Body shapes · Female & male
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
An inverted triangle body shape, also called an inverted triangle figure, has shoulders or a bust that are clearly wider than the hips, with a waist that isn’t sharply defined. The frame is strongest at the top and narrows towards the legs, like a triangle standing on its point. This guide covers the measurements, how to tell if it’s you, and how to dress it.
What is an inverted triangle body shape?
The meaning of an inverted triangle body is simple: the upper body is the widest part of the frame. Broad shoulders, a full bust or a wide back carry most of the visual width, the waist is only slightly narrower than the ribcage, and the hips and thighs are comparatively slim. Picture a triangle with its point facing down.
For women, the inverted triangle body type is sometimes called the strawberry shape; in men it’s the V shape, and it’s the build that swimmers, rowers and many athletes develop. It’s mostly set by your skeleton, the width of your shoulders and ribcage against the width of your pelvis, so it shows up at every weight.
Typical inverted triangle characteristics:
- Shoulders that look as wide as or wider than your hips in a mirror
- A bust or chest that is the largest of your three measurements
- A straight or softly curved waist rather than a sharply nipped one
- Slim hips, a flatter seat and slender legs
Inverted triangle body shape measurements
Measurement-based body shape systems call you an inverted triangle when your bust is at least 3.6 inches (about 9 cm) bigger than your hips, and your bust is less than 9 inches (about 23 cm) bigger than your waist. The second rule matters: if your waist is very defined, you’re a top hourglass instead.
| Example | Bust | Waist | Hips | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inverted triangle | 40 in | 32 in | 35 in | Bust 5 in over hips, waist 8 in under bust |
| Inverted triangle (cm) | 102 cm | 81 cm | 89 cm | Bust 13 cm over hips |
| Top hourglass, not inverted | 40 in | 29 in | 35 in | Waist 11 in under bust, so it’s defined |
| Rectangle, not inverted | 37 in | 31 in | 35 in | Bust only 2 in over hips |
Measure your bust at its fullest point and your hips at the widest part of your seat. The body type calculator runs these rules and also checks your high hip.
Signs you have an inverted triangle body type
If you don’t have a tape to hand, these everyday fit problems are good clues that you have an inverted triangle shape:
- You often buy tops a size bigger than your trousers or skirts.
- Blazers and shirts pull across the shoulders or back but hang loose at the waist.
- Straight dresses fit at the bust and gape at the hips.
- Halter necks and strapless tops make your shoulders look wider.
- Skinny jeans make your legs look thinner than your top half suggests.
Inverted triangle vs rectangle vs top hourglass
These three are the shapes people most often confuse. All of them can have a bust that’s a little fuller than the hips; the difference is how much, and how defined the waist is.
| Inverted triangle | Rectangle | Top hourglass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bust vs hips | Bust 3.6+ in wider | Within 3.6 in | Bust 1–10 in wider |
| Waist | Less than 9 in under bust | Only slightly smaller | 9+ in under bust |
| Looks like | Strong shoulders, slim hips | Straight up and down | Curvy, fuller on top |
| Styling goal | Add width below the waist | Create a waist | Follow the waist |
How to dress an inverted triangle body shape
The best clothes for an inverted triangle body shape all come back to one idea: balance the shoulders by adding interest below the waist and keeping the top half simple. You’re not hiding anything; you’re giving the eye a second place to land.
Tops for an inverted triangle body shape
- V-necks, scoop necks and wrap tops break up the width across the chest.
- Raglan and dolman sleeves soften the shoulder line; set-in seams that sit on the shoulder bone keep it neat.
- Choose soft, fluid fabrics on top and keep prints and bold colour for the lower half.
- Tops that end at the hip or are tucked in loosely work better than cropped styles.
Dresses
- The best dresses for an inverted triangle body shape are A-line, fit-and-flare and wrap styles, which add width at the skirt.
- Drop-waist and peplum dresses put volume at the hips.
