How to Measure for a Faja Colombiana (Complete Size Guide)

Buying a faja online makes a lot of women nervous — and rightly so. Fajas use high compression, which means a wrong size either hurts or doesn't deliver the snatched effect you paid for. The good news: getting the right size is straightforward if you measure once, carefully.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to take your three key measurements and translate them into a confident size choice.

What You'll Need

• A soft cloth measuring tape (the flexible kind tailors use — not a metal construction tape)
• A mirror, ideally full-length
• Your normal underwear — no bulky clothing
• 2 minutes

Don't have a cloth measuring tape? You can use a piece of string, then lay it flat against a ruler. Works perfectly fine.

The 3 Measurements You Need

1. Bust (across the fullest point)

Wrap the measuring tape around your back and bring it across the fullest part of your bust — usually right at the nipple line. The tape should be parallel to the floor (not slanting down toward your back).

Don't suck in. Don't pull the tape tight. You want the tape snug but able to slip a finger underneath. Wear the bra you'd normally wear with the faja, or no bra at all if you'll be using the built-in bra cups.

2. Waist (the narrowest point)

This is the most important measurement for a faja. Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso — typically about an inch above your belly button, where your body bends side to side.

Find it by leaning sideways: the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape there, parallel to the floor. Exhale normally — don't suck in, don't push out. The tape should be snug, not tight.

3. Hips (the widest point)

Stand with your feet together. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and rear — usually about 7–8 inches below your waist. Again, parallel to the floor and snug.

If you have a curvier rear, the widest point may be lower than you expect. The mirror helps here — make sure the tape isn't slanting upward in back.

The CurveeForYou Size Chart

Match all three of your measurements to the chart below. If you fall between sizes on any one measurement, scroll past the chart for guidance on which way to size.

• S — US 2–4 — Bust 32–34" · Waist 24–26" · Hips 34–36"
• M — US 6–8 — Bust 35–37" · Waist 27–29" · Hips 37–39"
• L — US 10–12 — Bust 38–40" · Waist 30–32" · Hips 40–42"
• XL — US 14–16 — Bust 41–43" · Waist 33–35" · Hips 43–45"
• 2XL — US 18–20 — Bust 44–46" · Waist 36–38" · Hips 46–48"
• 3XL — US 22–24 — Bust 47–49" · Waist 39–41" · Hips 49–51"

You can also see the full chart on our Size Guide page.

When to Size Up vs. Size Down

Size UP if:

• You're between sizes and prioritize all-day comfort
• It's your first faja — high compression takes getting used to
• You plan to wear it during pregnancy postpartum or while losing weight
• Your waist measurement is in one size but your hips are a size larger — size to the hips

Size DOWN if:

• You want maximum compression and have worn fajas before
• You're at the very bottom of the size range on all 3 measurements
• You're using the faja for a special occasion under a tight dress

Remember: a faja uses 3-row hook-and-eye closures, so you can start on the loosest hooks and tighten over time as you lose inches or as the fabric stretches. This adjustability is part of why sizing slightly up is usually safer than sizing down.

How a Properly-Sized Faja Should Feel

• Snug, but you can still breathe normally. If you can't take a full breath, it's too tight.
• Visible waist cinching in the mirror — 1 to 3 inches of immediate snatching.
• No bulging above the bust line or below the bottom of the garment. Mild "muffin top" above means the size is slightly too small.
• Tingling, numbness, or shortness of breath means it's too tight — size up.
• Sliding down or rolling at the waist means it's too big — size down.

Plus-Size Sizing Tips

Curvier bodies often see a discrepancy between waist and hip measurements. If your waist is in size XL but your hips are 2XL, always size to the larger measurement. The hook-and-eye closure lets you take in the waist if needed, but you can't add room to hips that won't fit.

What If I'm Between Sizes?

Our 30-day money-back guarantee covers sizing exchanges. If you take your measurements, order what the chart suggests, and the fit isn't right — email info@curveeforyou.com and we'll help you exchange it. No restocking fees, no questions.

Ready to Find Your Size?

With your three measurements in hand, head to the Full Body Faja Colombiana page, pick your size with confidence, and check out at $41.99 with free US shipping. You'll feel the difference within seconds.