What Is an Inverted Triangle Body?
An inverted triangle body is widest at the shoulders or bust and narrows toward the hips, like a triangle standing on its point. The waist is often fairly straight, and many inverted triangles have slim hips and legs. It's common in swimmers and other athletes with developed shoulders. In men, it's the classic 'V-shaped' athletic build.
Tops: Soften the Shoulders
V-necks and scoop necks break up the width of the shoulders with a vertical line. Raglan sleeves, which run diagonally from the collar, soften the shoulder line. Keep tops simple, in solid or darker colours. Avoid shoulder pads, puff sleeves, epaulettes, wide boat necks and halter necks, which all add width above.
Read more: Body Types for Women: The 5 Shapes and How to Dress Them
Bottoms: Add Volume Below
Draw the eye down and widen the lower half: wide-leg and flared trousers, A-line and full skirts, and bottoms in lighter colours, prints or with details like pockets and pleats. High-waisted styles with some volume at the hip balance the frame.
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Dresses
Fit-and-flare and A-line dresses, with a simple bodice and a fuller skirt, are the easiest win. Wrap dresses with a V-neck work too.
Read more: Body Types for Men: How to Dress Yours
For Men
A man with an inverted triangle build has the shape most menswear is designed to flatter, but very broad shoulders can make off-the-rack shirts tight in the chest and loose at the waist. Choose slim or tailored-fit shirts, avoid heavily padded jackets, and wear straight-leg rather than skinny trousers so the legs don't look too thin. See body types for men.
In Ollie Stylist you can set the model's build to athletic and try real clothes on it before buying.