- Look for V or scoop necklines and plain bodices; save ruffles, pleats and prints for the skirt.
Jeans and trousers
- Wide-leg, flared, bootcut and straight-leg jeans balance broad shoulders.
- Pockets, light washes, pleats and cargo details at the hip all add width where you want it.
- Mid to high rise works well; very low rise can make the legs look shorter.
Skirts
- A-line, pleated, tiered and full midi skirts are the easiest wins.
- Bias-cut and flared skirts add movement around the hips.
Jackets and coats
- Single-breasted, unstructured blazers with narrow lapels.
- Hip-length or longer coats with a belt or flared hem.
- Skip heavy shoulder pads and wide, padded lapels.
Swimwear
- Plain, dark tops with patterned or ruffled bottoms.
- V-neck one-pieces or tankinis rather than halter necks.
For complete looks for work, weekends and evenings, see our inverted triangle body shape outfits guide.
What to avoid
| Avoid | Why | Try instead |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder pads, puff sleeves | Add more width on top | Raglan or dolman sleeves |
| Halter and boat necks | Draw a horizontal line across the shoulders | V-neck or scoop neck |
| Skinny jeans with a loose top | Exaggerate the top-heavy outline | Wide-leg or bootcut jeans |
| Pencil skirts with plain tops | Leave the hips with no volume | A-line or pleated skirts |
| Busy prints on top | Pull the eye to the widest point | Prints on skirts and trousers |
Inverted triangle body shape in men
For men, an inverted triangle body shape is the classic athletic V: broad shoulders and chest, a narrow waist and slim hips. On the male body type calculator it shows when your shoulders are at least 25% wider than your hips and well wider than your waist. A milder version, with shoulders wider but not dramatically so, is called a trapezoid. See all five male body types compared.
The fitting problem is the same as for women, the other way round: shirts that fit the shoulders are baggy at the waist. Look for athletic-fit or tapered shirts, unstructured jackets, and straight or relaxed trousers so the legs don’t look thin. Measure your V taper and read more in the V shape body guide.
Celebrities with an inverted triangle body shape
Stylists often name these celebrities as examples of the inverted triangle. These are descriptions from fashion writing, not measured results, but they show how varied the shape can look:
- Naomi CampbellModel
- Demi MooreActor
- Renée ZellwegerActor
- Cameron DiazActor
- Michael PhelpsSwimmer, male V shape
Inverted triangle at every size
Because the inverted triangle body type comes from your frame, it looks different at different weights but stays the same shape.
- Slim inverted triangle: very straight hips and legs. Add volume with wide-leg trousers and full skirts.
- Plus-size inverted triangle: weight tends to sit on the bust, upper arms and back, with comparatively slim legs. Wrap dresses, V-necks and A-line skirts do most of the work, and showing your legs is a strength.
- Muscular or athletic: wide back and shoulders from training. Stretch fabrics and athletic-fit cuts stop shirts pulling across the back.
Frequently asked questions
How do I dress an inverted triangle body shape?
Keep the top half simple and add interest below the waist. V-necks, soft fabrics and raglan sleeves on top; A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers and prints or pockets at the hips.
What jeans suit an inverted triangle body shape?
Wide-leg, flared, bootcut and straight-leg jeans in a mid or high rise. Light washes and back-pocket detail add welcome width at the hips.
Is the inverted triangle body shape attractive?
Yes. Broad shoulders and slim legs are the build many models and athletes have. Like any shape, it looks best in clothes cut for its proportions.
Is the inverted triangle body shape rare?
It’s less common than the rectangle and pear, which together make up about two thirds of women in the North Carolina State University study of over 6,000 women.
Can you change an inverted triangle body shape?
Not the frame itself, because shoulder and hip width come from your bones. Training the glutes and legs can add some volume to the lower body, and clothing can balance the rest.
How do men get an inverted triangle body shape?
By building the shoulders, back and chest while keeping the waist lean. Overhead presses, pull-ups and rows widen the upper body; the hip width stays the same.