Women come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, which is great! Yet, there may be parts of our body that we wish to downplay, while we want to highlight others. This article takes a look at how to dress when you have a large bust. Some of you may like to highlight your bust, while others may want to downplay it.
Only you can decide for yourself what you prefer to focus on.
For example, if you are adorned with a large bust, some of you may want to downplay this while others may want to celebrate this part of your body and accentuate it (hello Kim Kardashian!)
Have a small bust? Check how to dress for a small bust.
How to dress with big bust: Highlighting your bust
If you are proud of your big bust and like to show it off even more or if you want to give the illusion that your bust is bigger than it actually is, then here are some tips on what to wear to enhance your bust.
The right bra is crucial
Always choose a good bra underneath that supports your breasts and lifts them up.
How to get the right bra measurement
Measuring your bra size yourself can be tricky as ideally you would need to wear the perfect bra to get the right measurement. I like the directions by excellent undergarments site Bare Necessities.
Here are their guidelines for measuring band size:
Measuring band size
There are two ways to measure your band size. The best bet is to do it both ways to see if you get a consistent measurement.
1. Bring the measuring tape around your back to the front, keeping it under the arms and bringing it up across to the middle of your chest. If you get an odd number, round up to the next even number to get your band size.
2. Measure across the bottom of your band, directly under the bust and across your ribcage. Make sure to keep your measuring tape straight around the back to front. Again, if you get an odd number, round up to the next even number to get your band size.
Measuring cup size
1. Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, with the tape straight across and around your back, bringing it to the front.
2. Subtract your band measurement (from step 1) from this bust measurement. The difference calculates your bra size- each inch represents a cup size. For example, if you measure a 34 inch band size, and a 36 inch cup size, the difference is 2: which would indicate a B cup.
I encourage you to read Bare Necessities full guidelines or go to your local shop and get a professional assistant to help you.
Use a high waistline
A high waistline emphasizes your breasts (and makes your legs look longer).
Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her pastel outfit.
Check out this similar top, blazer, pants, sandals, handbag, necklace and earrings.
Wear deep V necklines with cleavage
This will focus the eyes’ attention on your bust.
Embrace halter necks
This neckline creates the ultimate bombshell look!
Add a pendant
Adding a pendant between breasts will focus the attention on them.
Wear a cowl neckline
Any drapes that fall on top of the bust will always enhance them.
Embrace ruching
Ruching and higher waist will also help to enhance the bust.
How to Downplay your bust
If you are very well endowed and want to downplay your bust, here are some tips on how to dress when you have a large bust.
Again a good bra is essential
You still want your breasts up high, so you can bring more attention to your waist.
You will want a bra which offers good support and keeps your bust in place without boosting your cup size any further (unless that is your preference!) Below are some good options for large busts.
Wacoal Visual Effects Minimizer Bra
Chantelle C Magnifique Seamless Unlined Minimizer
Vanity Fair Beauty Back Smoothing Minimizer Bra
HSIA Full Coverage Lace Minimizer Bra
For more ideas for the best bras also check our article on the best bras for large breasts.
Play around with belts
Belting high usually emphasizes your bust. However, if you combine a belt with layering and with a longer vest, it has a minimizing and lengthening effect.
The belt also adds structure to the outfit and can highlight a defined waist.
Isabel Marant Lecce Reversible Leather Wrap Belt
Julie @stylishparadox above (read her style interview here) wears her shirtdress over her pants. A shirtdress is a great style to opt for (just make sure the buttons don’t gape at the bust), because you can alter how many buttons you open at the neck and the hem to create different looks.
Get her look with this similar shirtdress (another option here), pants, pumps, clutch, earrings and belt (another option here).
wear peplum tops
A peplum top may not necessarily downplay your bust, but it can definitely make you look more balanced. Look out for a peplum that starts fairly low down for a more flattering effect.
You could wear a statement necklace over the Alice + Olivia peplum (below) to add interest and draw the eye to your face.
Alice + Olivia Poppy Peplum Top
The tie front peplum (below) will draw more attention to your bust because of the ruching, but the flared hem and sleeves also create balance for your curves. Reviewers say it’s a flattering top in easy-care fabric, and the flutter sleeves provide good upper arm coverage.
GRACE KARIN Tie Front Peplum Top
V-necklines are your friend!
V-necklines can be good for downplaying a bust although you don’t want it too low or show any cleavage. Otherwise it will have the opposite effect.
Scoop, sweat heart and square necklines also work. The eye will focus on your exposed skin and not so much your breasts.
