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What’s This About
The rectangle body shape describes an outline with little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips, and you can dress it for more shape or keep the line straight.
This guide covers practical choices for a rectangle outline, such as:
how the rectangle description compares with the other six shapes
structure, layering and texture if you want more shape
relaxed and straight options if you prefer the line as it is
a starter wardrobe and outfits by occasion and season
a do and don’t table written as choices rather than bans
and many more!
A straight outline is not a problem to solve, so every suggestion is an option to compare on your own body.
Key Points
01Rectangle describes how the outline reads, at any height or size; it does not mean slim, tall or athletic, or equal tape measurements.
02If you want more shape, shoulder structure and some waist shaping in a jacket are the usual tools.
03Horizontal stripes and layers are common suggestions for adding width on top, but no stripe direction has a guaranteed effect.
04Relaxed and wide-leg cuts are legitimate choices; what matters is that a garment moves well and looks intended.
The rectangle body shape for men, also known as the straight body shape, banana body shape or column shape, describes an outline with little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
It is a description of the outline, not of build or fitness.
A rectangle outline can belong to a slim man or a fuller one, and it does not require your chest, waist and hip measurements to be equal.
If your middle is noticeably full, the oval guide’s advice on room through the middle may help as well.
If you would like to compare your proportions first, our body shape quiz is optional; everything here works without it.
Male Rectangle Body Shape Specifics
There are two broad ways to dress a rectangle outline: add some shape, with structure at the shoulder and a little waist shaping, or keep the straight line and make it look deliberate.
Both are covered below.
The table compares the rectangle description with the other six names The VOU uses.
Each row describes how the outline reads from the front, not a measurement, and no row is a threshold.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Body Shape | Outline seen from the front | Optional styling aim |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | Little visible taper through shoulders, torso and hips | Add shape, or keep the line straight |
| Hourglass | Shoulders and hips look broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist | Follow the waist or play it down |
| Trapezoid (Rhomboid) | Shoulders look a little wider than the hips, with a gentle taper | Show as much of the taper as you like |
| Inverted Triangle | Shoulders and upper torso look noticeably broader than the hips | Soften the contrast, or emphasise it |
| Triangle (Pear) | The lower torso and hip outline looks broader than the shoulders | Add presence above the waist |
| Oval (Apple) | A rounded fuller middle, with the fullness spread fairly generally through the torso | Room and a continuous line through the middle |
| Diamond | The middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso | More presence at the shoulder, a clean line through the middle |
Outfit Examples in Photographs
A separate article collects the names usually mentioned for this shape.
The images below are kept as outfit examples, and their captions describe the clothes.
What the examples have in common is useful whatever your outline: clothes that fit at the shoulder, and a clear choice between structured tailoring and relaxed casual clothes.
Suede Jacket and Jeans, or a Three-Piece Suit
A layered casual jacket and a three-piece suit both add a layer over the torso, which can give a straight outline more depth.
Pinstripe Suit, or a Striped Knit Polo
Pattern and colour near the face add interest, with or without a structured jacket.
Corduroy Double-Breasted Suit, or a Navy Jacket with Jeans
A double-breasted jacket with waist shaping is one way to add shape; whether it does depends on how that jacket is cut.
Graphic T-Shirt, or a Velvet Suit
A straight, relaxed casual outfit and a bold single-colour suit both keep the line straight and make it look deliberate.
Jumper and Chinos, or a Tan Suit
A coloured jumper over a collared shirt adds a layer and some colour at the chest.
Rectangle Body Shape Styling Tips
If you want more shape, these are the usual starting points.
The right-hand column says what each is meant to do, which is worth checking in a mirror rather than taking on trust.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Structure on top | Structured jackets and layers give the shoulders and chest more definition |
| Visual interest | Pattern, texture and colour add depth to a straight outline |
| A little taper | A jacket with some waist shaping, or trousers that narrow slightly, give the outline more direction |
| Layers | Layering adds depth and some volume through the torso |
| Fit | Clothes that fit at the shoulder and move well, whether close or relaxed |
Structure on Top
Structured jackets and blazers with light shoulder padding give the shoulder line more definition.
