This body shape may have many different names, such as rectangle body shape, straight body shape, athletic body shape, column body shape, H-shape/H-body, I-shape/I-body, ruler body shape, or banana body shape. Whatever one chooses to call it, the common features of this body shape are either aligned or slightly different shoulders, bust, and hip measurements, with a less prominent waist.
Why the rectangle body shape is a styling advantage
Some see it as a “clean canvas” that enables creative flow. Depending on the stylist’s brief, a rectangle body shape allows for the creation of the most versatile silhouettes. Here are a few reasons why some stylists genuinely like or may find it a bit easier to work with this body shape:
Clothes hang smoothly and predictably. This shape is often seen as clean, elongated, and modern, making it ideal for someone who prefers tailoring, minimalism, sleek dresses, and sharp separates. These styles often appear polished because they create less pull on the curves and fewer fit distortions. With shoulders and hips often similar in width, most outfits look “even” and cohesive with minimal effort.
Easy to “build” any silhouette. Depending on the task or the client’s preference, this body shape can accommodate a wide range of looks. Adding shape with structure, ruching, peplums, belts, high waists, and colour blocking creates a more voluptuous silhouette. A chic, modern look can be achieved by keeping it clean and straight with column dressing. Adding bold structure can look amazing as well.
Swimwear can look especially elevated. One-shoulder swimsuits, bandeaus, triangles, sleek one-pieces, and cutouts often look more intentional and “designer” like on an uninterrupted straighter line, as they are not competing with other curves.
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Great canvas for fashion details: Ruffles, prints, cut-outs, belts, and colour-blocking show up clearly on a straighter frame—so style “features” can look intentional and chic rather than busy.
With a wide variety available in stores, some may want to purchase everything, while others may become easily overwhelmed.
Tips for choosing swimwear for a rectangle body shape
As one of the main ideas of styling is to enhance initial proportions or create an illusion, aiming to achieve balance between the upper body, lower body, and waist, it is important to understand one’s body proportions, what aim one wants to achieve, and how they would like to be perceived.
Creating Curves
Difficulty: Enhancing the appearance of curves for a more feminine silhouette.
Solution: Choose swimwear with details that add volume and curves, defined waists or high-cut bottoms to emphasise the hips, for example:
- Ruffle bikini, frills, bows, texture, gathers, or bold prints
- Tops and bottoms with shaping seams or ruching
- High-cut bikini bottoms to visually lift and shape the hip line
- High-waisted bikini bottoms to build a waist point and add curves
Providing Bust Support
Difficulty: Finding swim tops that offer enough support for the bust.
Solution: Opt for swimwear with a structured design to provide support and lift:
- Underwire bikini top, moulded cups, or strong band support
- Push-up bikini top if you want lift and roundness
- Halter bikini top for adjustable support and a flattering neckline
- Balconette styles for shape and definition
Choosing Flattering Bottoms
Difficulty: Finding bottoms that add curves and define the waist.
Solution: Select swimwear with details that create an illusion of curves and emphasise the waist:
- side-ties, belts, ruching, or statement hardware
- high-waisted bikini bottoms to visually pull in the waist
- cheekier cuts or high-leg openings to elongate the legs and curve the silhouette
Balancing the Upper and Lower Body
Difficulty: Achieving a balance between the upper and lower body.
Solution: Experiment with mix-and-match styles or choose swimwear sets with contrasting colours or patterns for the top and bottom. Adding details to the top or bottom can create a more balanced appearance.
- Mix-and-match: pair a detailed top with a simpler bottom (or vice versa)
- Use contrast: colour block swimsuit styling works beautifully—light/print where you want volume, darker where you want sleekness
- Add volume strategically: ruffles or prints at bust/hips help create balance
Enhancing the Waistline
Difficulty: Highlighting the waist to create a definition.
Solution: Choose swimwear with waist detailing to draw attention and enhance the natural waistline:
- Belted styles, wrap-front designs, diagonal lines
- Cut-out one-piece swimsuit styles (waist cut-outs create an instant shape)
- Monokini swimsuit options with side details for a sculpted look
- Tummy-control swimsuit styles for smoothing + definition (without needing to “have a tummy” to wear one!).
Choosing the Right Swimwear Style
Difficulty: Finding swimwear styles that complement the rectangular shape.
Solution: Experiment with different styles and play with proportions to add visual interest:
- Best swimwear for rectangular body shape: ruffles, ruching, belts, wrap fronts
- Best bikini for rectangular body shape: push-up bikini, underwire bikini, high-waisted bikini, tie-side bottoms
- Best one-piece swimsuit for rectangular body shape: cut-outs, ruched torso, plunge neckline, wrap styling
Avoiding Boxiness
Difficulty: Preventing the appearance of a boxy shape.
Solution: Look for swimwear styles that accentuate curves and break up the body’s straight lines. Consider bold patterns, textures, or embellishments to add dimension.
- Asymmetrical necklines, diagonal seams, wrap details
- Bold patterns, textured fabrics, statement straps
- Anything that creates curves visually, rather than repeating straight horizontal lines
Avoiding Straight Lines
Difficulty: Achieving a balanced look by avoiding overly straight lines.
Solution: Opt for swimwear with diagonal lines, asymmetrical designs, or details that break up straight lines. Choose styles with patterns or colour-blocking to add visual interest.
- Asymmetrical styles, diagonal colour blocks, angled cut-outs
- Curved necklines (sweetheart, plunge, scoop)
- Textured fabrics and shaping seams for dimension