Eileen Fisher Woven Plissé V-Neck Top
Vince Band Collar Popover Shirt
try a square neck
A square-necked top can be one of the most flattering choices for you if you have a larger chest. The neckline draws attention to your decolletage and away from your bust.
Rails Laine Eyelet Square Neck Top
J.Crew Squareneck Cap-sleeve Top
Lizzy @whatlizzyloves above (read her style interview here) shows off a neckline that is super flattering for a large bust.
Recreate her outfit with these similar coordinates (another option here), sandals, clutch and necklace.
or a sweetheart neckline
A sweetheart neckline provides coverage while also emphasizes the shape of your bust, so it’s a good choice if you want to cover up your skin while still showing off your curves.
Halogen Piped Sweetheart Neck Sweater Tank Top
GRACE KARIN Lantern Sleeve Sweetheart Neckline Top
Opt for large necklaces
This may feel counter intuitive but if you place something small next to something big, the bigger thing will just appear bigger.
On the other hand if you choose a big statement necklace, you bust will appear smaller.
Kenneth Jay Lane Polished 22K Goldplated Double-Twist Link Collar Necklace
Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace
Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her stye interview here) opts for a bold necklace over her neutral wrap top.
Get her look with this similar top (another option here), shorts, sandals and necklace.
Other accessories can work well too!
You could also direct attention away from your bust by having a different focal point like a nice belt on your hip, a pair of statement earrings or a hat.
Alexis Bittar Intertwined Pavé Crystal Hoop Earrings
Avoid baggy tops or ill fitting clothes
Tops and dresses should be fitted and show a clear waist definition.
Avoid skinny straps
You need much more support. Skinny straps on your bra or top won’t give your bust the support it needs and may end up digging into you uncomfortably.
Embrace shoulder details
Cap sleeves, shoulder pads or shoulder details can help to draw attention away from the bust and up. Just make sure you can still wear a bra underneath.
Chaus Metallic Cold Shoulder Balloon Sleeve Top
Don’t wear sleeves that end at the mid-section of your bust
Best to end sleeves higher or at your waist.
Wear single-breasted jacket
A single-breasted jacket can make you look more streamlined while a double-breasted blazer can make you look wider.
NIC+ZOE Scrunched Single-Breasted Jacket
Buy shirts that fit
Never wear shirts that gape at your bust.
If you can’t find any that fit you, go for knitted tops instead. Alternatively, buy your shirts to fit your bust and have the rest taken in by your tailor.
Anne Fontaine Armantine Stretch-Cotton Shirt
Claudia @beafitmom.nl above chooses a white shirt with sleeve details.
Steal her look with this similar blouse, jeans, sneakers, handbag, belt and necklace.
Avoid lower armholes like dolman sleeves or batwings
The eye should be drawn upwards. Plus, sleeves that are wider at the same height as your bust can create a bulky looking effect.
Wide collars will draw the eye upwards and away from your bust
Again you want to divert the eye elsewhere.
The polo shirt (below) could work well for you. You could either unbutton the top one or two buttons, or you could wear the collar fastened to the top, and wear a statement necklace underneath.
Veronica Beard Kearney Stretch Cotton Polo
Lengthen your torso
Tucking blouses and tops is best avoided.
Avoid stiff fabrics, boxy blazers and big cable-knit sweaters
You will look much better in a torso-skimming dress that you can belt. A wrap dress will suit many busty women.
Choose wrap styles
Wrap tops and dresses are universally flattering so they’re ideal if you’re thinking about how to dress with a big bust, and you can alter where you tie the belt to suit your body shape.
Rails Natalie Twill Belted Wrap Minidress
Prints are your friend!
As you can see (below), prints can also be very effective in distracting attention away from your bust as they confuse the eye.
Anne Klein Geo Print Pleat Neck Sleeveless Top
Masai Copenhagen Becca Printed Blouse
Erica @ericabunker above (read her style interview here) chooses the combination of a v-neck and print, which can both be good choices for the big bust.
Check out these printed dresses from Sachin & Babi and Johnny Was, similar sandals, earrings, necklace, belt and sunglasses.
Define your waist
One of the tricky things about dressing if you have a large bust is that you can look larger than you really are if your top drapes from your chest. Instead, define your waist. The poplin dress (below) has a cut out at the top of your back so the emphasis will be on your back rather than your front.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Stretch-Cotton Poplin Belted Midi-Dress
Long open cardigans
Some loose styles can be flattering for many figures and body shapes and that includes a long, open cardigan. You can create lean, vertical lines rather than your top looking wider.
