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A V-shaped body, also called an inverted triangle, is characterized by shoulders wider than the hips. The upper body is often defined, while the hips and legs are narrower. It’s an athletic, dynamic shape, often seen in swimmers or people with muscular backs.
To create balance, soften the shoulder line and add movement or volume to the lower body. Here are cuts that work, ones that call for a little more attention, and a few easy outfits.
How to recognize a V-shaped body
You probably have a V-shaped body if your shoulders are noticeably wider than your hips, if jackets feel tight across your back while pants gape at the hips, or if you wear a larger size on top than on the bottom. Your waist is often less defined.
Our guide to find your body shape offers a three-measurement test if you’re unsure.
The top: soften the shoulder line
- V-necks or deep U-necks : they create a vertical line that makes the upper body look slimmer.
- Fluid fabrics : silk, viscose, jersey, or fine knits that drape rather than add structure.
- Simple cuts : no shoulder pads and few details around the shoulders and chest.
- Raglan or kimono sleeves : they soften the shoulder angle.
- Understated colors : dark or neutral shades on top tone down the volume.
Straight or slightly longer, unstructured jackets worn open create a welcome vertical line. Avoid very short, fitted jackets, which emphasize width.
The bottom: add movement
The bottom is where you can play:
- Skirts : flared, pleated, A-line, ruffled, or wrap styles add volume to the hips.
- Pants : wide-leg, palazzo, cargo, or pleated styles broaden the hip line.
- Jeans : mom, boyfriend, flare, or wide-leg jeans with prominent pockets.
- Colors and prints : light shades, prints, and textured fabrics on the bottom balance your shape.
Light-colored wide-leg pants with a dark, fluid top are one of the most effective combinations. Our guide to choosing jeans for your body shape breaks down the denim cuts to look for.
A visual example from Julianna Lee to compare with the steps in this guide.
Video in English
Define the waist
Since the waist is often less defined, you can create shape with a belt worn low on the hips or with wrap tops. Drop-waist or A-line dresses, fluid on top and flared at the bottom, work really well. V-shaped figures also share several styling tips with the H-shaped figure, which also aims to create a waist. For dresses, see the cuts recommended in our guide for dresses by body shape.
Read alsoChoosing jeans for your body shape: cuts, rises, and lengthsWhat to pay extra attention to
- shoulder pads, puff sleeves, and boat necks, which make the upper body look even broader;
- tops with large prints or very bright colors paired with a dark, fitted bottom;
- thick turtlenecks and bulky scarves;
- dark skinny pants, which make the lower body look slimmer by contrast.
As always, these are just ideas: a boat neck can work beautifully with a full, colorful skirt that balances the overall look.
Fabrics and patterns
For tops, fluid, matte fabrics like viscose, jersey, or washed silk drape without adding volume. Stiff, shiny, or very thick fabrics, on the other hand, make the shoulders look broader. For bottoms, it’s the opposite: structured fabrics like heavyweight denim, corduroy, or linen add volume to the hips.
Prints follow the same idea: subtle or none on top, bolder on the bottom. A printed skirt or plaid pants paired with a solid dark top is an easy, well-balanced combination.
Shoes and accessories
On the bottom, more substantial shoes like chunky sneakers, ankle boots, or platform sandals give the silhouette a stronger base. Crossbody bags worn at the hip add volume where it works well. For jewelry, long necklaces that form a V draw the eye downward, while chunky chokers draw attention to the shoulders.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a blazer with a V-shaped body type?
Yes. Choose a straight or slightly long cut without shoulder pads, and wear it open over a V-neck top. Pair it with wide-leg pants for balance. The guide how to wear a blazer offers more pointers.
What dress should you choose if you have broad shoulders?
V-neck, wrap, or wide-strap dresses that are fluid on top and flared at the bottom are the easiest to wear. A-line dresses work really well, too.
Are backless styles and thin straps not recommended?
Not necessarily. Backless styles show off a toned back; paired with a full skirt, they create a very elegant silhouette.
What coat should you choose for a V-shaped body type?
A straight or slightly flared coat without shoulder pads, with a notched or shawl collar that creates a V shape. Long, fluid coats worn open create a vertical line that softens broad shoulders. By contrast, highly structured pea coats with wide lapels add width up top.
How can you wear a sweater if you have broad shoulders?
Choose a fine- to medium-weight knit with a V-neck or a slightly open crew neck, and raglan sleeves or gently dropped shoulders. Simply tuck the front into wide-leg pants or a flared skirt to keep your top and bottom in balance.
What is a V-shaped silhouette?
It’s a body shape with shoulders wider than the hips, often with a defined upper body and narrower hips. It’s also called an inverted triangle. The goal is to soften the upper body and add volume to the lower body.
What jeans should you choose for a V-shaped body type?
Mom, boyfriend, flare, or wide-leg cuts in light-wash denim with prominent pockets add volume to the lower body. The guide choosing jeans for your body shape goes into detail on each cut.
