Shapewear for Rectangular Bodies

By Marcy Montgomery Jones
Naomi & Nicole®

For the past month, we’ve been looking at how weight is distributed on women’s bodies and how intimates can be used to enhance the prototypical figures created by that distribution.  We’ve discussed pear-shaped, apple-shaped, and hourglass-shaped bodies.  The final group in this tetralogy really doesn’t have just one shape-name associated with it.  Some people refer to it as a ruler; others, a tube, a banana, or a rectangle.  For purposes of this post, we’ll refer to it as a rectangle, because I doubt there are too many ladies out there who want to be identified with a banana.

Rectangular women, as the name suggests, have silhouettes that appear to run straight up and down.  This visual effect occurs because weight is mostly gained in the abdomen, and this counteracts any definition in the bust and hips.  These women also have similar waist and hip measurements.  And, to a lesser extent, body fat of rectangles tends to become distributed in the backside, face, and, chest.  Rectangular women are often referred to as looking “athletic.”  Lovely celebrity rectangles include Cameron Diaz, Sheryl Crow, and Hilary Duff.

To define curves for this body type, emphasis must be placed on creating definition at the waist.  This can be achieved in a couple of different ways.  The best garment for targeting the waist is a waist cincher, sometimes referred to simply as a “cincher.”  A cincher can vary in length from 9 ½ to 11 inches.  You should make sure to choose a length that’s compatible with your torso’s length, and is also undetectable under your clothes.  Cinchers vary in their closure mechanisms.  Some have hook-and-eyes; others do not detach and are made to be stepped into and slid up the body.  Keep in mind that tight-fitting fashions tend to reveal hook-and-eyes.  Another way to create definition at the waist is to build curves above and below it.  Garments, such as a padded-rear briefs and padded bras are available that can “enhance” your figure by adding volume to it in just the right places.  By adding size to your hips and bust, you can optically create a defined waist.

A rectangle’s need for shapewear can be motivated by fashion demands or personal preferences.  In addition to the selection of a foundations garment to create or enhance one’s curves, the right styling choices in one’s outerwear wardrobe can also have a positive influence.  For great tips on outfitting a rectangular body shape, visit the chicfashionista.com.

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