Activewear sizing is not standardised. An Australian 10 in one brand is a 12 in another, and the number on the label tells you almost nothing about whether a legging will fit. Measurements do.
What you need
A soft tape measure. If you don't own one, a length of string and a ruler works — mark the string, then measure the marked length flat.
Measure over bare skin or thin underwear, not over clothing. Stand normally. Don't hold your breath or pull the tape tight; it should sit flat against you without indenting the skin.
The three measurements that matter
Waist
Find the narrowest part of your torso, usually a couple of centimetres above the navel. Bend sideways — the crease that forms is your natural waist. Measure there, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
High-waisted leggings sit at or above this point, so this is the measurement that decides whether the waistband digs or rolls.
Hip
Measure around the fullest part of your seat and hips, feet together, tape parallel to the floor. This usually sits about 18 to 22 cm below your natural waist. For most people it is the measurement that decides the size.
Inseam
From the top of your inner thigh straight down to the ankle bone. This tells you whether a full-length legging will pool at the ankle or sit short. Easier with help — or measure a pair you already like: lay them flat and measure the inside leg seam from crotch to hem.
Reading the numbers
Compare against our size guide. If waist and hip land in different sizes — which is extremely common — take the hip measurement. Leggings absorb a little slack at the waist comfortably, and a waistband that sits marginally loose is a much smaller problem than a seat stretched thin.
If you are between sizes
The right answer depends on the garment, not on you.
- Mila is light-to-medium compression and true to size. Between sizes, size down for the snugger second-skin fit that yoga wants.
- Valerie is firm compression. Between sizes, size up — firm compression a size too small restricts movement and is uncomfortable at high intensity.
That is not a hedge. Compression garments genuinely run differently, and a brand giving identical advice for both isn't paying attention.
If it still isn't right
Size exchanges are free within 30 days, unworn with tags, and we pay the return postage. Nobody reads a table perfectly every time, and we would rather post you a second size than have you keep a pair you never wear.
Or skip the guessing: send us your waist and hip measurements and we'll tell you which to take.