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What’s This About
The triangle, or pear, body shape describes a lower torso and hip outline that looks broader than the shoulders, and dressing it starts with trousers that give the hips, seat and thighs enough room.
This guide covers practical choices for a triangle outline, such as:
how the triangle description compares with the other six shapes
trouser cuts and fit checks for the hip, seat and thigh
jackets, colour and pattern if you want more presence above the waist
a starter wardrobe and outfits by occasion and season
a do and don’t table with the effect each choice is meant to have
and many more!
Balancing the outline is a common aim, not a requirement, so every suggestion is an option to compare on your own body.
Key Points
01Buy trousers for the hips, seat and thighs first; a waist that is too big is usually the easier alteration.
02If your abdomen is also fuller, the oval and diamond guides cover the extra fit needs through the middle.
03Structured shoulders, lighter colours on top and darker trousers are common suggestions for a more even outline, but none has a guaranteed optical effect.
04If you like the outline as it is, you do not need to change anything for the sake of balance.
The male triangle body shape, also known as the pear body shape or the A body shape, describes a lower torso and hip outline that looks broader than the shoulders, with the width carried in the hips, seat and thighs.
It is a description of how the outline reads, not a measurement, and it says nothing about weight, health or fitness.
If your abdomen is also the fullest part of you, the oval and diamond descriptions may apply as well, and their advice on room through the middle is worth reading alongside this guide.
This guide sets out what to check and what to try, from trouser fit to outfits for each season.
If you would like to compare your proportions first, our body shape quiz is optional; everything here works without it.
Male Triangle Body Shape Characteristics
If you want a more even outline, the usual approach is to add a little presence above the waist and keep the lower half plain.
If you are happy with the outline as it is, the fit advice still applies and the rest is optional.
The table compares the triangle description with the other six names The VOU uses.
Each row describes how the outline reads from the front, not a measurement, and no row is a threshold.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| What you are comparing | Triangle (Pear) | Inverted Triangle | Rectangle | Trapezoid (Rhomboid) | Hourglass | Oval (Apple) | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outline seen from the front | The lower torso and hip outline looks broader than the shoulders | Shoulders and upper torso look noticeably broader than the hips | Little visible taper through shoulders, torso and hips | Shoulders look a little wider than the hips, with a gentle taper | Shoulders and hips look broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist | A rounded fuller middle, with the fullness spread fairly generally through the torso | The middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso |
| Fit point to check first | Seat and thigh room in trousers | Shirt waist once the chest fits | How much waist shaping you want | Jacket waist and trouser seat | Waist shaping that does not compress | Waistband comfort and shirt fastening, standing and seated | Shirt and jacket fastened over the fullest part of the abdomen |
| Optional styling aim | Add presence above the waist | Soften the contrast, or emphasise it | Add shape, or keep the line straight | Show as much of the taper as you like | Follow the waist or play it down | Room and a continuous line through the middle | More presence at the shoulder, a clean line through the middle |
A Note on Celebrity Examples
Named examples for this shape are collected in The VOU’s separate celebrity article.
The ideas below are illustrated with garments.
Triangle Body Shape Styling Principles
If you want a more even outline, these are the usual starting points.
The right-hand column says what each is meant to do, which is worth checking in a mirror rather than taking on trust.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Shoulder presence | Jackets with some shoulder structure give the shoulder line more definition |
| Interest above the waist | Details and accessories at the chest and collar put the eye higher in the outfit |
| Room in the trousers | Straight or slightly relaxed cuts that skim the hips and thighs rather than grip them |
| Vertical lines | Long open layers and vertical patterns give the torso a continuous line |
| Colour placement | Darker colours below the waist and lighter or brighter colours on top put the colour interest higher up |
Shoulder Presence
Jackets and coats with structured shoulders or subtle padding give the shoulder line more definition.
A softer jacket is the alternative if you prefer a relaxed outline.
A double-breasted blazer in navy or charcoal is worth trying, especially with peak lapels, which point towards the shoulder ends.
Check it fastened, because the overlapping front adds cloth across the middle.
For casual wear, a rugby shirt with a single band across the chest puts pattern on the upper body.
An all-over Breton top stripes the hips as well as the chest, so compare it in a mirror, since what a stripe does depends on the stripe and the rest of the outfit.
Interest Above the Waist
Details above the waist put the eye higher in the outfit.
A pocket square in a contrasting colour, such as burgundy against a grey suit, is a simple example.
For casual settings, a bold scarf works the same way; a chunky knit scarf in forest green adds texture and colour near the face.
Room in the Trousers
Skinny jeans grip the thigh, which shows the hip and thigh width more than a cut that skims.
If that is not what you want, straight-leg trousers or jeans with a slight taper give more room.
Indigo denim in a straight cut works for smart-casual and relaxed settings.
