While there’s always more that can be done, it feels like the shopping landscape for plus-size ladies is definitely improving. In this article, we’ve picked out the most stylish, best plus size tops to choose this summer, and the style features to look out for to create the most flattering silhouette.
Stores finally seem to have woken up to the fact that women really do come in all shapes and sizes! Plus, curvy celebrities like Ashley Graham and Rebel Wilson are throwing their own hat into the plus-size ring with their own fashion collections.
So, thankfully, there’s no need to miss out on the classics or the latest trends anymore because there are some fantastic plus size tops in stores for summer.
Below are some of the hippest, most flattering plus size tops to choose from this summer.
But first, what features to look out for when choosing your plus size tops?
1.Not too clingy
Look for tops that don’t cling to every “lump and bump,” but rather skim over your figure to give you a flattering silhouette.
2.Show off your waist
Either choose a top that shows off your waistline, or that creates one can make your curves look great.
3.Not too baggy
Don’t hide yourself under baggy, shapeless tops unless you are going for a more avant-garde look. In many baggy tops you’ll look bigger than your really are. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that and you certainly don’t have to abide to flattery guidelines.
4.Draw attention to your face and neckline
If you prefer not to show your tummy area, then a great way to do this is simply draw attention somewhere else. Choose tops with v-necks or interesting necklines that will draw the eye to your face, neck and decolletage.
5.Drapes, ties and twists
Look out for tops that feature features like draping, ties and twist detailing. These will disguise any areas you don’t want to highlight, create a great silhouette and add extra interest to your outfit.
6.Asymmetry
We’re a big fan of asymmetry here at 40+ Style. Tops that have asymmetry that drape across the body diagonally are most flattering. Take a look at the best asymmetrical tops and dresses here.
7.Don’t forget your body shape
Every plus sized woman is shaped differently, so don’t forget to dress to flatter your shape and size by dressing to suit your body type.
8.Features to hide a belly
You’ll find that many of the tips in our popular articles on how to hide a belly with the right clothes, and tops to hide a belly will work for you. Many of those also come in in plus sizes.
Plus size tops
Take a look at our picks (below) and see if you find a favorite among these tops for plus size women.
karen kane top
Karen Kane is a great place to look for plus size tops as, not only do they have the size, ut they understand what is flattering. The crossover top below is a great choice if you want to hide your belly.
Karen Kane Ruffle Sleeve Crossover Top
kiyonna top
Empire waists can be flattering for curves if you’re searching for blouses for plus size because they emphasize the bust, then define the body at your slimmest part, just under the bust, before skimming over the belly. The print top (below) also features a flattering v-neck, and sleeves if you prefer to cover the upper arms.
Kiyonna Encore Print Faux Wrap Top
halogen
For warmer months and vacations, a tank top is perfect with your shorts and jeans. The tunic top below is a good option if you’re searching for summer tops for plus size.
estelle top
Just as a wrap top is flattering on all body types, so is a wrap top. The Estelle Morris top (below) is a modern way to wear florals, and you can alter exactly where and how high you tie the waistline, to create the best look for you.
Estelle Morris Floral Print Faux Wrap Top
wit & wisdom
Opting for a pattern can confuse the eye, which is great if you’re looking to hide any lumps or bumps. Plus the twist detail on the Wit & Wisdom (below) is interesting and flattering.
Wit & Wisdom Print Front Twist Top
eileen fisher
Eileen Fisher has plenty of plus size choices, and concentrates on timeless options that you can wear season after season.
Eileen Fisher Boat Neck Linen Top
linen top
The Madewell top (below) features a stylish cross back design, so if you love your back and shoulders this is for you. Wear with wide-leg pants or a full skirt.
Madewell Cross Back Sleeveless Linen Top
satin blouse
Choosing materials like silk and satin will give your favorite pair of jeans a luxurious look. The rumple satin blouse (below) is textured so not too clingy. Plus, it’s an ideal length for tucking in, or leaving out as a tunic style.
