How To Dress Big Boobs
Posted by: Lily Q
Filed in:
style
8:30AM, Wednesday July 1st 2009
I spend half of my days feeling kind of like a hooker. There are no patent leather platforms with clear plastic bases in my closet and I’d sooner die than wear a half shirt or hot shorts. My damn chest, however, makes appropriateness rather difficult at times.
You see, my waist is a size 2 or 4, my hips are a size 4, and my chest is a 34DD. Finding a dress (or blouse, or fitted, non-stretch top of any kind) has become borderline impossible. But years of clothing obsession and severe boob-related setbacks when it comes to putting together outfits have left me with what some might call an obsessive and excessive knowledge of how to deal with super large lady lumps. Some rules, after the jump…
No Tent Dresses
Tiny little waif girls with thighs the size of my arm and no boobs to speak of can pull those off. You, my big-busted friend, cannot. You will look pregnant. Very pregnant.
Embrace Knits, They Are Your Friends
You’re wasting your time looking for a stretch-less dress that will hold those suckers. If the size difference between your waist/hips and chest is only a size or a couple of inches, alterations are a possibility. Beyond that, though, you’ll end up spending more on easy-to-botch alterations than you did on the dress.
So instead of going down that frustrating road yet again, get a knit dress. If you’re into va-va-voom sexy, something fitted throughout will get you there (but beware, you’re not going to want to meet anyone’s mama dressed like that). Personally, I’m a lover of the fitted-on-top, swirly-on-bottom look. Butter by Nadia makes an awesome wrap dress along those lines. (Seriously, I own it in three colors and completely vouch for it.)
Medium V-Necks Love You, Too
The low V will get you a bit too much attention and a round or crew neck will make your chest look like a shelf. But a fitted medium dip V-neck with short sleeves that hits a couple inches above your elbow will work every time. The little bit of extra sleeve length balances your top and a slight V is sexy without being trampy.
No Empire Waist Lines
As with tent dresses, you will look pregnant. Or at least not nearly as good as you could. Dresses that nip in at the waist and then flair out (A-line or circle skirts work miracles) provide a nice shape and balance.
Go With A Combo Dress
There are these magical dresses that are made from t-shirt material on top and another, more dressy, material on the bottom. Like this one.
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Anna
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:39 am: [report]
You are absolutely preaching to the choir with me. Dress shopping is the hardest part of having a large chest. I’m in a wedding this winter, and I’m terrified about getting my bridesmaids dress altered. Although I consider myself a size 8, they ordered it in a size 14 to accomodate for my chest, and I’m afraid of it getting butchered when they try to take the rest of it in. If anyone knows of a good tailor in the Philadelphia area…
misspixie
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:43 am: [report]
I dread shopping because of my chest, I just stare at rows and rows of tops I could never wear without looking ridiculous…it’s sooo annoying!! xx
FabulousJoi
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:47 am: [report]
You must have been reading my mind. Between my boobies and my tummy (which has GOT to go), shopping drives em absolutely mad. Thanks for the post!
Erin G
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:55 am: [report]
Thank you! It was so bizzare, I was just about to google “tops for big boobies” right before I checked the site for today’s updates!
I’m a size 8, but I have 34DD (just bought new bras at VS…never thought I’d be a DD, makes me sad).
I Go To 11
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:55 am: [report]
I feel your pain! I had to go a size up when buying my wedding dress because of my stupid chest. So now I have to have it taken in everywhere else to make it fit properly (although I did pick an A-line, so thanks for verifying I made a good choice!) I hate shopping for this very reason! It’s good to know there are others out there in the same boat.
Queen Frostine
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:56 am: [report]
Buttons. I hate them. My DD’s hate them. And sweaters. They puff everything out. And cap sleeves. And tank tops with built in bras that only come half way over my boobs. Or tank tops that are never long enough after stretching over my boobs. Anything with triangle tops look retarded. And any shirt with layers or ruffles is a big no-no.
As a solution, I’ve started shopping in 1930-1940’s era retro clothing, because it was designed for women with big ‘ol bullet bras. The waistlines and neck lines are VERY flattering. Never too low or too high. And the classic look never goes out of style.
titsmagee
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 08:56 am: [report]
I’m in a friend’s wedding this year too and thank GOD she let us pick our own LBD’s. I’m a size 8 but my bra size is an American 34G.