For formal trousers, choose the break with the shoes you will wear.
A slight or medium break is a common choice, and no break or a full break are equally valid preferences.
Check the fit standing and seated: a little cloth to pinch at the thigh, and a seat that does not pull when you sit, are good signs.
Vertical Lines
A pinstripe suit in charcoal grey is a classic formal choice that adds a vertical line.
For a relaxed look, an oatmeal longline cardigan worn open over a white T-shirt with dark wash jeans gives two long verticals down the front.
Colour Placement
Darker colours on the lower half and lighter or brighter colours on top put the colour interest higher in the outfit.
A cream cable-knit jumper with chocolate brown chinos is one example.
For a bolder version, try a mustard yellow bomber jacket over a white T-shirt with navy trousers.
The reverse, lighter trousers with a darker top, is a perfectly normal choice too; it simply puts the emphasis lower.
Triangle Body Shape Essential Wardrobe
The list below is a starting point for a wardrobe built around trousers that fit and some interest above the waist.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Category | Essential Garments |
|---|---|
| Outerwear | Structured blazers, jackets with some shoulder padding, double-breasted coats |
| Tops | V-neck jumpers, vertical striped shirts, polo shirts with patterned chests |
| Bottoms | Straight-leg trousers, dark wash jeans, tailored chinos |
| Accessories | Pocket squares, ties matched to your lapel width, watches |
| Footwear | Chelsea boots, brogues, loafers |
Outerwear
A structured blazer in navy worsted wool gives the shoulders definition.
A camel double-breasted coat adds cloth and structure across the chest; check it fastened over the clothes you will wear beneath.
A khaki field jacket with epaulettes adds detail at the shoulders.
Tops
V-neck jumpers in burgundy or forest green merino open the neckline and put colour near the face.
Cotton poplin shirts in blue and white Bengal stripes add a vertical pattern.
Polo shirts with patterned chests or contrast yokes put interest across the upper body for a sporty look.
Trousers
Straight-leg trousers in a charcoal wool blend suit formal occasions.
Dark wash jeans in a straight or slightly tapered fit work for smart-casual events.
Tailored chinos in stone or navy bridge formal and casual.
Whatever the cut, buy for the hips, seat and thighs, then ask a tailor what the waist can be taken in by on that pair.
Accessories
Silk twill pocket squares with bold patterns, such as paisley or geometric prints, add colour at the chest.
Ties in textured fabrics such as grenadine or knitted silk add interest at the chest; match the tie’s width to your jacket’s lapels.
A watch is a personal choice; try the case size on your own wrist rather than choosing it by body shape.
Footwear
Chelsea boots in polished black leather give a clean line from trouser to shoe.
Brogues in rich tan or oxblood add detail without much bulk.
Loafers with a slightly thicker sole give the outfit more weight at the foot, which some men like with straight or relaxed trousers.
Triangle Body Shape Outfit Ideas by Occasion
Here are three outfits that apply the ideas above.
Each is a suggestion to adapt, not a formula.
Business Attire
Start with a charcoal grey three-piece suit in a subtle herringbone.
The waistcoat adds a layer over the torso, and roped shoulders on the jacket give the shoulder line definition.
Pair it with a crisp white twill shirt with a cutaway collar, which makes a wider line at the neck.
Add colour with a deep purple silk tie with diagonal stripes.
Tuck a paisley pocket square in lavender and grey into the breast pocket.
Finish with polished black Oxford shoes and a silver chronograph watch.
Urban Casual
Begin with a white crew-neck T-shirt under a light-washed denim shirt worn open, which gives two verticals down the front.
Add a sage green utility jacket with epaulettes and chest pockets, which put detail at the shoulders and chest.
Wear straight-leg chinos in tobacco brown, which go with the earthy tones above and give the lower half a clean line.
Finish with sand suede desert boots, a woven leather belt and a messenger bag worn across the body.
Evening Event
Start with a lightweight azure blue linen-cotton blazer; the brighter colour sits above the waist and the structured shoulders give the upper body definition.
Wear a soft pink cotton shirt with the top two buttons undone.
Add cream tailored trousers with rolled cuffs that show a little ankle.
Light trousers tend to put more emphasis on the lower half than dark ones, so this outfit suits you if you are happy with that.
Finish with tan penny loafers, a silk pocket square in blue and pink and a slim rose gold dress watch.
This works for outdoor summer parties or dinner at a smart restaurant.
Triangle Body Shape Outfits by Season
The same ideas carry through the year with different cloths.
Triangle Body Shape Outfit for Spring
Try a lightweight blazer in a cotton-linen blend with an Oxford cloth button-down shirt and chinos.
A Harrington jacket gives a casual outfit some structure on top.
Pastel colours on top with neutral trousers keep the colour interest higher up.
