Triangle face shapes may find the following statement a close description of their features:
Your jawline is wider than your cheekbone width, which in turn is wider than your forehead. Chances are that your cheekbones are straight and taper from your jaw to your forehead with a prominent jawline.
Note that the above assessment is an approximation. Every individual will have some variations. For instance, you may find that your face shape actually shares features with others.
That said, identifying its closest relative will prove invaluable to your styling choices.
The above diagram serves to geometrically break down the features of a Triangle face shape. With such a large jawline measurement, you may be wondering why your face shape is known for being the “inverted” triangle.
Note the graphic above’s proportions. The jawline tends to either slope downwards or span outwards and creates a characteristic triangle with cheekbones and the point of the chin. Sometimes rather than jutting outwards, the jawline may be recessed. In most cases, it tends to create the illusion of a high eye line and short forehead.
With its prominent jawline but otherwise narrow forehead, a triangle shape face can benefit from a generous use of volume on top and the sides. The use of volume can be paired with medium to long hair lengths to create full sides. The use of a side-part or quiff can be very efficient in highlighting the forehead. Try to provide bulk to the forehead, which will in turn offset the jawline.
If a short cut is desired, relatively low fades with strategic use of volume in the top corners can ensure a presence of depth and compliment the heavy jawline. Some softness can be retained around the back and sides. However, a lack of volume on top runs the risk of amplifying the jawline. In this case, texture is recommended to ensure the presence of bulk.
- Use plenty of length and volume on top
- Reveal the forehead with a swept-back quiff or side-part
- Be generous with texture
- Avoid too much softness on top
- Avoid high fades, which risk narrowing the forehead even further.
Given the prominence of the jawline, short or partial beards are often too challenging and result in a pear-shaped appearance. Larger, bulkier beards can be honed to not only conceal the jawline but taper it in a way that offsets the forehead. Always style your beard to regain a sense of symmetry and take care not to allow it to overgrow as this will only emphasise your jawline.
There are two approaches when adapting a moustache to a Triangle face shape. You can opt for very wide and outrageous moustaches that draw attention and reinforce the cheekbones against the jawline. Alternatively, carefully use small, understated moustaches to reduce the jawline’s emphasis.
Although styling can be a difficult endeavour for triangle face shapes with personal grooming, they’re one of the most versatile with regards to glasses. Thanks to their prominent jawline and narrow forehead, they can wear a variety of styles in order to offset this discrepancy.
Our main advice is to ensure that the frames fit correctly above all else. Should they be too large or oversized, there is a risk that they may dwarf your forehead and exaggerate your shape. Nevertheless, either rounded or angular glasses tend to work well.
If you’re looking to bring out your features and create definition, aim for more angular styles. For instance, browlines and wayfarers will define your cheekbones while strengthening your forehead. However, don’t over-define as they may increase the prominence of your jawline.
Alternatively, you could consider rounder frames to soften your features for a more friendly appearance. Round and bevelled rimless frames are both excellent choices in this regard.
You can wear a Wing Collar with a standard necktie or bow tie, but the latter is more common. Most men wear this collar for a vintage look in either black or white-tie situations.
Worn mainly in the service industry (butlers/valets/waiters, this collar flatters a narrow face the most.
The Point Collar is best for men with a wide or round face — however, most facial shapes and sizes are flattered with this collar style.
When worn with a jacket, the collar points will not be covered by the lapels. This collar also won't show any part of your tie other than the knot as the spread is so small.
This collar is a popular option when wearing wider tie knots like the Windsor and Half-Windsor. A Wide Spread Collar will also allow you to wear ties made with thicker material such as wool.
This collar is best suited for a man with thin or long facial features. Men with round faces should try to avoid these collars as they will make their faces look even more round.
The Cutaway Collar is a spread collar with an extremely wide distance between the Collar Points.
The cutaway shirt collar design is a favorite in Italian tailoring and requires a large tie knot if you wear a tie. However, this style works best without a tie with the top button or two open.
A Square Collar has a very minimal spread. The title of “Square” comes from the squared-off collar points.
These were typically worn in detachable form but are hard to find. Most of the time, private school children in England wear this collar type.
The Band Collar is the most unique dress shirt collar type as some do not even consider it a shirt collar! This collar must be worn tieless and is challenging to pull off, but a man with a shorter neck could wear it without much trouble.
If worn by a man with a long next, the Band Collar would look extremely strange and out of place. Mandarin jackets also feature this collar style.
Doctor Evil wore this collar famously in the spy spoof series Austin Powers. Many contemporary musical conductors and maestros wear this style jacket with a standard point collar underneath.
