Rectangle Body Shape Female: Style Tips
The rectangle is the most common female body shape, found in nearly half of all women. Here is everything you need to know about styling it.
The Short Answer
A rectangle body shape means your bust, waist, and hips are similar in width with minimal waist definition. About 46% of women have this shape according to the SizeUSA national sizing survey. The key styling strategy is to create the illusion of waist definition through belts, peplum tops, layering, and fit-and-flare silhouettes.
The Rectangle Shape in Women
The rectangle body shape—also called straight, banana, or athletic—is characterized by a silhouette where the shoulders, waist, and hips fall roughly in a vertical line. Unlike the hourglass or pear, there is no dramatic curve inward at the waist.
Despite being the most common body shape, rectangle figures are underrepresented in fashion advice. Most styling guides focus on hourglass figures, which account for only about 8% of women. The SizeUSA study, which used 3D body scanning technology on over 10,000 American women, found that 46% have a rectangle shape—making it nearly five times more common than the hourglass.
Having a rectangle shape is neither better nor worse than any other type. Many celebrated models, athletes, and public figures have this body type. The advantage of a rectangle shape is its versatility—straight proportions provide an excellent canvas for a wide range of styles.
Identifying a Rectangle Female Body
You can identify a rectangle shape by comparing your bust, waist, and hip measurements. If your waist is less than 25% smaller than your bust and hips—and your bust and hips are similar—you likely have a rectangle shape. Visually, your body forms a relatively straight line from shoulders to hips.
Confirm Your Body Shape
Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements to see whether you are a rectangle or another body shape.
Common Characteristics
Proportional Alignment
Shoulders, bust, waist, and hips are all within a similar width range, typically varying by no more than a few inches.
Subtle Waist Definition
The waist exists but does not curve dramatically inward. The difference between waist and hip measurements is less than 9 inches.
Even Weight Distribution
Weight tends to distribute evenly across the torso rather than concentrating in one area like the hips or midsection.
Straight Silhouette
When viewed from the front, the body outline runs relatively straight from shoulders to hips without significant curves.
Athletic Build
Many rectangle shapes have a naturally athletic appearance. Strong shoulders, a flat stomach, and proportional limbs are common.
Creating Curves with Clothing
The primary styling goal for rectangle shapes is creating the visual impression of curves where the body is naturally straight. This is achieved through three main techniques:
- Waist emphasis: Use belts, cinched waists, and tailored fits to mark the narrowest point of your torso. Even a slight nip at the waist creates a noticeable difference in your silhouette.
- Volume contrast: Add volume at the shoulders or hips (or both) while keeping the waist fitted. This creates a visual difference between the wider and narrower areas.
- Strategic layering: Open jackets over fitted tops create vertical lines at the sides while a fitted inner layer defines the waist. This adds dimension without adding bulk.
Best Necklines and Silhouettes
Certain necklines and dress silhouettes work particularly well for rectangle shapes because they add curves or visual interest that contrasts with the straight proportions.
Sweetheart
Adds curves at the bustline and draws the eye to the upper body
Scoop Neck
Creates a soft, rounded visual that contrasts the straight silhouette
Off-Shoulder
Highlights the collarbone and shoulders while adding horizontal interest
V-Neck
Creates a vertical line that elongates the torso
Halter
Draws attention upward and defines the shoulder line
Outfit Ideas for Rectangle Women
Here are six complete outfit combinations designed to flatter the rectangle body shape, each using the principles of waist definition and volume contrast.
Peplum Top + Slim Pants
Work, casual diningThe peplum creates a flare at the waist that mimics hip curves, while slim pants keep the lower half streamlined.
Wrap Dress with Belt
Date night, eventsThe wrap creates a diagonal line across the body, and the tie cinches at the waist to define the smallest point.
Blazer + A-Line Skirt
Office, professional settingsA structured blazer adds shoulder definition while the A-line skirt flares from the waist, creating an hourglass illusion.
Crop Top + High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
Weekend, brunchThe cropped length defines where the waist is, while wide legs add volume at the hips for balance.
Fitted Jacket + Flared Jeans
Casual, everydayThe tailored jacket nips in at the waist, and the flared hem adds proportion at the bottom.
Bodycon Dress with Colorblock Panels
Going out, partiesDarker side panels with a lighter center strip create the visual illusion of an hourglass shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a rectangle body shape?
You likely have a rectangle body shape if your bust, waist, and hip measurements are within a few inches of each other, with your waist being less than 25% smaller than your bust or hips. Visually, your shoulders, waist, and hips appear to be roughly the same width, creating a straight silhouette.
Is rectangle the most common female body shape?
Yes. The SizeUSA study, which scanned over 10,000 women, found that approximately 46% of women have a rectangle body shape. This makes it by far the most common female body type, yet most fashion advice focuses on hourglass figures.
Can rectangle body shapes create the illusion of curves?
Absolutely. Clothing techniques like wearing belted waists, peplum tops, fit-and-flare dresses, and structured blazers can create the visual illusion of a more defined waist and curves. Strategic use of color blocking and patterns also helps.
What should rectangle body shapes avoid wearing?
There are no strict rules, but shapeless shift dresses, straight-cut tunics without definition, and overly baggy clothes can emphasize the straight silhouette rather than creating dimension. Boxy tops paired with straight-leg pants can also flatten the figure.
Do models typically have rectangle body shapes?
Yes. The fashion industry has traditionally favored the rectangle body shape for runway modeling because the straight silhouette provides a neutral canvas for clothing to hang uniformly. Many well-known models have rectangle figures.
What is the difference between rectangle and apple body shapes?
Both have less waist definition, but the difference is in weight distribution. Rectangle shapes have even proportions throughout with a relatively flat midsection. Apple shapes carry weight primarily around the stomach and upper body, with the midsection being the widest point.
Body shape prevalence data references the SizeUSA national sizing survey. Styling recommendations are general guidance.Learn about our methodology
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