Start here
What’s This About
Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling, Owen Wilson and the other seven men in this guide all have a rectangle body shape, and this guide suggests two different ways to dress that outline.
For each man, the guide suggests practical outfit ideas for a rectangle body shape, such as:
single-breasted suits with structured shoulders and a gently shaped waist
jewel-toned or earthy suits worn with textured ties
Oxford shirts, fine-gauge jumpers and chinos for smart-casual days
unstructured, soft-shouldered suits for a relaxed straight line
and many more!
Each profile below gives formal and casual outfit ideas and tips you can try; where a man is documented wearing an outfit, the sentence says so.
Key Points
01Fit comes first: a jacket that sits cleanly at the shoulders and fastens without pulling matters more than any shape rule.
02In this guide, a rectangle body shape means relatively little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
03If you want more shape, structured shoulders and a gently suppressed waist are the usual route; this guide suggests it for Tom Cruise, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Beckham.
04If you prefer a straighter, relaxed line, soft tailoring and contrasting volumes work too; this guide suggests that route for Owen Wilson, Timothée Chalamet and Adrien Brody.
05The outfit ideas describe garments to try, not a record of each man’s wardrobe, unless a sentence says otherwise; brand names show where to look.
In this article, we look at ten well-known men with a rectangle body shape, with outfit ideas for men with a similar build; if you also have True or Warm Spring colouring, see our styling guide for a True Spring man with a rectangle body shape.
The outfit ideas under each name are The VOU’s suggestions for this outline; unless a sentence says otherwise, they are not reports of what each man has worn, and brand names are examples of where to look.
Top 10 Male Celebrities with Rectangular Bodies
The ideas for stars like Tom Cruise and Ryan Gosling range from structured tailoring that adds shape at the shoulders and waist to relaxed cuts that keep a straight line.
We’ll also share practical styling tips and outfit ideas for the rectangle body shape, which in this guide means relatively little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
1. Tom Cruise

Formal Look
Tom Cruise, the American actor, has a rectangle body shape, and precise, classic formal wear suits his outline.
A formal idea for the “Mission: Impossible” star is a single-breasted suit with structured shoulders and slight waist suppression, the kind of cut made by tailoring houses such as Brioni, which is meant to give a straight torso a gentler taper.
For premieres, try dark, solid colours such as navy or charcoal, which keep the outfit to one unbroken colour from shoulder to hem.
For award ceremonies, pair the suit with a crisp white shirt and an understated tie, a simple combination that keeps attention on the tailoring.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a sleek, contemporary look suits this outline.

For the “Top Gun” actor, try a well-fitted crew-neck T-shirt with straight-leg jeans, keeping clean lines from top to bottom.
A leather jacket or a tailored blazer as an outer layer gives the shoulders more structure and adds texture to a plain T-shirt and jeans.
Suede Chelsea boots finish the outfit; their small heel adds a little height and their sleek shape keeps the look polished.
Styling Tips
- Try single-breasted suits with structured shoulders if you want a cleaner, more tapered outline
- Choose dark, solid colours in formalwear if you like one unbroken colour from shoulder to hem
- Pair fitted T-shirts with straight-leg jeans for a simple, balanced casual outfit
- Add a leather jacket or blazer when you want more structure across the shoulders
2. Ryan Gosling

Formal Look
Ryan Gosling, the Canadian actor, has a rectangle body shape, and a mix of classic and contemporary formal wear works for his outline.
The “La La Land” star has worn custom Gucci suits on recent red carpets, including a pink crystal-embroidered suit for his “I’m Just Ken” performance at the 2024 Oscars and a mint green suit at “The Fall Guy” premiere the same year.
Colours like these, or textures such as velvet and jacquard, add interest to a straight outline while keeping the outfit formal; well-placed shoulders and a lightly shaped waist are what usually give a slim suit a tapered look; compare it in a mirror.
At the 2024 Oscars he wore his suit with an open-collared shirt and no tie, letting the tailoring take centre stage.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a retro-inspired look suits this outline.

