Your Best Dressed Body (Inverted Triangle/Wedge Man)
There are many different body shapes and sizes out there. And depending on your particular body type, one should know what to wear to make their body look its best; male or female. Because there are a number of body types per gender it will take time to cover them all, so stay tuned to learn about yours.
This week will cover the Male Inverted Triangle Body. If you fall into this category, there is a good chance that you're no stranger to the gym or heavy lifting.....a lot of heavy lifting. Generally, the Inverted Triangle Male is identified by shoulders that are much broader than the waist and hips. While you are fairly close to the idyllic Trapezoidal Male body shape, you are still a bit off-center and could benefit from a few tips that will have you looking more like a Trapezoid, and celebrate your bodily achievements without coming off as arrogant.
Some items that should be included in your wardrobe, to acquire the Trapezoidal look, are as follows. The goal is to minimize those shoulders a bit while broadening your waist, and this can be done with V-neck tees; but be sure to avoid plunging V-necks, you're not a female trying to look curvy, you want to look chiseled. You should also avoid printed/busy shirts, you should be trying to draw attention away from your upper body, not to it. Slim fit shirts are another item to be added, but if you're a 16 reach for a 17, you don't want to overstate your size. And finally, for your upper body, reach for those jackets and blazers that have unstructured shoulders and skinny lapels; no padded shoulders or wide lapels, unless you want to be the Incredible Hulk. These features will create the complete opposite look from what you should be going for. Remember, minimized shoulders and widened waist is the look you want.
For your lower half, straight leg jeans and trousers are the way you want to go. You may be able to get away with "slim fit" bottoms, but if you work your legs as much as you upper body you should probably avoid them or you may be accused of smuggling grapes. While "skinny" is acceptable for some upper body attire, it is certainly not acceptable for your lower body. Avoid drawing negative attention to your lower half, so steer clear of "skinny" jeans and trousers, because you don't want to look like you only work out your upper body, or like a grape smuggler. You can definitely reach for printed/busy bottoms; camouflage, checkered and the like are acceptable. Printed bottoms will serve the purpose of adding some width to your waist. A belt for an Inverted Triangle Male could be hit or miss. If the outfit calls for one, then by all means wear one, but I would lean more toward suspenders as a belt would probably accentuate your proportionately slim waist.
And as always, once you've settled on some items that slim those shoulders, visit your local Tailor and take your look to the next level. Although you will likely need few adjustments, this will ensure that your items fit perfectly, Inverted Triangle Man, and will have you looking your absolute best.
Be sure to enjoy the journey while creating your own unique style!
- LoneWolf Styling