The Most Flattering Swimwear For Rectangles

Summer is finally making its presence felt in this part of the world. About time too. Hopefully, it will not be a ‘blink and you miss it’ kind of summer. I don’t know about you but I prefer my bikini season hot.

So, with the sun coming out, it’s time to head to the shops for some good old retail therapy.  While keeping in mind chic and elegance, bikinis and swimsuits, here we come.

Today, I am giving advice for rectangles and how to choose the most flattering swimwear style for their shape.
​
Rectangles are pretty much straight up and down, with a balanced upper and lower body. However, this shape lacks definition in the waist area. What you want to do is add some feminine shape and curves to your body. The most flattering swimwear should also give you an illusion of a waist. In bikinis and swimsuits, the use of prints, frills, padding and cuts will enhance your shape no end.

In order to help you in your search for the most flattering swimwear, I have found five bikinis and five swimsuits that fit the bill in different ways. Let’s see how they achieve this.

1 - The floral print of this bikini brings curves into the garment with the use of flowers. This brings attention to both your bust and bottom, diverting the eye away from your waist. The twist style and padding of the top add volume to small chests. The ties at the sides of the pants add detailing.

2 - The red ‘Vichy’ print brings freshness while the frills add curves to your body. They enhance your chest and bottom, while minimizing your waist at the same time, making you more of an hourglass figure.

3 - Bright red always attracts attention and this little number certainly achieves this. The padded and halter neckline gives you oomph in the bust department, emphasised by the deep cleavage. If that was not enough to bring the eye up, the tie at the front points up  like an arrow to your chest. Oh la la! The bikini bottom is fairly simple with a tie at the side for balance.

4 - Frills at the bust and pants add curves where needed in this nautical stripy number. The structured and padded top does not let you down in the bust department as it shapes and boosts your bust.

5 - This fringed two-piece is not for shy rectangles. These fringes will certainly attract attention as you move and walk. They are cut in a downward V so add shape to an otherwise straight torso. The cutout at the sides of the bikini bottom adds interest to that area too.


For women who prefer more coverage, swimsuits are perfect for this as they bring a touch of glamour to the beach.

6 - This black & white monochrome spot one-piece offers both coverage and elegance. Your silhouette is transformed into a curvy hourglass instantly with the help of the push-up bra and the ruching at the waist area. This swimsuit is perfect for the larger sizes, as the wide straps provide the bust support and the waist is slim-lined.

7 - This red print halter neck swimsuit gives the leanest rectangles a deep cleavage, while showcasing the waist with its wide sash. Larger sized rectangles should avoid this style as the bust would not be supported enough and would look droopy.

8 - This fringed one-piece looks like a lot of fun and works on three levels. Your breasts are emphasized with the light padding of the bra and the lift that the halter neck provides. The fringes add extra volume to that area and, as they point downwards, narrow the waist at the same time. The cutout at the waist brings well-needed curves to the straight up-and-down body.

9 - For vintage lovers, rectangles can't go wrong with this swimsuit. The underwired bustier adds a feminine  touch to the upper body. The bust is given  curves by the contrasting band at the top of the bra. A waistline is created by the white band and the bottom is showcased by a feminine fifties-style floral print, in a contrasting colour to the top. These all contribute to create a womanly figure for rectangle shapes.

10 - This last swimsuit provides coverage and curves due to its structure. The twisted bandeau top gives uplift. Its high sides give support to the bust, so as to shape and boost a small bust. The ruching at the sides creates the illusion of a well-defined waist.

I hope that this post will help make your shopping easier. As with all other clothes, always try your swimwear on in front of a full-length mirror and cast a critical eye on it. If you are undecided, take this as a hint that this swimwear is not for you. The perfect swimsuit or bikini should "pop" on you and make you look like you are ready for a magazine shoot. If it does not enhance your body in any way, pick another style. There are plenty to choose from.

A Bientôt
Marie-Anne x

Originally published on 5/7/13
​
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these:

Are You a Petite Rectangle? Tips On How To Dress For This Shape
My Top 5 Fashion Trends for Spring 2014