Halogen Open Front Longline Cardigan
Wear darker colors on top
If you want to downplay your bust, you can think about wearing a brighter or patterned skirt or pair of pants, and then a top in a darker shade. That way, you’ll draw attention to your bottom half. A perfect way to dress with a big bust if you want to downplay your chest.
Nicholas the Label Arlina Off-the-Shoulder Top
shop featured items here:
Did I miss anything on how to dress with a big bust? Let me know your how to dress with big bust tips. What do you use to either highlight or downplay your bust?
Continue reading:
- Best Bras For Large Breasts: Bras Which Are Supportive AND Stylish
- The Best Bras For Small Bust Sizes AND What To Wear If You Have Smaller Breasts
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
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Feature image by Lizzy @whatlizzyloves
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Dressing stylishly with a large bust is all about finding the right fit and balance! Whether it’s choosing supportive silhouettes or playing with necklines, these tips can really make a difference.
I had already tried several of the recommended bras, but took a flyer on a cheap brand, Curve Muse, which I found online. Their minimizer bras work way better for me, at less than half the cost! And they are cute. I’ve only tried underwire though and I am a 36 D or DD. with a shorter waist (totally can’t do that belt or peplum thing.)
I’m a very well endowed lady, a 38HH (UK) and I agree with you over the importance of a good bra. So I was surprised to see Georgette in an off the shoulder white top. I never find strapless bras supportive enough for my size despite wearing good makes. Do you know of a make which is particularly supportive as well as strapless?
I am 5′ 9″ and 34DD-20-30. I am proud of my size and want to highlight it the best way possible. What do you recommend.
I’m going to a wedding evening reception, I have bought a blue lace shift dress, I have a big tummy and I’m a apple shape . What is the best under wewar to disguise my tummy
I would at least wear a full brief that tucks your tummy. For more tucking and a smooth line, you may consider a shaper like this one https://amzn.to/2KAIliX More tips on shape wear in this article https://40plusstyle.com/shapewear-do-women-over-40-need-it/
Great article, as always!
Where can I find the gorgeous red/pink print dress Georgette is wearing? I looked on her blog, but couldn’t find it. Thanks!
You can find details on her blog at https://grownandcurvywoman.com/2018/09/21/farewell-to-summer-with-eshakti/ It’s from Eshakti.
Although I see the logic in not tucking in your tops to elongate the torso, I find that by doing that it leaves me with a very pregnant look as the fabric just hangs straight down from my large bust making my stomach look like it is just as big, even though I am a size 6 on the bottom. By not tucking, the blouse looks like a maternity top (the old fashioned kind). Tucking doesn’t work either. Not sure what the answer would be.
It all depends on the kind of top. If you top is a bit more structured or has a waist it may be better. The length of the top also makes a real difference.
You may want to try semi tucking with creates an asymmetrical vertical line. You have to find a way to add more structure to your top. You can play with belts also and see if that is helpful to you. You may like to go https://nofearoffashion.com by my friend Greetje for more inspiration. She has a large bust but has learned how to dress for it.
Hallelujah Sister – I feel for you! I’m 34H and am size 4 on the bottom. If I tuck in and/or belt my top half looks HUGE in contrast and if I don’t tuck in my chest is a shelf for the fabric. So I half-tuck or French tuck and am praying that they become classic and not “2017.”
I hate shoulder pads; they give me 80s flashbacks. I also have broad shoulders so I feel like shoulder pads highlight that. Everything else I follow.
Yes you’re totally right – it’s all about dressing for your own bodyshape and taking the bits of advice which work for you!
Has anyone found a good bra that is not underwire. They poke and dig into me.
Also I want to minimize my size and underwire just makes the boobs stick out more.
I am a 40 DD Not happy with my size!
When I was a 34KK I wore Decent Exposures as I couldn’t get a payment out to the Polish brand that actually makes wired bras in that size. Now that I’m back down to a 34H post reduction I need to figure out my new size in that brand. At my largest their 34L should have fit. However their 32H worked better for me. Now that bra is too large so I need to down size again. I also want to try Bra 30 and Breast Nest. According to reviews on Amazon and on Hourglassy blog Bra 30 lifts and supports via compression and there is under bust sweat. Breast Nest leaves them looking droopy but no under bust sweat. Seems like a fair trade off to me as that’s the bane of my existence when it’s hot. Unlike the rest of my body that area itches and rashes. Also it pretty permanently stinks in the Summer. Probably would only wear it around the house though and wear the Decent Exposures and Bra 30 outside. I’d just have to apply cornstarch to eliminate the moisture. In a pinch though Genie type bras worked while I was waiting for all my swelling to go down. They however don’t work very well in the heat. I’m not happy with my size either. I plan to get another reduction to hopefully lose another 5 or ideally 7 inches to get back to a 34D which is the size that balances with my hips.
