When it comes to body shapes, society has long been captivated by certain ideals, with the famous “90-60-90” figure—referring to bust, waist, and hip measurements—frequently held up as a gold standard of female beauty. But despite what fashion magazines and runway trends might suggest, many men admit they’re more drawn to fuller figures, particularly when it comes to wider hips.

This isn’t simply a matter of personal taste or societal trends—there’s actually a deeper biological reason that science has begun to explore in recent years. It turns out that wide hips in women may offer more than visual appeal; they might play a vital physiological role that goes far beyond the surface. One of the most interesting theories researchers have proposed is that wide hips may be beneficial for motherhood. Specifically, the fat stored around the hips, buttocks, and thighs—called gluteofemoral fat—is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid.

This nutrient is essential for the development of a baby’s brain, particularly during the final stages of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In other words, women with wider hips may carry strategic energy and nutrient reserves crucial to supporting fetal and infant brain growth. Researchers have even referred to this fat as “premium fuel” for its vital biological role. Unlike general body fat that might accumulate due to diet or lifestyle, this particular kind of fat appears to serve a higher evolutionary function. It’s not just about storage—it’s about supplying the next generation with the tools for survival and cognitive development.

While most mammals maintain relatively low levels of body fat, human females can have body fat percentages approaching 30%, which is unusually high in the animal kingdom. Many scientists believe this is a unique adaptation in our species, developed to meet the significant energy demands of human pregnancy. After all, human babies are born with significantly larger brains in proportion to their body size compared to other mammals. Supporting that kind of development requires more than just calories—it demands specific types of fats and nutrients, which gluteofemoral fat provides.

The presence of wide hips in women, then, might be a marker of this biological preparedness. Over millions of years, natural selection may have favored women whose fat distribution enabled them to better nourish their offspring, particularly when it came to brain development. The shape of the female body, especially around the hips, may have evolved as a visual cue of fertility and the ability to successfully bear and rear children. Though it might be tempting to link hip width directly to a child’s intelligence, most scientists stop short of making such bold claims. However, there is growing consensus that gluteofemoral fat contributes meaningfully to reproductive success, and that women with wider hips may be evolutionarily equipped to support early brain development in their children. What’s especially fascinating is how something that’s often treated as a superficial feature—like body shape—can actually reflect deeper biological and evolutionary truths. Beauty, in this context, isn’t just about appearance; it’s about function. Wide hips and fuller thighs may have aesthetic appeal, but they also play a critical role in human survival. They tell a story of how our species has adapted over time to prioritize brain development, parenting capacity, and reproductive health. This shift in understanding invites us to reevaluate how we view the female form—not just as something to be judged against cultural standards of beauty, but as an incredible example of evolutionary design. It’s a reminder that natural features we sometimes overlook or undervalue can carry profound significance. So the next time the topic of wide hips comes up, remember it’s not just about shape or size—it’s about biology, resilience, and the powerful role women’s bodies play in the continuation of life itself.