What is the average female hip width?

According to research, the female pelvis can naturally widen by about an inch with age, influencing hip measurements over time. So, what is the average female hip width today, and what factors contribute to your unique body shape beyond simply genetics?

Quick Summary

The average female hip measurement is influenced by both bone structure and body fat, with figures typically referencing hip circumference. Studies suggest averages for adults can fall in the 35 to 41-inch range for circumference, but this varies widely by age, ethnicity, and overall body composition. The pelvic bones themselves also grow wider with age, a contributing factor often overlooked.

Key Points

• Average Varies: The average female hip width, or circumference, is not a single number but varies widely based on age, ethnicity, and fat distribution, often falling in the 35 to 41-inch range.

• Circumference vs. Bone Width: Hip 'width' can refer to either the circumference around the fullest part of the hips or the bone-to-bone (bi-iliac) measurement of the pelvis.

• Bone Widens with Age: Studies have shown that the female pelvic bone structure itself widens by about an inch over time, contributing to an increase in hip measurements as a woman ages.

• Waist-to-Hip Ratio is Key: For health assessments, the waist-to-hip ratio is more significant than hip width alone, with a higher ratio indicating greater health risks.

• Genetics & Fat Matter: Body shape and fat distribution are largely determined by genetics, influencing where fat is stored and how wide the hips appear.

• Measure Correctly: Accurate hip measurements should be taken at the fullest point of the hips and buttocks using a flexible tape, with the tape parallel to the floor.

Defining 'Hip Width': Circumference vs. Bone Structure

When people ask, "What is the average female hip width?" they are often referring to the circumference of the hips at their widest point, including the buttocks and fatty tissue. However, hip width can also refer specifically to the bi-iliac width, which is the bone-to-bone measurement of the pelvis. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both sizing clothes and interpreting health-related body measurements. Hip circumference is the measurement most commonly used for clothing sizes and health metrics like the waist-to-hip ratio, while bi-iliac width refers to the skeletal structure itself. The average measurements differ significantly between these two metrics.

The Average Female Hip Circumference

Statistics on average hip circumference vary depending on the population studied, age group, and methodology used. For instance, data from older studies on white women aged 36 to 45 showed an average hip measurement around 43 inches. A different study involving a sample of adult women reported an average hip girth of around 89.1 cm (approximately 35 inches) for women in their twenties, which slightly increased with age. International standards also show considerable variation. ISO standards indicate a range of 87 cm to 120 cm (about 34 to 47 inches) covers average Asian and Occidental female hip girths. These figures highlight that a single universal average is difficult to pinpoint and can be misleading.

The Average Female Bi-iliac (Pelvic) Width

Beyond external circumference, the average female pelvic width also has been studied. According to a 2018 study cited by ScienceDirect, the mean pelvic width (bi-iliac breadth) for females was around 133.24 mm (about 5.25 inches), though another source indicated a transverse diameter for the pelvic inlet of approximately 135 mm (about 5.3 inches). This internal measurement is a key component of overall hip width but represents the foundational skeletal structure rather than the total girth.

Factors That Influence Female Hip Measurements

Many elements contribute to a woman's hip size and shape, making the concept of a single "average" less important than understanding individual variations. These factors include:

• Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining your overall body shape, including where your body stores fat. This is why some women are naturally more "pear-shaped" while others are more "apple-shaped." Genes also influence the size of your pelvic bones.
• Body Fat Distribution: The amount of subcutaneous fat stored around the hips and buttocks is a major contributor to hip circumference. This distribution is largely determined by hormones and genetics. Pear-shaped body types, for example, tend to store more fat in the hips and thighs.
• Age: Research has shown that the female pelvic bone structure actually widens with age, even after skeletal maturity. A study found that the pelvic width of women in their 70s was about an inch larger than those in their 20s, potentially leading to a larger waist and hip circumference over time.
• Ethnicity: Anthropometric data shows differences in average body measurements, including hip size, across different ethnic groups. For example, studies have noted differing hip girth ranges among Korean, Japanese, French, and American women.

