What are hip dips?
Hip dips are the inward curves that sit between the hip bones and the upper thighs. Some people call them violin hips or hip dents. They form where the pelvis, thigh bone and surrounding tissues naturally meet.
Hip dips are a normal part of human anatomy. They occur in people of all body types and reflect bone structure, muscle shape and how fat is distributed. Some people barely notice them, while others have more defined dips. Both are completely normal.
What causes hip dips?
Hip dips form due to the relationship between bone, muscle and soft tissue. Several factors influence how visible they are.
Cause #1 – Bone structure
The shape of the pelvis and the distance between the hip and thigh bones create the natural curve seen in hip dips. This is determined by anatomy, not body size.
Cause #2 – Fat distribution
Everyone stores fat differently. Some people carry more volume on the outer hips, while others store less, which can make the dip appear more obvious.
Cause #3 – Muscle mass and activation
The gluteus medius and surrounding muscles can influence the contour of the hips. If these muscles are less developed, the indentation may look deeper.
Cause #4 – Skin and soft tissue changes
Skin elasticity, age and weight fluctuations can influence how defined the dip appears.
Cause #5 – Genetics
Most hip dip visibility comes down to inherited traits such as bone width, muscle shape and natural fat distribution.
Why do I have hip dips and others don’t?
Hip dips appear differently on each person. Several factors influence how noticeable they are.
Factor #1 – Body fat levels
Lower body fat can make the underlying bone and muscle structure more defined, which may make hip dips appear sharper.
Factor #2 – Muscle shape
The natural shape and size of the glute muscles influence how rounded the outer hips look.
Factor #3 – Skin elasticity
Skin that is thinner or less elastic may follow the underlying structure more closely, making dips more visible.
Factor #4 – Clothing fit
High-cut or tight clothing can accentuate curves and draw attention to the dip.
Factor #5 – Previous weight changes
Past weight loss or gain may influence the volume around the hips and affect how pronounced the dips appear.
Where do hip dips appear?
Hip dips are located:
- Just below the hip bone, where the upper thigh meets the pelvis
- Along the side of the body, near the curve of the buttocks
They can be visible from the front, side or in form-fitted clothing.
Are hip dips common in Australia?
Yes. Hip dips are common across all ages and body types in Australia. Increased awareness on social media has made people more familiar with the term, but they have always been a natural anatomical feature.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are hip dips a flaw
A: No. Hip dips are part of normal anatomy and occur in most people.
Q: Can I remove hip dips naturally
A: You cannot change your bone structure, but some people notice shape changes with glute-focused strength work.
Q: Does having hip dips mean I am unfit
A: No. Hip dips occur in people of all fitness levels, including athletes.
Q: Are hip dips more common in women
A: They can be more noticeable in women due to pelvic width, although men can have them too.
Q: Will weight gain or weight loss change hip dips
A: The dips may look slightly different with body changes, but the underlying structure remains the same.
Q: Are treatments for hip dips covered by Medicare
A: Cosmetic treatments are not covered by Medicare.