For the “Drive” actor, try vintage-style patterned polo shirts or casual shirts with high-waisted trousers; a higher waistband is often chosen to make the legs look longer, so compare it in a mirror with a mid-rise pair and check where the waistband sits when you stand and sit.
A bomber jacket or a denim overshirt as an outer layer brings some volume across the shoulders and chest.
Styling Tips
- Try a slim suit with well-placed shoulders if you want a more tapered outline
- Choose suits in unusual colours or textures, such as velvet, to add interest to a straight frame
- Pair vintage-style shirts with high-waisted trousers for a retro-inspired look
- Use bomber jackets or overshirts to add volume across the upper body
3. Tom Hiddleston

Formal Look
Tom Hiddleston, the British actor, has a rectangular body shape, and sophisticated, elegant formal wear suits his outline.
For the “Loki” star, try a three-piece suit in the classic British style associated with Savile Row tailors, with a slightly nipped waist that adds gentle shape to a straight frame.
For premieres, classic patterns such as subtle pinstripes or windowpane checks add texture while keeping a refined appearance.
For gala events, wear the suit with a spread-collar shirt and a textured tie in a coordinating colour, which adds interest without competing with the suit.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a smart-casual style with a little more structure suits this outline.

For “The Night Manager” actor, try a well-fitted Oxford shirt with slim chinos in a complementary tone, a clean combination that keeps the outline simple.
A tailored cardigan or a lightweight overcoat as an outer layer gives the upper body a little structure while keeping a streamlined look.
Polished brogues or desert boots finish the outfit with a traditional British touch that keeps the look smart yet approachable.
Styling Tips
- Try three-piece suits with a slightly nipped waist if you want gentle shape through the middle
- Choose classic patterns like pinstripes or windowpane checks to add texture
- Pair well-fitted Oxford shirts with slim chinos for a smart-casual outfit
- Add tailored cardigans or lightweight overcoats for a little structure
Interesting Fact
Before acting professionally, Hiddleston studied Classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge, then graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2005.
4. Benedict Cumberbatch

Formal Look
Benedict Cumberbatch, the British actor, has a rectangle body shape, and a slightly eccentric, sophisticated formal look suits his outline.
The “Sherlock” star has worn suits by the London tailor Spencer Hart; for a similar look, try a dark suit in navy, midnight blue or black, with strong shoulder lines and subtle waist suppression, details meant to give a straight torso more taper.
For the two-time Academy Award nominee, a dark suit is a good base; rich jewel tones such as emerald green or deep burgundy are a bolder option in the same cut if you want more colour.
Contrasting waistcoats and textured bow ties add further character at black-tie events while keeping the outfit formal.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a refined, intellectual look suits the “Doctor Strange” actor.

Try a crisp grandad-collar shirt, a style made by brands such as Sunspel, with straight-leg trousers in a neutral tone for a clean, simple line.
A structured peacoat or a tweed blazer as an outer layer gives the shoulders more structure and can make the waist look more defined by comparison.
Leather Chelsea boots or classic Oxford shoes give a polished, urban finish.
Styling Tips
- Try suits with strong shoulder lines if you want to emphasise the upper body
- Choose dark navy or midnight suits as a base, or jewel tones for more impact
- Pair grandad-collar shirts with straight-leg trousers for a refined casual look
- Use structured outerwear like peacoats to add shape across the shoulders
Interesting Fact
The long Belstaff Milford coat Cumberbatch wore as Sherlock Holmes became one of the show’s best-known costumes, and the series’ costume designer, Sarah Arthur, had several copies of the coat for filming.
A long, structured overcoat with defined shoulders is an easy way to borrow the look.
5. Timothée Chalamet

Formal Look
Timothée Chalamet, the French-American actor, has a rectangle body shape, and formal wear with avant-garde flair suits his outline.
The “Call Me by Your Name” star has worn Haider Ackermann, whose clean lines and experimental cuts work with a straight frame rather than trying to broaden it; at the 2019 Venice Film Festival premiere of “The King”, he wore a pale grey Ackermann suit in cotton silk and satin with a double belt at the waist.
For high-profile events, try daring prints or fabrics such as silk and velvet, which add texture to a straight outline.
For premieres, a turtleneck or an open collar in place of a shirt and tie keeps a continuous line from neck to hem.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a bold, fashion-forward style suits the “Dune” actor.

