Inverted Triangle Body Shape: Full Guide
The inverted triangle body shape features broader shoulders relative to the hips. This guide explains how to identify this shape, understand the shoulder-to-hip ratio, and dress to balance your proportions.
The Short Answer
The inverted triangle body shape has shoulders or bust wider than the hips by at least 5%. It affects about 5% of women per the SizeUSA survey. Styling focuses on adding volume to the lower body and streamlining the upper body to create visual balance.
What Is the Inverted Triangle Body Shape?
The inverted triangle body shape is defined by an upper body that is proportionally wider than the lower body. The shoulders and/or bust are the widest part of the body, tapering down to narrower hips. The waist may or may not be well-defined, but the key characteristic is the shoulder-to-hip differential.
This shape is sometimes called the "V-shape" or "strawberry" shape. It is one of the rarer female body types, found in approximately 5% of women according to the SizeUSA survey data. Women who are naturally broad-shouldered or who have developed upper body musculature through sports like swimming, tennis, or rowing often have this body shape.
Inverted Triangle Characteristics
Women with an inverted triangle body shape typically exhibit these proportional features:
- Shoulders are the widest point of the body, broader than the hips
- Bust is often full, contributing to the wider upper body appearance
- Waist may not be dramatically defined but can have some narrowing
- Hips are narrower than the shoulders, with a less curvy lower body
- Legs tend to be proportionally slim and lean
- Back appears broad when viewed from behind
The Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio Explained
The defining measurement for the inverted triangle is the shoulder-to-hip ratio. This ratio compares the width of the shoulders (or bust circumference) to the hip measurement.
To calculate your shoulder-to-hip ratio:
- 1. Measure your shoulders at the widest point, from the edge of one shoulder across the back to the other. Alternatively, use bust circumference.
- 2. Measure your hips at the widest point around the hips and buttocks.
- 3. Divide your shoulder (or bust) measurement by your hip measurement.
If the result is 1.05 or higher, you have an inverted triangle body shape. For example, shoulders at 42 inches and hips at 38 inches gives a ratio of 1.105, which falls into the inverted triangle category. A ratio below 1.05 with similar bust and hips suggests a rectangle or hourglass shape instead.
Check Your Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio
Our body shape calculator analyzes your measurements and determines whether you fall into the inverted triangle category or another body shape.
Styling Tips: Balancing Proportions
The primary styling strategy for the inverted triangle is to visually balance the broader upper body with the narrower lower body. This is achieved by streamlining the top half and adding volume or visual interest to the bottom half.
Streamline the Upper Body
Choose tops that draw the eye inward rather than outward. V-necklines create a vertical line that narrows the chest area. Dark solid colors on top minimize visual width. Raglan sleeves and set-in sleeves soften the shoulder line compared to structured shoulder seams. Avoid padded shoulders, puffed sleeves, and wide necklines that extend the shoulder line.
Add Volume Below the Waist
Balance the broader shoulders by adding visual weight to the lower body. Wide-leg trousers, flared skirts, and A-line silhouettes all add volume at the hip level. Light colors, bold patterns, and textured fabrics on the bottom half draw the eye downward and create a more balanced proportion.
Define the Waist
Even though the inverted triangle may not have a dramatically defined waist, creating the appearance of one helps break up the V-line silhouette. Belts, wrap tops, and high-waisted bottoms all create a visual midpoint that balances the upper and lower body proportions.
Clothing Guide: What Works and What to Reconsider
| Category | Recommended | Reconsider |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | V-necks, scoop necks, raglan sleeves, wrap tops, dark-colored tops | Boat necks, padded shoulders, halter tops, strapless styles |
| Bottoms | Wide-leg trousers, flared jeans, A-line skirts, patterned or light-colored bottoms | Very skinny jeans without longer tops, plain dark pencil skirts |
| Dresses | A-line dresses, fit-and-flare, wrap dresses, dresses with full skirts | Strapless dresses, structured shoulder dresses, column dresses |
| Outerwear | Single-breasted coats, hip-length jackets, coats that flare at the bottom | Double-breasted coats, epaulettes, heavily structured shoulder jackets |
| Swimwear | Halter bikini tops (to narrow shoulders), high-waisted bottoms, ruffled bikini bottoms | Bandeau tops, straight-across necklines on one-pieces |
Celebrities with the Inverted Triangle Shape
Several well-known women are commonly identified as having an inverted triangle body shape. Observing their styling choices can offer practical inspiration:
Angelina Jolie
Often styled in V-neck gowns and A-line dresses that balance her broader shoulders with volume at the hem. Prefers streamlined necklines on the red carpet.
Demi Moore
Known for broad shoulders and an athletic build. Often seen in wrap dresses and structured pieces that define the waist while minimizing shoulder width.
Naomi Campbell
Frequently wears dramatic A-line and fit-and-flare silhouettes on the runway that add volume to the lower body and streamline her frame.
Renee Zellweger
Often selects V-necklines and dresses with fuller skirts that create visual balance between her broader upper body and narrower hips.
Related Guides
Inverted Triangle Body Women
Complete guide to the inverted triangle body shape in women
All Body Shapes
Overview of all body shapes including the inverted triangle and its characteristics
Body Shape Calculator
Calculate your body shape for free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inverted triangle body shape?
The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by shoulders and bust that are broader than the hips. The shoulder measurement exceeds the hip measurement by at least 5%. The waist may be less defined, and the lower body is proportionally narrower than the upper body. About 5% of women have this shape according to the SizeUSA survey.
How do I know if I have an inverted triangle body shape?
Measure your shoulders (or bust) and your hips at their widest points. If your shoulder or bust measurement is at least 5% larger than your hip measurement, you likely have an inverted triangle shape. Other signs include broad shoulders, a less defined waistline, and narrower hips relative to the upper body.
What is the shoulder-to-hip ratio for an inverted triangle?
For the inverted triangle body shape, the shoulder-to-hip ratio is greater than 1.05, meaning the shoulders are at least 5% wider than the hips. For example, if your shoulders measure 40 inches and your hips measure 36 inches, the ratio is 1.11, which falls into the inverted triangle category.
What necklines work best for the inverted triangle body shape?
V-necklines and scoop necks are generally recommended for inverted triangle shapes because they draw the eye inward and downward, visually narrowing the shoulder area. Halter necks and wide boat necks can make shoulders appear broader and are typically less flattering for this body type.
Can exercise change an inverted triangle body shape?
You cannot change your skeletal structure through exercise. However, building muscle in the lower body (glutes, thighs) through targeted training can add volume to the hip area, creating a more balanced appearance. Swimming and upper body exercises may further broaden the shoulders, so focus on lower body work if visual balance is your goal.
Is the inverted triangle body shape rare?
Yes, the inverted triangle is one of the rarer body shapes among women. According to the SizeUSA survey data, approximately 5% of women have an inverted triangle body shape. It is more common among women who are naturally broad-shouldered or athletic, particularly those who engage in upper-body-dominant sports like swimming.