Quick answer: Bust 36 in, waist 28 in, high hip 33 in and hips 38 in is an hourglass shape: bust and hips are within 3.6 in of each other and the hips are 10 in larger than the waist. The waist-to-hip ratio is 28 ÷ 38 = 0.74.
How it's calculated
The shape uses the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT), published by apparel researchers at North Carolina State University. It compares the differences between bust, waist and hips in inches, and the ratio of high hip to waist, then checks the shapes in order: hourglass, bottom hourglass, top hourglass, spoon, triangle, inverted triangle and rectangle.
Hourglass, for example, means bust and hips are close (bust − hips ≤ 1 in and hips − bust < 3.6 in) with a defined waist (bust − waist ≥ 9 in or hips − waist ≥ 10 in). A triangle (pear) has hips at least 3.6 in larger than the bust and a less defined waist.
Waist-to-hip ratio = waist ÷ hips. The WHO treats a ratio of 0.90 or more in men and 0.85 or more in women as a substantially increased risk of metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Waist size alone is also used: over 94 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) is increased risk, over 102 cm or 88 cm substantially increased.
Body shape describes proportions for clothing fit; it says nothing about health or fitness. The waist measures show where fat is carried, but not how much in total; the body fat calculator estimates that.
Worked examples
- Bust 36, waist 28, high hip 33, hips 38 in: hips − waist = 10 → hourglass; WHR 0.74
- Bust 34, waist 30, high hip 36, hips 40 in: hips − bust = 6, hips − waist = 10, high hip ÷ waist = 1.2 → spoon; WHR 0.75
- Man, waist 96 cm, hips 100 cm: 96 ÷ 100 = 0.96 → substantially increased risk
WHO cut-offs for waist and waist-to-hip ratio
| Measure | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Waist: increased risk | > 94 cm | > 80 cm |
| Waist: substantially increased | > 102 cm | > 88 cm |
| Waist-to-hip ratio: substantially increased | ≥ 0.90 | ≥ 0.85 |
How to measure
- Bust: around the fullest part of the chest, tape level.
- Waist: at the narrowest point of the torso, after a normal breath out.
- High hip: around the top of the hip bones, about 9 cm (3.5 in) below the waist.
- Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks, feet together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common body shape?
In the FFIT research on US women, rectangle was the most common shape, and the classic hourglass was uncommon.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
By the WHO cut-offs, under 0.90 for men and under 0.85 for women.
Does my shape change if I lose or gain weight?
It can. Shape depends on where you carry fat and muscle, so changes in weight or training can move you between shapes.
Why does the calculator ask for the high hip?
It separates spoon and bottom hourglass, which have similar bust and hip sizes but a different curve just below the waist.
How do I measure bust, waist and hips?
Wear light clothing and keep the tape level. Measure the bust at its fullest, the waist at its narrowest, the high hip near the top of the hip bones and the hips at their widest.
Does this work for men?
It was developed for women's clothing, so its shape names suit women's figures best. Men can still use the waist-to-hip ratio it shows.