Fail.
I Go To 11
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 09:09 am: [report]
@QueenFrostine: I can’t stand those tops with so-called built in bras! Yeah, like my 34DD size is going to work with those. @@ I’ll wear them underneath other tops, but never by themselves. My wedding dress is also a 1940s-inspired design, BTW.
Queen Frostine
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 09:17 am: [report]
I love the way those lycra tanks feel and hug everything in, but the bra shelf rides right over my nipples. I can find some in plus size stores, but being a small girl, the women in there look at me like I’m evil. I really want Pam Anderson or some other well endowed celeb to create a line of clothing for slender-ish women with big boobs. So far, Trashy Diva and Pinup Girl Clothing has been my saving grace.
tattooed_redhead
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 09:19 am: [report]
The other thing to avoid are sweater twin sets that were popular a while back. I always felt like Matron at a British school when I tried one on! Stop pointing those bow guns everywhere!!
jimnist10
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 09:24 am: [report]
Wrap dresses with a camisole underneath are my friend. I’ve got broad shoulders + 30/32 DD/E boobs and a small waist, but a large butt and thighs. Wrap dresses with a print on the basically cover up my “problem” areas, fit over the shoulders and boobs and can be adjusted for maximum comfort.
AND YES, thank you for saying that empire waisted dresses/tops make you look preggers! I completely agree and it ANNOYS me everytime I see a show (specifically “What Not to Wear”) or read a magazine artile about how flattering empire waists are because without fail, I look like I’m about 6mos pregnant when I get the courage to try one on.
Good article!
bbpickles
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 09:40 am: [report]
All of the new flowy shirts make me look preggers! I absolutely DREAD dress shopping and usually get so frustrated that I don’t buy anything! I hate it. I was falling out of a 36DDD when I was 19 yrs old so I had a breast reduction. I went down to a full C-cup, now 7 years later, I am back up to a 36DD! I recently lost 30lbs too! GRRRR!!
californiaP
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:08 am: [report]
re: “You see, my waist is a size 2 or 4, my hips are a size 4, and my chest is a 34DD.”
Ok. Time to begin bra sizing rant…. American bra manufacturers are horrid horrid horrid. With those accompanying stats, I have a very hard time believing that your back (or band) size is actually a 34. More likely, you think you’re a 34DD because, well, a DD cup size is about as big as as American sizes go. It’s ridiculous. So many people go around wearing too-small cups and too-large bands because they simply don’t know that other options exist! (Until a trip to Scotland a few years ago, that was exactly my experience.)
Nordstrom is one of the few stores we have with a lingere dept that includes the “busty” brands—if you head over there and look for Freya, Fantasie, or Panache (all British), you might find a much more comfortable fit. (And you can find “eqivalent” sizes by dropping the band and incrementing the cup size—so a 34DD has the same volume as a 32F or a 30G, depending on how the particular brand counts double letter sizes.) And obviously Nordstrom is pretty pricey, but once you find this stuff in the store, you can usually find it cheaper online. My favorite source is a British company; as long as the pound is doing poorly, the price is pretty reasonable: http://www.bravissimo.com. (They also have *clothing* tailored just for us girls with boobs!)
Ok. Sorry for the rant!
I Go To 11
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:16 am: [report]
@californiaP: Thanks for the tips! Glad to know other options are out there for us well-endowed women. I agree, the bra manufacturers here are awful!
californiaP
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:48 am: [report]
@I Go To 11: You’re welcome!
Oh… And in case anyone doesn’t know this yet—Brit dress sizes are about two sizes off from US dress sizes—so if you’re looking at the Bravissimo clothes, their size 8 is more like a US size 4.
Lily Q
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:54 am: [report]
@california p- i actually just found a rather good one from french company simone perele and a 32E does the trick. it’s called the Andora (http://www.simone-perele.com/index2.php?site=uk) and kind of awesome in that it’s not at all padded but the material doesn’t stretch or sag. and yeah, the sizing is much better foreign. i’ve tried bras from us brands and i can’t even get a DD to fit in the slightest.
