A thigh gap is a space between the inner thighs when standing upright with feet together. It has become a beauty trend in recent years, with some people striving to have a thigh gap as an aesthetic goal. But which body types are most likely to naturally have a thigh gap?
What is a Thigh Gap?
A thigh gap refers to a space between the thighs when standing upright with feet together. It creates an empty diamond shape between the legs. Having a thigh gap has become a desired aesthetic among certain demographics, with some people altering their diets or exercise habits in order to achieve the look. However, thigh gaps are not equally attainable or healthy for all body types.
Origins of the Thigh Gap Trend
The thigh gap trend is generally traced back to the early 2010s, when images of very thin fashion models with thigh gaps began circulating on social media sites like Tumblr. Having a thigh gap became associated with being very slim, and some people, especially young women, started pursuing the look. This contributed to disordered eating habits in some groups, as dangerously restrictive diets were undertaken in order to achieve a thigh gap.
Potential Health Risks
For those not genetically predisposed to having a thigh gap, achieving the look can require maintained weight well below what is healthy. Eating too little and over-exercising increases risks for nutritional deficiencies, bone loss, and organ damage. It also often leads to rebound binge eating. Promoting the thigh gap as an ideal can contribute to body image issues and disordered eating.
Body Types and Thigh Gaps
Whether or not someone can achieve a thigh gap depends largely on their build and bone structure. Thigh gaps occur most naturally in people with specific somatotypes, or body compositions.
Ectomorph Body Type
Ectomorphs have a thin, delicate build with long limbs and very little fat storage. Ectomorphs often have:
- Narrow hips and shoulders
- Long, slender limbs
- Fast metabolism
- Difficulty building muscle
- Flat chest and butt
Of the three main somatotypes, ectomorphs are most likely to naturally have a thigh gap without restrictive eating. Their narrow pelvis and hips, combined with low levels of fat storage in the thighs, makes a thigh gap likely.
Mesomorph Body Type
Mesomorphs are athletic with well-defined muscle mass. Mesomorph traits include:
- Rectangular, athletic build
- Broad shoulders and narrow waist
- Dense, shapely muscle mass
- Fast metabolism
Mesomorphs are not as prone to thigh gaps as ectomorphs, since their hips are not as narrow. However, athletic mesomorphs who maintain very low body fat through diet and exercise can achieve a thigh gap. For non-athletes, maintaining such low body fat is often unrealistic or unhealthy.
Endomorph Body Type
Endomorphs have a curvy, thickset build with a tendency to store fat. Endomorph traits include:
- Round, soft build
- Wide hips and narrow shoulders
- Slow metabolism
- Higher body fat
For endomorphs, achieving a thigh gap is highly unrealistic without dangerous levels of restrictive dieting. Their wider hips and higher fat storage around the thighs fills in the space between their legs. Striving for a thigh gap goes against their natural body type.
Other Factors in Thigh Gaps
Aside from somatotype, other factors influence whether someone naturally has a thigh gap:
Genetics
Like other body features, genetics plays a key role. Someone genetically predisposed to having a thin build is more likely to have a thigh gap than someone predisposed to being curvier, regardless of somatotype. Genetics dictates bone structure and fat distribution. Some people are simply built in a way that creates a space between their thighs.
Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic tilt refers to the angle of the pelvis in relation to the spine. An anterior pelvic tilt, where the pelvis tilts forward, gives the appearance of wider hips. This makes a thigh gap less likely. A posterior tilt, where the pelvis tilts back, tightens the space between the thighs. Whether the pelvis naturally tilts forward or back is influenced by genetics.
Hip Width
Wider hips leave less space between the legs, filling in the thigh gap. Narrower hips create more space between the thighs. Hip width is primarily determined by bone structure, which varies between individuals based on genetics.
Is a Thigh Gap Healthy or Attainable for All Body Types?
For ectomorphs and certain mesomorphs, a thigh gap may occur naturally and healthily at lower body weights. But for most other somatotypes, achieving a thigh gap requires maintaining an unsustainably low body weight, which has risks.
Striving for a thigh gap if your body type is not naturally disposed to having one can be unhealthy. It may lead to overly restrictive eating, over-exercising, and poor body image. There are no shortcuts to altering your actual bone structure.
Rather than aspiring for one specific body feature, the healthiest approach is to aim for a weight at which you feel energetic and physically fit while following balanced eating habits. Sustainability should be the key goal.
Aiming for a Healthy, Sustainable Lifestyle
The thigh gap trend promotes one rigid aesthetic ideal. But healthy bodies come in many shapes. Your focus should be feeling your best, not looking a certain way.
Keep in mind:
- Genetics largely determines your body type and where you naturally carry weight.
- Weight and diet goals need to be healthy and sustainable for your unique body.
- Extreme restriction can lead to deficiencies and eating disorders.
- Fitness goals should focus on health markers like energy, strength, and mobility.
- Self-acceptance is key. Appreciate what your body can do, not just how it looks.
Aim to feel energized and maintain balanced nutrition that supports your activity level. Remember that images on social media only capture a moment and are often carefully posed or edited. Comparing yourself is unhealthy. Focus on body acceptance and your own health.
The Takeaway on Thigh Gaps
Some bodies naturally have a thigh gap, especially ectomorphs. But this somatotype is uncommon. For most people, achieving a thigh gap requires unsustainable weight loss that can endanger health.
Rather than fixing on one aesthetic ideal, pursue the healthiest lifestyle for your individual body. That includes eating a balanced diet to fuel your activity level, exercising in ways that make you feel strong, and practicing self-acceptance. Appreciate all the amazing things your body can do. How it looks is just one small part.
| Somatotype | Thigh Gap Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Ectomorph | High |
| Mesomorph | Moderate |
| Endomorph | Low |