Quick Answer
You have a rectangle face shape if your face shows similar width measurements at your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw, but appears notably longer than wide. Think of your face as having the proportions of an elongated square – straight, parallel sides with similar width throughout, but with greater length creating a distinctive rectangular appearance.
Key Identifying Features
Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline maintain similar width measurements.
Your face length is notably greater than its width.
Your face shows straight, parallel sides rather than tapering.
Your features create clear angles rather than soft curves.
Finding your face shape shouldn’t require complex measurements or scientific tools.
This guide will help you easily identify whether you have a rectangle face shape through simple observations you can make using just your mirror and everyday objects as reference points.
How to Identify Your Rectangle Face Shape (Easy Guide)
Looking straight in the mirror, your rectangle face shape shows consistent width from forehead to jaw, but appears distinctly longer than wide.
Your face maintains parallel sides throughout its length, creating an elongated appearance.
The sides of your face create straight lines rather than curves or tapering.
When you trace your face with your finger, you’ll notice similar width measurements at your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw.
From the side view, your features show clear definition and straight lines rather than dramatic curves.
When you smile, your face maintains its elongated proportions with parallel sides.
Your jawline creates clear angles similar to a square face, but within a longer overall structure.
The transitions between your features maintain consistent width whilst emphasising vertical length.
Front View Test
Stand in front of your mirror and use your fingers to check three simple points on your face.
Place your index fingers at your temples – this measurement should align closely with your jaw and cheekbone width.
Move your fingers to your cheekbones – notice they maintain similar width to your forehead.
Finally, place your fingers at the corners of your jaw – this should measure similar to both your forehead and cheekbone width, creating parallel sides.
Profile View Test
Look at your face from the side using a second mirror or a side-view photo. Notice how your features create distinct angles similar to a square face, but within a longer overall structure.
Your forehead and chin typically align vertically, creating a strong, straight profile. The side view emphasises your face’s greater length compared to width.
Measurements and Proportions for Rectangle Face Shape (Professional Analysis)
When we look at the proportions, a rectangle-shaped face exhibits distinct ratios that set it apart from other face shapes.
The face length typically measures about 1.5 to 1.75 times the face width, creating that characteristic rectangular appearance.
To put this in perspective, if your face measures 5.5 inches in width, your face length would measure approximately 8.25 to 9.5 inches.
The overall proportions play a crucial role. In a rectangle-shaped face, the distances between forehead, cheekbones, and jaw remain consistently similar, creating parallel sides within the elongated structure.
Your cheekbones provide a key measurement point. In a rectangle-shaped face, they align closely with both forehead and jaw measurements, typically varying by less than 0.25 inches between all three points.
For practical measurement at home, a standard credit card serves as an excellent measuring tool. A typical rectangle-shaped face will measure roughly 1.5 credit cards in width and 2.5 credit cards in length. The width measurements at forehead, cheekbones, and jaw should each be within a quarter of a credit card’s width of each other.
The face can also be divided into vertical thirds, from hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to nose tip, and nose tip to chin.
In a rectangle-shaped face, these thirds might appear slightly elongated compared to other face shapes, whilst maintaining equal proportions between themselves.
To get specific numbers, in a rectangle-shaped face the width typically measures between 5.5 to 6 inches (14 to 15 centimetres), whilst the length measures between 8.5 to 10 inches (21.5 to 25.5 centimetres).
These measurements serve as guidelines rather than strict rules. Natural variation exists, and your face might show slight deviations while still maintaining an overall rectangular shape.
The key lies in the relationship between these measurements, particularly the similarity between width measurements combined with the greater overall length.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Rectangle-Shaped Face
The distinctive rectangle face shape results from specific bone structure characteristics.
The underlying bone structure creates parallel sides and defined angles, similar to a square face but within a longer overall framework.
The underlying structure includes:
- Strong temporal bones creating defined angles at the forehead
- Prominent zygomatic arches aligned with forehead width
- A strong mandibular structure with clear corners
- Defined gonial angles (jaw corners) maintaining parallel sides
This combination of features creates the strong, defined transitions characteristic of rectangle-shaped faces, where each feature maintains parallel proportions within an elongated framework.
Facial Features and Bone Structure in Rectangle Face Shapes
The rectangle face shape isn’t just about the overall silhouette – it’s deeply influenced by the underlying bone structure and the way individual facial features work together.
Understanding these relationships helps create a more complete picture of your face shape.
Forehead and Temple Area
The forehead in a rectangle-shaped face typically shows clear angles at the temples, similar to a square face.
The temporal bones create defined transitions into the cheek area, contributing to the face’s parallel sides.
The forehead width typically aligns closely with both cheekbone and jaw width, maintaining consistent proportions.
Eye Area
In rectangle-shaped faces, the eye sockets often show strong definition in their bone structure.
The brow ridge typically appears well-defined rather than subtle, complementing the face’s angular features.
The distance between your eyes usually measures about one eye width, appearing proportionally balanced within the elongated structure.
Nose Structure
The nasal bridge in rectangle-shaped faces typically shows clear definition, harmonising with the angular facial features.
