Body shape
Rectangle body shape
Also called straight or athletic
Bust or chest, waist and hips fairly similar, with little waist definition.
How to recognise it
- Your bust or chest and hips are within about 5% of each other (10% for men).
- Your waist is more than about three quarters of your hips, so the line is fairly straight.
- Belts tend to slide down to the hips because there is little curve to hold them.
The rule our calculator uses: Bust or chest and hips balanced, waist more than 75% of them, and not wide enough at the middle to count as apple. See all rules.
For women
Cuts that tend to flatter
- Peplum tops and belted shapesThey add curve at the hip or mark a waist, which creates shape.
- Wrap and tie-front stylesDiagonal lines and a tie suggest a waist where the body is straight.
- Straight or wide-leg trousersThey suit the even line and add movement to the lower half.
Usually less flattering
- Shapeless shift or sack dressesWith no shaping anywhere, a straight line turns into a box.
- Boxy, square-cut jacketsSquare shoulders and a straight hem repeat the straight line instead of breaking it.
- Low-rise trousers with long, loose topsNothing marks the waist, so the whole figure reads as one block.
For men
Cuts that tend to flatter
- Structured jackets with light shoulder shapingThey add a little width at the top and suggest a taper.
- Layers such as an open overshirt or jacketLayers add depth and break up a straight line.
- Slim or straight-leg trousersA tidy leg keeps the proportions clean.
Usually less flattering
- Very baggy, oversized shirtsThey hide the shape you have and make the frame look boxy.
- Long, straight shirts worn untucked to the thighThey run in one block from shoulder to thigh.
- Low, loose waistbandsWithout a marked waist the torso looks longer and straighter.
These are general style guidelines, not rules. Wear what you feel good in. No shop, no sizes: just the cuts.