Best Ways to Style a Rectangle Body Shape

Hi ladies, this month’s topic for the “Do You Know Your Body Shape” blog series, we will discuss the first body type on the list, the Rectangle, Straight or Athletic body shape. When it comes to understanding body types, the rectangle shape is one body type that stands out for its balanced proportions.

So if you are only learning now about this body shape, a way to describe it is that this body type is often described as athletic or straight, the rectangle body type features shoulders, waist, and hips that are nearly equal in width, creating a streamlined silhouette.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Rectangle Body Shape: Characteristics and goals for enhancing natural proportions.
• Swimsuit Styles for Rectangle Bodies: Best styles to create curves and add dimension.
• Top Swimwear Picks from TrendRipple: Highlighted pieces from our collection designed for rectangle shapes.
• Styling Tips for Rectangle Body Shape: How to accessorize and use colors, layers, and textures.
• Swimwear Styles To Avoid: Styles that won’t enhance the silhouette for rectangle body shapes. 

This shape offers a fantastic canvas for fashion experiments, especially in swimwear. Whether you're new to the concept of body types or looking to upgrade your swimwear collection, this guide will give you insights and recommendations to make the most of your gorgeous rectangle figure.

Image Source: The Concept Wardrobe

Understanding the Rectangle Body Shape

The rectangle body type is characterized by a lack of significant curves. Your bust, waist, and hip measurements are quite similar, and your waistline is not as defined. While some may consider this shape to be less curvy, it actually provides a versatile foundation for various styles.

The key to styling a rectangle body shape is to create the illusion of curves and to emphasize your natural proportions.

Choosing the Perfect Swimwear for Rectangle Body Shapes

When shopping and selecting bathing suits and bikinis for a rectangle body type, the goal should be to add dimension and break up the straight lines of your figure. I have prepared a here a short list of some swimwear styles that work beautifully for rectangle shapes.

Bikinis with Ruffles and Frills:

Adding a bit of volume through ruffles and frills can create the appearance of curves. Look for bikini tops with ruffled edges to enhance your bust or bikini bottoms with frilled or side-tie details to enhance your hips.

One example is the Daisy Ruffled Bikini Set. This bikini set features ruffled edges that add volume and a playful touch to your swimwear. Check out some options here.

Padded and Push-Up Tops:

To create a fuller bust, consider padded or push-up bikini tops. These styles can add a bit of oomph and shape to your chest area, giving the illusion of a more defined upper body.

One example is the sustainable bikini top Black Spice or the triangle bikini top Ginga. Check out some options here.

High-Waisted Bottoms:

High-waisted bikini bottoms are excellent for defining the waist. They cinch the midsection and create a more hourglass-like silhouette, adding curves where there naturally aren’t. 

One example here is the High-Waisted Bikini Bottom Petit Stars. Designed to cinch the waist and create a flattering silhouette. Pair them with a padded bikini top for a complete look. View more high waisted styles here.

Cut-Out Swimsuits:

Strategic cut-outs can add interest and shape to your figure. Swimsuits with side cut-outs or keyhole details can create the illusion of a narrower waist and more defined curves.

A great option here is the Cut-Out Swimsuit. This one-piece swimsuit features strategic cut-outs that highlight the waist and add dimension to your figure. The bold print adds extra flair. Discover more styles like this piece here.

Bold Prints and Patterns:

Busy patterns and bold prints can break up the straight lines of a rectangle body. Opt for swimwear with eye-catching designs to draw attention to different parts of your body and add visual interest. 

Peplum tops and skirted bottoms add extra volume to the hips, enhancing the appearance of curves. These styles can also provide a playful, feminine touch to your swimwear look.

With a peplum detail that flares at the waist, this style creates the illusion of curves and adds a feminine touch. 

Styling Tips for Rectangle Body Shapes

• Accessorize Wisely: Use accessories like wide-brimmed hats, statement necklaces, or sarongs to add interest and draw attention to specific areas. These can help balance your proportions and add a touch of glamour and style.
• Layer Up: Don’t be afraid to layer with cover-ups, sarongs, or beach dresses. These can add volume and texture, creating a more dynamic silhouette.
• Color Coordination: Playing with colors can also help in shaping your figure. Darker colors can slim down certain areas, while brighter shades normally emphasize others. Use this to your advantage by choosing contrasting colors for your top and bottom.
• Experiment with Textures and Shapes: Textured fabrics like crochet, lace, or ribbed materials can add dimension to your swimwear, breaking up the straight lines of a rectangle shape.

• Straight, Bandeau Tops: These styles can emphasize the lack of curves and create a boxy look.
• Boy Shorts and Low-Rise Bottoms: These can make the hips appear narrower and do not add the desired volume.
• Solid, Dark Colors: Avoid all-solid dark colors as they can flatten the figure and make it appear less dimensional.
• Minimalist One-Piece Swimsuits: Simple, unembellished one-pieces might not provide the shape or curves desired.
• No Waist Definition: Any swimwear that lacks waist definition, like shapeless one-pieces or straight-cut bikinis, can make the figure appear more rectangular.

In conclusion, understanding your body shape is the first step towards choosing the perfect bikini. For rectangle body types, the goal is to create curves and emphasize your natural proportions, by choosing styles that add volume, define the waist, and draw attention to specific areas.

PS1. This is a general styling guide, however, at Trend Ripple we believe you should wear whatever makes you feel amazing and empowered. Regardless of trends and general opinions, you know the best recipe to your confidence.

PS2. Stay tuned for the next body shape blog from this series.