Vince Camuto Rumple Satin Blouse
amazon top
Empire lines can work for some women and not for others. But what is great about them is they cut in at what is likely to be your slimmest point – just under your bust. Plus, the wrap style of the tunic top (below) is very flattering for the bust.
Twist front t-shirt
Looking out for tops with draping and twists is always a good idea. The twist on the Zella T-shirt (below) elevates what would otherwise be a simple t-shirt look. Wear it for casual days or exercise.
Zella Plus Twist Front T-Shirt
High low top
Looking for a top to go with your leggings? A high-low top is a great choice. The Shibara top (below) comes in a good choice of colors, and would look great over leggings or slim pants.
There’s more inspiration on what to wear with your leggings in this article.
City Chic Shibara Vibes Asymmetric Faux Wrap Top
cowl neck top
For smart timeless choices, M.M.LaFleur has tops in sizes up to XXL.
Embroidered cotton blouse
For summer, a peasant-style blouse is a flattering choice with your shorts. Look out for a v-neck to elongate your figure, or a wide-neck top to show off your decolletage.
NIC+ZOE Solstice Embroidered Cotton Blouse
Smocked stripe top
Keeping your neckline wide is flattering as it draws the attention upwards and away from the belly area. The smocked waist of the top below creates shape, and the stripes are elongating.
J.Crew Smocked Waist Stripe Cotton Lawn Top
cotton peplum
A peplum can be super flattering for plus size figures. The shoulders on the cotton peplum top (below) create balance and are a great choice if you have narrow shoulders in comparison to your hips.
Estelle Majorca Floral Eyelet Cotton Peplum Top
tunic top
Another summer one for you. The Wit & Wisdom top (below) has a v-neckline that is flattering on most figures, and will look perfect with your shorts for summer or vacations.
Wit & Wisdom Embroidered Sleeve Tunic Top
print wrap top
If you do want to disguise any lumps or bumps, then a print is a good choice as it distracts the eye. The swirl print top (below) will dress up your favorite jeans.
River Island Tile Print Long Sleeve Wrap Top
button down
A classic stripe button-down is very flattering for plus sizes. The vertical stripes create a slimming effect, while you can create different looks by leaving the buttons at the neck open as much as you want, tucking in, leaving out, or tying at the waist.
The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve
Ruffle sleeve blouse
Choosing a bright top can get you noticed for all the right reasons. The red top below would look good with your white jeans.
CeCe Tie Neck Ruffle Sleeve Blouse
halter top
If you love your shoulders, a halterneck top is perfect for showing them off while skimming over your tummy area.
Lane Bryant Swing O-Ring Halter Top
puff sleeve top
A V-neck is a great choice for plus size tops. You can see below that your eye is drawn to the neckline and necklace. The puff sleeve top (below) comes in a choice of colors and is great if you prefer to cover your upper arms.
side twist top
The side-twist top (below) will hug your figure in the right places. It comes in either the green shown or a leaf print choice.
Criss cross t-shirt
The crisscross straps on the top (below) draw attention upwards to your neck and face. It comes in a huge choice of colors, and reviewers say it is flattering, light and breezy.
Haloumoning Criss Cross T-Shirt
Square neck top
A square neck is a good choice if you have a big bust and prefer to downplay it. Plus, because a square neck isn’t a common choice, it adds a point of difference to your outfits.
Take a look at how to dress if you have a large bust for more ideas.
WIHOLL Square Neck Puff Sleeve Top
pleated top
Pleats are another good feature to look out for. The top below features a square neck, which works well if you have a big bust, then the pleats mean the tummy area drapes down rather than being overly clingy.
Saloogoe Pleated Square Neck Top
corset top
A corset style top is on trend at the moment, and can work well because it emphasizes the bust, while the peplum skims over the tummy area.
shop the plus size tops above here:
What is your favorite style to wear for summer? Which plus size top brands do you find most flattering?
Continue reading:
- How To Dress When You Have A Large Bust
- The Best Tops To Hide Your Tummy
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
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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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