This defined nose structure complements the face’s strong angles.
The width of the nose usually appears proportional to other facial features, contributing to the overall balanced width.
Cheekbone Architecture
Rectangle-shaped faces feature cheekbones that align with forehead and jaw width, maintaining parallel sides.
The zygomatic bones (cheekbones) create clear angles rather than soft curves.
This bone structure helps maintain the strong, defined appearance characteristic of rectangle shapes.
Jaw and Chin Formation
The mandible (jawbone) in rectangle-shaped faces creates clear angles and defined corners.
The chin typically appears broad and well-defined, integrated into the strong jawline.
The jaw corners show distinct angular transitions rather than curves.
Ear Placement
Ear position in rectangle-shaped faces typically aligns with the strong side planes of the face.
The ears usually sit at an angle that complements the face’s angular structure, with the top of the ears aligning roughly with the eyebrows and the lobes ending near the tip of the nose.
Styling Guide for Rectangle Face Shapes
Hairstyle Recommendations
The ideal hairstyles for rectangle-shaped faces create width whilst softening the face’s natural length.
A textured crop with volume at the sides helps add perceived width to balance length.
Side-swept styles with layered sides help break up the face’s straight lines.
For more dramatic options, styles with volume at the sides rather than height help create balanced proportions.
Avoid styles that add significant height without width, as these may emphasise facial length.
Beard Styling
Beard styles for rectangle faces should aim to add width whilst avoiding additional length.
Consider fuller growth at the sides with slightly shorter length at the chin.
A well-groomed beard with rounded edges can help soften angular features whilst maintaining masculinity.
Eyewear Selection
Choose frames that add width to balance your face’s natural length.
Wider frames with decorative temples work particularly well for rectangle-shaped faces.
Avoid narrow or very deep frames that might emphasise your face’s length.
Collar Recommendations
Spread collars work particularly well, as they create horizontal lines that add perceived width.
For casual wear, wider necklines help balance the face’s length.
For formal occasions, opt for moderate to wide spread collars that create width without overwhelming your features.
Avoid very narrow point collars that might emphasise your face’s length.
Rectangle Face Shape vs Other Face Shapes
Rectangle vs Square
Square faces show similar width measurements throughout but appear as wide as they are long.
Rectangle shapes maintain the parallel sides but appear notably longer than wide.
While both shapes create strong angles, rectangles show greater length relative to width.
Rectangle vs Oval
Oval faces show gently curved features and smooth transitions throughout their length.
Rectangle shapes maintain straight, parallel sides with more defined angles.
While both shapes appear longer than wide, rectangles create more angular features compared to oval’s soft curves.
Rectangle vs Diamond
Diamond faces show their greatest width at the cheekbones, with narrowing at both forehead and chin.
Rectangle shapes maintain consistent width throughout their length.
While both shapes can appear long, diamonds show distinct width changes where rectangles maintain parallel sides.
Rectangle vs Triangle
Triangle faces show their greatest width at the jaw, with progressive narrowing toward the forehead.
Rectangle shapes maintain consistent width throughout their length.
While triangles show clear tapering, rectangles create parallel sides without width changes.
Rectangle vs Heart
Heart faces display their greatest width at the forehead, tapering down to a narrower chin.
Rectangle shapes maintain similar measurements throughout their length.
While hearts show clear downward narrowing, rectangles create consistent width with parallel sides.
Rectangle vs Round
Round faces show similar width and length measurements with soft curves throughout.
Rectangle shapes appear notably longer than wide with angular features.
While round faces create continuous curves, rectangles maintain straight lines and defined angles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rectangle Face Shapes
Q: Can my face shape change over time?
A: While your basic bone structure remains constant, changes in weight, age, and muscle tone can affect how pronounced your rectangle face shape appears. The characteristic length and parallel sides might become more or less defined with these changes.
Q: How can I make my face appear less long?
A: Strategic hairstyling with width at the sides and appropriate facial hair can help create balance. Additionally, selecting the right eyewear and collar styles can help create perceived width.
Q: Does facial hair help balance a rectangle face?
A: Yes, maintaining fuller growth at the sides whilst keeping the chin area neat can help add width and create more balanced proportions.
Q: Can I wear my hair very short with a rectangle face shape?
A: While very short styles can work for rectangle shapes, consider maintaining some width at the sides rather than cutting them too close to help balance facial length.
Still Not Sure?
Try our quick and free face shape quiz designed specifically for men who want to confirm their face shape without complex measurements.
The quiz uses simple visual comparisons and easy-to-answer questions to determine your exact face shape.
Our face shape analysis considers multiple angles and features to provide you with accurate results.
Expert Style Guidance
Understanding your rectangle face shape is just the first step towards optimising your appearance.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides an expert evaluation of your facial features, identifying exactly how to style your hair, facial hair, and accessories to complement your rectangle-shaped proportions.
For a complete style transformation, our signature Complete Image Transformation Package includes face shape analysis along with personalised colour analysis, body shape evaluation, and comprehensive style recommendations tailored to your unique features.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.