Triangle Body Shape Outfit for Summer
Choose light trousers that do not cling, such as linen-blend trousers in a relaxed fit, with structured short-sleeve shirts.
A camp collar shirt in a bold print puts the pattern on the upper body.
For the beach, swim shorts with a small print and a rash guard with contrast trim are one combination.
Triangle Body Shape Outfit for Autumn
Autumn suits layering.
Try a lightweight merino roll-neck under a tweed sports jacket; a roll-neck under a jacket gives a clean line at the neck, and the jacket gives the shoulders structure.
Add a textured scarf, and choose moleskin trousers in earth tones.
Triangle Body Shape Outfit for Winter
A peacoat with strong shoulders gives a winter outfit structure on top.
Chunky knit cardigans and Fair Isle jumpers add volume to the chest and shoulders, if that is the effect you want.
Pair them with straight-leg corduroy trousers or dark denim.
Finish with leather gloves and a cashmere beanie.
Triangle Body Shape Do’s and Don’ts
The table assumes you want a more even outline.
If you do not, treat the right-hand column as information about each choice’s effect rather than a list of mistakes.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Try structured jackets with some shoulder padding | Expect an unstructured jacket, which follows your own shoulder line, or a dropped-shoulder cut, whose seam sits below the shoulder, to add shoulder presence |
| Choose straight-leg or slightly tapered trousers with room at the thigh | Buy skinny or very tight trousers if you would rather not show the hip and thigh width |
| Compare vertical stripes and patterns on tops | Put horizontal stripes across the hips by accident; they can put the eye there |
| Use bold colours and patterns on your upper body if you want the interest higher up | Put attention-grabbing prints on your lower half unless you want the emphasis there |
| Layer with waistcoats and open shirts | Let a bulky untucked layer end at the widest part of the hip if you would rather not mark it |
| Choose darker colours for trousers and shoes if you want the lower half quiet | Assume light trousers are wrong; they tend to put more emphasis on the lower half |
| Accessorise with pocket squares and lapel pins | Wear a large, contrasting belt buckle if you want no line at the hip |
| Try V-necks and open collars | Rule out roll-necks; under a structured jacket they work well |
Dressing a triangle outline comes down to trousers that fit the hips, seat and thighs, then whatever balance you prefer above the waist.
Use the ideas here as options, keep what works on you, and ignore what does not suit your taste.
All 7 Male Body Shapes and Their Attributes
In the 1940s, the American psychologist William Sheldon popularised a somatotype classification with three types: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.
Somatotypes describe overall build, while styling vocabulary describes the outline and proportions that clothes have to fit.
The VOU uses the following seven body shapes.
Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Trapezoid and Hourglass follow familiar styling usage; Oval and Diamond are described in The VOU’s own words.
- Triangle Body Shape, the subject of this guide, also known as Pear Shape, Bell, A-Shape or Spoon. The lower torso and hip outline looks broader than the shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle Body Shape, also known as V-shape or Wedge. The shoulder and upper-torso outline looks noticeably broader than the hips.
- Rectangle Body Shape, also known as Straight Shape, Banana, Column or H-Shape. Little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
- Oval Body Shape, also known as Apple Shape, Round, O-Shape or Circular. In this guide, a rounded fuller-middle outline, with the fullness spread fairly generally through the torso.
- Diamond Body Shape, also known as Spade, Teardrop or Wedge Reversed. In this guide, an outline whose middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso.
- Hourglass Body Shape, also known as X-Shape, Figure 8 or Wasp. Shoulders and hips look broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist between them.
- Trapezoid Body Shape, also known as Rhomboid or Regular. Shoulders look a little wider than the hips, with a gentle taper.
Style Like a True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, fit does most of the work, whether or not you ever work with image consultants.
Professional styling starts with getting the fit right and choosing clothes that suit the occasion; knowing your body shape and seasonal colour palette can make the choosing quicker.
Our guides also cover styling by occasion, location, season and time of day, garments, footwear, accessories and heritage fashion brands.
Take our three quizzes, then book a consultation if you would like personal help:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments suit different silhouettes.
To compare your outline with the seven body shape descriptions, take our body shape quiz for men.
2. Find Your Seasonal Colours
The garments in your outfits come in many colours.
To see which seasonal colour palette may suit you, take our seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Fashion Style
To explore your personal fashion style, take our fashion style quiz for men; it suggests styles, outfit ideas and brands to explore.
Book a Consultation with The VOU
For personal help, you can book paid consultations with our image consultants and fashion stylists.
Our styling services for men page lists the paid consultations.
Wearing luxury brands is not enough on its own; how your clothes fit and suit the occasion matters more, and our personal style guide covers the rest.
For more on labels, see our guide to logo-heavy luxury brands and how to wear them.
Contact us if you would like to book a consultation.