High Hip Size – Causes, Impact, and Measurement Guide

Published on 08/13/25

(Updated on 08/13/25)

High Hip Size – Causes, Impact, and Measurement Guide

When it comes to body proportions, hips play a big role in both appearance and mobility. But what does it mean when someone says they have a “high hip size”? For some, it’s just the way they’re built. For others, it might be related to lifestyle habits, posture, or even medical conditions. In India, where clothing styles range from fitted jeans to sarees, hip size can affect everything from comfort to confidence. And then, of course, there’s the chatter about whether wearing high heels can actually make your hips look bigger (spoiler: it’s complicated). Let’s dig deeper into what high hip size actually means, what causes it, and why you might want to measure yours more accurately.

Understanding High Hip Size

What is Considered a High Hip Size?

High hip size refers to the measurement around the upper part of the hips, just below the waistline and above the widest point of the buttocks. It’s different from the “low hip” measurement, which is taken at the fullest part of the hips and buttocks. In fashion and tailoring, both measurements matter, but in medical contexts, high hip size can also indicate structural features of the pelvis.

Difference Between Hip Size and High Hip Position

Some people confuse having a wide hip size with having high hips. In reality, “high hips” means the iliac crest (top of the pelvic bone) sits closer to the waist. This gives a more squared-off appearance to the waist-to-hip area. Two people could have the same high hip circumference but totally different hip positions, changing how clothes fit.

High Hip Size vs. Average Hip Size in Indian Men and Women

On average, Indian women have smaller waist-to-hip ratios compared to Western populations, but there’s still a wide range. Urban lifestyles and diet changes have led to more variation. Indian men generally don’t track high hip measurements unless it’s for fitness or tailoring, but for women, especially those wearing sarees or lehengas, it can be a noticeable factor in how the drape sits.

Causes of High Hip Size

Genetic Factors

For many, high hip size is simply inherited. Pelvic bone shape, muscle mass distribution, and fat storage patterns are strongly influenced by genetics. If your mother or grandmother had a similar body shape, chances are you might too.

Lifestyle and Diet

While genetics set the base, diet and lifestyle can change the amount of fat stored around the hips. High-calorie diets combined with low physical activity can increase hip size over time. However, spot reduction is a myth – you can’t target just your hips for fat loss.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones like estrogen play a huge role in fat distribution, especially in women. During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal shifts can change the size and shape of the hips. Some women notice their high hip measurement increasing even if their weight hasn’t changed much.

Impact of Bone Structure and Pelvic Shape

A wider pelvic bone or tilted pelvis can make the high hip measurement larger without any increase in fat or muscle. This is purely structural and not necessarily something that can be “changed” through exercise.

Medical Conditions Linked to Hip Enlargement

Osteoarthritis and Hip Joint Swelling

Osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and swelling in the hip joint, sometimes making one or both hips appear larger. While the actual bone size doesn’t change, the surrounding tissues may swell or retain fluid. In India, where joint health issues are common due to both genetics and lifestyle factors, this can be a hidden reason for changes in hip measurements.

Hip Dysplasia and Other Structural Issues

Hip dysplasia — where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the upper thigh bone — can alter the way hips look and function. In severe cases, surgery may be needed, which can also affect hip size. Other skeletal abnormalities or past injuries might cause a noticeable difference between the right and left hip.

Do High Heels Increase Hip Size?

There’s a lot of talk about whether high heels actually make hips bigger. The truth? High heels can change posture and muscle engagement, which might temporarily make hips appear more prominent. But they won’t directly cause fat or muscle gain in that area.

How High Heels Affect Body Posture

When you wear heels, your pelvis tilts slightly forward, your lower back arches more, and your chest lifts. This posture change pushes your hips outward visually. If you wear heels often, your muscles adapt to this stance, and the visual effect might seem permanent.

Long-Term Effects of Wearing High Heels

Regular high heel use can lead to tightened hip flexors and lower back discomfort. While this doesn’t change the bone structure, it can subtly alter the way you walk and stand — making the hips look wider or more lifted.

Can Wearing Heels Permanently Change Hip Shape?

Scientifically speaking, high heels don’t increase hip size. However, posture habits can influence how your hips are carried. Over years, some women notice changes in muscle tone and alignment that affect the silhouette.

Myths vs. Facts – High Heels and Hip Enlargement

Myth: Heels build hip muscle.
Fact: They mostly engage calf muscles and alter posture.
Myth: Wearing heels daily increases fat storage on hips.
Fact: Fat storage is controlled by diet, hormones, and genetics.

High Hip Size Due to Medical Implants

Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery replaces a damaged hip joint with a prosthetic one. This is common in severe arthritis or hip fracture cases. In India, the procedure is becoming more frequent due to rising life expectancy.

Depuy Summit Hip Size High Offset Stem – Overview

The “high offset stem” is a type of implant that offers more lateral offset — meaning it places the hip joint slightly further from the body’s centerline. This can improve stability but may also make the hip appear broader.

When a High Offset Stem is Recommended

Doctors choose a high offset stem to restore natural biomechanics, especially in patients with certain bone structures or mobility needs. It’s not about appearance — though some patients notice the visual difference post-surgery.

Post-Surgery Hip Size Changes

After surgery, swelling, scar tissue, and muscle adjustments can make the hips appear temporarily larger. In most cases, size reduces over time as healing progresses.

Recovery and Physiotherapy for Balanced Hip Size

Physical therapy is crucial for regaining balance and strength. Exercises focus on both hips to avoid uneven muscle development — which could otherwise make one side look noticeably bigger.

High Hip Size and Body Shape

Which Body Shapes Have High Hips?

High hips are often seen in rectangle or hourglass body shapes. In the rectangle shape, the waist-to-hip curve is minimal, while in the hourglass, the high hip sits above a fuller lower hip, creating a more defined waist. Pear-shaped women might also have high hips, but with more fullness below the high point.

How High Hips Affect Clothing Choices in India

For Indian women, high hips can influence how sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits fit. A saree pleated too high may accentuate hip height, while an A-line lehenga can balance proportions. Western wear like pencil skirts or high-waisted jeans can highlight the high hip area — sometimes making it look wider.

Impact of High Hips on Physical Activity and Sports

Most of the time, high hips don’t limit movement. However, if they’re linked to pelvic tilt or muscle imbalance, they can affect stride length and running form. Activities like yoga, Pilates, and swimming can help balance muscle tone around the hips.

Measuring Your High Hip Size

Tools You Need

Flexible measuring tape
Full-length mirror
Notepad to jot down measurements

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring

Stand up straight with feet together.
Find the top of your pelvic bone — about 3–4 inches below your waist.
Wrap the tape around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor.
Ensure the tape isn’t twisted or pressing too tightly.
Record the number in centimeters and inches.

High Hip Measurement vs. Low Hip Measurement

High hip: Measured just below the waist and above the fullest part of the hips.
Low hip: Measured around the widest part of the hips and buttocks.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring over bulky clothes.
Not keeping the tape level.
Leaning or twisting the torso.

Managing and Balancing High Hip Size

Exercise and Workouts for Hip Toning

Squats, lunges, and resistance band side steps strengthen hip muscles. Pilates and yoga improve alignment, which can change the appearance of hip size.