Hip circumference is measured around the widest horizontal point of the pelvis and buttocks. This measurement serves several practical purposes, most commonly for determining clothing sizes or for tailoring. Beyond fitting clothes, hip circumference is also a component in health assessment, used to calculate the distribution of body fat. Obtaining a precise measurement requires understanding the correct anatomical location and the proper technique.
Defining the Measurement and Necessary Tools
Hip circumference is defined as the maximum horizontal girth around the hips and gluteal area, typically covering the most prominent part of the buttocks. For an accurate reading, three items are required: a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape, a full-length mirror, and a notepad to record the result. The flexible tape is necessary to conform accurately to the body’s contours, ensuring the measurement is not distorted by a stiff ruler.
The mirror helps confirm the tape is positioned correctly and remains parallel to the floor during the measurement process. Measuring over bare skin or minimal, thin clothing is recommended to prevent bulky fabric from inflating the reading. Ensure the tape measure is in good condition, as damage can introduce errors into the final circumference value.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Hip Circumference
Begin by standing upright with your feet placed together, ensuring your weight is distributed evenly across both feet. Maintaining this posture is important because separating the feet can alter the tension and placement of the measuring tape, leading to an inaccurate result. Remove any bulky outer garments, like pants or belts, as these will add unnecessary inches to the true measurement.
Next, you will wrap the flexible measuring tape around your body, specifically targeting the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Use the full-length mirror to check that the tape is level all the way around your body, running parallel to the floor at all points. The tape should be snug against the skin but not so tight that it compresses the flesh or creates an indentation.
Once the tape is correctly positioned, you should take the measurement after a normal exhalation, holding your breath momentarily to keep your abdomen relaxed. Read the measurement where the end of the tape overlaps with the beginning, noting the figure to the nearest quarter-inch or half-centimeter. Repeating the measurement one or two times and using the average of the closest values helps ensure the final result is reliable and consistent.
Understanding and Calculating the Waist-to-Hip Ratio
The hip circumference figure is frequently combined with the waist circumference measurement to calculate the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), a simple yet powerful health metric. The WHR is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference (WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference). This ratio provides information about body fat distribution, which is an important indicator of potential health risks.
Carrying fat predominantly around the abdomen, resulting in a higher WHR, is associated with a greater risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an increased health risk as a WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women. A ratio below these thresholds suggests a lower risk profile related to fat distribution, often referred to as a “pear-shaped” body type.