How to Measure for Custom Running Shorts and Tights

By BOA | Running Shorts & Apparel | Made in the USA | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Get accurate measurements for custom running shorts and tights with this step-by-step guide. Learn key body landmarks and common mistakes so your team uniform fits right the first time.

Quick answer

To measure for custom running shorts and tights, you need a flexible tape, a mirror, and a friend. Focus on waist, hips, inseam, and thigh circumference while standing naturally. The biggest mistake is pulling the tape too tight or measuring over bulky clothes.

What you will need

Before you start, grab a soft measuring tape (the kind tailors use), a full-length mirror, and wear form-fitting shorts or tights. If possible, have a friend help—it is much easier to get accurate numbers when someone else reads the tape. Stand on a flat floor with your feet hip-width apart and relax your muscles. Do not suck in your stomach or flex your quads; that will throw off the numbers and lead to a poor fit in your custom team uniform.

Key body landmarks for shorts and tights

For running shorts, the most important measurements are waist (at the narrowest point, usually above the belly button), hips (the widest part about 7–9 inches below the waist), and inseam (from the crotch seam to where you want the hem to land). For half tights and compression tights, add thigh circumference (at the widest point just below the glutes) and calf circumference (at the widest point). These extra measurements ensure the fabric grips without cutting off circulation. Write down each number immediately—it is easy to forget a reading while moving to the next spot.

Step-by-step measurement guide for custom running shorts and tights

Measure your waist: Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, about 1 inch above your belly button. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not digging in. Breathe normally and record the number at the end of an exhale. Checkpoint: The tape should slide easily but not spin. If you can fit two fingers under it, it is too loose.
Measure your hips: Stand with feet together and wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. This is usually 7–9 inches below your waist. Make sure the tape stays level all the way around. Common mistake: Tilting the tape downward at the back adds inches and leads to baggy shorts.
Measure your inseam: With shoes off, measure from the crotch seam (where the legs meet) straight down the inside of your leg to where you want the hem. For shorts, 3–5 inches is typical; for tights, go all the way to the ankle bone. Checkpoint: Stand naturally—do not lift your leg or bend your knee. A crooked tape gives an uneven hem.
Measure thigh and calf circumference (for tights): Wrap the tape around the widest part of your thigh (just below the glutes) and the widest part of your calf. For compression tights, a snug fit is normal, but the tape should not leave a mark. If you are between sizes, go up for comfort. Common mistake: Measuring over loose shorts or jeans. Wear thin leggings or bare skin for accuracy.
Record and double-check every number: Write down waist, hips, inseam, thigh, and calf measurements in inches or centimeters (use the same unit the brand uses). Compare left and right legs—most people have a slight difference. Use the larger number for custom orders to ensure the garment fits both sides. Checkpoint: Have a friend re-measure one key spot. A 0.5-inch difference is normal; a 1-inch difference means you should redo that measurement.

Product facts from BOA

Men's Full Custom Uniforms Haze Custom Men's Premium Sleeveless Fitted Singlet. (x 5): Men's Full Custom Uniforms Haze Custom Men's Premium Sleeveless Fitted Singlet comes in colors like White, Royal Blue, and Bright Red with custom text and logos. If you are ordering matching custom shorts to pair with a singlet, use the same measurement method described here so your entire team uniform fits consistently.
Women's Full Custom Uniforms Haze Custom Women's Premium Interval Singlet. (x 4): Women's Full Custom Uniforms Haze Custom Women's Premium Interval Singlet is available in White, Teal, and Light Grey with custom logos and text. When measuring women's running tights or shorts, pay extra attention to hip and thigh measurements because women's fit tends to vary more across body shapes.