How to measure yourself for a body harness
A body harness fits by three measurements. Here is where the tape goes, what the chart means, and how much the straps adjust before you order.
Table of Contents
To measure yourself for a body harness you need three numbers: bust, natural waist and hips. Take them with a soft tape held level, over a thin unpadded bra, then compare them with the size chart below. If your numbers land in two different sizes, pick the larger one for a relaxed fit or the smaller one if you want the straps to sit close to the body.
This page covers only the measuring part. Outfit ideas live in how to wear a body harness, and the chart itself is also on the size guide.
What you need before you start
- A soft measuring tape.
- A thin, unpadded bra. Padding adds a few centimetres at the bust and pushes you up a size you do not need.
- A mirror, so you can see the tape stays level at the back. A tape that dips reads short.
The three measuring points
- Measure the bust around the fullest part of your chest, tape level front and back.
- Find your natural waist, the narrowest point of your torso, and wrap the tape there. Do not pull it tight and do not suck in.
- Measure the hips around the widest part of your hips and glutes, usually 18 to 22 cm below the waist.
- Write the three numbers down in centimetres. The chart lists inches too, but strap ranges on product pages are in centimetres.
An elastic strap set is the easiest place to see why the centimetre number matters; the set below lists its own strap range on the product page.
Black Strappy Cage Harness Lingerie Set with Halter Neck
$30.66
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Body harness size chart
Each size covers a range of roughly 10 cm because almost every strap adjusts; the label tells you which strap length you start from, not a single body size.
| Size | Bust (cm / in) | Waist (cm / in) | Hips (cm / in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS/S | 73-84 / 29-33 | 55-66 / 22-26 | 80-90 / 31-35 |
| S/M | 84-97 / 33-38 | 66-76 / 26-30 | 90-100 / 35-39 |
| L/XL | 97-107 / 38-42 | 76-86 / 30-34 | 100-111 / 39-44 |
| 2XL/3XL | 107-115 / 42-45 | 86-99 / 34-39 | 111-121 / 44-48 |
| 4XL/5XL | 115-129 / 45-51 | 99-110 / 39-43 | 121-131 / 48-52 |
| 6XL/7XL | 129-141 / 51-56 | 110-121 / 43-48 | 131-141 / 52-56 |
The same chart is on the size guide.
What the adjustable straps cover
Two constructions behave differently once they are on.
Elastic strap sets
Slider adjusters sit on every strap. On the elastic cage set linked above the underbust band adjusts from 65 to 110 cm and the waist strap from 60 to 105 cm, which is why one piece is listed as fitting dress sizes XS to 2XL. The cups on that style are soft and unlined, so it does not give lift and is not meant for cup sizes above a D unless you wear a bra underneath.
Faux leather strap harnesses
These adjust at the buckles and sliders rather than by stretch. The band moves in steps rather than continuously, so measure accurately and read the fit guide on the product page, which states the exact range for that piece. The halter-neck model below is a typical example.
Adjustable Halter Neck Faux Leather Body Harness
$22.26
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When your numbers fall in different sizes
This is common. Decide by the strap that will carry the piece. A chest or cage harness is held by the underbust band, so size by bust and underbust and let the waist strap adjust. A waist harness or belt is held at the waist, so size by waist. A full body harness with leg straps is held by the hips; size by hips and check that the waist range on the product page still includes your number.
Chain details hang from fixed points: the straps around them adjust, the drape sits closer to the body on a smaller frame and lower on a larger one. The chest harness below shows the pattern.
Red Faux Leather Chest Harness with Adjustable Body Chains
$30.66
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Common mistakes
- Measuring over a padded bra, which inflates the bust number.
- Reading only the size label and skipping the strap range on the product page.
- Expecting lift from a soft-cup style; they do not provide it.
- Ordering before measuring. For hygiene reasons this product group is exempt from the right of withdrawal, so exchanges for a wrong size are not accepted; a wrong, missing or faulty delivery is handled immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear a bra when I measure my bust?
Yes, a thin unpadded one. Padding inflates the bust number and can move you up a size.
How much do elastic harness straps adjust?
It depends on the piece. On the elastic cage set above the underbust band covers 65 to 110 cm and the waist strap 60 to 105 cm. Each product page states its own range.
Do chain drapes adjust with the size?
No. The straps around them adjust; the chain length is fixed, so it sits closer on a smaller body and lower on a larger one.
Can I exchange a harness if I measured wrong?
Not for hygiene reasons; this product group is exempt from the right of withdrawal. Only a wrong, missing or faulty delivery is exchanged or refunded.
Once you have your three numbers, the size guide gives the chart in one place and the body harness category lists the strap range on every product page.
