Body shape
Inverted triangle body shape
Also called V-shape
Shoulders and bust or chest clearly wider than the hips.
How to recognise it
- Your bust or chest is at least 5% larger than your hips (10% for men, or chest at least 25% larger than waist).
- Your shoulders look broad and your hips and legs slim in comparison.
- Jackets that fit the shoulders are often loose at the hips.
The rule our calculator uses: Bust at least 5% wider than hips (women); chest at least 10% wider than hips or 25% wider than waist (men). See all rules.
For women
Cuts that tend to flatter
- V-necks and scoop necksThey break up the width across the shoulders and lead the eye to the centre.
- A-line skirts and wide-leg trousersVolume below the waist balances broader shoulders.
- Soft, unstructured topsFabric without padding lets the shoulders look natural rather than wider.
Usually less flattering
- Shoulder pads and puffed sleevesThey add width exactly where you are already widest.
- Boat necks and wide stripes across the chestHorizontal lines across the top stretch the shoulder line.
- Skinny trousers with a big topA narrow lower half makes the top look even broader by contrast.
For men
Cuts that tend to flatter
- Straight or relaxed-leg trousersA bit more volume in the leg balances broad shoulders and chest.
- V-necks and open collarsThey break up the width of the chest.
- Soft-shouldered, unpadded jacketsThey follow your shoulders without adding width.
Usually less flattering
- Heavily padded shouldersThey make an already wide top look even wider.
- Skinny jeansA narrow lower half exaggerates the top-heavy look.
- Tight horizontal stripes across the chestThey make the chest look even wider.
These are general style guidelines, not rules. Wear what you feel good in. No shop, no sizes: just the cuts.