Hip dips are inward curves or indentations along the sides of the hips, just below the hip bone. They are a completely normal anatomical variation, influenced by genetics, bone shape, and the distribution of fat and muscle. While hip dips are a natural feature, they can complicate the process of taking an accurate hip circumference measurement, which is generally meant to capture the largest horizontal distance around the lower body. This article provides precise instructions for measuring your hips correctly, even with these contours, ensuring the result is reliable for clothing and tracking purposes.
Understanding the Purpose of Hip Measurement
Measuring the hip circumference serves several important functions. In the context of clothing, this measurement is used to determine the fit of garments, particularly those that are tailored or fitted around the lower body. Knowing your exact hip number is the most reliable way to select the correct size from a manufacturer’s size chart.
The measurement is also a valuable tool for tracking changes in body composition related to fitness or diet programs. For health assessment, hip measurements are often combined with waist measurements to calculate the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). This ratio is an indicator of fat distribution, which can help assess potential health risks. The goal of a hip measurement is to capture the single widest horizontal circumference of the lower body, which typically includes the fullest part of the buttocks and the upper thighs. This measurement is not taken directly at the hip bone, but rather around the widest contour created by the glutes and surrounding tissue.
The Specific Technique for Measuring Hips with Dips
Stand upright with your feet together or slightly apart, maintaining your normal, relaxed posture. This position ensures that the circumference of the lower body is maximized for the most accurate reading. Locate the true widest point of your lower body, which is usually the apex of the gluteal curve or the fullest part of the upper thigh.
The challenge presented by hip dips is that the indentation can cause the tape measure to naturally fall into the curve, yielding a smaller, incorrect measurement. To prevent this, you must consciously guide the flexible measuring tape to travel horizontally across the skin, bridging the indentation rather than dipping into it. The tape should be wrapped around the body, ensuring it passes over the center of the fullest part of the buttocks and remains parallel to the floor all the way around.
Using a full-length mirror is highly recommended, as it allows you to visually confirm that the tape is not twisting or sloping down. If self-measuring proves difficult, asking a helper to check the tape’s alignment is the best way to maintain a level line across the full circumference. The final measurement is taken where the tape measure end meets the main length.
Ensuring Measurement Accuracy
Reliable hip circumference measurements require the use of the correct tools and consistent technique. Always use a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape, such as one made of cloth or vinyl, as rigid rulers will not conform accurately to the body’s curves. Measurements should be taken against bare skin or over very thin, close-fitting undergarments.
During the measurement process, the tape must be held snugly against the body without compressing the soft tissue. The tension should be comfortable, ensuring the tape stays in place but does not leave an impression on the skin. Ensure you are standing naturally, avoiding the tendency to hold your breath, tilt your pelvis, or suck in your stomach, as these actions temporarily alter your circumference.
For tracking purposes, establishing consistency is paramount; measurements should be taken at the same time of day and under the same physical conditions each time. Since body size can fluctuate throughout the day, morning measurements are often the most stable baseline. Taking the measurement twice and comparing the results helps confirm that the reading is both accurate and repeatable.