Hi Leg Knicker Fit Guide: How to Choose the Right Size
By Evgenia Lingerie | Fine handmade silk and French lace | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to choose the right size in hi leg knickers with our practical fit guide, covering measurements, fabric stretch, and style trade-offs.
Quick answer
To choose the right size in hi leg knickers, measure your waist and hips and compare them to the brand's size chart, but also consider the fabric's stretch and the rise you prefer—our decision rules below will help you decide.
Why fit matters more in hi leg knickers
Hi leg knickers have a distinctive high-cut leg that can make or break the fit. If the leg opening is too tight, it can dig in; if too loose, it may ride up. The rise also affects how the knicker sits on your hips.
Fabric plays a big role: a bias-cut silk blend velvet seat, like in our Forêt Hi Leg Knicker, drapes differently than a stretchy lace. Bias cut offers a fluid fit that follows your curves, but it has less give than a high-stretch fabric, so accurate sizing is more critical.
How to measure for hi leg knickers
Use a soft tape measure. Wrap it around the narrowest part of your waist and the fullest part of your hips, keeping it snug but not tight. Write down both numbers in inches and centimeters.
Compare your measurements to the brand's size chart. If you're between sizes, consider the fabric: for styles with less stretch, size up; for stretchy lace, you might stay true to size.
Decision rules for sizing hi leg knickers
- If your waist and hip measurements fall within the same size range: Choose that size. It should sit comfortably without digging in or slipping down. Double-check the rise: if you prefer a lower rise, you might size down, but only if the fabric has stretch.
- If you're between sizes: Consider the fabric. For bias-cut or non-stretch fabrics, size up for comfort. For stretchy lace, you can often stay true to size. Read the product description to see if the fabric has stretch.
- If you have a longer torso or prefer a higher rise: Opt for a size that accommodates your waist measurement, even if your hips would fit a smaller size. A too-short rise can cause the knicker to roll down. Look for styles with adjustable or stretchy waistbands if you're between rises.
Product fit notes
- Forêt Hi Leg Knicker: The Forêt Hi Leg Knicker features a bias cut silk blend velvet seat and heart dotted lace front panel, with ruching at center back for a form-fitting silhouette. The bias-cut velvet has limited stretch, so accurate hip and waist measurements are essential—if you're between sizes, size up for comfort.
Forêt Hi Leg Knicker
Who should choose which
Best for
- Those who prefer a high-cut leg that elongates the leg line and adds a vintage-inspired look
- Those who want a form-fitting silhouette with a comfortable bias-cut velvet seat
Not for
- Those who prefer full coverage on the hips or dislike high-cut styles
