High hips represent a natural variation in human anatomy, defined by the vertical placement of the pelvic bone structure. This characteristic is determined entirely by an individual’s skeletal frame and genetic blueprint, establishing the position of the hips regardless of body weight, fitness level, or muscle composition. Understanding high hips requires looking beyond surface appearance to the underlying bone structure that dictates where the torso ends and the legs begin.
Defining High Hips and Their Visual Characteristics
The term “high hips” describes a physique where the uppermost edges of the hip bones are positioned relatively close to the bottom of the rib cage. Visually, this creates the appearance of a short midsection or a short torso because the distance between the natural waistline and the top of the pelvis is compressed. The proximity of the hip bone to the waist often makes the hips appear to begin higher on the body than average.
A person with high hips will frequently notice that their pants naturally tend to ride up to sit at the smallest part of their waist, rather than resting lower on the hip structure. This close-set positioning can also give the impression of having longer legs in proportion to the torso.
When viewed from the front, the hip line may appear to jut out almost directly beneath the waist, sometimes creating a shelf-like visual contour. This aesthetic is a direct result of the skeletal arrangement, particularly how the top of the hip bone flares out near the waistline. The visual impact often influences how clothes fit, especially high-waisted garments which align perfectly with this naturally elevated hip placement.
The Skeletal Structure Determining Hip Height
The determination of hip height rests primarily on the vertical positioning of the pelvis, specifically the largest part of the hip bone known as the ilium. The superior, curved border of the ilium is called the iliac crest, which is the prominent bony structure one can easily feel when placing a hand on the side of the waist. High hips mean this iliac crest sits higher on the torso, reducing the space between it and the lower ribs.
The fixed placement of the iliac crest relative to the spine and the rib cage is established during skeletal development and is inherited through genetics. The point where the thigh bone, or femur, connects to the pelvis is also a factor, as a higher insertion point contributes to the overall elevated appearance of the hip line. The positioning of the pelvis serves as an anchor for numerous abdominal and core muscles, including the obliques and the quadratus lumborum, all of which attach directly to the iliac crest.
High Hips vs. Hip Dips: Clarifying Common Confusion
A frequent point of confusion is mistaking high hips for “hip dips,” which are also known as violin hips. The two terms refer to entirely different anatomical features: high hips relate to the vertical height of the hip bone, while hip dips relate to the lateral contour of the soft tissue surrounding the hip.
Hip dips are the inward indentations visible on the side of the body, located between the top of the pelvic bone and the greater trochanter, which is the bony protrusion on the upper part of the femur. This depression is caused by the depth of the gap between these two bony points and the way muscle and fat tissue are distributed across that area.
A person can have high hips and hip dips simultaneously, or have one without the other, as they are independent features. Hip dips are about the curvature and indentation on the side contour, which is influenced by the shape of the pelvis and how far the femur’s attachment point lies below the iliac crest.