Drac, correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me that when you are talking about "hip" vs. "butt" you are saying that your "hip" measurement is smaller than your "butt" measurement would be ? If that is the case, that might be part of the issue. Measuring guides vary, but generally the "hip" measurement is done around whatever the largest part of your hips, butt etc. and some makers tell you to do that one with a finger under the tape.