A navy single-breasted blazer with subtle shoulder structure is a versatile start.
For casual wear, bomber jackets or denim jackets with chest details add some volume at the chest.
Visual Interest
Pattern and texture are useful tools if you want more depth, though you do not have to use them.
Horizontal stripes on shirts or jumpers are often suggested to add width across the chest; compare them in a mirror, since no stripe direction has one fixed effect.
A Breton top in navy and white is a versatile example.
Bold prints and textured fabrics like corduroy or tweed for jackets and shirts are worth trying.
A Little Taper
If you want the outline to read with more direction, combine tops with detail around the shoulders and chest with slim or tapered trousers.
A chunky cable-knit jumper with slim chinos is one example.
If you prefer a relaxed look, a fuller trouser with a fitted or structured top is just as valid; it gives a different outline rather than a worse one.
Layers
Layering adds depth.
Combine different textures and lengths: a light merino cardigan over a patterned shirt with dark jeans is a simple version.
Fit
Very loose garments with no shape hide any taper, which matters only if you want one.
A garment that skims without clinging is the easiest starting point, and deliberate relaxed volume, cut to hang well, is different from clothes that are simply too big.
A made-to-measure white cotton shirt is a versatile foundation.
Rectangle Body Shape Essential Wardrobe
The list below is a starting point; swap any garment for a relaxed equivalent if you prefer a straighter look.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Category | Essential Garments |
|---|---|
| Outerwear | Structured blazers, bomber jackets, denim jackets with chest details |
| Tops | Striped shirts, textured jumpers, cardigans for layering |
| Bottoms | Slim or straight trousers, tapered jeans, well-tailored shorts |
| Accessories | Ties matched to your lapel width, watches, patterned scarves |
| Footwear | Chelsea boots, brogues, chunkier trainers |
Outerwear
A structured single-breasted blazer in navy or charcoal gives the shoulders definition.
A leather bomber jacket is a casual option with some structure, and a denim jacket with chest pockets adds detail on top.
Tops
Striped shirts in contrasting colours like navy and white add pattern; compare horizontal and vertical stripes on yourself.
Textured jumpers, such as cable-knit or ribbed designs, add depth to the upper body.
Cardigans and light jackets give you more ways to layer.
Trousers
For formal occasions, slim or straight wool-blend trousers keep a clean line; a fuller cut is the relaxed alternative.
Dark wash tapered jeans are versatile for casual wear.
Well-tailored shorts that end just above the knee suit warm weather.
Footwear
Chelsea boots in leather or suede go well with slim trousers.
Brogues work for formal and smart-casual occasions.
Chunkier trainers give a casual outfit more weight at the foot, which some men like with a straight outline.
Accessories
Match a tie’s width to your jacket’s lapels.
A watch is a personal choice; try the case size on your own wrist.
In cooler weather, patterned scarves add colour and texture.
Rectangle Body Outfit Ideas by Occasion
Here are three outfits that apply the ideas above.
Each is a suggestion to adapt, not a formula.
Business Attire
Start with a charcoal grey single-breasted suit with subtle shoulder padding.
Choose a jacket with a little waist shaping if you want some taper.
Pair it with a light blue dress shirt with a wide-spread collar.
Add a deep burgundy silk tie with a subtle pattern.
Layer a fine-gauge grey V-neck jumper between the shirt and jacket, and finish with oxblood leather brogues and a matching belt.
Weekend Casual
Begin with a navy and white Breton long-sleeve T-shirt.
Layer it under a light-wash denim jacket with chest pockets.
Pair these with khaki chinos that taper slightly towards the ankle.
Add white leather trainers, a brown leather watch and a matching woven belt.
The stripes and layers give a casual outfit more depth.
Evening Events
Choose a lightweight blazer in a textured linen or seersucker in soft blue; the texture adds interest and the structure defines the shoulders.
