Hips vs. Waist — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 10, 2023
Hips are the outer parts of the body on each side of the waist, extending from the pelvis to the upper thigh. The waist is the narrow part of the torso, typically between the ribcage and hips.
Difference Between Hips and Waist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hips and waist are two anatomical regions on the human body that serve different purposes and are distinct in structure and location.
The hips are located on either side of the body, right below the waistline. They consist of the joint region where the femur (thigh bone) fits into the pelvic socket. This joint allows for a range of motion, facilitating activities such as walking, running, and sitting. The hip region also houses the buttocks at the back, and it's the widest part of the body for many people, especially women due to the broader pelvis.
On the other hand, the waist is the narrower section of the torso, situated between the ribcage and the hips. It's the part of the body that is usually emphasized when people wear belts. The waist is an important reference point for measuring body proportions and is often a focal point in fashion and fitness. Anatomically, the waist region doesn't have major bone structures running through it, which allows it to be more flexible and contractible.
In terms of function, while the hips play a major role in movement and weight-bearing, the waist is crucial for flexibility and bending. The size and shape of both the hips and waist are often influenced by genetics, diet, and exercise. Furthermore, these areas can be indicators of health, with waist size sometimes used to gauge abdominal fat and potential health risks.
Comparison Chart
Location
Below the waistline, either side of the body
Between the ribcage and hips
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Structure
Contains the hip joint and buttocks
Narrower section without major bone structures
Function
Movement and weight-bearing
Flexibility and bending
Measurement
Used to determine body shape/type
Used to gauge health risks, especially abdominal fat
Fashion
Emphasized by skirts or pants' fit
Emphasized by belts or garment waistbands
Compare with Definitions
Hips
The area on either side of the body between the waist and the top of the leg.
She placed her hands on her hips and sighed.
Waist
The narrowest section of the torso.
Her waist was emphasized by the belt she wore.
Hips
The joint connecting the femur with the pelvis.
He injured his hip during the soccer match.
Waist
An indicator of abdominal health.
Doctors recommend a smaller waist size to reduce health risks.
Hips
The widest part of the body below the waist.
Her dress flared out at the hips.
Waist
The waist is the part of the abdomen between the rib cage and hips. On people with slim bodies, the waist is the narrowest part of the torso.
Hips
The part housing the buttocks at the back.
She had a tattoo on her left hip.
Waist
The part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips, often narrower than the areas above and below
The last time you had a waist was around 1978
He put an arm around her waist
Hips
A region associated with bearing weight and movement.
He landed on his hips after the fall.
Waist
A narrow part in the middle of something, such as a violin or hourglass.
Hips
The laterally projecting prominence of the pelvis or pelvic region from the waist to the thigh.
Waist
A blouse or bodice.
Hips
A homologous posterior part in quadrupeds.
Waist
The part of the human trunk between the bottom of the rib cage and the pelvis.
Hips
The hip joint.
Waist
The narrow part of the abdomen of an insect.
Hips
(Architecture) The external angle formed by the meeting of two adjacent sloping sides of a roof.
Waist
The part of a garment that encircles the waist of the body.
Hips
A rose hip.
Waist
The upper part of a garment, extending from the shoulders to the waistline, especially the bodice of a dress.
Hips
Plural of hip
Waist
(Archaic) A blouse.
Waist
The middle section or part of an object, especially when narrower than the rest.
Waist
(Nautical) The middle part of the upper deck of a ship between the forecastle and the quarterdeck.
Waist
(anatomy) The part of the body between the pelvis and the stomach.
Waist
A part of a piece of clothing that covers the waist.
Waist
The narrow connection between the thorax and abdomen in certain insects (e.g., bees, ants and wasps).
Waist
The middle portion of the hull of a ship or the fuselage of an aircraft.
Waist
(nautical) That part of the upper deck of a ship between the quarterdeck and the forecastle.
Waist
(obsolete) The middle part of anything.
Waist
That part of the human body which is immediately below the ribs or thorax; the small part of the body between the thorax and hips.
I am in the waist two yards about.
Waist
Hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially (Naut.), that part of a vessel's deck, bulwarks, etc., which is between the quarter-deck and the forecastle; the middle part of the ship.
Waist
A garment, or part of a garment, which covers the body from the neck or shoulders to the waist line.
Waist
A girdle or belt for the waist.
Waist
The narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
Waist
The narrow part of the shoe connecting the heel and the wide part of the sole
Waist
The part of the body between the ribs and the hips.
He wrapped his arms around her waist.
Waist
An area lacking major bone structures.
He could easily twist his waist during the dance.
Waist
A measurement site for clothing sizes.
The pants fit well, but were tight around the waist.
Common Curiosities
Can exercises target hip or waist reduction?
While exercises can tone muscles, spot reduction isn't effective; overall fat loss affects these areas.
Why is waist size important in health assessments?
Waist size can indicate the amount of abdominal fat, which is linked to several health risks.
Which is typically wider, hips or waist?
Typically, the hips are wider than the waist.
Why are hips prominent in dance movements?
Hips have a range of motion and play a role in balance, making them central in many dance forms.
What's an "hourglass" figure?
It's a body shape with a narrow waist and roughly equal bust and hip measurements.
Why do some garments have "hip" and "waist" sizes?
To accommodate different body shapes and ensure a better fit.
Is "apple-shaped" related to hips or waist?
Apple-shaped refers to individuals with more fat around their waist compared to their hips.
What's a "hip-to-waist" ratio?
It's a measurement comparing the circumference of the waist to that of the hips, used as a health indicator.
Do men and women have different waist and hip structures?
Yes, women often have wider hips due to a broader pelvis, while men might have a less pronounced waist.
What are "hip dips"?
They're slight inward curves on the sides of the body, between the waist and hips.
Is the waistline the same as the waist?
The waistline refers to the line around the body at the waist's level, while the waist is the body part itself.
What's a "low waist" in fashion terms?
It refers to pants or skirts that sit below the natural waistline, closer to the hips.
Can you change the shape of your hips with exercise?
Exercise can tone muscles around the hips, but bone structure and genetics play a big role in their shape.
How does aging affect the waist and hips?
Aging can lead to fat redistribution, potentially increasing waist size and changing hip shape.
Why is it harder to lose fat in the waist or hip region for some people?
Genetics, hormones, and metabolism can influence where the body stores and loses fat.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
