Waist measurements?

[lulupop]

Can anyone tell me where you are "supposed" to take your waist measurement from? I always thought it was round your tummy button. But I have just measure mine there and it's 33inches, even though my trousers all claim to be 28 inches in the waist.

Equally, DH, who I'm trying to get to lose weight, insists he's a 38 inch waist, when his actual measurement is 43 inches.

So what's going on? Are clothes manufacturers lying on their labels to boost our self esteem, or am I measuring wrong?

I've just checked a couple of online clothing places, and all they say is measure around your natural waistline.

But what is your natural waistline? I've never really had one, not being in possession of hips. And I find exactly the same thing as lulupop - my actual waist says something completely different to what my jeans say.

I wouldn't bother too much with measuring if I were you, lulupop. The best thing is to have a rough idea of your size and then just try things on until you find one that fits. You can't even rely on being a particular size in a particular shop. Last week I tried two pairs of trousers from the same shop that were different styles but supposedly the same size. One was so loose that they were almost falling off my hips, the other was way too tight! What's the point of having a sizing system?! Usually I buy things online, getting each thing in at least 2 sizes, then try them at home and send back the ones I don't want before the bill comes in.