Body shape · Straight · balanced · undefined waist
The rectangle body shape
Shoulders, waist and hips are close in width, with little waist definition — a straight, athletic line. The job is to create shape and the illusion of a waist, and to break up the straight line.
The goal
Create curves and a waist; break up the vertical line.
How to tell
- Shoulders, waist and hips are similar in width.
- Your waist isn't strongly defined.
- Clothes hang straight rather than nipping in.
Skip
- Boxy, shapeless layers head to toe
- Straight shifts with no definition
- One unbroken column of colour
What to wear for a rectangle shape
- Belts, peplums and structured jackets to fake a waist
- Layering to build dimension
- Texture, colour-blocking and proportion play
- Anything that adds curve
Not sure of your shape?
Take the 5-question body type quiz, then see the pieces on your own photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rectangle body shape?
Shoulders, waist and hips are close in width, with little waist definition — a straight, athletic line. The job is to create shape and the illusion of a waist, and to break up the straight line. It's also called the Straight shape.
How do I know if I have a rectangle body shape?
Shoulders, waist and hips are similar in width. Your waist isn't strongly defined. Clothes hang straight rather than nipping in.
How should a rectangle body shape dress?
Create curves and a waist; break up the vertical line. In practice: belts, peplums and structured jackets to fake a waist; layering to build dimension; texture, colour-blocking and proportion play; anything that adds curve.
What should a rectangle shape avoid?
Boxy, shapeless layers head to toe; Straight shifts with no definition; One unbroken column of colour.