Stand in front of your mirror and notice your straight silhouette? Rectangle body shapes are marked by shoulders and hips of similar width, with minimal waist definition.

This doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful in your clothes! The right tops can bring visual interest and softness to your figure without trying to force curves where they naturally don’t exist.

Feeling stuck when shopping for tops that work with your body type is a common frustration. This guide will show you how to pick pieces that enhance your natural shape while creating a balanced look.

We’ll cover the best necklines, sleeves, and cuts that flatter rectangle figures. You’ll learn once and for all which tops deserve space in your closet and which styles to skip.

Best Tops to Flatter a Rectangle Body Shape

Looking good in clothes is all about understanding what works with your natural shape. For rectangle body types, the goal is to add some softness and create the illusion of curves while maintaining balance.

1. Wrap Tops

Wrap tops are a rectangle shape’s best friend. They cross over at the front and tie at the side, instantly creating a more defined waistline where there might not naturally be one.

The diagonal lines across your torso break up the straight silhouette and give the impression of curves. Look for styles with ruching or gathering at the sides for extra waist emphasis.

Wrap tops work for casual outings when made of jersey or can transition to office wear in more structured fabrics.

2. Peplum Tops

Peplum tops feature a gathered or flared section that extends from the waistline, creating volume around the hips.

This style works magic for rectangle shapes by instantly creating an hourglass effect. The fitted upper portion hugs your torso while the flared bottom adds the appearance of curves.

For maximum impact, choose peplums that hit at your natural waist rather than lower on the torso. These tops pair beautifully with slim-fit pants or pencil skirts to balance the added volume.

3. V-Neck Tops

V-neck tops create a vertical line that draws the eye up and down rather than side to side, making them perfect for rectangle shapes.

The V shape breaks up the straight line of your silhouette and adds a focal point to your upper body.

Deep V-necks can create the illusion of a fuller bust, while more modest V-necks still provide the vertical line benefit. These versatile tops come in endless variations and work well for all occasions from casual to formal.

4. Sweetheart Necklines

Sweetheart necklines curve inward at the center to create a heart shape that softens rectangular figures.

This neckline adds feminine curves to your upper body and creates the illusion of a fuller bust. The curved lines contrast beautifully with your straight shape.

Sweetheart necklines look great in both casual and dressy tops and can be found in various sleeve lengths. For extra flattery, look for styles with slight ruching or gathering at the center.

5. Scoop Necks

Scoop neck tops feature a U-shaped neckline that widens the appearance of your upper body. This horizontal emphasis creates the illusion of more curves by breaking up the straight line of a rectangle shape.

Wide scoops work particularly well as they draw attention to your collarbones and shoulders. These tops can be dressed up or down and layer nicely under jackets or cardigans.

For maximum effect, choose scoop necks that aren’t too deep or too shallow.

6. Puff-Sleeve Tops

Puff-sleeve tops add volume and width to your shoulders, creating the appearance of an hourglass shape by balancing your upper body with your hips.

The extra fabric and structure in the sleeve area breaks up the straight line of a rectangle figure. Look for sleeves with moderate volume that won’t overwhelm your frame.

These tops come in various lengths from cap sleeves to full-length, giving you options for all seasons and occasions.

7. Off-the-Shoulder Styles

Off-the-shoulder tops highlight one of the most graceful parts of the body—the collarbone and shoulder area.

For rectangle shapes, this style creates horizontal lines that widen the appearance of your upper body, helping to create more dimension.

The bare shoulder area adds a touch of femininity while giving structure to your look. These tops work well in both casual and formal settings and can be found with various sleeve lengths from short to full.

8. Tie-Front Tops

Tie-front tops feature fabric that ties at the center or side of your waist, instantly creating definition where rectangle shapes typically lack it.

The gathered fabric and knot draw attention to the middle of your torso, creating a visual break in your straight silhouette.

These tops add interest without bulk and can be adjusted for a perfect fit. They work well in casual settings and come in various fabrics from light cotton for summer to cozy knits for cooler weather.

9. Crop Tops with High-Waist Bottoms

This combination creates the illusion of a shorter torso and curvier hips by placing focus at your natural waistline.

For rectangle shapes, this pairing helps create visual curves and breaks up the straight line of your silhouette. The high-waist bottoms add structure at the narrowest part of your torso while the crop top draws attention there.

For the most flattering look, choose crops that hit right at your waist rather than above it, and make sure your high-waist bottoms fit perfectly.

10. Corset-Inspired Tops

Corset-inspired tops use seaming, boning, or structured panels to create dramatic waist definition.

These design elements work hard to give rectangle shapes the appearance of curves without requiring you to have them naturally.

Look for tops with vertical seaming that creates an hourglass shape or subtle boning that gives structure.

These tops make a statement and work well for evenings out or special occasions when paired with simpler bottoms to balance the dramatic upper half.

11. Ruffled or Pleated Tops

Ruffles and pleats add volume and movement to strategic areas, helping to create curves on a straight silhouette.

For rectangle shapes, look for ruffles across the bust or at the waist to add dimension. Vertical pleats can elongate your torso while adding texture.

These details work best when placed strategically rather than all over. Choose tops where the ruffles or pleats aren’t too overwhelming for your frame and consider the fabric weight—lighter fabrics create softer movement.

12. Belted Tunics

Belted tunics combine the comfort of a longer top with the waist definition created by a belt.

This combination is perfect for rectangle shapes as it creates structure at the waist while maintaining a comfortable, relaxed fit elsewhere.

Look for tunics with self-belts or add your own belt to create customized waist definition. These tops pair well with slim pants or leggings and can transition easily from casual to office wear depending on fabric and accessories.