Lily Q
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:56 am: [report]
@anna-i was a bridesmaid last year and had the same issue: altering a size 10 dress down to almost a 2 in certain spots. if you get something with a full skirt (or a line) and simple seams down the side and back as opposed to darting and extraneous seams all over, the alteration will be much easier.
cbaum
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 01:39 pm: [report]
THANK YOU for this article. Seriously, whenever I hear my A and B cup friends yearning over larger breasts I want to shake them! I want to wear cute little triangle-tops, and sassy backless shirts without worrying about more than some bandaids. Unfortunately I live in the world of being a size 12, with a 36DDD+ bra size. Strapless bras are nearly impossible to come by, and button down shirts that actually fit are only found by a miracle of God. And maxi-dresses? Don’t even get me started! 99% of the cute maxi’s have a triangle top that I couldn’t even dream of wearing without some serious coverage and support.
As far as my fashion tips for busty ladies go, wrap dresses are KEY! And if you choose to get a printed wrap dress, make sure the print matches your body frame (larger body frame= bigger print). Plus, wrap dresses turn my body overwhelmed by bodacious boobs into a sleeker hourglass figure.
I’m going to have to disagree with the comment about empire waisted things though. As long as the empire seam hits CLEAR BELOW the boobs (not mid boob) than I think empire waist styles can work. Sometimes they can make you look a little top heavy though, especially if you have a very small waist, but a little volume on the bottom will balance that out.
I’m also a fan of wearing scarves to detract from a large breast. My uniform as of late has been plain-ish tops (v-neck t-shirts, tank tops in a solid color) and a colorful patterned scarf. As long as the scarf isn’t that bulky, it takes away attention from an oversized rack, and brings the focus up toward the face.
Hope these help other ladies who share the blessing/burden of larger breasts and keep the tips coming!!
develange
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 02:44 pm: [report]
CaliforniaP: yes. I fit bras and I was thinking, hmmm, seems weird all these ladies are wearing 34DD.
Wearing the right size will also make your clothing look better: no bulging breast tissue or awkward lines. YAY.
Many women that come into my work have dresses that do nothing for their breasts (it’s usually not their fault…the bridesmaid horror!)
One style that is usually really flattering is something with a medium to low v neck with overlapping material. Aggggh, I wish I could find a photo example…fail.
Yeah, wrap dresses look really good, too.
I’m a 32D, which really isn’t that big, but still, most petite clothing (especially the “sexier” stuff) is really meant for people who are A or B cups.
lea322
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 03:11 pm: [report]
Ok, so I do NOT fit in this category at all, but I thought I’d chime in as someone who was definitely not wearing the right size bra for a long time. My best friend got a job in the Nordstrom lingerie department (both a blessing and a curse!) and I went in to get a fitting from her. Every time I got a fitting as VS, they told me I was a 34A…well, turns out I’m a 32C. I’d say that’s a fairly substantial difference! And I’m so much more comfortable now! So basically, getting a GOOD fitting has made a huge difference for me.
Also, depending on the cut, smaller chested ladies ALSO look pregnant in those tent-like dresses and flowy tops. I’m really not sure WHO they flatter…
LaRosa
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 05:44 pm: [report]
Hmm… this list is great if you’re rolling in dough… can you make a big boob fashion list for a recessionista please? I can barely afford Forever 21 and Target. I will give you props for what you’re trying to do though!
- Size 8, 36 DD
cbaum
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 06:38 pm: [report]
@LaRosa—Not sure how old you are, or what your style is like, but I think a lot of these items are good for bigger breasts, and they work on a budget too. Some are a little more expensive than Forever 21/Target… but for classic pieces I think it can be worth the investment.
1- American Apparel Wrap Dress. $44
http://www.americanapparel.com/rsa7305.html
Seriously read the reviews, they’re mostly positive, even for women with bigger breasts. I’m drooling over this dress for my trip to Dublin in the fall.
2- Forever 21 Spiral Print Dress. $27.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category;_name=dress&product;_id=2062117251&Page=7
Super cute print and style with a nipped in waistband so you don’t just look like a sack of potatoes. Would be perfect for a summer wedding!
