How to look great with a rectangular shape

Holidays are for relaxing, not for worrying about how you look in your swimwear. The trick to a stress free holiday is to find the right swimwear for your body shape.

With rectangular body shapes you need to create the illusion of a waist. Keep your silhouette uncluttered, draw focus to your hips and bum and create gentle curves.

Do I have a rectangular body shape?

If you have a rectangular body shape, you probably have:

• a small bust
• little waist definition
• a flat bum
• the same sized top and bottom

If this is you – perfect! Read on to find out how to get the perfect swimwear.

Still not sure? Try our body shape calculator, discover your shape and keep your eyes peeled for the next blog on your body shape!

Bikini & tankini tops for rectangular body shapes

• to generate the illuison of curves, choose tops in lighter colours with patterns, frills, ruffles or diagonal lines
• go for halterneck tops with thinner straps and sweetheart-shaped cups to create a more feminine look
• avoid bandeau style tops as they will emphasise your lack of upper body curves – making your body look boyish
• make your bust look curvier with a front tie that knots right in the centre of your chest

Shop tops for rectangular body shapes

Bikini & tankini bottoms for rectangular body shapes

• to create a curvier torso line, go for solid-colour bottoms paired with colourful and detailed tops
• choose bottoms with a higher leg cut to flatter your long legs
• look for bottoms with ties that cinch at the sides – the extra detailing on your hips will create a stronger illusion of curves

Shop bottoms for rectangular body shapes 

Swimsuits for rectangular body shapes

• look for form fitting, basque-type swimsuits with soft cups to create those curves
• stay away from horizontal stripes, they will widen your waist and make you look boxy
• choose designs with diagonal lines to cinch in your waist and go for plunging necklines to make your bust stand out
• swimsuits in solid, bright colours with a darker colour on the waistline will give the illusion of waist
• to create that hourglass shape, choose swimsuits with detail on the waistline such as a belt, a cut out or a trim in a dark solid colour

Shop swimsuits for rectangular body shapes

Celebrity Rectangles include…Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss and Naomi Watts.

Happy shopping!