Try an oversized graphic T-shirt with slim-fit trousers, a deliberate contrast in volume between top and bottom.
A statement jacket or a patterned button-up shirt as an outer layer puts the interest on the upper body.
Chunky trainers or combat boots give an edgier look with more weight at the foot.
Styling Tips
- Try suits with clean lines and experimental cuts if you prefer to keep a straight silhouette
- Choose daring prints or fabrics like velvet and silk to add texture
- Pair oversized tops with slim-fit trousers for a deliberate contrast in volume
- Add statement jackets or patterned shirts to bring interest to the upper body
6. Eddie Redmayne

Formal Look
Eddie Redmayne, the British actor, has a rectangle body shape, and precise tailoring suits his outline.
The “The Theory of Everything” star has worn Alexander McQueen tailoring, such as the sharp two-button navy suit he wore to Wimbledon in 2014; subtle shoulder padding and a gently suppressed waist are the details meant to give a straight frame a little more shape.

Beyond navy, rich earthy tones such as deep olive or russet brown are another option for award-season tailoring, adding warmth and depth to a straight frame.
For premieres, try a crisp white shirt and a textured tie, perhaps with a subtle pattern or a jacquard fabric, adding interest while keeping the look refined.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a preppy, quintessentially British style suits the Oscar-winning “Fantastic Beasts” actor.

Try a fine-gauge crew-neck jumper with slim-fit chinos in a complementary tone, a balanced, refined combination.
A tailored wool overcoat or a quilted jacket as an outer layer gives the upper body some structure without bulk.
Suede desert boots or leather brogues keep the outfit smart yet approachable.
Styling Tips
- Try tailored suits with subtle shoulder padding if you want a little more shape up top
- Choose rich, earthy tones for warmth and depth
- Pair fine-gauge knitwear with slim-fit chinos for a refined casual outfit
- Use structured outerwear like wool overcoats to add definition
Interesting Fact
Redmayne read History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge, and modelled for Burberry twice: in the spring/summer 2008 campaign and again in 2012 alongside Cara Delevingne.
7. David Beckham

Formal Look
David Beckham, the former England footballer, has a rectangle body shape, and understated, elegant formal wear suits his outline.
For the former Manchester United midfielder, try a slim-cut suit with strong shoulder lines and a subtle taper, a cut meant to give a straight frame a more athletic outline.
For high-profile events, classic, muted tones such as charcoal grey or midnight blue look timeless and keep the outfit streamlined.
For premieres and galas, pair the suit with a crisp white shirt and a narrow tie, perhaps in a textured fabric or subtle pattern that adds depth while keeping the look refined.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a rugged yet refined style suits this outline.

Try a well-fitted henley shirt with straight-leg selvedge denim, keeping clean lines through the outfit.
A leather biker jacket or a waxed cotton field coat as an outer layer adds volume and texture across the shoulders and can make the waist look narrower by comparison.
Distressed leather boots or white trainers finish the outfit and work across many casual settings.
Styling Tips
- Try slim-cut suits with strong shoulder lines if you want to emphasise the upper body
- Choose classic, muted tones such as charcoal or midnight blue for a timeless look
- Pair fitted henley shirts with straight-leg denim for a rugged yet refined outfit
- Use leather jackets or field coats to add volume across the shoulders
Interesting Fact
Beckham has put his name to menswear as well as wearing it: he fronted underwear and basics for H&M through David Beckham Bodywear, and in 2015 he signed a five-year agreement to front the British label Kent & Curwen, which he left at the end of 2019.
8. Elijah Wood

Formal Look
Elijah Wood, the American actor, has a rectangle body shape, and a mix of classic and contemporary formal styles suits his outline.
For the “Lord of the Rings” star, try a neat, close-cut suit with slightly cropped trousers and a shorter jacket; cropped trousers show more ankle and shoe, so check in a mirror whether you like how that changes your proportions.
For premieres, a suit in a deep colour such as dark grey or copper brown, with a subtle texture or pattern, would suit the Iowa-born actor.
For award ceremonies, pair the suit with a crisp white shirt and a slim tie, and add patterned socks or unusual cufflinks for a playful, indie touch.
Casual Look
In casual settings, an eclectic, indie-inspired style suits the “Wilfred” actor.

