Waist is the narrow part of your body between your ribs and hips, where your torso naturally bends when you twist or lean to the side. If you put your hands on your hips and slide them up a few inches, you'll find your waist.

Clothing designers use the waist as a key measurement point. Pants, skirts, and belts all fit around your waist. When you tuck in your shirt, you're tucking it into the waistband of your pants. A dress with a high waist sits above the natural waistline, while low-waisted jeans sit below it.

The word is often confused with waste (trash or something wasted), but they're completely different. Remember: your waist is part of your body, while waste is something you throw away or don't use well.

In tailoring and sewing, the waist measurement matters for making clothes that fit properly. A tailor might measure around your waist to create custom clothing. The waist is also where many traditional belts and sashes are worn, from karate belts to the decorative sashes worn with formal kimono.