What to Wear to the Gym If You’re a Rectangle Shape (And Nothing Ever Fits Quite Right)

Photo Credit:Payton Butler

If you’ve ever tried on workout clothes and thought, “Why does everything either look boxy or ride up?”—you’re not alone. Athletic or rectangle body shapes often get left out of the fit conversation. Most activewear is either too tight in the waist (spoiler: you don’t have one) or completely shapeless.

Before we get into the good stuff, let’s make sure this is the right fit—for your actual body.

Before you grab anything new for your wardrobe, make sure you’re actually dressing for the shape you have—not the one you're guessing at.

Start here with our Body Shape Guide — it breaks everything down in simple terms so you can shop (and dress) smarter.

What Is a Rectangle Body Shape?

Also called an athletic or straight shape, the rectangle body shape means your bust, waist, and hips are roughly the same width. You don’t have strong curves, and your waistline isn’t super defined.

You might be a rectangle shape if:

• Your body feels straighter through the torso

• You have longer limbs or an athletic build

• Clothes often feel like they just “hang” on you

• You gain weight fairly evenly—not in one specific spot

If that sounds like you? Welcome. This is where we actually talk about what works for your shape.

Still unsure?
Start with our body shape guide, or save the rectangle style guide for a deeper breakdown.

Now let’s get into it: here are 10 activewear pieces for rectangle body shapes that create shape, feel comfortable, and finally make you say, “Okay, this looks good on me.”

1. When You Want a Waist (But Don’t Have One)

You want something that creates shape—not just drapes over your body like a towel.
Try: A peplum or cinched active tank that brings in the waist without squeezing.

Halter Crop Top V Neck

$26.99

2. When Leggings Just Make You Look… Straight

Your goal isn’t to look curvier—you just want to look balanced.
Leggings with contrast side panels or a V waistband to break up your shape and add visual curves.

Mesh High Waist Leggings

$28.99

3. When You Want to Look Sporty, Not Shapeless

Boxy tees don’t help. You want something that flatters without feeling tight.
A cropped performance tee with just enough fit to define your upper body.

Cropped Tank Top

$9.99

4. When You Want to Feel Cute in a Set

Matching sets can be hit or miss on your frame.
A high-rise legging and slim-fit tank combo that hugs the right places and creates clean lines.

2 Piece High Waisted Seamless Leggings with Padded Stretchy Sports Bra

$34.99

5. When Every Sports Bra Makes You Feel Flat

Compression is great—until it flattens you out completely.
A lightly padded or sculpted sports bra that adds shape without bulk.

Backless Padded Training Sports Bra

$28.99

6. When You’re Just Not in the Mood to “Try” But Still Want to Look Good

You want an outfit that feels cool and effortless—but not sloppy.
An open-back workout tank with cool details that make it feel styled, even if you’re wearing it with plain leggings.

Open Back High Neck Workout Athletic Gym Tank Top

$24.99

7. When You’re Going for a Walk and Want to Look Put-Together

This is the outfit you can wear on a neighborhood walk and then grab a coffee without changing.
Slightly flared leggings with a zip-up or mock-neck top—hello, subtle shape.

Tummy Control, High-Waisted and Wide Leg

$28.99

8. When You Want Something That Moves With You

Your build is made for movement—you don’t want to fight with your clothes.
A lightweight training set with stretch and structure (not baggy sweats).

One Piece Workout Jumpsuits

$34.99

9. When You’re Heading to Pilates or Barre

Let’s be real: you want to feel feminine, even in a workout class.
A ballet-inspired tank with adjustable straps and a fitted waist.

Double Lined Scoop Neck Tank Top

$23.98

10. When You’re Dressing for a Home Workout (Or Let’s Be Honest, the Couch)

You want comfort—but you still want to feel like you could be seen in public.
Buttery-soft leggings and a square-neck tank top that feels like loungewear but looks styled.

Super Soft Lightweight Leggings

$34.95

Need more style ideas made for your shape?

Grab the Rectangle Body Shape Style Guide and see how easy it is to build outfits that flatter your frame.

Still unsure about your shape?
Take the quiz + grab the Find Your Body Shape Guide to get clear.