Good news: finding the right outfit for your body shape is easier than it sounds. The trick is knowing what to look for. If you’ve ever googled “what bodyshape I am” or “what is my bodyshape”, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of body shapes, how to spot a rectangle body shape, and simple styling tips to create definition (if you want it) and quick ideas for everyday dressing.

To find out your body shape, grab a tape measure (or you can even assess visually in the mirror, just wear underwear or close-fitting clothes like leggings and a fitted tank top)

Measure:

• Shoulders (around the widest point)
• Bust
• Waist (narrowest point)
• Hips (widest point)
  

Body Shape Check List

• My bust and hips are similar, and my waist is clearly smaller - Hourglass
  
• My hips are my widest point - Pear
  
• My waist/tummy is my widest point - Apple
  
• My shoulders, waist and hips are pretty similar - Rectangle
• My shoulders/bust are wider than my hips - Inverted triangle

*Body shapes are just a guide, not a rulebook. If you sit between two shapes, that’s normal - use the tips that help you feel good!

A rectangle body shape usually has similar proportions across the shoulders, bust and hips, with a straighter waistline.

Common traits:

• Waist is more straight than curvy
• Hips and bust are a similar width to the shoulders
• Sometimes a smaller bust and bottom
  

Celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman all have a rectangle figure! 

With a rectangle body shape, your shoulders, waist and hips tend to sit at a similar width, so styling is really about adding definition and shape in the places you want it.

What usually works best:

• Waist definition: belts, ties, ruching, tucking in, wrap shapes
  
• Strategic volume: voluminous sleeves, A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, pockets
  
• Proportions: balance the top and bottom so the outfit feels considered
  

Try to avoid (if you want more shape):

• Very boxy, shapeless silhouettes that hide your waist completely
  
• Wearing fitted styles on top and bottom at the same time

If you have recently figured out that you are a rectangular body shape and don’t know what clothes to buy, don’t panic! Luckily, Bamboo Body has a range of clothes for women with a straight figure, and we’ll give you easy tips and tricks on how to dress a straight body shape below.

Dresses are an easy win for a rectangle body shape, because the right cut can create definition without you having to overthink it. If you like a more shaped silhouette, focus on styles that gently draw in at the waist or add a bit of movement through the skirt.

What to look for:

• Fit-and-flare and A-line dresses - these naturally add shape by defining the waist and giving a little volume through the hips.
  
• Ruched styles - ruching is great for adding soft curves and creating a more contoured look through the middle.
  
• Wrap dresses - the tie detail makes it adjustable, and the V neckline + waist definition is flattering on just about everyone.
  

If you want to make it even easier when you’re getting dressed, try this quick outfit rule: choose a dress with a waist detail (wrap, tie, ruching, seam) and you’ve already done most of the styling work.

When it comes to tops for a rectangle body shape, small details can make a big difference. The main goal is to create a little shape through the waist - and the good news is you don’t need anything complicated.

Best features to look for:

• Waist definition: the easiest way to shape the waist is tucking a relaxed fit shirt into a fitted waistband (full tuck, front tuck, or side tuck). Add a belt if you want that extra bit of definition.
• Adding volume: Tunic tops are perfect for adding more volume in hip area while slightly shaping waist.
• Necklines: most necklines work well on a rectangle body shape, but open necklines are especially flattering because they draw the eye upward - think scoop neck, V-neck or crew neck.
  
• Sleeves: honestly, any sleeve length suits a rectangle body shape. Choose what you feel best in - sleeveless tops, short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves…
  

For a straight body shape, jackets play a big part in adding dimensions to your frame and slimming you down. Jackets that are nipped in at the waist will enhance your waistline. You can also wear longline jackets or jackets that finish below the hip to accentuate length in your torso.

For a straight body shape, choose a jacket that is a few inches above or below your hipline. We also recommended anything that isn’t considered ‘boxy’. This is why we love our cardis on rectangle body shapes as they fall at the perfect length and are versatile enough to look styled cinched at the waist with a belt or left on their own. 

Finding pants for straight body types is easy as you can wear almost any type of pant. Slim, straight, bootleg and wide leg pants work really well for you. Just remember, to keep proportions in mind to create shapes where you want them.

Features to look for:

• Cinched, gathered or elasticated waistbands - they create definition at the waist and are perfect for tucking in tops
  
• Side pockets - a simple way to add a little shape through the hip area
  
• Wide-leg styles - super flattering and great for creating soft curves
  
• Straight-leg cuts - follow your natural lines for a clean and modern look
  
• Tapered or fitted pants - very flattering on a straight body shape; just balance them with a relaxed top or a longline cardi for an effortless silhouette
  
  

When it comes to skirts for a straight body shape, the same ideas apply as dresses - look for styles that create definition at the waist and add a little movement or volume through the lower half. A-line cuts and gathered waistbands are especially flattering because they shape the waist and skim over the hips.

Bamboo fabric works beautifully for a rectangle body shape too - it’s soft and drapey, so it adds gentle volume without looking stiff or boxy.

If you love a fitted style like a tube skirt, just balance it out by defining the waist (a tuck or belt works well) and pairing it with a top that adds a little shape or softness.

Features to look for:

• A-line silhouettes
  
• Gathered or elasticated waistbands
  
• Pleats and side pockets for extra volume

We know finding the right outfit can sometimes feel a bit tricky, so here are a few quick outfit formulas for a rectangle body shape. They’re easy to replicate, simple to style, and designed to create definition in all the right places.

If you’d like more help with body shape dressing, explore our other styling guides - Pear body shape, Apple body shape, Styling for Petite and Dressing for tall women.