In this post, we take a look at the inverted triangle body shape and how to get the most out of it. Knowing your body type and dressing accordingly is key if you want to be wardrobe-conscious. It makes shopping and your daily dressing routine easier. Read on to find out how to choose the right clothes so that your body proportions are as close to ideal as possible.

What Are The Characteristics Of an Inverted Triangle Shape?

The main characteristic of the inverted triangle body shape is the broad shoulders and chest, and the comparatively narrow hips. It is therefore easy to recognise that the shoulders are broader and more pronounced than the hips in terms of the whole body. 

In addition to the apple and rectangular body shapes, the inverted triangle body shape is also characterized by a lack of emphasis on the waistline. The breasts tend to be larger, as in the apple shape, and the legs are long and slender.

The buttocks tend to be flat, with an athletic look and overall appearance; often similar to the rectangular body shape. Many top models fall into this category. 

Can an Inverted Triangle Body Be Curvy?

Yes, of course. It is important to understand that our body shape is something we are born with. It is not determined by our weight but by our body structure, bones, and other physical characteristics.

In the case of an inverted triangle physique, it is the shoulders that are broad and pronounced and the breasts are mostly large. So the upper body is definitely stronger even for a thin build. But of course, like all types, the inverted triangle can put on a few pounds. 

If this happens, certain body disproportions may become more pronounced, i.e. an already stronger upper body may become more prominent. In this case, it may even reveal features that are otherwise typical of, for example, an apple body shape.

What Should I Wear?

To sum it up in one sentence, the aim is to get as close as possible to the ideal waist-to-hip ratio, the hourglass figure. How can we do this? We try to distract attention from the more problematic parts, but at least not to emphasize them. What is advantageous, let’s show it off!

In the case of an inverted triangle body shape, for example, the upper body and especially the shoulders are the problematic parts of the body, so don’t overemphasize them. The legs are usually slender, so it’s worth emphasizing them; a lighter trouser and dark top combination, for example, can be used to play with proportions by using color. 

When it comes to trousers, it’s best to choose a style that flares downwards to compensate for the broader shoulders. A skinny fit is therefore not the best option here. If you really insist on it, it should be lighter than your top, which should have a V-neck and three-quarter sleeves. 

When choosing tops, it is definitely better to go for V-necks, as they visually stretch the torso, taking attention away from the broad shoulders. The same goes for empire-line dresses and tops: they stretch and slim nicely, and if they are looser-fitting, they also hide problem areas. Extra tip: Longer necklines can be a good alternative to a V-neckline.

What Clothes Should I Avoid?

Avoid any clothing that draws attention to the broad shoulders. Shoulder pads, boat-neck, round-neck tops, but also long-sleeved tops with tight sleeves. Of course, any extra embellishments (e.g., ruffles) on the top will also emphasize the stronger upper body, so it won’t look good on an inverted triangle body shape. 

As for trousers, the skinny fit is not an advantage for the inverted triangle body shape, as it accentuates the slim legs, creating an even greater contrast to the strong torso. Also, for similar reasons, skirts that are too fitted, tight, or tapered are not beneficial. 

What Type Of Skirt Is Best For Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

As the legs are generally slimmer in the case of an inverted triangle body shape, it is safe to emphasize and worthwhile to do so as much as possible. If you feel comfortable in them, a miniskirt is a good choice. You should make sure that you choose a flared fit. This also applies if you opt for a longer skirt. 

As we talked about before, you can’t miss too much with an A-line skirt that flares down. You can even play a little with colors, patterns, and fabrics. You want to accentuate the lower part of your body, so you can go for skirts and trousers with lighter colors and/or patterns.

What Shorts Look Good On an Inverted Triangle Body Type?

The principles described earlier for the skirt can be safely applied here too. We want to draw attention to our lower body in order to counterbalance the upper body, so what we wear here can be bright, patterned, and striking.

Make sure it’s a flared fit. We should always keep in mind that what we wear should compensate for the disproportions of our body. 

What Jeans Are Best For Inverted Triangle Body Shapes?

In terms of tailoring, wider, possibly straight, loose-fitting jeans or bootcut jeans are best. Skinny is not such a winner here, as it draws attention to the slim legs in relation to the torso, resulting in a disproportionate silhouette. 

If you’re finding it really hard to give up skinny jeans, make sure they’re lighter than the top, and the top is the one that’s most flattering on you, i.e., a V-neck with three-quarter sleeves. 

What Necklines Look Best On Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

Choosing the right neckline can make a significant difference. The aim is to take the focus off the broad shoulder as much as possible. The best choice is a V-neck, and avoid round-neck or boat-neck tops that widen the torso. 

If all else fails, you can even use a long necklace to take advantage of the positive effect of V-neck tops. It’s also a great idea to opt for a halterneck top if the weather conditions are in alignment with this idea.

What Bikini Is Best For Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

The aim is to draw as much attention as possible away from the broad shoulders and stronger upper body, while at the same time emphasizing the hips. Feel free to throw in ruffled and patterned bikinis at the bottom, which will add volume to your hips and lower body, emphasizing them against a stronger bust. 

I also recommend applying the principles I described a few paragraphs ago for necklines: a halter neck or V-neckline stretches and narrows the torso very nicely, whether it’s a two-piece bikini or a one-piece swimsuit. 

Which Celebrity Has an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

Many of us like to take inspiration from celebrity outfits or red carpet event outfits. Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Uma Thurman, and Demi Moore are all inverted triangle shaped, and often worth drawing inspiration from.

Be aware, however, that there are often mistakes and poorly chosen outfits when it comes to dressing A-list stars, even at red carpet events.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to better understand the inverted triangle body type and its characteristics. Knowing your body type is very important, but at the end of the day, the key is to instinctively choose the right outfit for your body type. 

If you know the basic principles, chances are that this will be easy after a while. And never forget that while knowing your type is a big help in building your wardrobe, nothing is set in stone and you can be more indulgent with yourself in certain situations.

I’ve previously written about rectangle, apple, pear, and hourglass body shapes. They might help if you didn’t find what you were looking for here.

Credit for the collages: H&M