Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Shoulder- and bust-dominant
Bust and shoulder measure well beyond the hip, and the waist does not come in far enough to read as an hourglass. The outline narrows as it goes down.
How this class is defined → The bust exceeds the hip by 3.6 in or more, while the bust-to-waist difference stays under 9 in.
Check it against your own measurements
The calculator opens with a measurement set that drafts to inverted triangle. Replace the figures with your own to see whether you land in the same class.
—
How to dress the proportion
- Volume
Add it below the waist: full and pleated skirts, wide-leg and flared trousers, patch pockets at the hip.
- Neckline
Deep V, scoop and halter necks break up the width across the chest and shoulders.
- Avoid
Shoulder pads, cap and puff sleeves, horizontal stripes across the chest, bulky scarves — all of it adds to the widest point.
- Line
Let the waist sit soft and skim. A hard cinch makes the shoulder-to-waist contrast steeper.
Tailor's noteRaglan and dolman sleeves fit this proportion better off the rack than set-in sleeves, because they do not put a seam at the outer edge of the shoulder. When you do buy set-in, have the shoulder seam narrowed — it is a real alteration and worth the cost.
Common questions
Is an inverted triangle the same as an athletic build?
They often overlap, since developed shoulders and back produce this proportion, but the class is measurement-based. Any body whose bust exceeds the hip by 3.6 in without a 9 in waist difference drafts here.
Why do blazers fit my shoulders but hang loose at the hip?
Standard blocks assume the hip is equal to or larger than the bust. Size to the shoulder, which cannot be altered well, and have the body taken in below.
What necklines should an inverted triangle wear?
Deep V, scoop and halter — anything that creates vertical space and interrupts the horizontal line across the chest. Boat necks and high crews do the opposite.