How to Measure Your Hips Correctly

Getting an accurate hip measurement is essential for proper garment fitting and health assessments. Follow these steps for the most precise result:

1. Wear Minimal Clothing: For the most accurate measurement, wear thin underwear or fitted clothing. Bulky layers can add inches and skew the result.
2. Stand Straight: Stand with your feet together, toes pointing forward. This helps ensure the measurement is taken at the correct point.
3. Locate the Widest Point: Wrap a flexible, soft measuring tape around your hips and the fullest part of your buttocks. You may need to move the tape up and down slightly to find the widest point.
4. Ensure it's Level: Look in a mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor all the way around and not twisted.
5. Measure Snugly: The tape should be snug against your body but not so tight that it compresses the skin. You should be able to fit one finger underneath the tape.
6. Take the Reading: Read the measurement where the end of the tape meets the rest of the tape.

The Importance of Waist-to-Hip Ratio

While knowing the average female hip width is interesting, a more significant health indicator is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). A higher WHR, where the waist is proportionately larger than the hips, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Studies have shown that considering both waist and hip circumference together can better identify individuals at increased risk of death compared to using waist circumference alone. Larger hips, especially in individuals with smaller waists, have been shown to be protective. You can learn more about waist-to-hip ratio and its health implications by visiting the National Institutes of Health.

Comparison of Hip Girth and Bi-iliac Width

To clarify the different measurements, here is a comparison table:

Feature	Hip Girth (Circumference)	Bi-iliac Width (Bone-to-Bone)
Definition	Measurement around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks.	Measurement of the maximum distance between the outer edges of the iliac crests (hip bones).
Purpose	Used for clothing sizing, health assessments (like WHR), and tracking body composition changes.	An anatomical measurement used in anthropometry and research to assess skeletal structure.
Measurement Tool	Flexible measuring tape.	Sliding caliper (a specialized tool for measuring bone width).
Influencing Factors	Body fat distribution, genetics, age, and muscle mass.	Genetics, age, and sex. It is a measurement of bone, not tissue.
Average Female (Example)	Approx. 35-41 inches (varies widely).	Approx. 5.25 inches (133 mm) based on skeletal studies.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single "perfect" or average female hip width, and focusing on a single number can be unhelpful. Body shapes are diverse and influenced by a combination of genetics, age, and lifestyle. What's most important is understanding your own body and using measurements in a way that promotes health, such as monitoring your waist-to-hip ratio. While the female pelvis naturally widens with age, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise is key to preventing an unhealthy increase in body fat and managing your long-term health risks. Embrace your unique shape and prioritize wellness over conforming to an arbitrary number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average hip circumference for a woman?

The average hip circumference for a woman can vary significantly based on age, ethnicity, and overall body composition. Research has shown average figures in the 35 to 41-inch range, but it's important to remember this is not a one-size-fits-all number.

What is the difference between hip circumference and bi-iliac width?

Hip circumference measures the fullest part of the hips and buttocks, including muscle and fat tissue. Bi-iliac width is the bone-to-bone measurement across the widest part of the pelvis and does not include surrounding soft tissue.

Do women's hips get wider with age?

Yes, studies have indicated that the female pelvis can continue to widen after skeletal maturity, with some research showing an increase of about an inch in pelvic width between age 20 and 79. This contributes to a natural increase in hip measurements over time.

How do genetics influence hip size?

Genetics largely determine your body shape and where your body stores fat. This can lead to variations in hip size and shape, such as the classic 'pear' shape where fat is predominantly stored around the hips and thighs.

Is a larger hip size healthier?

A larger hip size, especially relative to a smaller waist, is associated with a lower risk of certain health problems like heart disease. The waist-to-hip ratio is a more important health indicator than hip size alone. A higher proportion of fat stored around the hips (a lower WHR) is generally considered protective.

What is the best way to measure my hips accurately?

For an accurate hip circumference measurement, stand with your feet together and wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the tape is level and snug, but not tight. Using a mirror can help you keep the tape straight.

Why is the waist-to-hip ratio important for health?

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a key indicator of health because it reveals the distribution of fat on your body. A higher WHR is linked to increased health risks such as heart disease and diabetes, as it suggests more fat is stored around the abdomen (visceral fat), which is more dangerous than fat stored in the hips and thighs.