Size and Fit

1. Measure according to body type

Waist smaller than hips?

Measure at waistline.

Waist larger than hips?

Measure from the small of your back, sloping downward to a point 3"- 4" below your navel.

2. Choose your size.

Size

Fit

Men's Pant Size

23"- 27"

24, 26

27"- 31"

28, 30

MED

31"- 35"

32, 34

35"- 40"

36, 38, 40

39"- 44"

40, 42, 44

43"- 48"

44, 46, 48

3X (ZZ)

48"- 52"

48, 50, 52

Short-waisted?

Choose a Short Torso (ST) model if you have less than 1" of space between your ribs and hips. This is often the case with certain body types, including:

Petite women and shorter men under 5'3".
Women and men up to 5'7" with short-torso/long-legs body proportion.
Curvy women of any height with hip development greater than 8". Hip development is the difference in circumference between a smaller waist and larger hips.

In-between sizes?

If you are in-between sizes, either size will fit. However, most folks size down to avoid having to contend with greater fabric overlap in the front and a longer secondary strap. If your weight fluctuates up and down, it's better to size up.

Wear over or under clothing.

If worn under clothing, the lumbar pad adds about 1.5 inches to your waist measurement, so if your regular pants are “just the right size,” the pants may not close while wearing Back-A-Line underneath.

3. Position the belt.

There are 2 ways to wear the belt, depending on body type.

Waist smaller than hips?

Position the belt with the flaps angled upward and the lumbar pad centered over your lower back.
Wrap the belt around your abdomen. The top of the belt should be below your ribs.
Pull the flaps tight and fasten.
If your belt has a secondary strap, thread it through the loop and fold it back on itself to fasten.

Waist larger than hips?

Position the belt with the flaps angled downward and the lumbar pad centered over your lower back.
Wrap the belt under your abdomen, 3”-4” below your navel.
Lift your belly, fasten the flaps tightly, then lower your belly into the belt. The belt will lift and support your belly weight.
If your belt has a secondary strap, thread it through the loop and fold it back on itself to fasten.

4. Fasten the belt.

Fasten the belt snugly. You should feel firm pressure from the lumbar pad against your spine. If you suffer from some belly fat, lift your belly when you fasten the belt so that the belt can lift and support your belly weight.

Back-A-Line fits most, but not all.

Back-A-Line belts were originally designed for male anatomy and reliably fit most men. The belt can also be used by women with a straight or stocky build. Back-A-Line belts do not fit curvy or "pear-shape" women. (We're working on a solution!)

Back-A-Line belts are made to fit average body types and also those with bellies larger than the hips.

Back-A-Line belts are not yet available for curvy or pear-shaped bodies or for those with a rib cage smaller than the waist.

Those with spinal anomalies may not be able to use the belt. The Back-A-Line anatomic lumbar pad trains your back to assume a neutral lumbar lordosis. In order to be effective, your spine must be flexible enough to shape itself to the lumbar pad. If your spinal is inflexible or has a structural deformity, the Back-A-Line belt may be uncomfortable and ineffective. There is no harm in trying. It cannot hurt you. The worst thing that can happen is that it may not help.

How long can I wear Back-A-Line?

Unlike elastic belts, which disable core muscles and cause atrophy (rather than a solution), Back-A-Line activates abdominal and spinal muscles which is a good thing for your body. It can be worn 24/7 if desired. We suggest you wear it all-day for the first few days to relieve pain and begin forming your new postural habits. Remember, it can take 3 weeks or longer to acquire sufficient muscle memory to establish new postural habits, so the more you wear the belt during this training period the better. If all-day is not feasible, wear it as much as you can. Your spine will tell you when you can reduce your time in the belt.

Remember: Back belts do not assure safe movements. They only promote them when used properly. Only you can guarantee back safety.

If you are not sure of the fit, remember that Back-A-Line offers a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. So go ahead and give it a try!