What Is a Triangle Body Shape?
The triangle, widely known as the pear shape, describes a figure where the hips are noticeably wider than the shoulders and bust. The waist is often well defined, and weight tends to settle in the hips, thighs and seat. It is one of the most common female shapes and many people identify with it strongly.
The styling goal for a triangle is balance: drawing the eye upward and adding visual weight to the shoulders so the silhouette appears more even. Boat necks, statement sleeves, structured shoulders and lighter or brighter colours on top all help broaden the upper body. On the bottom, darker tones and clean, skimming cuts keep the focus where you want it.
Triangles look wonderful in A-line skirts and dresses that flow away from the waist, as well as bootcut and straight-leg trousers that balance the hip. Because the waist is usually a strong feature, defining it remains a reliable styling anchor across almost every outfit.
How to Tell If You Have a Triangle Shape
- Hip measurement is clearly larger than the shoulder and bust measurements.
- The waist is defined relative to the hips.
- Trousers and skirts that fit the hips are often loose at the waist.
- Weight gain shows first in the thighs, hips, and seat.
Key Characteristics
The triangle body shape (also called "pear") features hips that are wider than the shoulders. Your lower body is more prominent, with a defined waist and proportionally smaller upper body.
- 1Hips wider than shoulders
- 2Defined waistline
- 3Weight tends to accumulate in the lower body
- 4Slender arms and shoulders relative to lower body
How to Dress a Triangle Body Shape
Balance wider hips by adding visual width and interest to the upper body.
- Balance your silhouette by adding volume to your upper body
- Draw attention upward with interesting necklines and details
- Choose darker colors for bottoms and brighter colors for tops
- A-line skirts and dresses work well for your shape
Best Styles to Wear
- Boat necks, off-shoulder, and scoop necklines
- Structured jackets and tops with shoulder details
- A-line and full skirts that flow from the waist
- Dark-colored, straight-leg pants
Styles to Avoid
- Skinny jeans and tight-fitting bottoms
- Bottoms with large prints or bright colors
- Pencil skirts that emphasize hip width
- Tops that end at the widest part of your hips
Celebrities with a Triangle Shape
These well-known figures are often cited as having a triangle body shape, which can be a helpful reference point when picturing the silhouette:
Not sure if you're a Triangle?
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