Are you at risk? Male*: more than 94 cm (37 inches) is increased risk; more than 102 cm (40 inches) is substantially increased risk. Female*: more than 80 cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk; more than 88 cm (35 inches) is substantially increased risk.
Terri Taylor, an HonorHealth registered dietitian, said a waist circumference of more than 31.5 inches in women or more than 37 inches in men could raise the risk for colorectal, prostate, breast and other cancers.
In general if you're a woman, you want a measurement that's less than 34.5 inches. If you're a man, a number below 40 inches is ideal. A measurement that's higher than those isn't a death sentence, but it has been strongly linked with a higher risk of several serious diseases including type 2 diabetes.
In general, keep waist circumference to less than half your height. For example, for a 6-foot man (72 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 36 inches. For a 5-foot-2 woman (62 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 31 inches.
Height is typically between 5'9″-6″, bust is between 32″-36″, waist is between 22″-26″, and hips should be between 33″-35″. Of course most woman don't meet these standards and that is why fashion models generally get paid the most and work the most.
Waist size for women:
Ideal: < 80cm (32”)
Generally, if you're a female whose circumference is greater than or equal to 35 inches (88.9 cm), then there's a chance you have excess fat. For males a waist circumference that is greater than or equal to 40 inches (101.6 cm) can also indicate excess fat.
Men are very 'visual' when it comes to sexual attraction so he was probably looking to your waist to assess your figure? A lot of men like curves, he may have been looking for an hourglass figure.
US 14 - approximately UK 16 (Waist 33"/34" and Bust 41"/42")
Waist Circumference
If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you're at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men.
A waist size of about 32 inches or more indicates that you have an increased risk of health problems. A waist size of about 35 inches or more indicates that you have a high risk of health problems. For Asian women, a waist size of about 32 inches or more indicates that you have a high risk of health problems.
In 1999, aged 62, Cathie Jung (USA) was awarded the record for the smallest tight-laced waist on a living person, and she still holds it today at the age of 86. Standing at a height of 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m), she has a corseted waist measuring just 15 inches (38.1 cm). Un-corseted, it measures 21 inches (53.34 cm).
Female*: more than 80 cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk; more than 88 cm (35 inches) is substantially increased risk.
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is all about balancing the proportions of the body's contours. A lower WHR, around 0.7, is linked to higher attractiveness - it's basically the typical hourglass figure with a cinched waist and a voluminous upper and lower body.
Requirements for Fit Models
Ideal measurements can vary greatly from brand to brand; however, here are some general guidelines: Women: Bust: 34-35 inches | Waist: 26-27 inches | Hips: 36-37 inches. Men: Chest: 38-40 inches | Waist: 32-34 inches | Inseam: 32-34 inches.