As a longtime fashion writer and someone who also happens to have broad shoulders myself, I’ve explored countless dress styles over the years. Through trial and error with both ready-to-wear and custom pieces, I’ve learned which silhouettes, fabrics, sleeves, and other elements help create balance, proportion, and an elegant silhouette.
While broad shoulders present some unique styling challenges, they also allow you to pull off stunning looks that make the most of your strong, athletic build.
My goal with this article is to share the knowledge I wish I had years ago. I’ll go over both style guidelines and inspiration images so you can feel confident and chic dressing your body type.
Determining If You Have Broad Shoulders
How do you know if you actually have broad or “athletic” shoulders compared to a stereotypical hourglass frame? Here are a few telling traits:
- Shoulders are wider than hips – Your shoulder line creates the widest part of your upper body rather than your hips or bust
- Straight waistline – Your torso lacks a dramatically inward curve at the natural waist
- Squarish shoulder appearance – Your shoulders have a straight, strong line across rather than a sloped look
- V-shaped torso – Your upper body appears wider at the top and narrower at the hips and legs
If your main trouble spots involve dressing your inverted triangle or V-shaped body, then clever style choices can help restore balance and proportion.
Best Dress Styles for Broad Shoulders
When shopping for dresses for wide shoulders, keep an eye out for these specific styles that will add balance and proportion:
A-Line Dresses
A-line dresses for broad shoulders are fitted at the top then gradually widen at the natural waist to create an “A” shape. This adds volume and fullness to the bottom half while showcasing the narrowest part of the waist.
Tip: Cinch in at the narrowest part of your waist to enhance your shape. A-line dresses are one of the best dresses for broad shoulders.
Empire Waist Dresses
Empire waist dresses have a seam and detail like a tie or ribbon just below the bust. This high waist placement highlights the narrowest part of your torso to offset broad shoulders. Meanwhile, the loose skirt skims gracefully over the hips.
Flowy chiffon and draped jersey fabrics complement this silhouette. Square, v-neck and portrait necklines draw attention upwards from athletic shoulders.
Empire waist styles make excellent dresses for wide shoulders as they draw attention upwards and hide any straight lines around the waist.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dress styles crisscross diagonally across the body and tie at one side to cinch in the waist. This creates a flattering v-neckline and ruching effect that balances broad shoulders.
Tip: Look for true wrap styles you tie yourself rather than faux wraps with a sewn overlap. Wrap dresses are universally flattering for all body types, making them one of the best dresses for broad shoulders.
Peplum Dresses
The peplum dress style has a short ruffled flare at the waistline to add shape and proportion. Pleats and gathers lead the eye down from wide shoulders.
The peplum detail also creates curves on straight waistlines, making this style ideal for athletic and rectangular body types. Peplum dresses rank high among the best dresses for wide shoulders.
Fit and Flare Dresses
Finally, fit and flare dress styles contour the bust and waist then flare into a full A-line or circle skirt. This contrasts a tailored top with a billowy bottom to balance broad shoulders.
Deep v-necks and cap sleeves have an ultra-feminine effect. Meanwhile, princess seams enhance the bust. The result is a striking yet balanced silhouette.
Optimal Necklines for Broad Shoulders
An expertly cut neckline makes all the difference in balancing proportions. Here are the best necklines for broad shoulders:
V-Neck
A V-neck helps “cut” shoulders in half visually for a narrower appearance. For everyday, try a soft rounded V. For formal, go for a plunging style.
The deep V is likely the single best neckline for broad shoulders when it comes to minimizing width and elongating the neck.
Surplice Neckline
Like wrap dresses, a surplice neckline features diagonal fabric that creates a V-neckline. Stretchier fabrics allow the crossover to lay flat.
Similar to the V-neck, the surplice neckline ranks among the best necklines for broad shoulders due to its slimming diagonal line.
Halter Neckline
Halters draw attention up with the neck tie. Just be sure the halter fits comfortably without squeezing the neck.
Off-the-Shoulder
This shows off the collarbone beautifully. Look for off-shoulder styles with straps or sleeves that sit gracefully on the upper arms.
Bandeau cuts (straight across rather than diagonal) tend to widen the shoulders, so opt for angled straps instead.
Shoulders & Sleeves to Flatter Broad Shoulders
Do:
- Slim, fitted sleeves – Long, short or cap sleeves streamline shoulders
- Asymmetrical one-shoulder styles – These diagonals slim the frame
- Straps at least 1/2 inch thick – Thin spaghetti straps accentuate width
Don’t:
- Extreme volume or puffed sleeves
- Large shoulder pads – Subtle pads can help balance proportions
Also: Add a cropped cardigan or bolero to give the illusion of slimmer shoulders.
When shopping for dresses for broad shoulders, be very selective with sleeves. Fitted sleeves flatter while extreme volume, puffs, and padding exaggerate width.
Additional Tips for Dressing Broad Shoulders
- Elongate your frame with heels
- Cinch dresses at the waist with a belt
- Draw attention upward with a statement necklace
- Wear your hair down to soften shoulder width
- Choose chandelier or dangling earrings leading the eye upward
Common Questions about Dresses for Broad Shoulders
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about finding the best dresses when you have wide or broad shoulders:
What silhouette is most flattering for broad shoulders?
The best silhouettes for broad shoulders include A-line dresses, empire waists, wrap dresses, peplum dresses, and fit and flare dresses. All of these styles add volume and proportions to balance out wide shoulders.
What neckline is best for wide shoulders?
Opt for V-neck, surplice neck, halter neck, or off-the-shoulder necklines. These all help minimize and draw attention away from broad shoulders.
What sleeves should you avoid with broad shoulders?
Stay away from puff sleeves, shoulder pads, and any sleeve with extreme volume. Keep sleeves slim and fitted or add an asymmetric one-shoulder detail.
Should you wear prints or solids?
Both prints and solids can work beautifully! Just be sure the print isn’t too loud or structured. Flowy floral prints or abstract designs tend to be most flattering.
What accessories help balance wide shoulders?
Heels, belts, statement necklaces, dangling earrings, and longer hairstyles help direct attention downwards and elongate the frame.
Can you wear strapless dresses with broad shoulders?
Strapless necklines tend to make shoulders appear even wider, so they aren’t the most optimal choice. If you love the style, look for a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline rather than straight across bandeau cut.
Final Thoughts
With the right style choices, you can create the illusion of a defined waistline and draw attention away from athletic shoulders. Show off your strong shoulders with confidence after finding dresses made just for your inverted triangle shape!
No more hiding your arms or feeling self-conscious about muscular shoulders. Embrace your strong shoulders and experiment with these tips for a confident, pulled-together look.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on dressing an athletic build! Share your personal tips and favorite styles in the comments.