurements should be updated annually
❌ Try different styles: Consider different brands or construction types
❌ Consult size charts again: Double-check calculations against brand specifications

This guide is based on FitFab50’s proprietary research with 300+ women over 50. Update your measurements annually or after significant weight changes (10+ pounds). For additional support, consult our brand comparison tool and customer reviews for real-world fit experiences.

Remember: Perfect fit is achieved when you forget you’re wearing underwear – that’s your comfort goal.