Try a vintage-inspired button-up shirt with slim-fit chinos or raw denim jeans, a balanced outfit with a retro feel.
A structured cardigan or a lightweight bomber jacket adds a little more shape across the upper body without bulk.
Classic Vans trainers or desert boots keep the look relaxed and understated.
Styling Tips
- Try well-tailored suits with slightly cropped trousers if you like a neat, modern proportion
- Choose deep colours and subtle textures to add depth
- Pair vintage-inspired shirts with slim-fit chinos for an eclectic, balanced outfit
- Use structured cardigans or bomber jackets to add some shape to the upper body
Interesting Fact
Away from acting, Wood founded the record label Simian Records in 2005 and DJs with his friend Zach Cowie as Wooden Wisdom.
9. Adrien Brody

Formal Look
Adrien Brody, the American actor, has a rectangular body shape, and formal wear with an artistic flair suits his tall frame.
For the two-time Oscar winner, try a slim-cut suit with a long, clean line that works with his height rather than trying to broaden his frame.
For red carpet events, a suit in a bold monochrome scheme or an unconventional pattern adds interest to a straight outline.
For premieres, pair the suit with a crisp dress shirt, perhaps with a subtle contrast in the collar and cuff details.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a bohemian-chic look suits “The Pianist” star.

Try a loose, textured shirt with slim-cut trousers, contrasting volume on top with a narrower leg.
A long, flowing overcoat or a deconstructed jacket as an outer layer brings drama and movement to the outfit.
Worn-in leather boots or espadrilles add a relaxed, rugged touch.
Styling Tips
- Try slim-cut suits with a long, clean line if you are tall and want to keep a straight silhouette
- Choose bold monochrome schemes or unconventional patterns for impact
- Pair loose, textured shirts with slim-cut trousers for a contrast in volume
- Use flowing overcoats or deconstructed jackets to add movement
Interesting Fact
To play the Polish Jewish pianist and Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman in “The Pianist”, Brody lost 30 pounds (about 14 kg); the role won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, and he won it again for “The Brutalist”.
10. Owen Wilson

Formal Look
Owen Wilson, the American actor, has a rectangle body shape, and relaxed, sophisticated formal wear suits his outline.
For the “Wedding Crashers” star, try an unstructured suit with soft shoulders and an easy fit, which suits a laid-back image and works with a natural frame rather than reshaping it.
For premieres, a suit in a light fabric and a muted tone such as beige or pale blue gives a cohesive, easygoing look.
For award ceremonies, skip the tie and wear the suit with an open-collar shirt or fine-gauge knitwear for a more approachable formal look.
Casual Look
In casual settings, a relaxed, California-cool look suits the “Zoolander” actor.

