Best swimsuits for rectangle body shapes (and what to avoid)

Rectangle-shaped bodies look great in many swimsuit styles. The right bathing suit enhances your figure, boosts your confidence, and offers sun protection. We'll help you choose swimwear that works with your body and makes you look fantastic.

Quick links:

What is the rectangle body type?

Best swimsuits for rectangle bodies

Swimwear colors and patterns to boost curves

How to choose the right swimsuit for a rectangle body

Swimsuit types to avoid for rectangle bodies

SwimZip's sun-protective swimwear collection offers stylish designs that flatter rectangle-shaped bodies (and all other body shapes too). You won’t only look amazing, but you will also be protected from the sun since our entire collection is made of UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric.

What is the rectangle body type?

The rectangle body shape (also known as the straight body shape or athletic body type) is characterized by a straight silhouette. It’s one of the most common body types.

Rectangle bodies typically have minimal differences between their bust, waist, and hip measurements. This body shape often features slim shoulders and hips, with little definition at the waist. People with rectangle-shaped bodies usually have a balanced upper and lower body, without pronounced feminine curves.

While they may not have a well-defined waist naturally, rectangle bodies can enhance curves with the right clothing and swimwear choices. With the right swimsuit styles, you can easily boost your natural proportions and create a feminine, flattering look.

Best swimsuits for rectangle body shapes

The right swimsuit adds curves and plays up your natural proportions. Let's dive into the top swimwear picks for rectangle figures that'll have you looking and feeling fabulous.

One piece swimsuit

One-piece swimsuits that create the illusion of curves are your secret weapon. Go for plunging necklines or side cut-outs to define your waist. Monokini swimsuits with side details draw eyes to your midsection, giving you an hourglass shape. 

High-cut legs lengthen your frame, while belted swimsuits cinch the waist for a more feminine silhouette. Suits with ruffles, ruching, or bold patterns further accentuate your figure.

 

Bikini tops

To boost your bust and add curves, pick bikini tops that draw attention upward. Triangle tops and halter bikinis are perfect for creating a fuller bust look. Padded or push-up tops give you extra oomph, while styles with ruffles or embellishments add visual interest. 

One-shoulder tops with bold designs or puff sleeves add volume and define your upper body for a curvier appearance.

 

Bikini bottoms

For bikini bottoms, focus on styles that add volume to your hips and balance your frame. Side-tie bikini bottoms or designs with ruffles and graphic prints create the illusion of fuller hips. High-cut styles lengthen your legs and accentuate your waist, while high-waist bikini bottoms define your midsection. 

Details such as ruching, frills, or vibrant patterns draw attention to your lower body and complete a curvier, more balanced look.

 

Swimwear colors and patterns to boost curves

The strategic use of bold prints, vibrant hues, and thoughtful design details adds dimension and balance to your shape. 

Bold, vibrant colors

Bright, eye-catching patterns and colors naturally draw attention to important areas of your body. To enhance your bust and hips, opt for swimsuits in vibrant hues such as red, coral, electric blue, or sunshine yellow. These colors create the illusion of volume and curves where you need them most. 

For emphasis on specific parts, such as the bust, pick a top with bright colors paired with a navy high-waist bottom to focus attention upward.

Color-blocking

Color-blocking adds definition to a rectangle body shape. With contrasting colors on different parts of the swimsuit, you create the illusion of a more curvaceous figure. 

Look for swimsuits with darker shades at the waist and brighter, lighter tones on the bust and hips. This breaks up the straightness of the rectangle shape and creates a more hourglass-like appearance.

Strategic prints

Look for swimsuits with bold, busy patterns such as tropical designs, florals, or geometric shapes on the bust and hips. This draws the eye to these areas, adds volume, and makes your figure look curvier. 

Avoid prints that cover the entire swimsuit uniformly, as they can make the body look even straighter. Instead, opt for designs that focus on the top and bottom, leaving the midsection more neutral.

Vertical lines

Vertical stripes or patterns create the illusion of a more defined waist. Diagonal lines break up a straight figure by drawing the eye inwards, visually narrowing the waist, and adding depth to the silhouette. 

Swim bottoms with diagonal lines around the midsection create a slimming effect while accentuating the bust and hips.

Ruching and textures

Textures such as ruching, ribbing, or sequins add visual interest and volume to areas that need a boost. A swimsuit with ruched sides cinches the waist and creates curvier-looking hips. 

Similarly, textured fabrics such as ribbed or crinkled materials boost your shape by creating the illusion of added fullness in targeted areas.

Playful patterns

Polka dots and other playful patterns enhance curves and give a more feminine, rounded look. Choose swimsuits with larger polka dots on the bust or hips to create the illusion of volume. 

Smaller, more compact patterns (such as our Palm Breeze one-shoulder top) also add details and draw attention to specific areas, so your figure will have a more balanced appearance.

