Rectangle Body Shape: Complete Style Guide
The rectangle body shape features similar measurements at the bust, waist, and hips, creating a straight silhouette. Also called the athletic or banana shape, this figure offers a wonderful blank canvas for creating curves through strategic styling and can carry virtually any fashion trend.
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A rectangle body shape (also called straight, athletic, or banana shape) is a female body type where the bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements with minimal waist definition. This creates a straight silhouette. About 46% of women have this body type, making it the most common shape.
Rectangle Body Shape Measurements
Understanding your measurements helps confirm if you have a rectangle body shape. Here are the typical proportions:
Proportion Guidelines
- Bust to Hip: Bust and hips are within 2-3 inches of each other
- Waist: Waist is less than 9 inches smaller than bust/hips
- Shoulders: Shoulders align closely with hips
Typical Measurements
Common examples: 36-32-37, 34-30-35, or 38-34-39 inches
How to Measure
Measure bust at fullest point, waist at narrowest point, and hips at widest point. If all three measurements are within a few inches and waist is not dramatically smaller, you likely have a rectangle shape.
Rectangle Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Bust, waist, and hips are similar in width (within 2-3 inches)
- Less defined waistline (waist less than 9 inches smaller than bust/hips)
- Athletic or straight, column-like appearance
- Evenly distributed weight throughout the body
- Often have a longer torso and lean build
- Shoulders and hips align evenly
- Can be any size from petite to plus-size
Celebrity Rectangle Shapes
These famous women share your body type:
How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape
Create curves with peplum tops, ruffles, and gathered details
Add waist definition with belted styles that cinch at the waist
Layer different lengths to add visual interest and dimension
Choose clothing with diagonal lines and asymmetric details
Experiment with bold patterns, textures, and color blocking
High-waisted bottoms with tucked-in tops create waist illusion
Structured shoulders and hip details add curves
Bodycon styles work well on rectangle shapes
Best Clothes for Rectangle Body Shape
Best Tops
- Peplum tops
- Ruched blouses
- Crop tops
- Off-shoulder styles
- Wrap tops
- Structured blazers
- Ruffled blouses
Best Bottoms
- High-waisted pants
- Flared jeans
- Pleated skirts
- Paper bag waist pants
- Layered skirts
- Wide-leg trousers
- Tiered skirts
Best Dresses
- Belted dresses
- Peplum dresses
- Bodycon dresses
- Ruched dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Fit-and-flare dresses
- Structured sheath dresses
Best Outerwear
- Belted coats
- Cropped jackets
- Peplum jackets
- Cinched waist styles
- Structured blazers
- Trench coats
- Fitted leather jackets
What Rectangle Shapes Should Avoid
- Boxy, shapeless silhouettes that hide your frame
- Straight column dresses without waist detail
- Oversized clothing that adds no shape or definition
- Matching separates in the same color throughout (breaks up the line)
- Stiff fabrics that create a rigid, flat line
- Drop-waist styles that elongate the torso without curves
- Shapeless shift dresses without belts or detail
- Very loose, flowy styles without any structure
Best Accessories for Rectangle Body Shape
The right accessories can help create curves and visual interest for your rectangle silhouette:
Rectangle Body Shape Outfits by Occasion
Here's how to style your rectangle body shape for different occasions:
Work & Office
Structured blazers with belted trousers. Peplum tops with pencil skirts. Sheath dresses with statement belts. Wrap blouses tucked into high-waisted pants.
Casual Weekend
Crop tops with high-waisted jeans. Off-shoulder tops with flared jeans. Bodycon midi dresses. Ruched tops with paper bag waist pants.
Evening & Events
Ruched cocktail dresses. Peplum gowns. Bodycon dresses with statement jewelry. Wrap dresses in luxe fabrics with waist emphasis.
Date Night
Wrap dresses that create curves. Fitted jeans with a tucked-in peplum top. Belted dresses that define the waist. Bodycon midi with a cropped jacket.
Rectangle Body Shape FAQ
What is a rectangle body shape?
A rectangle body shape (also called straight, athletic, or banana shape) features similar measurements at the bust, waist, and hips with minimal waist definition (waist less than 9 inches smaller than bust/hips). This creates a straight, column-like silhouette. About 46% of women have this body type, making it the most common female body shape.
What are the measurements for a rectangle body shape?
Rectangle body shape measurements show bust, waist, and hips within 2-3 inches of each other, with the waist being less than 9 inches smaller than the bust/hips. Common examples include 36-32-37, 34-30-35, or 38-34-39 inches. The key indicator is minimal waist definition.
What clothes look best on a rectangle body shape?
Rectangle shapes look best in peplum tops, belted dresses, high-waisted pants, wrap styles, ruched details, and bodycon dresses. The goal is creating curves and waist definition through strategic styling, structured details, and cinched waists.
What should rectangle body shapes avoid wearing?
Rectangle shapes should avoid boxy shapeless silhouettes, straight column dresses without detail, oversized clothing that adds no shape, matching monochromatic separates, stiff fabrics that create a rigid line, and drop-waist styles that elongate without curves.
How can I create curves with a rectangle figure?
Create curves on a rectangle figure with peplum tops, ruffles, and gathered details. Add definition with belted styles that cinch at the waist. Layer different lengths for visual interest. Choose clothing with diagonal lines, asymmetric details, and structured shoulders. High-waisted bottoms with tucked-in tops help create waist illusion.
What is the difference between rectangle and hourglass body shape?
The main difference is waist definition. Hourglass shapes have a dramatically smaller waist (9+ inches smaller than bust/hips) with balanced bust and hips. Rectangle shapes have minimal waist definition, with all measurements within a few inches of each other. Both can be any size, but proportions differ.
Is rectangle the most common body shape?
Yes, the rectangle body shape is the most common female body type, with approximately 46% of women having this shape according to body shape studies. This athletic, straight silhouette is shared by many successful models and celebrities, as it provides a versatile canvas for fashion.
Can you change a rectangle body shape?
You cannot change your bone structure, but targeted exercise can enhance muscle definition. Building shoulder and glute muscles while toning the waist can create more curves visually. However, styling techniques like belted waists, peplum details, and structured clothing are the most effective ways to create the illusion of curves.
About This Guide
Classification Basis
Rectangle body shape (also called straight or banana) classification is part of the five-category system used in fashion styling, based on proportional relationships between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Prevalence
According to NC State University's SizeUSA study (2004), approximately 46% of women have a rectangle body shape, making it the most common body type.
Limitations
Styling recommendations are general guidance based on proportional balance principles. Individual preferences and comfort should always take priority.
External Reference: Wikipedia - Female body shape
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