Hip dips are just another example of how the internet loves to turn normal human anatomy into a "problem" that needs fixing. These inward curves below your hip bones are simply part of your skeletal structure—not a flaw, not a sign of being out of shape, and definitely not something worth stressing over. Yet here we are, watching another wave of influencers and ads try to convince us that our bodies need "correcting." The good news? You don’t have to buy into it. Whether you’ve just noticed your hip dips or have been side-eyeing them for years, let’s break down why they’re nothing to worry about—and how to ditch the noise around them.
The Anatomy Behind Hip Dips
Your hip dips (sometimes called "violin hips" or "high hips") are the slight indentations where your femur connects to your pelvis. They’re more noticeable in some people because of how their bones are shaped, how muscle sits in that area, or where fat naturally distributes. Think of them like fingerprints—everyone’s got a unique setup. Dr. Barbara Kessel, a psychiatrist specializing in body image, puts it bluntly: "This isn’t about fitness or weight. It’s about genetics." Some folks have prominent hip dips even at lower body fat percentages, while others may not see them as much. Neither scenario is "better"—it’s just biology doing its thing.
Why Social Media Makes Hip Dips a "Thing"
Remember when thigh gaps were the obsession? Or when "wellness" influencers swore certain workouts could sculpt your ribs into a perfect corset shape? Hip dips are the latest in a long line of arbitrary beauty standards that profit off insecurity. Rachel Goldberg, a therapist and fitness expert, points out the cycle: "A trend emerges, companies sell ‘solutions’ (creams! workouts! shapewear!), and then—surprise—the goalposts shift again." The 2022 Body Image study she references found that even "body positive" posts can backfire, making people hyper-aware of traits they’d never worried about before. So if you suddenly feel iffy about your hip dips after seeing #HipDipWorkout videos, that’s not a you problem—it’s the algorithm doing its worst.
When Fixation Becomes Harmful
It’s one thing to prefer certain clothes that minimize your hip dips (we all have styling quirks), but it’s another to spiral into obsessive thoughts or avoidance behaviors. Goldberg notes that clients have skipped events, spent excessive money on "fixes," or restricted food in hopes of altering their hip shape—none of which actually changes bone structure. Dr. Kessel adds that this pattern can mirror body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), where perceived flaws dominate self-perception. "If you’re canceling plans or feeling overwhelming shame over a normal body part, it’s time to talk to a professional," she says. BDD isn’t vanity; it’s a mental health condition that warps self-image, often requiring therapy or medication to manage.
How to Practice Body Neutrality
Body positivity isn’t the only option—sometimes, neutrality is more realistic. Instead of forcing yourself to "love" your hip dips, try acknowledging them without judgment. Goldberg suggests practical steps:
What Actually Changes Hip Dips (Spoiler: Not Much)
and who has time for that?
At the end of the day, hip dips are as neutral as elbow creases or knee caps. The outrage around them says more about capitalism’s profit-from-insecurity model than it does about your body. So next time you spot a "Get Rid of Hip Dips Fast!" ad, laugh it off—or better yet, block it. Your hips (dips and all) are just fine.
