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In human body measurement, these three sizes are the circumferences of the bust, waist and hips; usually rendered as xx–yy–zz in inches, or centimeters. The three sizes are used mostly in fashion, and almost exclusively in reference to women, [1] who, compared to men, are more likely to have a narrow waist relative to their hips.
The ideal or preferred female body size and shape has varied over time and continues to vary among cultures; [46] [47] but a preference for a small waist has remained fairly constant throughout history. [48] A low waist–hip ratio has often been seen as a sign of good health and reproductive potential. [49]
The hourglass figure is one of the four traditional female body shapes described by the fashion industry; the other shapes are the rectangle, inverted triangle, and spoon (or pear). The hourglass shape is defined by a woman's body measurements – the circumference of the bust, waist and hips. Hourglass body shapes have a wide bust, a narrow ...
In modern figure drawing, the basic unit of measurement is the 'head', which is the distance from the top of the head to the chin. This unit of measurement is credited [2] to the Greek sculptor Polykleitos (fifth century BCE) and has long been used by artists to establish the proportions of the human figure.
There are multiple size types, designed to fit somewhat different body shapes. Variations include the height of the person's torso (known as back length), whether the bust, waist, and hips are straighter (characteristic of teenagers) or curvier (like many adult women), and whether the bust is higher or lower (characteristic of younger and older women, respectively).
To help women meet the perceived ideal female body shape, corset and girdle manufacturers used a calculation called hip spring, the difference between waist and hip measurement (usually 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)). [12] The band measurement system was created by U.S. bra manufacturers just after World War II. [citation needed]
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Bust/waist/hip measurements – Measures used for fitting clothing ("Vital statistics") Dad bod – Slang term for a body shape particular to middle-aged men; Female body shape – Characteristic of human females; Human gait – A pattern of limb movements made during locomotion; Human physical appearance – Look, outward phenotype