You’ve probably heard of the pear body shape, a term often used in women’s fashion. But it’s just as relevant for men and in menswear, it’s more commonly called the triangle body shape. While inverted triangle and trapezoid body shapes features broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist, a triangle body shape presents the opposite balance. For that reason, this proportion creates unique styling challenges to achieve a proportionate and confident look.
If you’re still mapping the landscape of physiques, our overview of Male Body Types is a great starting point. Otherwise, let’s dive into how to master that special body type in this article.
What is a Triangle Body Shape?
The triangle body shape, sometimes referred to as the pear body shape for men, is characterized by:
- Narrow shoulders in proportion to the hips.
- Fuller hips and thighs, giving more volume to the lower half.
- A less defined upper chest compared to other body shapes.
This build is perfectly natural and common, but it can be tricky to style if you’re aiming for a more traditionally balanced silhouette. The styling goal here is to visually broaden the shoulders and upper torso while streamlining the lower half.
How to Identify if You Have a Triangle Body Shape
Identifying this body type is not tricky at all. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in fitted clothing or underwear and look at your proportions:
- If your hips are visibly wider than your shoulders.
- Your waist area feels broader than your upper chest.
- Your shoulders slope gently instead of being square or broad.
You likely fall into the triangle category! For a more precise method, you can measure your shoulders, chest, waist and hips: if your hips are at least 2–3 inches wider than your shoulders, you probably have a triangle body shape.
Celebrities with a Pear Body Shape
Several famous men share this build and they’ve mastered dressing in a way that balances their proportions while embracing their natural frame:
Leonardo DiCaprio
David Harbour
Seth Rogen
Jason Segel
How to Dress for Triangle Body Shape Men
For men with a triangle body shape, the styling strategy is to broaden the appearance of the upper body and visually streamline the lower half, keeping proportions in check.
Broaden the Upper Body
To create the illusion of broader shoulders, focus on structured garments that enhance your upper frame. Jackets and blazers with shoulder padding or a well-defined shoulder seam instantly add width without looking artificial. Opt for outerwear with slightly wider lapels or a higher stance, which will naturally make the chest and shoulders look more prominent. Note: this tip is also applied to rectangle body shape.
Shirt styles with details near the chest are perfect; think epaulettes, chest pockets or stripes. A V-neckline can elongate the neck and frame the upper torso, making it the best choice for the triangle body type. But don’t throw crew-neck t-shirts and pullovers away! They still work well for building wider shoulders.
For upper garments, fabrics with a bit of weight, such as tweed, corduroy or wool blends, add structure to keep your body looking strong.
Recommended clothes: structured blazers, bomber jackets, shirts with pockets, crewneck or V-neck sweaters and trench coats with broad lapels.
Draw Attention Away from the Midsection
For the lower half, we need to minimize bulk and avoid drawing too much attention to the hips. Choose straight-leg trousers or slightly tapered pants in darker shades to slim the appearance of the thighs. Avoid overly skinny or tight cuts that can exaggerate hip width.
Design Your Straight-leg Chinos
Materials that drape smoothly, like lightweight wool, cotton blends or stretch chinos, help maintain a clean vertical line without clinging. Dark denim is a great casual choice, provided it’s not low-rise, as mid-rise or slightly higher waists will balance proportions better.
Recommended clothes: straight-leg chinos, mid-rise tailored trousers, dark-wash jeans and flat-front dress pants.
Balance the Proportion with Vertical Lines
Vertical stripes, elongated patterns and structured seams help to draw the eye up and down rather than side to side, making your frame appear longer and leaner. Those can be pinstripes, herringbone or plaid. Or else, you can opt for textures like ribbed knit, corduroy with narrow wale lines, which also have the body elongating function.
Even layering techniques can create two vertical columns that streamline your silhouette, like leaving a longline jacket open over a contrasting inner layer. This visual trick works especially well when the inner garment is lighter or brighter, drawing the gaze toward the center of your torso.
Design Your Black Long Trench Coat
Smart Color Choices
Darker tones for bottoms naturally slim the lower half, while lighter or more vibrant colors on top pull the gaze upward. Experiment with layering light shirts under darker blazers or using bold accessories near the face to shift focus. An light-colored shirt with dark wash jeans or a white knit with charcoal pants are simple yet effective examples.
A monochrome look can also be welcomed in your favor if done thoughtfully. Opt for darker monochromes on the lower half and slightly lighter or textured variations on the upper body to maintain interest and balance.
Footwear and Accessories
When it comes to shoes, structured designs that add height are your best allies. Chelsea boots, brogues with a sturdy sole or loafers with a slight heel can elongate the legs and improve proportions. For casual looks, minimalist sneakers in dark tones work well. However, it doesn’t mean bulky sneakers are suitable; stay away from them, as well as overly flat shoes that can make the lower half appear heavier.
