How to Measure Yourself for Pole Dance Apparel: Step-by-Step

Quick answer

Measure yourself over the same thin, unpadded base layer you plan to wear under your pole wear, using a soft tape held parallel to the floor. Write down your bust, underbust, natural waist, low hip, and torso length, then compare each number to the size chart for that specific piece. If you land between sizes, choose the larger size for rigid fabrics and the smaller size for stretchy, seamless styles.

Pole wear sizing is not the same as streetwear sizing. A top that fits loosely will slide during an inversion, and bottoms that dig in will distract you mid-combo. Measuring yourself takes about five minutes and saves you from the guesswork of ordering two sizes and returning one.

You only need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a pencil. Take your measurements over thin underwear or a fitted base layer, keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and write everything down before you open a size chart.

Before you start: set up for accurate numbers

Stand in front of a mirror so you can see whether the tape is level. Wear the same bra or bralette you would wear under a pole top, because a padded bra can add inches to your bust measurement. If you are measuring for a bodysuit, keep the base layer thin so the fabric does not compress your natural shape.

Measure yourself in the evening rather than first thing in the morning if you want a stable baseline, and avoid measuring right after a heavy meal. Keep the tape parallel to the floor around your body. A tape that dips at the back will give you a number that is too large.

• Use a soft tape, not a metal builder's tape, so it follows your curves.
• Write each measurement down as you go, in inches or centimeters, and stay consistent.

Step 1: Measure your bust and underbust

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, usually across the nipple line. Keep the tape level all the way around and let it rest against your body without pulling. This number tells you whether a top will cover you through shoulder rolls and chest stands.

For the underbust, measure directly beneath your bust where the band of a bra would sit. The difference between bust and underbust helps you judge whether a crop top will stay in place or ride up. If you are between two numbers, size up for tops with adjustable straps and down for compression styles.

• Common mistake: measuring over a padded bra and then wondering why the top feels loose.
• Checkpoint: the tape should touch your skin lightly, not leave a red mark.

Step 2: Measure your natural waist

Find your natural waist by bending sideways. The crease that forms is your natural waistline, which sits above your belly button and below your ribs. Measure around that crease, keeping the tape level and relaxed.

Do not suck in your stomach. Pole wear needs to fit the body you move in, not the body you hold still. A waist measurement that is too small will make high-waisted bottoms roll down during hip movements.

• Common mistake: measuring at the belly button instead of the natural waist crease.
• Checkpoint: you should be able to slide one finger under the tape.

Step 3: Measure your low hip

Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and glutes, usually about 20 cm below your natural waist. Keep the tape level and snug. This is the number that matters most for pole dance bottoms, shorts, and bodysuits.

If your hip and waist measurements fall into different sizes on a chart, follow the hip measurement for bottoms and the waist measurement for high-waisted styles. A cut-out bodysuit should follow your hip measurement first, because the fabric needs to stretch over your glutes without pulling at the shoulders.

• Common mistake: measuring over thick leggings or jeans.
• Checkpoint: the tape should sit flat across the back, not ride up.

Step 4: Measure torso length for bodysuits

For a pole bodysuit, measure from the top of your shoulder, down over your bust, through your crotch, and back up to the starting point. This is your torso length. It tells you whether a one-piece will feel comfortable or pull tight when you reach overhead.

If your torso is longer than the size chart allows, look for bodysuits with adjustable straps or a stretchy fabric blend. A bodysuit that is too short will pull at the crotch and restrict your movement. A bodysuit that is too long will bunch at the waist.

• Common mistake: measuring only from shoulder to waist and guessing the rest.
• Checkpoint: the tape should follow your body's curve, not hang straight down.

Step 5: Match your numbers to the size chart

Every brand cuts differently, so compare your measurements to the specific size chart on the product page, not to a generic chart. If your numbers fall between two sizes, think about the fabric. Stretchy, seamless styles like NOVA POLEWEAR - Seamless Sticky Leggings can work in the smaller size because they are designed to hug the body. Rigid or structured pieces should follow the larger size.

Check the available option types before you order. Most pole wear lists color and size, but some items like POLIPOLE - Dry list a format instead. If you are unsure, note your measurements in the delivery notes so the team can help you choose.

• Common mistake: assuming you are the same size in every brand.
• Checkpoint: if two measurements point to different sizes, size up for comfort on bottoms and size down for grip on tops.

Your measuring checklist

1. Gather your tools: Use a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a pen. Wear a thin, unpadded base layer. Checkpoint: the tape should be flexible and at least 60 inches long.
2. Measure bust and underbust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, then directly under your bust. Keep the tape level. Common mistake: pulling the tape too tight and compressing your bust.
3. Measure natural waist: Bend sideways to find the crease, then measure around it. Keep the tape relaxed. Checkpoint: you should be able to fit one finger under the tape.
4. Measure low hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and glutes, about 20 cm below your natural waist. Common mistake: measuring over clothing instead of thin underwear.
5. Measure torso length for bodysuits: Measure from the top of your shoulder, down through your crotch, and back up to the start. Checkpoint: the tape should follow your body's curve, not hang loose.
6. Compare to the size chart: Match your numbers to the specific product page. If between sizes, size up for rigid fabrics and down for stretchy seamless styles. Next step: note your measurements in the delivery notes if you want help choosing.

How real pole wear fits

• NOVA POLEWEAR - Seamless Sticky Leggings: Seamless, high-waisted sticky leggings made from a stretchy, breathable fabric with optimal grip on the chrome bar. Because they are seamless and stretchy, your hip measurement is the key number. If you are between sizes, the smaller size will still move with you and keep grip.
• OKSA WEAR - Top Siena: A crop top made from an ultra-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that feels like a second skin and offers both flexibility and support. Your bust and underbust measurements decide whether this top stays put during dynamic movement. If you are between sizes, consider how much support you want.
• OKSA WEAR - Body Cut-Out: A cut-out bodysuit with a gathered back and removable inner cups, made from 73% polyester and 27% elastane. Torso length matters most for a bodysuit. The gathered back and elastane blend give some stretch, but you still need your shoulder-to-crotch measurement to avoid pulling.
• EXO WEAR - Short Essentiel: High-waisted lycra shorts with an open back cut, made from 84% nylon and 16% lycra. Your low hip measurement determines the fit. The high waist means your natural waist measurement also matters, so check both before ordering.

Accurate measurements turn pole wear sizing from a guessing game into a five-minute task. Take your numbers once, write them down, and keep them handy for every order. When you know your bust, waist, hip, and torso length, you can choose pieces that stay in place and let you focus on your practice.