Triangle Body Type (Pear Shape): Wider Hips, Defined Waist
The triangle body type — commonly called a pear shape — features hips that are noticeably wider than the shoulders and bust, with a gentle, defined waist. This is the most common female body type after the rectangle, with about 20% of women having pear/triangle proportions. The triangle body shape is characterized by a smaller upper body, defined waist, and fuller hips and thighs. Understanding your triangle body type helps you choose styles that balance your proportions and training that builds symmetry.
How to Identify a Triangle (Pear) Body Type
For a triangle/pear body type: your hip measurement exceeds your shoulder/bust by at least 9 cm (3.6 inches), and your waist-to-hip ratio is less than 0.78. This means your hips are significantly wider while your waist remains proportionally smaller. The triangle is often confused with the spoon — the key difference is the relationship between waist and high hip, which is more prominent in spoons.
Triangle Body Type Facts
- About 20% of women have a triangle/pear body type, making it the second most common body shape after rectangle.
- Pear-shaped bodies tend to store fat in the hips and thighs (subcutaneous fat), which research suggests may be less harmful than abdominal (visceral) fat.
- The triangle body type is often associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared to apple/inverted triangle shapes.
- Famous triangle/pear celebrities include Rihanna, Jennifer Love Hewitt, America Ferrera, and Adele (pre-weight loss).
How it’s defined
- Note: This is a measurement-based heuristic (not a diagnosis). Results can vary with measurement technique.
- Hips wider than shoulders/bust (often called 'pear'), with a smaller waist-to-hip ratio.
Triangle Body Shape Style Inspiration
Rihanna is perhaps the ultimate triangle body type icon — she expertly balances her proportions with strategic styling. The key strategy for pear shapes is adding visual interest to the upper body while elongating the lower. Structured or padded shoulders, boat necks, and statement tops create balance. Darker bottoms with lighter, textured tops draw the eye upward. A-line skirts and straight-leg trousers skim the hips gracefully.
Style focus
- Use darker tones below and lighter textures up top for balance.
- Straight or wide-leg silhouettes skim the hips gracefully.
- Structured or padded shoulders level out proportions.
Training guidance
- Program upper-body resistance twice weekly (rows, presses, carries).
- Emphasise glute activation to protect knees during leg work.
- Practice lateral movement drills to strengthen abductors.
Wellness notes
- Prioritise pelvic-floor and core conditioning to stabilise posture.
- Use banded work and ankle mobility if knees track inward.
- Check iron and vitamin D levels if fatigue follows leg sessions.
Triangle Body Type FAQ
Is a triangle body type the same as a pear?
Yes — triangle and pear are two names for the same body type. In fashion, 'pear' is more common; in measurement science, 'triangle' is the technical term. Both describe a body shape where the hips are wider than the shoulders/bust with a defined waist.
What clothes suit a triangle body type best?
Focus on balancing your silhouette: lighter, brighter tops with interesting necklines draw the eye up. Structured shoulders create upper-body width. A-line skirts and straight-leg trousers skim hips. Dark-colored bottoms are slimming, while fitted tops highlight your smaller upper body.
What's the best exercise for a pear-shaped body?
Build upper-body strength with rows, presses, and lateral raises 2-3 times weekly. Strengthen glutes and core to support your natural hip structure. Include lateral movement drills (side lunges, band walks) to strengthen abductors. Mix resistance training with low-impact cardio.
Can a triangle body type become an hourglass?
While bone structure is fixed, targeted training can change your appearance. Building shoulder and back muscles creates upper-body width, which can make your proportions appear more balanced. However, the underlying measurement ratios won't change dramatically.
Confirm Your Triangle Body Type Instantly
Get an accurate classification with our free measurement-based calculator.