Rectangle Body Shape: The Complete Guide
The rectangle body shape is the most common among women, accounting for nearly half the population. This guide covers everything from identification to styling so you can dress your proportions with confidence.
The Short Answer
The rectangle body shape has bust, waist, and hip measurements that are relatively similar, with the waist less than 25% smaller than the bust. About 46% of women have this shape according to the SizeUSA survey. Styling strategies focus on creating waist definition and adding dimension to the silhouette.
What Is the Rectangle Body Shape?
The rectangle body shape, also called the straight, banana, or athletic shape, is characterized by bust, waist, and hip measurements that fall within a narrow range of each other. Unlike the hourglass, where the waist is dramatically smaller, the rectangle has a waist measurement that is less than 25% smaller than the bust and hips.
According to the SizeUSA national sizing survey, approximately 46% of women have a rectangle body shape, making it by far the most common female body type. Despite this, the rectangle is often underrepresented in fashion media, which tends to focus on the hourglass silhouette. Understanding how to dress a rectangle shape opens up a wide range of stylish possibilities.
Rectangle Shape Characteristics
Women with a rectangle body shape typically share these proportional characteristics:
- Shoulders, bust, and hips are approximately the same width
- Waist is not dramatically narrower than the bust or hips
- Weight distribution tends to be evenly spread across the torso
- Torso appears straight or column-like from front view
- Legs are often well-proportioned relative to the body
- Overall silhouette is lean, athletic, or streamlined
How to Identify a Rectangle Body Shape
To determine if you have a rectangle body shape, take three measurements:
- 1. Bust: Measure around the fullest point of the chest.
- 2. Waist: Measure at the narrowest part of your torso.
- 3. Hips: Measure at the widest point of hips and buttocks.
If your bust and hips are within about 5% of each other AND your waist is less than 25% smaller than your bust, you have a rectangle shape. For example, if your bust is 36 inches, your waist is 30 inches, and your hips are 37 inches, the waist-to-bust difference is about 17%, which is under the 25% threshold—indicating a rectangle shape.
Not Sure If You Are a Rectangle?
Our body shape calculator does the ratio math for you. Enter your measurements and get an instant result.
Styling Tips: Creating Curves on a Rectangle Frame
The primary styling goal for rectangle shapes is to create the visual illusion of a more defined waistline and add dimension to the silhouette. This does not mean hiding your shape—it means using fashion techniques to enhance it.
Define the Waist
The most effective technique is to create waist definition using belts, wrap styles, or clothing with built-in waist shaping. A belt worn at the narrowest point of your torso instantly creates a waist-to-hip contrast that adds curves. Wrap tops and dresses achieve the same effect through fabric draping.
Add Volume Strategically
Adding volume at the bust or hips while keeping the waist fitted creates dimension. Peplum tops add flare at the hip level. Ruffled or gathered tops add fullness at the bust. Pleated or flared skirts add volume at the hips. The contrast between these fuller areas and the fitted waist creates a curvier appearance.
Use Layering and Texture
Layered outfits add visual interest and dimension. A fitted inner layer with a longer outer layer that cinches at the waist creates depth. Textured fabrics, ruching, and draping add visual curves where straight lines would otherwise exist.
Best Clothes for the Rectangle Body Shape
| Category | Recommended Items |
|---|---|
| Tops | Peplum tops, wrap tops, off-shoulder styles, ruched details, fitted blazers with nipped waist |
| Bottoms | High-waisted trousers, wide-leg pants, pleated skirts, layered or tiered skirts, flared jeans |
| Dresses | Wrap dresses, fit-and-flare, belted shirt dresses, asymmetric hemlines, bodycon with ruching |
| Outerwear | Belted coats, peplum jackets, cropped jackets, trench coats with defined waist |
| Accessories | Statement belts, waist-cinching accessories, layered necklaces, structured bags |
Celebrities with a Rectangle Body Shape
Many well-known women are recognized for having a rectangle body shape. Studying how they dress can provide practical styling ideas:
Cameron Diaz
Known for her athletic build and straight torso. Often seen in fitted blazers with belted waists and high-waisted trousers that add shape.
Kate Hudson
Frequently wears wrap dresses and flowing silhouettes that add movement and dimension to her naturally straight frame.
Natalie Portman
Often styled in fit-and-flare dresses and belted coats that create waist definition on her petite rectangle frame.
Keira Knightley
Favors structured bodices and full skirts on the red carpet, which create an hourglass effect on a naturally straight silhouette.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a rectangle body shape?
A rectangle body shape is defined by bust, waist, and hip measurements that are relatively similar. Specifically, the waist is less than 25% smaller than the bust, and the bust and hips are within about 5% of each other. This creates a straight, column-like silhouette without a strongly defined waistline.
How common is the rectangle body shape?
The rectangle body shape is the most common among women. According to the SizeUSA national sizing survey, approximately 46% of women have a rectangle body shape. This makes it nearly half of the female population, yet it is often underrepresented in fashion media compared to the hourglass shape.
Is the rectangle body shape the same as the banana body shape?
Yes. The rectangle body shape is also referred to as the banana shape, straight shape, ruler shape, or athletic shape. All these terms describe the same proportional characteristic: bust, waist, and hip measurements that are relatively close to each other without a dramatically defined waist.
What should a rectangle body shape avoid wearing?
There are no strict rules, but some guidelines suggest that rectangle shapes may want to avoid shapeless, boxy clothing that adds to the straight-line effect. Oversized tops without waist definition and very straight-cut dresses can minimize any existing curves. Instead, opt for pieces that create or emphasize a waistline.
Can a rectangle body shape create the appearance of curves?
Yes. Styling techniques can create the visual illusion of curves on a rectangle body shape. Belted waists, peplum tops, wrap dresses, tiered skirts, and color-blocking can all create the appearance of a more defined waist and curvier silhouette without changing the body itself.
Do rectangle body shapes have a harder time finding clothes that fit?
Rectangle shapes often find that standard sizing works well because their proportions are uniform. The challenge is more about finding clothes that add shape and dimension rather than fit issues. Off-the-rack sizing tends to be relatively straightforward for this body type since the bust-waist-hip differential is smaller.