How to choose a swimsuit for a rectangle-shaped body

The perfect swimwear for a rectangle-shaped body boils down to styles that flatter your natural figure and create a curvy illusion. Follow these tips to find the best swimsuit for your rectangle body shape:

• Define the waistline: Go for swimsuits with waist-accentuating details such as belted one-pieces or high-waisted bottoms. Side-tied models visually narrow your midsection and give you that coveted hourglass vibe.
• Add volume to the bust and hips: Padded bikini tops, triangle, and halter tops give your bust a fuller appearance. For the bottom, tie-side bikinis, high-cut designs, or styles with ruffles and bold patterns create the illusion of wider hips. Frills, ruching, and embellishments add dimension to these areas, balancing out your figure.
• Emphasize the shoulders and legs: Plunging V-necklines and off-the-shoulder styles showcase your upper body, while high-cut bikini bottoms or one-piece swimsuits elongate your legs. This combo breaks up the straightness of your silhouette.
• Experiment with patterns and textures: Bold, fun prints draw the eye to specific areas, while textures such as ruching, ribbing, and sequins create depth and volume. Floral patterns, tropical designs, and polka dots add visual interest and dimension. Color-blocking and diagonal lines define curves and shape your figure like magic.
• Avoid shapeless cuts: Bandeau tops, square necklines, and boy shorts reduce the visual impact of your bust and hips, working against that curvy look you're after. Instead, opt for cuts that highlight your assets and add structure to your overall silhouette.

Swimwear types to avoid for rectangle body shapes

While rectangle body shapes rock a variety of swimsuit styles, certain designs flatten your silhouette or fail to flatter your natural proportions. To create a more balanced and curvy figure, avoid swimwear that emphasizes your straight shape without adding volume or definition. 

Here are the swimwear types to steer clear of if you have a rectangle body shape:

• Bandeau tops: Bandeau bikini tops, which are straight across without straps, tend to flatten the chest and emphasize the rectangular shape of your upper body. These tops don't add any curves or definition to the bust, and make the torso appear even more straight
• Square and high necklines: Swimwear with square necklines or high necks draws attention to the straightness of your torso and shoulders. These necklines can make your figure appear boxy rather than adding the desired feminine shape.
• Boy shorts: Boy short bikini bottoms tend to flatten the hips and make the lower body appear more square. They provide full coverage but don't offer the curve-boosting effects that rectangle shapes often need.
• Thick waistbands: Swimsuits with thick waistbands further emphasize a straight silhouette by drawing a horizontal line across the midsection. This reduces waist definition.
• Full coverage or boxy cuts: Full-coverage swimsuits, such as those with long, straight lines or boxy cuts, may hide your natural shape rather than flatter it. These styles lack the structure and detailing needed to create curves.

Why choose SwimZip’s sun-protective swimwear

SwimZip offers one and two-piece swimsuit styles to suit all body types. Our designs blend fashion with functionality for comfort and support during beach or pool days.

SwimZip's high-quality swimsuits let you enjoy water activities with confidence. Our UV-protective swimwear flatters rectangle body shapes while catering to other figures too. You'll look and feel great in SwimZip swimwear, ready for sun, sand, and stylish swims.

Swimwear FAQ

What is the best way to dress a rectangle body shape?

The best way to dress a rectangle body shape is to add flattering curves and definition. Opt for fitted waists, peplum tops, and A-line skirts. Use belts to cinch the waist, and choose tops with ruffles or embellishments to add volume to the bust and hips.

Is a rectangular body shape attractive?

A rectangle body shape is very attractive. This versatile figure boasts a lean, athletic look prized by many. Its balanced proportions provide an excellent canvas for various styles, from sleek, minimalist designs to more elaborate, curve-enhancing outfits. 

How does a pear-shaped body differ from a rectangle body type?

A pear-shaped body has wider hips and thighs than the upper body, while a rectangle body type has similar measurements for shoulders, waist, and hips. Pear shapes focus on balancing the upper body, while rectangles aim to create curves.

Are horizontal stripes a good choice for rectangle body types?

Horizontal stripes can work well for rectangle body types when used strategically. Stripes on the bust or hips add volume to these areas, creating the illusion of curves. Avoid all-over horizontal stripes, as they might emphasize the straight silhouette.

What's the difference between waist measurements for rectangle and hourglass body shapes?

Hourglass body types have a significant difference between waist and hip/bust measurements. Rectangle bodies show minimal difference between waist, hip, and bust measurements, resulting in a straighter silhouette.

How can an apple body type achieve a flattering silhouette in swimwear?

Apple-shaped bodies look great in swimwear that defines the waist and elongates the torso. One-piece suits with ruching or wrap-style tops are excellent choices. High-waisted bottoms paired with supportive tops also create a flattering silhouette.

What swimsuit styles are the best for an inverted triangle body type?

Inverted triangle body shapes benefit from swimsuits that balance broader shoulders. Tops with solid colors paired with patterned or embellished bottoms are a good choice. High-cut legs and full-coverage bottoms are excellent choices to create proportion.

Further reading

What are the best bathing suits for larger busts?

How to pack a girl’s beach bag

What are the best swimsuits for moms?

What are the best swimwear for small busts?

What are the best tummy control swimsuits?