Understanding Shoulder Width and Average Measurements
When we ask, "Are 17 inch shoulders broad?" we are often looking for a simple benchmark. However, the reality is more nuanced. Human body dimensions, including shoulder width, vary widely due to genetics, sex, age, and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric studies provide general population averages that offer a helpful starting point, but they are not the sole determinant of what constitutes "broad."
Historical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from the late 1980s showed the average biacromial breadth (shoulder width measured bone-to-bone) for men was 16.1 inches, and for women, 14.4 inches. More recent, though less comprehensive, anecdotal data from various sources suggests that these averages may have increased slightly, but the gender-based difference remains consistent.
How to Accurately Measure Your Shoulders
To get a precise measurement, it's important to use the correct technique. While some people measure across a shirt, a more accurate method involves measuring the biacromial diameter, or the distance between the two outermost bony points of the shoulders, known as the acromion processes.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides and your shoulders in a natural position. Avoid shrugging or pulling them back unnaturally.
- Have a helper use a flexible tape measure to find the outermost points of your shoulders.
- Measure the straight-line distance across your back from one acromion process to the other.
- Keep the tape straight and level with the ground to ensure an accurate reading. Some people find it helpful to stand against a wall for reference.
This method provides a more consistent measurement than simply measuring across a shirt, which can be influenced by padding and fabric stretch.
The Relativity of a 17-Inch Measurement
Whether 17 inches is considered broad depends on who you are. Here's a breakdown by biological sex:
- For Men: With the average male shoulder width often cited around 16 inches, a 17-inch measurement is slightly above average. Many men fall within the 16-18 inch range, so 17 inches would not be considered unusually broad. However, for a man with a smaller overall frame or shorter height, 17 inches might be perceived as quite broad, especially if combined with a narrow waist.
- For Women: The average female shoulder width is typically around 14 inches. A 17-inch measurement for a woman is significantly above average. It would generally be perceived as broad, though this perception is again influenced by other factors like height and the ratio of shoulder to waist width.
Body Proportions, Posture, and Perception
The perception of broadness is not just about the absolute number. It's about how that measurement fits into the bigger picture of your physique. Key contributing factors include:
- Height: A 17-inch measurement on a 5'5" person will look much broader than on a 6'5" person, where it would be considered proportional or even narrow.
- Shoulder-to-Waist Ratio: A significant difference between a narrow waist and wider shoulders creates the classic "V-taper" aesthetic, which emphasizes broadness. Conversely, a less pronounced difference makes the shoulders appear more balanced with the rest of the body.
- Body Composition: Muscle mass, particularly in the deltoid and trapezius muscles, can significantly increase a person's shoulder width beyond their bone structure. A muscular person with a 17-inch shoulder width might look much broader than a sedentary person with the same measurement due to muscle definition. For more information on developing shoulder muscles, you can explore detailed guides on fitness and bodybuilding sites, such as the one found on Legion Athletics.
- Posture: Rounded shoulders, a common issue stemming from poor posture, can make a person's shoulders appear narrower than they are. Strengthening the upper back muscles and correcting posture can improve the perceived width of the shoulders and overall appearance.
Comparison: 17-Inch Shoulders by Gender
To better illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table based on average measurements and typical perception.
| Characteristic | For Men (Average ~16") | For Women (Average ~14") |
|---|---|---|
| Relative to Average | Slightly above average. | Significantly above average. |
| Perception | Within a normal range; potentially broad for a shorter height. | Generally perceived as broad. |
| Associated with | Solid, athletic frame, or muscularity. | Athletic build, strong physique. |
| Proportionality | Fits proportionally on most men, especially with a moderate-to-large build. | May stand out, particularly on a smaller frame. |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict is Yours
Ultimately, the question of whether 17-inch shoulders are broad has no single answer. It depends on several factors, including your sex, height, body composition, and posture. The average statistics provide a useful reference point, but they don't define an individual's appearance. Instead of fixating on a number, focus on your overall health and well-being. Good posture, a healthy diet, and regular exercise to strengthen your shoulder girdle are far more beneficial than stressing over a single measurement. Your unique proportions are what make your body yours, and confidence comes from a healthy lifestyle, not from comparing yourself to population averages.