Wear a crisp white dress shirt with the top two buttons undone and beige chino shorts that end just above the knee.
Finish with brown leather loafers, a blue and white patterned pocket square and a leather bracelet or minimalist watch.
This works for summer evening events or relaxed dinners where shorts are acceptable.
Dressing Rectangle Body Shape by Season
The same ideas carry through the year with different cloths.
Rectangle Body Shape Outfit for Spring
Lightweight layers add depth without much bulk, such as a light bomber jacket over a patterned shirt with chinos in a contrasting colour.
Pastel colours and floral prints add interest on top, and a gingham shirt under a light cardigan is an easy layered outfit.
Rectangle Body Shape Outfit for Summer
In warm weather, structured polo shirts with chest details and tailored shorts that end just above the knee work well.
For the beach, swim shorts with stripes or bold patterns are one option, and a linen shirt worn open over a plain T-shirt adds a layer.
Rectangle Body Shape Outfit for Autumn
Autumn suits layering.
Try a chunky knit cardigan over a patterned shirt, add a quilted gilet if you want more volume on top, and pair it with slim jeans or corduroy trousers.
Tweed or herringbone jackets add texture.
Rectangle Body Shape Outfit for Winter
A well-fitted peacoat or duffle coat gives a winter outfit structure at the shoulder.
Chunky knit jumpers and scarves add depth, and boots with a slightly chunkier sole add weight at the foot.
Bold patterns in knitwear add interest on top.
Rectangle Body Shape Do’s and Don’ts
The table assumes you want more shape.
If you prefer a straight line, treat the right-hand column as information about each choice rather than a list of mistakes.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Try structured jackets and blazers | Expect an unstructured jacket to add shape; it follows your own outline |
| Compare horizontal stripes and patterns on tops | Assume vertical stripes are wrong; they are often said to reinforce a straight line, which may be what you want |
| Choose layered outfits to add depth | Rule out one colour head to toe; it keeps the line straight, which can look sharp and deliberate |
| Select slim or tapered trousers for a little taper | Rule out wide-leg trousers; they give a relaxed outline rather than a tapered one |
| Experiment with textures and bold prints | Assume plain fabrics are dull; a well-cut plain garment is a strong base |
| Use accessories to add interest | Feel you must accessorise; it is optional |
| Choose tops with details around the chest and shoulders | Expect a completely plain top to add width; it usually adds little, which is fine if you do not want it to |
| Choose clothes that fit at the shoulder and move well | Wear clothes so tight they pull, or so loose they bunch unintentionally |
Dressing a rectangle outline comes down to a choice between adding some shape and making a straight line look deliberate.
Fit and movement matter in both.
Use the ideas here as options, keep what works on you, and ignore what does not suit your taste.
All 7 Male Body Shapes and Their Attributes
In the 1940s, the American psychologist William Sheldon popularised a somatotype classification with three types: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.
Somatotypes describe overall build, while styling vocabulary describes the outline and proportions that clothes have to fit.
The VOU uses the following seven body shapes.
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, the subject of this guide, also known as Straight Shape, Banana, Column or H-Shape. Little visible taper through the shoulders, torso and hips.
- Oval Body Shape, also known as Apple Shape, Round, O-Shape or Circular. In this guide, a rounded fuller-middle outline, with the fullness spread fairly generally through the torso.
- Diamond Body Shape, also known as Spade, Teardrop or Wedge Reversed. In this guide, an outline whose middle stands out more distinctly between a comparatively narrower upper and lower torso.
- Hourglass Body Shape, also known as X-Shape, Figure 8 or Wasp. Shoulders and hips look broadly balanced, with a visibly more defined waist between them.
- Trapezoid Body Shape, also known as Rhomboid or Regular. Shoulders look a little wider than the hips, with a gentle taper.
- Triangle Body Shape, also known as Pear Shape, Bell, A-Shape or Spoon. The lower torso and hip outline looks broader than the shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle Body Shape, also known as V-shape or Wedge. The shoulder and upper-torso outline looks noticeably broader than the hips.
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.