3- Forever 21 Colorblock Dress. $22.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category;_name=dress&product;_id=2060229852&Page=6
I love this dress, but it’s a little short on me. I think it’d be so cute with some strappy gladiator sandals, aviators, and a chunky necklace.
4- Old Navy Pleated V-Neck Top. $14.50
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7525&vid=1&pid=676513&scid=676513032
Perfect v-neck top for the summer. It comes in lots of colors too!
5- Ann Taylor Loft Puff Sleeve Cardigan. $19.99
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18172&Nty=1&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_271&N=1200055&pCategoryId=270&categoryId=271&loc=RN&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
The disclaimer with this top is that you should probably steer clear of the puff sleeves if you have wide shoulders. But for <$20 it’s so cute and can transition between seasons too.
6- Ann Taylor Loft Pleat Waist Button-Down. $14.99
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=21492&Nty=1&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_273&N=1200057&pCategoryId=270&categoryId=273&loc=LN&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Petite
In my experience, Loft’s button-downs fit pretty well, even if you’re busty. You might have to go up a size, but with this shirt’s detailing, I think it would still look crisp and fitted.
7- Old Navy Pleated Trim Tank Top. $12.50
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7524&vid=1&pid=676638&scid=676638072
An array of fun summer colors, straps thick enough to still wear a supportive bra, AND under $15. Winner.
8- Forever 21 Side Tie Plaid Top. $15.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category;_name=top&product;_id=2062160982&Page=2#
I’d recommend trying this on before buying it, because F21’s sizes can sometimes be a bit “teeny bopper”, but the silhouette of this shirt is adorable.
9- Forever 21 Drawstring Slub Top. $15.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category;_name=top&product;_id=2063097909&Page=3#
Now and then I like to break fashion rules (specifically, those set forth by Clinton and Stacy). This would be an example, because it’s a bit long. I think the detail at the neckline is so cute, and it shows just enough skin on top. And if you think it’s too long, belt it and pair it with a flouncy skirt that hits just above the knee.
10- Old Navy Crochet Trim Henley. $16.50
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7525&vid=1&pid=677797&scid=677797072
This shirt looks soooo comfortable, but still put together enough to go to a casual dinner in. And if the buttons are a little low, throw on a wifebeater or cami underneath.
11- Norma Kamali Knit Vest (Walmart). $15
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10803598
Seriously, a knit vest (that FITS!) over a v-neck t-shirt or long sleeve shirt really does streamline big boobs. Plus it’s a little funky too.
12- George Cap-Sleeve Ruffle Blouse (Walmart). $14
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10803413
I own this shirt in coral and am obsessed with it. Fits perfectly over the boobs, but isn’t too big in the waist, and is a great light-weight material for summer. Cannot say enough good things about this shirt.
13- Anthropologie Day-in, Day-out Dress. $59.95
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-343894772399625435&id=933088&parentid=SALE_CLOTHES_DRESS&pushId=SALE_CLOTHES_DRESS&prepushId=SALE_CLOTHES_DRESS&popId=SALE&sortProperties;=+marketingPriority,-saleDate&navCount=7&navAction=poppush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize;=&selectedProductSize1;=&color=dgr&colorName=DARK+GREY
This dress is a bit of a splurge, but SO cute in person. It’s the perfect dress for fall when pair with cute flats, a cool summer night with some sandals, or the winter with tights and boots. Trust me, the dress looks much less pilgrim-y when worn on someone with boobs (which the mannequin does not have).
cjmar
wrote on July 1 2009 @ 10:11 pm: [report]
Ugh! I hate bra companies! I do believe they use “vanity sizes.” I wear a 32H, and I find it very hard to believe I’m actually that big.
I always buy dresses that are fitted on top, flowy on the bottom. The cross over (wrap) dresses work well if they don’t show too much cleavage. One of my favorite things to do is a mid v-neck top with a camisole underneath (sometimes lacy). Classy and really makes them look smaller! You can put together one of these combos for less than $20 at Old Navy (because you know you’ll be spending all your cash on big bras).
