Frustrated with trousers that just don’t work on your shape? Check out the very Best Pants for Inverted Triangle Body Types: 5 Styles That Flatter (and Which to Skip)
So, you’ve got an inverted triangle figure. You know the drill—broad up top, slimmer down below, and not a whole lot of curve at the waist. When it comes to pants, your job is simple: build out the lower half, soften the top-heavy look and give your shape a little more harmony. Here’s exactly how to do it.
What Is the Inverted Triangle Body Shape All About?
This body type usually comes with:
Strong shoulders: Your upper half carries more width than your hips, which makes your frame feel top-loaded.
Straight waist: You’re not carrying extra weight around the middle, but there’s not a lot of definition either.
Slimmer bottom half: Your hips, thighs, and backside tend to be narrower and more toned down compared to your shoulders.
Key Features of the Inverted Triangle
Shoulders are the focal point. They’re the widest part of your frame, making your top half dominant.
Waist is less defined. You’re not boxy, but you’re not curvy either.
Lower body lacks volume. You’re likely slimmer through the hips and thighs.
Related Body Shape Variations
You might also notice crossover traits depending on your unique build.
If your body runs straight from top to bottom without much curve, you probably lean into the rectangle zone.
If you carry more weight through your tummy, you’re borrowing from the apple shape.
If you’ve got a bit of curve in the hips, even if they’re narrow, you might resemble a subtle hourglass from time to time.
When shopping for trousers, your mission is simple: add volume down low, keep it sleek up top. The right pants will create shape where you need it most and bring harmony to your silhouette.
Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and where to score the most flattering fits.
What Pants Look Good on the Inverted Triangle Body Shape?
1. Wide-Leg Trousers for Inverted Triangle
Let’s start with a classic. Wide-leg trousers are your best friend..
Why? They add volume to your lower half without clinging. The straight fall from the hip balances your broad shoulders and visually builds out your bottom half.
Where to Shop: COS, Abercrombie, or Banana Republic have wide-leg styles in neutral tones and great tailoring.
2. Pleated Pants for Inverted Triangle
Pleats are your secret weapon for faking curves.
That soft puff at the hip adds instant shape where you need it. Look for high-rise options that cinch your waist and let the pleats do the heavy lifting.
Where to Shop: Mango and & Other Stories are great for modern pleated silhouettes that flatter
3. Culottes for Inverted Triangle
Culottes can be ultra-flattering on an inverted triangle—but only if you style them right.
For the most flattering effect, look for culottes that hit just above the ankle bone or pair them with a slight heel to elongate your silhouette.
Heels or pointed-toe flats are your best shoes. Definitely skip chunky sneakers or heavy sandals, which can weigh the look down and throw off proportions.
4. Cargo Pants for Inverted Triangle
Yes, cargo is back—and yes,as an inverted triangle girlie you can wear them.
Those side pockets add width right where you want it. They draw the eye away from the shoulders and down to the hips and thighs, creating balance without even trying.
Where to Shop: Try Aritzia or Urban Outfitters for stylish, not-too-slouchy cargos.
5. Flowy Palazzo Pants for Inverted Triangle
Palazzos or linen pants are not just beachwear—they’re a shape-shifting wardrobe essential.
The flowy, wide shape adds drama to your lower half while your upper half stays clean and minimal. Extra volume = extra balance.
Where to Shop: Look at ASOS or Revolve for statement palazzos in bold prints or soft solids.
Pants to Avoid if You’re an Inverted Triangle
Not all pants work in your favor. Here are three styles to skip:
✖ Skinny Pants or Leggings
They shrink your lower body and exaggerate shoulder width. Unless you’re layering under a tunic or oversized blazer, skip ‘em.
✖ Cropped Trousers That Stop Mid-Calf
These visually shorten your legs and don’t offer any help with balancing out your shape. Full-length is better for you.
✖ High-Shine or Satin Cigarette Pants
The clingy cut and shiny fabric bring attention to your lower body without adding volume—this creates a top-heavy look you don’t want.
Some styling Caveats
1.Cropped Pants: any exemptions?
My personal experience as in inverted triangle girlie is that ankle-length cropped pants can actually look amazing on an inverted triangle when styled right. The issue isn’t cropped pants in general, it’s where they crop and what silhouette they create.
What Works:
- Ankle-grazing length (not mid-calf) elongates the leg.
- Tapered or straight-leg fit adds clean structure.
- Pockets or pleats create soft volume at the hip, balancing the upper body.
- Neutral or muted tones on top help draw attention downward.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Mid-calf crops (especially skinny styles) cut off your leg and make the top half feel heavier.
2. Big Belly + Inverted Triangle: What Changes?
When you’re an inverted triangle with a fuller midsection, the game shifts a little. Your goal isn’t just balancing shoulders and hips anymore—you also want to smooth and elongate the torso without adding bulk to the belly.
Let’s reassess some pants styles with that in mind:
High-Rise Pants:
Depends on the rise. A mid-to-high rise that hits just above the belly button = good. It smooths and supports.
A very high rise (think 12″+) can exaggerate the belly and feel uncomfortable unless you’re using shapewear or it’s ultra-structured.
Look for wide waistbands, no buttons or bulky zips in front, and paneling that smooths the front.
Paperbag Waist Pants:
Use with caution. The cinched waist and extra fabric can add bulk if the material is stiff or the belt is wide.
But if you choose a soft drapey fabric and tie the waist off-center (not dead center), it can actually create the illusion of a waist without drawing too much attention.