Try a casual shirt with relaxed-fit chinos in a complementary tone, an easy, balanced outfit.
A lightweight bomber jacket or a vintage leather jacket adds a touch of structure without stiffness.
Slip-on Vans or suede loafers keep the outfit carefree yet put-together.
Styling Tips
- Try unstructured suits with soft shoulders for a relaxed formal look that keeps a straight line
- Choose light fabrics and muted tones for an easygoing feel
- Pair casual shirts with relaxed-fit chinos for an effortless outfit
- Use lightweight blazers or vintage jackets to add a little structure
Interesting Fact
Wilson made his acting debut in Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket”, which he also co-wrote, and the feature film’s costumes were designed by Karen Patch.
Relaxed, unstructured suits like the ones suggested here show that a rectangle body shape does not need heavy padding or a sharply nipped waist to look polished.
Styling Lessons from Rectangle Body Shape Celebrities
From the classic tailoring suggested for Tom Cruise to the relaxed suits suggested for Owen Wilson, these ten profiles show two broad routes for a rectangle body shape: add shape with structure, or keep a straight line and play with fabric, colour and proportion.
Neither route is the correct one; choose the one that matches how you want to look and where you are going.
Key takeaways for dressing a rectangle body shape include:
- Start with fit: shoulders that sit cleanly, a jacket that fastens without pulling, and sleeves and trousers that end where you want them
- If you want more taper, try structured shoulders and gentle waist suppression, then compare in a mirror with a straighter cut
- If you prefer a relaxed line, unstructured suits and soft shoulders work just as well
- Use fabric, pattern, colour and texture to add interest, and layer jackets or overcoats when you want more shape across the upper body
These celebrity outfits are ideas to try, not rules; choose clothes that fit well and make you feel confident and comfortable.
Experiment with different cuts and layers, and let your personality show in what you wear.
All 7 Male Body Shapes and Their Attributes
In 1940, psychologist William Sheldon set out his somatotypes in “The Varieties of Human Physique”, sorting people by overall build into ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.
Somatotypes describe overall build, whereas body shape in styling describes the outline of the shoulders, waist and hips and how clothes sit on that outline.
In styling, The VOU uses the following seven body shapes; they are styling descriptions, not diagnoses, and you may recognise yourself in more than one.
Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Trapezoid and Hourglass follow familiar styling usage; Oval and Diamond are described in The VOU’s own words.
- Rectangle Body Shape, also known as Straight Shape, Banana, Column, H-Shape: relatively little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
- Oval Body Shape, also known as Apple Shape, Round, O-Shape, Circular: in this guide, a rounded, fuller-middle outline with more general fullness through the torso.
- Diamond Body Shape, also known as Spade, Teardrop, Wedge Reversed: in this guide, the middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso.
- Hourglass Body Shape, also known as X-Shape, Figure 8, Wasp: shoulders and hips appear broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist between them.
- Trapezoid Body Shape, also known as Rhomboid or Athletic: shoulders broader than the hips, with a gentler taper than the Inverted Triangle.
- Triangle Body Shape, also known as Pear Shape, Bell, A-Shape, Spoon: the lower torso and hip outline appears broader than the shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle Body Shape, also known as V-shape, Athlete Shape, Wedge: the shoulder and upper-torso outline is noticeably broader than the hips.
If you are unsure which description fits you best, take our body shape quiz for men.
Similar Celebrity & Body Shape Articles
- 10 Celebrities with Triangle (Pear) Body Shapes
- 10 Celebrities with Trapezoid Body Shapes
- 10 Celebrities with Oval (Apple) Body Shapes
- 10 Celebs with Inverted Triangle Body Shapes
- 10 Celebrities with Hourglass Body Shapes
- 10 Celebrities with Diamond Body Shapes
Style Like a True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, fit does most of the work, whether or not you ever work with image consultants.
Professional styling starts with getting the fit right and choosing clothes that suit the occasion; knowing your body shape and seasonal colour palette can make the choosing quicker.
Our guides also cover styling by occasion, location, season and time of day, garments, footwear, accessories and heritage fashion brands.
Take our three quizzes, then book a consultation if you would like personal help:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments suit different silhouettes.
To compare your outline with the seven body shape descriptions, take our body shape quiz for men.
2. Find Your Seasonal Colours
The garments in your outfits come in many colours.
To see which seasonal colour palette may suit you, take our seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Fashion Style
To explore your personal fashion style, take our fashion style quiz for men; it suggests styles, outfit ideas and brands to explore.
Book a Consultation with The VOU
For personal help, you can book paid consultations with our image consultants and fashion stylists.
Our styling services for men page lists the paid consultations.
Wearing luxury brands is not enough on its own; how your clothes fit and suit the occasion matters more, and our personal style guide covers the rest.
For more on labels, see our guide to logo-heavy luxury brands and how to wear them.
Contact us if you would like to book a consultation.
More from The VOU: about The VOU and our team
Mandy Meyer’s focus at The VOU is men’s body-shape styling, garment fit and outfit proportions. Her coverage addresses the practical questions behind a wardrobe choice: how a jacket sits across the shoulders, how trousers fall and how different cuts change the silhouette a wearer wants to create.
Her subject areas include the triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, oval, trapezoid, hourglass and diamond labels used in body-shape styling. These provide starting references for comparing visible proportions; they do not capture every body or prescribe one correct way to dress. The focus connects those observations with garment shape, construction, length and the relationship between the upper and lower parts of an outfit.
Mandy’s editorial coverage combines visual comparisons with fit checks for comfort and movement. Readers can consider whether a cut gives them the room they need, where clothing pulls or gathers and which changes might support their preferred look. The aim is to make menswear choices more understandable while keeping personal preferences and the wearer’s own styling goals central.