Accessories are an easy way to draw attention upward. Scarves, hats and statement sunglasses frame the face and shoulders. Belts in subtle tones keep the waistline neat without highlighting it excessively. Even ties can be strategic: slightly wider ties balance a broader upper look and patterns in the tie can pull the eye toward your chest. For formalwear, a pocket square adds not only interest to your chest but also a refined finishing touch for a stylish, intentional appearance.
| Styling Do’s and Don’ts for Triangle Body Shape Men |
|
|---|---|
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Jackets and blazers with structured shoulders or padding | Jackets or shirts with drooping or unstructured shoulders |
| Outerwear with wider lapels or higher stances | Narrow lapels or very low button stances |
| Chest details like epaulettes, pockets or horizontal stripes | Tops with detailing around the waist or hips |
| V-necklines to elongate the neck; crewnecks can also work | Overly deep V-necks or oversized crewnecks |
| Straight-leg trousers or slightly tapered pants | Skinny, overly tight or low-rise pants |
| Medium- to heavyweight fabrics for tops | Thin, clingy fabrics on top |
| Smooth, draping fabrics for bottoms | Stiff, bulky fabrics that add volume to hips and thighs |
| Vertical patterns, layer strategically | Wide horizontal stripes on the lower half |
| Lighter tops and darker bottoms or monochrome outfits | Light bottoms with dark tops or no color variation |
| Structured shoes that add height | Overly flat shoes or bulky sneakers |
| Scarves, hats, sunglasses and pocket tie to frame the face, chest, shoulders | Belts in contrasting bright colors that cut the body visually |
| Slightly wider ties and ties with patterns | Ultra-skinny ties or dark ties |
Triangle Body Shape Men's Outfits
You’re halfway through the path to conquer the triangle body shape styling. We would make it easier for you with style inspirations for different occasions, so you’re never stuck wondering what to wear.
Business/Formal Attire
For business or formal events, suit jackets with structured shoulders instantly broaden the upper body and bring symmetry to your silhouette. Opt for single-breasted blazers with medium-width lapels and a neatly folded pocket square to add presence. Pair with lighter, subtle stripe or micro-check patterned shirts to draw the eye to your top, complemented by a tie. Leather derby shoes or brogues with a slight heel complete the look, adding height and polish.
Slate Grey Suit with Gingham Shirt
Products in the outfit
Credit: Renato Amburgo
Smart-Casual Outfit
When dressing smart-casual, focus on versatile layers that maintain proportion. A casual blazer or jacket over a lightweight crew-neck sweater or button-down shirt works well. Keep tops lighter in color or with subtle patterns to bring visual weight to your chest and shoulders. For bottoms, dark chinos or straight-fit jeans help maintain a balanced shape. See our guide on Blazer and Chinos Combinations for extra inspiration. Footwear can be elevated sneakers, Chelsea boots or loafers. Finish with a leather belt and perhaps a scarf in cooler months.
Everyday/Weekend Style
Casual days give you more freedom to experiment. Start with layered looks, such as a polo shirt under a denim jacket. Hoodies layered under lightweight jackets can also create volume without looking sloppy. Pair these with dark-wash jeans or tailored joggers in a straight or relaxed fit. Footwear choices like sturdy sneakers, desert boots or penny loafers keep the look grounded and stylish. A baseball cap or sunglasses are ideal for low-key weekend outings.
Seasonal Outfit Suggestions
Spring/Summer
Lightweight linen or cotton blazers over pastel shirts create a fresh, balanced look. Short-sleeved button-ups with shoulder detailing help broaden the upper frame. Pair with dark shorts and loafers.
Fall/Winter
Opt for structured overcoats, peacoats or field jackets that define the shoulders. Layer with textured knitwear, such as cable-knit sweaters. Pair with dark trousers and boots for warmth and proportional balance.
Navy Field Jacket with Olive Chinos
Products in the outfit
Credit: Niccolò Cesari
Transitional Seasons
Trench coats, shackets and lightweight parkas with adjustable waists bring a well-structured look. Neutral or light-colored tops under darker outer layers are perfect for maintaining visual focus where you want it.
Beige Trench Coat with Grey Polo and Black Jeans
Products in the outfit
Credit: Nuno Antunes
FAQs about Triangle Body Shape Men
What is a triangle body type?
A triangle body type is when the shoulders and chest are narrower than the hips and thighs. Men with this build tend to have a fuller lower body, less defined upper chest and a more prominent waist and hip area. This natural proportion is the opposite of the inverted triangle shape, which has broader shoulders and a narrower waist. The styling goal for triangle body types is to broaden the appearance of the upper body while streamlining the lower half.
Is triangle body shape the same as pear body shape?
Yes. In menswear, the triangle body shape and the pear body shape are often used interchangeably. Both describe a build with narrower shoulders and chest compared to the hips and thighs.
What clothes are flattering for a triangle shape?
Clothes that are most flattering for a triangle body shape add structure to the upper half and visually slim the lower half. That means:
-
Structured blazers and jackets with shoulder padding or well-defined seams
-
Shirts with chest detailing (pockets, epaulettes, horizontal stripes) to create visual width
-
V-neck sweaters or well-proportioned crewnecks to elongate the upper torso
-
Straight-leg trousers or dark-wash jeans in darker shades to minimize hip emphasis
-
Vertical stripes or elongated patterns to lengthen the silhouette
-
Layering techniques that create vertical lines and draw the eye upward
Avoid overly tight pants, unstructured tops and light bottoms with dark tops, as these can throw off proportions.
What not to wear with a triangle body shape?
Avoid skinny or overly tight pants, as they emphasize hip width. Skip unstructured tops or jackets that droop at the shoulders; they make the upper body look narrower. Stay away from light or bright-colored bottoms paired with dark tops, since they shift focus downward. Bulky sneakers, wide horizontal stripes on the lower half and belts in high-contrast colors at the waist can also disrupt your proportions.
What patterns should triangle body shape men wear?
Patterns play a huge role in balancing your proportions. For the upper body, horizontal stripes, checks or bold patterns add width visually, making the chest and shoulders appear broader. For the lower body, stick to solid, darker colors or very subtle vertical patterns to slim and lengthen the legs. You can also use pinstripes or vertical paneling in jackets or shirts to elongate the torso without drawing too much focus to the hips.
