The best swimwear for an Inverted Triangle body shape

What is an Inverted Triangle body shape?

The Inverted Triangle body, also referred to as a ‘V’, ‘cone’, or ‘strawberry’ body shape is the most athletic build of all the body shapes. Characterized by a larger top half with strong broad shoulders, narrower hips, bottom and long slim legs. The Inverted Triangle body shape is slim and sporty looking. Swimmers often have this body shape, you’re in great company! The trick to choosing the most flattering swimwear for your Inverted Triangle body is that it’s all about creating visual balance. Read on to find out which swimsuit, tankini and bikini styles will suit you best. Find which key features to look out for to harmonise your classically athletic body proportions.

Am I an Inverted Triangle body shape?

Inverted Triangle Body Shape Features

If you’re an Inverted Triangle then you’ll commonly have the following body features

• Athletic build
• Shoulders that are wider than your hips or waist
• Broad back
• Your bust may be fuller
• Narrow hips and a small bottom
• Toned, minimally defined waist
• Long slim legs

If this sounds like your body type then read on for our top tips for the perfect Inverted Triangle body shape swimwear!

Guide to Buying Swimwear for Inverted Triangle Body Shapes

Best swimwear for Inverted Triangle shaped women

The attention is focused on the upper body with an Inverted Triangle shape, therefore, the most flattering swimwear for you are styles and patterns that play down the shoulder area and draw the eye downwards to the waist, hips and those beautiful long legs. Any pieces that accentuate the natural curves of your hips and bottom and add definition to your waist will also work for you.

Bikini tops for Inverted Triangle body shapes

• Plunge Neckline – These visually reduce the width of the shoulder, making your body appear narrower. A really flattering choice for an athletic body type, a plunge or V neckline will also emphasise cleavage and lengthen your torso, drawing the attention to the lower body. A Halter top is the perfect choice.
• One shoulder tops – By pushing the visual focus upwards and off to one side rather than across the width of the shoulder these asymmetrical necklines look really amazing on your body shape.
• Thick Straps – Slim and soften your shoulders and give support to a fuller chest.
• Padded cups – Will boost and contour your curves giving you a fuller cup and accentuating your cleavage. Underwired cups without padding are the best choice for a fuller bust as you need support but not padding.
• Plain tops – A plain top in a classic sweetheart or scoop design will work for you.
• Tankini top – As a tankini covers all or most of your midriff, this visually draws the eye to the hips and legs. Choose plunging neck tankinis with ruching to help define the waistline.

Bikini Bottoms for Inverted Triangle shaped women

Most bikini bottom styles will look great on an Inverted Triangle shape but particularly styles which draw attention to the hips and add volume or use embellishments to accentuate curves.

• Side Tie bottoms – Particularly flattering, side ties increase the volume of the hips and highlight the legs, bringing out those feminine curves. As ties are adjustable you are guaranteed a perfect fit.
• High Waist pant – A high waist pant with ruching will add extra definition to the hip.
• High cut briefs – Show off those shapely inverted triangle legs.
• Ruffles and frills – Designs with ruffles or frill embellishments will add volume to the hip and bottom, slimming and defining the waist and drawing the focus from the shoulders.

Best Swimsuit tips for the classic Inverted Triangle figure

An Inverted Triangle can look great in almost all swimsuit styles but the best one-pieces are designs with plunging necklines with a plain, darker coloured upper section teamed with a bright, or patterned, embellished bottom. There are some great one-piece styles and colour block designs out there that will balance those curves and draw the attention downwards.

• Plunge neckline – Op for a plunge neckline with a small ruffle trim on the hip. A deep V with thin lacing at the front is another perfect choice for this body type.
• One-shoulder swimsuit – Asymmetry is your best friend. It will visually soften the shoulder.
• Thick straps – Wider straps keep your shoulders and bust more in proportion.
• Padded cups – These enhance your bust. Choose a padded cup if you have a smaller bust or one with just underwiring for support and lift if you have a larger bust.
• Neutral styles above the waist – Keep bold detailing on the lower body to define that waist and boost those hips and bottom. Let your feminine side go wild with lace, flounces and ruffles here!
• Cut out sides – These add definition to the hips and waistline. A perfect curve-enhancing style is a side cut out monokini.
• High cut legs – Will draw the attention to those gorgeous long legs.

What colours and prints work best on an Inverted Triangle?

• Plain, dark colours on top – These deflect attention from the upper body, balancing your proportions. Combining this with a bright coloured or eye-catching patterned bottom will draw attention to your hips and legs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! In a swimsuit look for designs with a simpler darker top as this works best on your body shape. Try out some colour blocking designs.
• Horizontal stripes – Add volume to your hips.
• Swimsuits or tankinis with printed side panels– Give you more of an hourglass shape.
• Feminine patterns– Floral prints or pastels feminise an athletic body and create an all-over balanced focus.

What things to avoid as an Inverted Triangle body shape?

• Strapless, Bandeau and Off the Shoulder tops – These styles will draw the eyeline line straight across making your shoulders appear wider than they really are.
• Upper body embellishments – With lovely wide shoulders you don’t need the extra volume that frills and ruffles will add and this will only draw the attention away from your hips.
• High Neckline or Thin shoulder straps – Not only emphasise the shoulders, also the opposite of where the focus needs to be.
• Boy shorts – These are not so flattering on your athletic body shape as they make you look less feminine by slimming your hips.
• Bright tops with dark plain bottoms – The focus should be on your hips and bottom. A bright top with dark bottoms will do the reverse centering the attention on your upper body and reducing volume on your lower half.
• Tiny briefs – They won’t create the volume you need on your bottom.

Inverted Triangle summary

In conclusion, the most flattering bikinis, tankinis and swimsuits for the inverted triangle-shaped body all focus on drawing the eye downwards. Exaggerate your hips, and define your waist. Deep plunging, scoop or asymmetrical necklines, wide straps, padded tops, frills are great. Wide tie-side bottoms, and side cut-out one-pieces will all work for you. Additionally, use plain, dark colours or calm prints on the upper body. Finally, add visual volume at the hips with vibrant colours and patterns below. You will look stunning.

Utilize our body shape tips and maximise your body shape features. Check out the fantastic range of styles and prints in our latest designer swimwear collection.