Since 16 inches is on the upper end of the average female shoulder width (when measured from the back), you could say that you’re fairly broad if you’re a woman with 16 inch shoulders.
For men, the opposite is true. When measured from behind, most men have shoulders that measure a couple of inches bigger than 16 inches.
With these facts in mind, this guide explains why 16″ shoulders might not be as broad as you think (hint: there are multiple ways to measure your shoulders and ascertain their broadness).
Compare More Shoulder Measurements:
- 10 inch shoulders
- 12 inch shoulders
- 13 inch shoulders
- 14 inch shoulder width
- 15 inch shoulder width
- Are 17 inch shoulders broad?
- Are 18 inch shoulders broad?
- Are 19 inch shoulders broad?
- Are 20 inch shoulders broad?
- Are 21 inch shoulders broad?
- 22 inch shoulder width
- 23 inch shoulder width
- 24 inch shoulder width
- 25 inch shoulder width
Table of Contents show
Are 16 inch shoulders broad for a female?
Are 16 inch shoulders broad for a female? Based on our measurement data, yes, 16 inch shoulders are quite broad for a woman, but they’re by no means too broad for a female.
Whether or not your 16 inch shoulders are broad depends on how you’re measuring them. For example, if you’re measuring between the two bony parts of your shoulders (biacromial breadth/clavicle width), then yes, 16 in shoulders are around 2 inches wider than normal for a woman.
On the other hand, if you’re measuring your shoulders with a tape measure from behind—which takes into account your upper back size, as well as your bone structure—then your 16 inch shoulders are ever so slightly wider than average.
Are 16 inch shoulders wide for a male?
Are 16 inch shoulders wide for a male or not? If you’re just measuring your clavicle width, then 16 inch shoulders are a very normal size for a man. On the other hand, if you’re measuring the back of your shoulders, then 16 inches is a bit smaller than average for an adult male.
So, as you can see, it really depends on how you’re measuring your shoulders. If you’re just measuring your clavicle length, then your measurement is always going to be a few inches smaller than if you’re measuring your shoulders and your upper back.
Is it possible to reduce your 16 inch shoulders?
It depends. If your 16 inch measurement is based on your bone structure, then no, you can’t reduce your 16″ shoulders, at least not without artificially shortening them via surgery.
On the other hand, if you recorded 16 in shoulders from behind, then losing muscle mass and fat tissue from your upper back and deltoids will help to shrink your 16 inch shoulders.
The easiest way to drop body mass is to eat in a moderate calorie deficit and avoid exercises that work the body parts you’re trying to shrink.
Of course, since there’s nothing wrong with having 16 inch shoulders, you don’t need to reduce them unless they’re just making you really unhappy. After all, there are plenty of broad-shouldered women who’ve found success in careers as diverse as business and modeling.
The verdict on having 16″ shoulders
If you have 16 inch shoulders, then you’re very much in the normal range. Of course, as explained above, the specifics do differ depending on how you’re measuring your shoulders, but still, 16 inches is by no means too broad for a woman or too narrow for a man.
If you’re a fairly tall woman, for example, then there’s a high chance that you’ll have 16″ shoulders at least.
Conversely, if you’re a short man, then it’s conceivable that you might also have 16 inch shoulders (although it’s definitely possible to be short and still have wide clavicles).
Either way, having 16 inch shoulders is nothing to worry about for most people unless it’s a sign that you’re underdeveloped in some way.
Greetings, enthusiasts of anthropometry and body measurements! Allow me to dive into the intricacies of shoulder width, sharing my expertise and knowledge to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article. My understanding is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical insights and a deep exploration of the subject matter.
The article delves into the perception of shoulder width, particularly focusing on the 16-inch measurement and its implications for both females and males. As an expert in anatomy and body metrics, let's dissect the key concepts presented:
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Shoulder Measurement Techniques: The article rightly points out that the perceived broadness of shoulders is highly dependent on the method of measurement. It distinguishes between measuring the biacromial breadth (clavicle width) and measuring from behind, which considers upper back size and bone structure.
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Female Shoulder Width: The assertion that 16-inch shoulders are broad for a woman is supported by measurement data. However, the article emphasizes that the perceived broadness varies based on how the shoulders are measured. Biacromial breadth may show 16 inches as wider than normal, while a tape measure from behind suggests only a slightly wider than average size.
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Male Shoulder Width: In contrast to females, 16-inch shoulders are considered normal for males when measuring clavicle width. However, when measuring from the back, it indicates a size slightly smaller than average for adult males. This highlights the importance of the chosen measurement method in interpreting shoulder width.
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Possibility of Shoulder Reduction: The article addresses the question of whether it's possible to reduce 16-inch shoulders. It intelligently differentiates between bone structure-based measurements (unchangeable without surgery) and measurements from behind (potentially reducible through muscle and fat loss). Practical advice is provided on achieving reduction through a calorie deficit and specific exercise choices.
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Normalcy of 16-Inch Shoulders: The verdict is clear: having 16-inch shoulders is deemed normal, with variations based on individual factors such as height. The article reassures that this measurement is not extreme for either gender and should not be a cause for concern unless it indicates underdevelopment.
In conclusion, the article navigates through the complexities of shoulder width measurement, emphasizing the nuanced nature of what is considered broad. It's an insightful guide for individuals seeking to understand and contextualize their own shoulder measurements in the broader spectrum of body diversity.