13. Square Neck Tops

Square necklines create strong horizontal lines across your upper body, adding width and dimension to a rectangle shape.

This geometric neckline contrasts nicely with your straight silhouette and draws attention upward. Square necks work well when balanced with slightly flared or wider bottoms to create proportion.

These tops come in various sleeve lengths and work for most occasions. For extra impact, look for square necks with slight structure or thicker straps.

14. Asymmetrical Hem Tops

Tops with uneven or diagonal hemlines create movement and visual interest that breaks up the straight lines of a rectangle shape.

The varied hem adds dimension and can be used to highlight your best features. Look for styles that are longer on one side or feature a diagonal cut across the bottom.

These tops pair well with simple bottoms to let the asymmetry shine. The irregular lines help create the illusion of curves where there may not naturally be any.

15. Bold Printed Tops

Bold printed tops bring energy and shape to a rectangle body by drawing attention to your upper half. Whether it’s florals, geometrics, or color splashes, these prints help break up the straight lines of your figure.

Patterns placed around the bust or shoulders can create visual curves. Horizontal or diagonal prints can widen areas you want to emphasize, while central prints can add focus to your midsection. Stay away from tiny prints that can get lost on your frame—instead, go for medium to large-scale patterns.

Pair bold prints with solid bottoms to balance the look. This simple styling trick keeps the attention where you want it: up top, adding interest and dimension.

16. Button-Downs with Rolled Sleeves

Classic button-down shirts become rectangle-friendly when styled thoughtfully. Rolling the sleeves creates visual interest at the arms and breaks up the straight line of the shirt.

For additional shape, try partially unbuttoning and tying the front for instant waist definition, or add a belt.

Look for slightly fitted styles rather than boxy cuts. These versatile tops work for casual, office, and even evening looks when made from the right fabrics.

17. Halter Tops

Halter tops draw attention to your shoulders and upper arms while creating a V-shape that flatters rectangle figures.

The angled lines of the halter straps create dimension and the open shoulders give visual width to your upper body. These tops work particularly well for summer and evening wear.

For maximum flattery, look for halters with some gathering or detail at the bust and styles that don’t cut too high at the neck, which can make rectangle shapes look even straighter.

18. Batwing or Dolman Sleeves

These sleeve styles feature extra fabric between the arm and body, creating volume and shape around your upper torso.

For rectangle shapes, this added dimension helps break up your straight silhouette and creates the illusion of curves.

These tops typically taper at the waist or hem, giving some structure to balance the volume above. Look for styles that don’t add too much bulk and consider tucking or half-tucking them to define your waist further.

19. Lace or Textured Fabrics

Tops made from lace, eyelet, or other textured materials add visual interest and dimension to rectangle shapes.

The texture creates shadows and highlights that give the appearance of more curves and break up the straight lines of your silhouette. Look for pieces where the texture is strategically placed to emphasize areas you want to highlight.

These tops add a feminine touch to any outfit and work well layered under jackets or on their own for more formal occasions.

20. Color-Blocked Tops

Color blocking uses contrasting colors to create visual sections on a garment. For rectangle shapes, tops with darker colors at the sides and lighter colors in the center can create the illusion of a more defined waist.

Horizontal color blocks can add curves where you want them, while vertical blocks can elongate your torso.

Look for pieces where the color placement flatters your specific rectangle shape and complements your color preferences.

21. Layered Looks

Layering adds dimension and breaks up the straight lines of a rectangle body shape. Try pairing a fitted tank or tee with an open vest, short jacket, or lightweight cardigan.

The different lengths and textures create visual interest and can be manipulated to give the appearance of curves.

For the most flattering look, keep at least one layer fitted and consider belting outer layers. This technique works year-round with seasonal fabric adjustments and allows for creative outfit combinations.

Tops to Avoid for Rectangle Body Types

While your rectangle shape offers versatility for many styles, some tops might work against your goal of creating balance and visual curves. The following options may emphasize the straightness of your silhouette rather than complement it.

• Straight or boxy fits without waist definition: These tops follow your natural straight lines and can make you look even more rectangular. Without any shaping at the waist, these styles simply hang from your shoulders to your hips, reinforcing the column-like appearance.
• High necks or turtlenecks that hide collarbones: Covering up your neckline and collarbone area removes a naturally feminine feature that helps break up the rectangular shape. These high necklines can create a solid block of fabric that emphasizes straightness.
• Square necklines without structure: While square necks can work when paired with the right bottom pieces, those without any structure or detailing can create harsh horizontal lines that emphasize the boxiness of your shape rather than softening it.
• Sleeveless shapeless tanks: Basic tank tops with straight cuts and no shaping elements do nothing to create curves or definition. Without sleeves to add interest or volume to your shoulders, these can make your silhouette appear even more straight up and down.
• Long tunics without belts: Tunics that hang straight from your shoulders past your hips without any waist definition can overwhelm your frame and emphasize its lack of curves. Without a belt or some form of cinching, these styles create a single, unbroken vertical line.

Conclusion

Your rectangle body shape is an asset, not something to hide. With the right tops in your closet, you can create visual interest while staying true to your natural silhouette.

The key is selecting pieces that add subtle definition rather than forcing an entirely different shape. If you love a top that’s not on our recommended list, wear it with confidence. The most important thing is finding pieces that make you feel good when you put them on.

Play with different necklines, sleeves, and details to find what works best for your style. For a deeper look at necklines that flatter your body shape, don’t miss our detailed guide on Dress Necklines.

Ready for more style tips? Check out our other body shape guides on the blog!