Triangle body shape for men: measurements and style guide
A triangle shape has hips and thighs wider than the chest and shoulders.
Also called: pear, spoon.
How to spot the triangle body shape
- Your hips are at least 5% bigger than your chest
- The shoulders and chest are your narrowest upper measurements
- Trousers that fit the hips gap at the waist, and jackets can look small on the shoulders
Calculator rule: Hips at least 5% bigger than the chest, with a waist under 98% of the hip measurement. The chest, waist and hip measurements are taken as described on the calculator page.
How to style it
For a triangle shape, the goal is to build width at the top and keep the bottom half streamlined. Structured shoulders, patterned or lighter tops and darker, plain trousers move attention up and even out the proportions. A jacket that is cut to the shoulder does the most.
Lean into
- Structured jackets and blazers with defined shoulders
- Textured, patterned or lighter-coloured shirts and knits on top
- Dark, plain trousers with a straight or slightly tapered leg
- Layers on the upper body, such as an overshirt or a scarf, that add width
Balance out
- Tight trousers and slim cuts that emphasise the hips and thighs
- Jackets that end at the widest part of the hips
- Big back pockets, heavy pleats and bright colours on the lower half
- Soft, shapeless tops that make the shoulders look narrower
Outfit guides for the triangle body shape
- Best Shirts for triangleAdd width and interest to the upper body with shirts that have structure and pattern.
- Best T-Shirts for triangleChoose T-shirts with texture, pattern or colour so the top half does more of the work.
- Best Jeans for triangleKeep the lower half clean and dark, with enough room in the thigh not to pull.
- Best Suits for triangleA structured jacket builds the shoulders and covers the hips, so it does most of the balancing for you.
- Best Jackets for triangleStructured jackets that add width at the shoulders and end below the hip balance the proportions.
Common questions
Why do trousers gap at the back of my waist?
Most trousers are drafted with a set difference between hips and waist. If your hips are much bigger, buy to fit the hips and thighs and have the waist taken in, which is a small alteration.
Which jacket length works best?
A jacket that ends around the middle of the seat, or a hem that is clearly above or below the widest point of the hips, looks best. A hem that lands right at the widest point emphasises it.