Adult Incontinence Pull Up Sizing Guide: Get It Right First Time
Getting the size right is arguably the single most important factor in whether an adult incontinence pull up actually works well for you, and in many cases more important than brand or absorbency level. This guide walks through exactly how to measure and choose your correct size, so your first order is your right order.
Why Sizing Matters So Much for Pull Up Pants
Unlike traditional tab-style diapers, which can be adjusted somewhat at the point of fastening, pull up pants have a fixed shape and waistband once manufactured. This means an inaccurate size can't be corrected the way a diaper's tabs might allow, making accurate measurement upfront genuinely essential to both comfort and leak protection.
How to Measure Yourself Correctly
Step 1: Use a Soft Tape Measure
A flexible, soft tape measure (like one used for sewing) gives a more accurate reading than a rigid ruler or estimating based on clothing size.
Step 2: Find Your Natural Waistline
Your natural waistline sits at the narrowest point of your torso, typically just above your belly button, not at your hip bone or at the waistband of your regular trousers, which can sit at a different height.
Step 3: Measure Standing Relaxed
Stand naturally, without pulling in your stomach or standing unusually straight. Wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline, keeping it level and snug but not tight.
Step 4: Record the Measurement in Centimetres
Most Australian sizing charts, including Bestiee's, use centimetre measurements. Record your waist measurement precisely rather than rounding significantly.
Comparing Your Measurement to a Sizing Chart
Once you have an accurate waist measurement, compare it against the specific brand's sizing chart, since sizing can vary meaningfully between brands even for the same labelled size (small, medium, large, and so on). Bestiee's sizing chart, available at bestiee.com, spans from smaller through to extra-extra-large, with clear waist measurement ranges for each size.
What to Do If You're Between Sizes
If your measurement falls between two sizes on the chart, consider:
Your body shape. If you carry more weight around the hips than the waist, or vice versa, this can affect which size fits better in practice.
Your fit preference. A slightly snugger fit generally offers better leak protection and discretion, while a slightly looser fit may feel more comfortable for some people, within reason.
Absorbency level. Higher-absorbency products sometimes have a bulkier core, which can affect how a given size feels compared to a lighter product in the same labelled size.
If you're still unsure, reaching out to customer support for guidance based on your specific measurements is a reasonable next step.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Guessing based on regular clothing size. Incontinence product sizing is based on waist measurement, not standard clothing sizes, and the two don't always align.
Measuring over bulky clothing. Measure against skin or light clothing for the most accurate result.
Not re-measuring after body changes. Weight changes, pregnancy, or recovery from surgery can shift your correct size, so it's worth re-measuring periodically.
Assuming one size fits all situations. If you use different absorbency levels for day and night, double-check that your size remains consistent across both, since bulkier overnight cores can occasionally affect fit.
Signs You Have the Wrong Size
If a pull up pant is too big, you may notice gaping around the legs or waist, increased risk of leaks, and a less discreet fit under clothing.
If it's too small, you may notice discomfort, red marks on the skin, reduced breathability, and difficulty pulling the product on comfortably.
Either of these signs is worth addressing by re-measuring and adjusting your size on your next order.
Measuring for a Family Member or Client
If you're measuring someone else, such as a parent, client, or person you support, for the first time, try to make the process as comfortable and dignified as possible. Explain what you're doing and why, use a private space, and consider letting them hold the tape measure themselves if they're able, to maintain a sense of control over the process. For support coordinators managing multiple clients, keeping a simple, consistent record of each person's measurements makes future reordering considerably more efficient.
Why Sizing Charts Differ Between Brands
It might seem like a waist measurement should translate directly to the same size across every brand, but in practice, manufacturing differences in fabric stretch, waistband design, and overall garment construction mean sizing charts genuinely do vary. This is exactly why we recommend always checking the specific chart for the brand you're purchasing, including Bestiee's own chart at bestiee.com, rather than assuming your size from one brand will automatically match another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to measure myself every time I reorder?
Not necessarily, but it's worth re-measuring periodically (every six to twelve months, or after any significant body change) to confirm your size remains accurate.
What if I'm ordering for someone else who can't easily be measured?
Where possible, involve them in the measuring process. If that's not feasible, estimating based on their regular clothing size as a starting point, then adjusting after the first order based on fit feedback, can work as a fallback approach.
Does Bestiee's sizing run true to standard Australian sizing?
Bestiee's sizing chart is based on waist measurement in centimetres. Always check the specific chart at bestiee.com rather than assuming direct alignment with standard clothing sizes.
Can I return or exchange a pull up pant pack if the size is wrong?
Check bestiee.com's returns and exchange policy for guidance on sizing-related issues with a recent order.
Key Takeaways
Accurate waist measurement, taken with a soft tape measure at your natural waistline, is the foundation of correct sizing.
Sizing charts vary between brands, so always check the specific chart rather than assuming standard clothing sizes apply.
Being between sizes calls for considering body shape, fit preference, and absorbency level before deciding.
Re-measuring periodically helps ensure your size stays accurate as your body changes over time.
Taking the time to measure properly before your first order is a small step that makes a significant difference to comfort, discretion, and confidence in your chosen product.