Inverted triangle body shape for men: measurements and style guide
An inverted triangle shape has a chest and shoulders much wider than the hips and waist.
Also called: V-taper, broad shouldered.
How to spot the inverted triangle body shape
- Your chest is at least a tenth bigger than your hips
- Shoulders and upper body are your widest point
- Trousers that fit the waist tend to be loose in the seat, and jackets can pull across the back
Calculator rule: Chest at least 10% bigger than the hips, with a waist under 98% of the wider measurement. The chest, waist and hip measurements are taken as described on the calculator page.
How to style it
With a strong upper body, the aim is to bring visual weight down and keep the shoulders from looking wider. Simple tops, some volume or texture below the belt, and jackets with soft shoulders balance the proportions. Fit across the chest and back is the first thing to check before buying.
Lean into
- Soft, unpadded shoulders and jackets with a natural shoulder line
- V-necks, open collars and simple crew necks that do not add width at the top
- Straight or relaxed trousers with a little room through the thigh
- Textured, patterned or lighter-coloured bottoms to add weight below the waist
Balance out
- Heavily padded shoulders, epaulettes and wide horizontal stripes across the chest
- Tight, tapered trousers that make the legs look small next to the upper body
- Busy chest pockets and bulky layers at the top
- Boat and wide necklines that stretch across the shoulders
Outfit guides for the inverted triangle body shape
- Best Shirts for inverted triangleA big chest and shoulders tend to strain shirts, so fit across the back and chest comes first.
- Best T-Shirts for inverted triangleThe right T-shirt is snug on the shoulders but not skin-tight, and long enough to balance the width above.
- Best Jeans for inverted triangleAdd visual weight below the waist with straight or relaxed jeans, not skinny cuts.
- Best Suits for inverted triangleKeep the shoulder natural and let the trousers carry some volume so the outfit balances top to bottom.
- Best Jackets for inverted triangleA jacket that avoids extra shoulder bulk and ends at the hip keeps the proportions even.
Common questions
Why do my shirts always pull across the back?
Off-the-rack shirts are cut with a fixed chest-to-waist drop. If your chest is much bigger than your waist, buy for the chest and have the waist taken in, or look for brands that offer an athletic or muscle fit.
Do I need to hide my shoulders?
No. Broad shoulders are an asset. The tips here just keep the proportions even, so the upper body does not overwhelm the rest of the outfit.