For gentlemen with a triangle body shape, mastering the art of refined dressing transforms not just your appearance, but your presence in the boardroom and beyond.
A triangle body shape, characterised by shoulders narrower than the hips, presents unique opportunities to craft a sophisticated silhouette that exudes authority and success.
In the following guide, you’ll discover how to harness the expertise of heritage menswear principles while incorporating contemporary luxury elements to create a wardrobe that commands respect and appreciation.
Here are the fundamental styling principles for the triangle body shape to keep in mind:
- Broaden the Shoulders – Use structured jackets and horizontal details to create width in the upper body
- Draw Attention Upwards – Employ eye-catching details and accessories above the waist
- Balance Proportions – Choose straight or slightly looser fits for trousers to counterbalance the lower body
- Create Vertical Lines – Use vertical patterns and layering to elongate the torso
- Strategic Colour Placement – Wear darker colours below the waist and lighter or brighter colours on top
1. Broaden the Shoulders
The hallmark of distinguished dressing for a triangle body shape lies in creating an authoritative shoulder line reminiscent of Anderson & Sheppard’s military-inspired cuts.
A Tom Ford double-breasted blazer, with signature roped shoulders and peak lapels measuring 4 inches at their widest point, creates a commanding chest presence essential for boardroom dominance.
Brunello Cucinelli’s structured sport coats, particularly from the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, feature natural shoulder padding that adds 1.5 inches of breadth without appearing overstated.
For weekend elegance, Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s rugby shirts with precisely engineered 2.5-inch horizontal stripes across the chest create optical width while maintaining sophistication.
2. Draw Attention Upwards
Direct attention to your upper body through refined details that speak of attention to craftsmanship and heritage.
A hand-rolled Hermès pocket square in heavy silk twill, precisely peaked to show three distinct points, draws the eye naturally upward.
Drake’s hand-blocked Ancient Madder silk ties, particularly in burgundy with ivory pindots, create a sophisticated focal point at the collar.
For casual sophistication, layer with John Smedley’s Sea Island cotton knitwear in Rich Bordeaux, complemented by a cashmere scarf from Johnstons of Elgin in their signature Estate Check pattern.
3. Balance Proportions
Achieve impeccable balance through precisely cut trousers that complement your frame without compromising on luxury.
Invest in Loro Piana’s Denim Master trouser cut, featuring a 17-inch knee and 15.5-inch hem that creates a subtle taper while maintaining proportion.
For formal occasions, Cifonelli’s signature cut trousers with a 2-inch turnup and medium break ensure a clean drape over Edward Green Oxford shoes.
The optimal trouser rise for your body shape sits at 11.5 inches, as demonstrated in Anderson & Sheppard’s classic high-waisted cut, creating an elongated leg line.
4. Create Vertical Lines
Employ vertical elements to craft a lengthening effect that enhances your overall proportion.
A Richard James chalk stripe suit in charcoal, with stripes spaced precisely 1 centimetre apart, creates an subtle elongating effect without appearing ostentatious.
Layer with a Corneliani cashmere cardigan in Oatmeal, cut 2 inches longer than standard length, over a Sea Island cotton T-shirt from Sunspel.
The Armoury’s Model 3 jacket, with its signature 3.25-inch lapel rolling to the second button, creates an uninterrupted vertical line that enhances height.
5. Strategic Colour Placement
Master the art of colour choreography to create a sophisticated and balanced appearance.
Pair a Loro Piana cashmere cable-knit in Winter White with Incotex urban chinos in Dark Tobacco, creating a powerful contrast that draws attention upward.
A Valstarino suede bomber in Tuscan Yellow worn over a Charvet white poplin shirt creates a compelling focal point when paired with Canali navy wool trousers.
For evening events, opt for a Tom Ford ivory dinner jacket with dark midnight blue evening trousers, maintaining the classic black-tie proportions while elongating your frame.
Styling Do’s and Don’ts
Do invest in Savile Row tailoring with structured shoulders featuring 3.5-inch roped sleeve heads.
Don’t select unstructured jackets from brands like Boglioli or Barena, which lack the necessary shoulder support.
Do choose trousers with a 17-inch knee width, tapering to 15.5 inches at the hem.
Don’t wear skinny-fit trousers that create less than a 14-inch hem circumference.
Do incorporate vertical patterns like Richard James’s widely-spaced pinstripes (1cm apart).
Don’t wear horizontal stripes below the chest, particularly avoiding striped trousers.
Do experiment with luxury knitwear in sizes that provide structured drape.
Don’t select oversized or unstructured pieces that create bulk around the midsection.
Do accessorise with hand-rolled pocket squares and 8cm width ties.
Don’t wear statement belts wider than 3cm or with pronounced buckles.
Do select V-neck knitwear with a 3.5-inch opening at the deepest point.
Don’t choose high-neck styles that truncate your vertical lines.
Elevate Your Style Journey
While these principles provide a foundation for dressing your triangle body shape, achieving a truly distinguished wardrobe demands personalised expertise.
Here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!