When measuring the waist keep in mind it is located in the space between the ribs and hips. Since floating ribs are fairly hard to detect, it is easiest to find your iliac crest (top edge of the hip bone) and feel above this area you will find is more “squishy”  (generally 2″ above, or 4″ above the upper hip) this space is pretty standard on everyone, considering the waist is always in relativity of the upper hip. The ribs are what tend to differentiate in length from person to person. Remember the waist isnt always your smallest measurement. You're not looking for the "visual" waist (also known as the apparent waist). You're looking for the skeletal waist. If you have any questions feel free to contact us via our sizing form, we will happily assist.