Your shoulder width is a combination of your skeletal frame, which is determined by genetics, and your muscle development. This guide will help you use several methods to gain a clearer understanding of your body's unique proportions.
The Acromion-to-Acromion Measurement
For a definitive, quantifiable answer, the most accurate method is to measure the distance between your acromion processes. These are the bony points at the very ends of your shoulders.
How to Measure Correctly
To get the most accurate result, it is best to have someone assist you with this process.
- Stand Naturally: Stand up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your arms relaxed at your sides. Avoid shrugging or hunching, as good posture makes your shoulders appear broader.
- Locate the Acromion Bones: Have your helper feel for the bony protrusion at the top of each shoulder, which is the acromion process. This is the widest point of your bony shoulder structure.
- Measure the Distance: Have your helper place the end of a flexible tape measure on one acromion bone and stretch it across your back to the other, keeping the tape straight and level. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Understanding the Numbers
While averages can offer a general reference, remember that individual body types vary significantly.
- Average US Measurements (approximate): Recent data suggests the average shoulder width for men is around 16 to 18 inches, while for women it is approximately 14 to 18 inches.
- Relative Comparison: Your perception of broad or narrow shoulders is often based on how your width compares to the population average, as well as to your own height and overall frame. Comparing your personal measurement to population averages can provide useful context.
Visual Comparison and Body Proportions
Aside from precise measurement, visual comparison can give you a quick, intuitive sense of your shoulder size relative to the rest of your body.
The Mirror Test
- Stand in a Mirror: Look at your full body reflection. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Compare to Hips: Visually compare the width of your shoulders to the width of your hips. If your shoulders appear significantly wider than your hips, you likely have a broader shoulder frame. If your shoulders appear narrower, you may have narrow shoulders. A balanced look is typically when they are close in width.
Analyzing Your Overall Body Shape
Body shape descriptions often rely on the relationship between your shoulders, waist, and hips.
- Inverted Triangle: Shoulders are noticeably wider than the hips.
- Pear: Hips are noticeably wider than the shoulders.
- Rectangle: Shoulders, waist, and hips are relatively close in width.
- Hourglass: Shoulders and hips are balanced, with a much narrower waist.
Factors Influencing Perceived Shoulder Width
Your shoulder width is influenced by more than just your bones. Muscle mass, fat, and even posture play a role.
Genetics and Bone Structure
Your inherent bone structure, particularly the length of your clavicles, is the primary determinant of your shoulder's skeletal width and is not something that can be altered. A longer clavicle bone naturally results in broader shoulders.
Muscle Mass and Posture
- Muscle Development: Building the deltoid muscles (the rounded muscles on your shoulder) can add significant width to your frame. This is a controllable factor. Bodybuilders, for instance, intentionally build these muscles to create a wider look.
- Posture: Your posture can dramatically affect how wide your shoulders appear. Slouching or hunching your shoulders forward makes them look narrower. Standing with good posture—shoulders back and chest open—can make them look broader and more aligned.
How to Measure for Clothing
Sometimes, the simplest way to determine your shoulder width for fashion purposes is by measuring a garment that already fits you well.
- Use a Well-Fitting Shirt: Take a shirt that fits perfectly across your shoulders and lay it flat on a surface.
- Measure Seam-to-Seam: Measure the distance between the shoulder seams, going across the back. This will give you an accurate shoulder measurement for that specific garment cut.
Shoulder Width Assessment: Broad vs. Narrow
| Assessment Method | Broad Shoulders | Narrow Shoulders |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement (Acromion-to-Acromion) | Measurement is above average for your sex and height. | Measurement is below average for your sex and height. |
| Visual Comparison to Hips | Shoulders appear significantly wider than your hips. | Shoulders appear significantly narrower than your hips. |
| Resulting Body Shape | Often results in an “inverted triangle” shape. | Often results in a “pear” shape. |
| Effect of Muscle Mass | Muscular development in the deltoids adds to perceived width. | Less visible muscle mass can make shoulders appear even smaller. |
| Effect of Posture | Good posture enhances natural width; poor posture can diminish it. | Poor posture emphasizes the narrowness. |
Conclusion
Determining whether you have broad or narrow shoulders isn’t about fitting into a category but about understanding your body's unique proportions. By combining the objective acromion-to-acromion measurement with a visual comparison of your shoulders to your hips, you can get a clear picture. Remember that genetics primarily dictate your skeletal width, while lifestyle factors like exercise and posture can influence your overall appearance. Whether your shoulders are broad or narrow, they are a fundamental part of your body's shape. Use this knowledge to make informed decisions about clothing and to appreciate your body for its unique frame.
For more information on understanding your measurements and body type, see this helpful guide on tailoring and fit: How to Measure Shoulder Width (Men).