1. I would like to go with Stretchy fabrics, will be most convenient and perfect for busty type of body shape.
2. Solid-color dress with contrast color matching of top & bottom is an ultimate solution.
3. Heavy fabric’s open jacket will help to maintain shape and look.
4. I would suggest avoiding horizontal stripes top
5. Pair of sweatshirt top with skinny jeans OR Crew-neck T-shirt and tiny skirt will help to look slimmer
6. Easy-to-wear and most flattering shaped outfits for women with larger bust are Rompers and jumpsuits.
Being well endowed at a 32D by age 14 (I’m 44 now and a 36 DD) I’ve discovered a few timeless tricks to lessen the attention on my boobs. Dolman sleeves on a dark colored blouse or sweater with a pinched (elasticized) waist work great for the hourglass/pear body; curves shown, bosom size diminished by the batwing sleeve! Black anything is great at minimizing more than a $60-70 bra with wires sticking you in the armpits (you still need a supportive bra). And for light colored or bright prints, wear them in a fabric that flows as well as a style that does not bind the girls up thus drawing more attention to them.
Thanks for the feedback Julie!
Hi. A tad confused. I’m 5′ 2″ with a large bust. Advice for a petite woman is to not wear large jewellery & tuck blouse/shirts in & wear belts same colour as trousers. Advice for a large bust is the opposite of all that so what do you do!! I’m trying to change my dress style as I noticed in a shop mirror I looked too squat & baggy in casual wear. Please help!!
All my articles provide guidelines, not clearcut rules. Every body is different so each woman needs to try and see which tips apply to them. What you need to try and achieve is to create balance and create a silhouette that pleases you. Mix and match, try different things, take photos and see what works. My best advice and a step and step guide is in my style course http://40plusstylecourses.com/shop/basic/21-steps-to-a-more-stylish-you/ where I explain the concept of balance and silhouette more clearly and can also look at photos (optional) and give feedback.
This is helpful do you have an suggestions for camp type t-shirts you know the one that say the camp or group on them I have church ones and they just come in one look. I have to wear them a couple times a year and the pic in them always make me look 40-50lbs heaver I cant destroy them I though of taking then in at the sides around the waist have to keep the word visible. and suggestions. I wear them for our church camp and mission trips its hot out then so layering does not work. Any suggestions would be great as I hate being that person hiding from all the pics.
Well that’s a tough one as these are not the best t-shirts for you. Perhaps you can cut a v-neck into them? Tucking them in the waist could help too. Or perhaps layer it with a really thin chiffon sleeveless vest?
Search “t-shirt modification” on YouTube. My favorite mod is to cut the sides and tie knots. With some help, you can tie each knot while you’re wearing the shirt so it follows your shape. Just remember to leave them loose enough to be able to get the shirt off. LOL. Practice on a throwaway shirt first to figure out how many knots – a few knots each side shows some skin between knots, more knots = less skin.
Another fix is to cut the sleeves and tie them in knots/bows and do one matching knots/bows at the bottom of the t-shirt – it creates a ruched look.
i would like to be a fashin model for full size woman i am from Africa and i believe what it takes to be full size top model. please help
You may like to read the tips here Tseli: https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-become-a-model-after-40-an-interview-with-model-maria/ Good luck!
Good tips. Some of these I had not even considered. Chunk jewelry? Great! Shoulder pads and capped sleeves and wide collars? Never would have thought of those.
Thanks Sylvia – good article. I also find that a long (length stops below bustline) slim silver chain with something nice hanging from it (there are so many attractive “baubles” to hang on chains these days) helps draw the line elsewhere from the bust – kind of like a v-neckline.
Thanks Petra. Great feedback!
Sylvia, this is the kind of very helpful article for which I treasure your site. Thanks!
Great to read that this was helpful to your Raquel!
I am like the Baby Bear in “Goldielocks” – mine is just right. LOL! But I think a wrap dress is probably one of the most flattering styles any woman can wear. It balances out the top and bottom halves and gives you a tiny waist. Love them!
A little firmer would be nice 🙂 but other than that I can’t complain either… Do you know that I don’t have even a single wrap dress in my closet….
Very informative post.
I am following most suggestions, so I am coming to terms with it. Lovely to see Georgette again. I am going to follow her, she seems so nice and daring.
She is! Constantly dressing with patterns and colours!