Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition

196 Waist-to-Hip Ratio

A preference for a particular ratio of waist size to hip size in men and women.

The waist-to-hip ratio is a primary factor for determining attractiveness for men and women. It is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist (narrowest portion of the midsection) by the circumference of the hips (area of greatest protrusion around the buttocks). Men prefer women with a waist-to-hip ratio between 0.67 and 0.80. Women prefer men with a waist-to-hip ratio between 0.85 and 0.95.¹

The waist-to-hip ratio is primarily a function of testosterone and estrogen levels and their effect on fat distribution in the body. High estrogen levels result in low waist-to-hip ratios, and high testosterone levels result in high waist-to-hip ...