Rectangle Face Shape
A rectangle face shape is longer than it is wide, like an oblong face, but with a strong, angular jaw. The forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width, the sides are straight, and the jaw has defined corners.
Check if you have a rectangle face
Rectangle face shape measurements
| Face length vs width | About 1.6× or more |
|---|---|
| Widest point | Even from forehead to jaw |
| Forehead | Often tall and straight at the hairline |
| Jawline | Wide, sharp corners |
| Chin | Broad and flat |
How to tell if you have a rectangle face
- Your face is clearly long.
- Your jaw has distinct corners, like a square face.
- Your forehead and jaw are about the same width.
Rectangle vs oblong face shape
Both are long faces. The difference is the jaw: rectangle has a sharp, angular jaw with defined corners, while oblong has a rounded jaw. Many guides lump them together, but the styling differs. Rectangle faces need both width and softening around the jaw. See the full rectangle vs oblong guide.
Rectangle vs square
Square and rectangle share the angular jaw. A square face is only slightly longer than it is wide; a rectangle face is much longer.
Styling goal
Add width at the sides, reduce height on top, and soften the corners of the jaw and forehead.
Best hairstyles for rectangle faces (women)
- Wispy bangs: Shorten the face and soften a square hairline.
- Layered bob below the jaw: Adds width and breaks up the jaw corners.
- Loose waves: Curves soften angles and add width.
- Shag with face-framing layers: Texture at the sides balances length.
- Side-swept long layers: Diagonal lines reduce the vertical emphasis.
Best haircuts for rectangle faces (men)
- Textured fringe: Covers part of the forehead to shorten the face.
- Side part with moderate sides: Keeps width at the temples.
- Short, messy crop: Low height, soft texture.
- Medium-length swept back (with volume at sides): Works if it doesn't add height.
Beard styles for rectangle faces
- Full beard kept wide: Adds width; keep the chin from getting too long.
- Heavy stubble: Shows the jaw without adding length.
Best glasses for rectangle faces
- Round or oval frames: Soften the angles.
- Oversized frames: Break up the length.
- Aviators: Wide at the top with curved bottoms.
Frames to avoid
- Narrow rectangular frames.
- Small frames that look lost on a long face.
Makeup and contouring for rectangle faces
Shade the top of the forehead and the jaw corners, and apply blush horizontally on the apples of the cheeks to add width.
Celebrities with rectangle faces
- Sandra Oh
- Cate Blanchett
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Anne Hathaway
- Ben Affleck
- Jon Hamm
- Adam Driver
- Matthew McConaughey
Rectangle vs similar face shapes
Rectangle vs OblongOblong is just as long but has a rounded jaw.
Rectangle vs SquareSquare has the same jaw but is much shorter.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rectangle face shape?
A long face with straight sides and a strong, angular jaw. Forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width.
Is rectangle the same as oblong?
Not quite. Both are long, but rectangle has a sharp, square jaw and oblong has a rounded jaw.
What hairstyle suits a rectangle face?
Bangs, layered bobs, loose waves and shags that add width and soften the jaw.
What glasses suit a rectangle face?
Round, oval, aviator and oversized frames.