How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape: 6 Tips & Hacks

  • Sophia Morris is a renowned beauty expert with a passion for enhancing natural beauty. With extensive knowledge in skincare, makeup artistry, and beauty trends, she has established herself as a trusted source in the industry.

If you’re wondering how to dress a rectangle body shape, this post is for you. The rectangle body shape, also known as straight or athletic, is the most common body shape out there, making up about 46% of women. As a rectangle body, your shoulders, bust, and hips have a similar width and you have very little curves. Because of this, the biggest challenge you have is finding clothes that define your waist and create a curvy silhouette. Take a look at our best tips and hacks for playing up your body shape.

5 Types of Body Shapes

1. Rectangle Body Shape
The rectangle body shape is characterized by a straight silhouette with few curves, shoulders and hips of a similar width, and little to no waist definition. You lean towards a more athletic body type and your upper and lower body are well-proportioned, creating a balanced look. The main challenge you face when getting dressed is trying to create more curves in your silhouette.

2. Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass body shape is feminine and curvy. You have hips and bust of a similar width, a narrow, defined waist, and a full bust. The hourglass shape is one of the most balanced and in-proportion body shapes, and it’s actually the rarest of them all. Your biggest shopping challenge is usually finding pants that fit your curvy bottom without leaving a gap in the waistband.

3. Pear Body Shape
If you have a pear body shape, you have narrow shoulders, a defined waist, and broad hips. It’s also known as a triangle body shape. You have a small bust, which can also emphasize your small top half, and you often wear a smaller dress size on the top half than you do on the bottom.

4. Apple Body Shape
An apple body shape is characterized by a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. You have a rounder silhouette, broader shoulders, and a fuller bust when compared to your hips. Your waistline is typically less defined and you have leaner arms and legs despite your fuller midsection.

5. Apron Belly Body Shape
An apron belly often occurs after pregnancy or weight changes. If you notice loose abdominal skin and excess fatty tissue that hangs over your abdomen, you likely have an apron belly. The size of an apron belly can vary and having this type of body shape can be difficult to dress since it often occurs later on in life, and you’re not born with it like the other body types.

6 Characteristics of a Rectangle Body Shape

  1. Straight silhouette, absence of curves, especially in the midriff and bottom half of the body
  2. Shoulders, hips, and chest are fairly uniform, with little waist definition
  3. Tend to be tall and lean, with long legs
  4. Weight gain is typically even throughout the body, doesn’t gather in one area
  5. Petite bust and butt
  6. Balanced silhouette–the upper and lower parts of your body are well-proportioned

How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape

1. Neckline Do’s and Don’ts
You have a wide range of neckline options as a rectangle body shape. Certain necklines will play up your curves and others will elongate your lean shape. As a rectangle, you have a nice, vertical line to your shape, which you can emphasize with v-necks or higher necklines like turtlenecks.

You can also try curvier necklines that help add shape to your body. This can be done with sweetheart, cowl neck, and bateau necklines. Embellishments like large collars, ruffles, and trim will also add visual interest to your top half. Avoid square necklines, wide boat necks, or one-shoulder tops, which emphasize the rectangle shape.

2. Get Funky with Sleeves
As a rectangle body shape, you can have fun with sleeves! The best sleeves for your body type are ones that add volume and aren’t super fitted or straight. Think: butterfly, bell, puff, or flutter sleeves. Fabrics that drape nicely such as jersey or silk crepe de chine work well to add volume and softness to your shape. Avoid slim, fitted sleeves, or small cap sleeves. Also avoid shoulder pads that will sharpen the shoulders.

3. All About Bottoms
When it comes to bottoms, look for ones that are high rise and dip in at the waist to give definition to the area. Wide leg, flare, and bootcut jeans add volume below, and a straight cut is classic and flattering for rectangles. Trousers are another great option for your body shape. Look for those that have detailing like pleats, pockets, or a paper bag waist. A wide leg trouser in a heavier fabric like wool will add fullness and definition to your lower half. Prints are also ideal for rectangles shapes as they’re an easy way to add detail and texture.

4. Dresses and Skirts
Anything that creates the illusion of a waist is a no-brainer for a rectangle body shape. Empire, fit and flare, ruched, and wrap dresses help draw attention to the waist and create curves in the body. A little exception to the rule is shift dresses. Shift dresses have clean lines and a polished look, which works wonders for a rectangle body shape. All of this goes for skirts as well! Multi-layer and pleated skirts are flattering options as well, as they add visual interest and volume to your lower half while cinching your waist.

5. Swimwear
When it comes to swimwear, the trick is to create curves. Look for form-fitting cups, cut-out one pieces, high-cut bottoms, and triangular bikini tops. Avoid straight bandeau style bikini tops, which can further accentuate the straight lines of your body shape. High-cut bottoms will give the illusion of fuller hips and a more defined waistline. You can also play around with prints, textures, and other details. Just avoid horizontal and vertical lines, and instead go for diagonal lines, which visually cinch your waist.

6. Jackets
Belted jackets, or other styles that cinch in at the waist, are a good call. Since rectangular bodies typically have long legs and a long silhouette, longer coats look good on you. Avoid embellishments and volume on your waistline, but you can play around with larger collars and lapels that add volume to your bust and shoulders. Avoid cropped and overly boxy coats, as well as coats that are bottom heavy.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for dressing a rectangle body shape. Use these tips and hacks to play up your best features!


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