A non-conformal integrated side shield structure is disclosed for a PMR write head wherein the sidewalls of the side shield are not parallel to the pole tip sidewalls. Thus, the side gap distance between the leading pole tip edge and side shield is different than the side gap distance between the trailing pole tip edge and side shield. As a result, there is a reduced side fringing field and improved overwrite performance. The side gap distance is constant with increasing distance from the ABS along the main pole layer. A fabrication method is provided where the trailing shield and side shield are formed in the same step to afford a self-aligned shield structure. Adjacent track erasure induced by flux choking at the side shield and trailing shield interface can be eliminated by this design. The invention encompasses a tapered main pole layer in a narrow pole tip section.