Thankfully, I’m going in for breast reduction surgery next week, SO EXCITED!
gnathalie16
wrote on July 3 2009 @ 03:31 pm: [report]
I’m 5’2” and was recently measured as a 30E. I have the exact same problem where the rest of me is a size 2 with enormous boobs on a short torso. Ugh. I find it extremely difficult to keep the balance between finding things that fit and looking like a hooker. I found one bikini top that came in my size and when I wear it with the accompanying boy shorts I look like a 1950’s advertisement for a health machine. Being a college student I also have to budget how much I can spend on bras; does anyone have tips for a bra less than $60? Currently I only own one that fits well and the rest are an incorrect size.
LaRosa
wrote on July 3 2009 @ 04:07 pm: [report]
Cbaum- Thanks for putting together that list! All that stuff was super cute.
Cjmar- Good for you, I did it two years ago and it was the best decision of my life… I have gained a cup size since, but I still don’t regret it!!!
I guess that my main problems are shirts that are too “cleavagy,” sleeves that end up being to short as well as their bottom hem hitting me unnaturally high, and gaps in between button holes when I wear button ups… I hate camis, but many times a cami is the only answer…
californiaP
wrote on July 3 2009 @ 04:48 pm: [report]
@gnathalie16 The Brit. site I mentioned above (bravissimo) has a number of options in the $40-$50 range (and shipping is approx. $10/order), so if you buy a few bras it’s a fair savings. Also, I’ve occasionally had good luck with Nordstrom Rack. They carry a good range of cup sizes, and the pricing usually seems to be about $25 for a bra that started at $60-$80. It’s hit-or-miss whether they have anything in stock, though. Figleaves.com also carries larger cup sizes and occasionally has good sales. I’ve also ordered bras from herroom.com before. (Online ordering can be a little intimidating for bras—and sizes are totally different by brand and country after a D cup—so if you don’t know how the brand fits it’s important to be conservative. Here’s a chart of the differences: http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_room.asp?cat=131&txt=5143)
@LaRosa—Ugh. I hate that accidental “tummy” shirt look. It made me so happy when recent fashion started dictating longer shirt lengths.
Miss Lizzie
wrote on July 6 2009 @ 12:06 am: [report]
Yeah I’m in a friend’s wedding. They made me order a dress 4 sizes too big to accomidate my boobs. And they are charging me extra for it. But they’ll have to take in fabric at the waist and, since I’m 5’3’’ and the dress is made for someone 5’10’‘, they’ll have to take fabric off the bottom. Doesn’t make sense. I’ve been creeped out since 6th grade, when I was a D, and 8th grade, when I was a DD, and all those creepy old men would check out my chest. I’m now an F.
la calme avant la tempête
wrote on July 9 2009 @ 12:17 pm: [report]
Lily: about that Butter by Nadia dress, I had checked it out before (and totally loved it) but ended up not ordering it because I thought it wouldn’t be that suitable for big breasts ... seeing as a lot of the wrap styles require you to be braless. Do you wear a bra with it, or can you just sort of ... hoist them up without needing one?
Mitsukai
wrote on July 16 2009 @ 07:09 pm: [report]
I don’t compare to most of the people who’ve commented, but at 5”, 34C looks kinda big on my small frame. Makes it rather awkward to do any physical activity like martial arts.
Any recommendations for sports bras? (not bought online)
BlueVibe
wrote on July 22 2009 @ 09:27 am: [report]
Tent and Empire dresses, and babydoll tops, make EVERYONE look pregnant, unless she is a size-0 boobless fashion model. You don’t even have to be that buxom—if you have any shape at all, they will make you look huge.
Frederica Bimble
wrote on July 23 2009 @ 02:04 pm: [report]
CaliforniaP: I buy all my bras from Bravissimo. I wear a 30E and the bra I was wearing when I walked into the shop about 4 years ago was a 34C. That shop changed my life.
To the writer of the article, if you’re wearing a 34DD then you are most likely a 28FF or 28G or a 30F to 30FF, depending on the difference in UK/US sizing. I think there’s a difference around the F cups.
I’m going by the “size 2 to 4 hips” and “size 2 waist.” I wear a UK 10-12, which is depending on the manufacturer, a US 6-8 and I wear a 30 in a bra band.
Remember that your breasts are supported by the band and not the shoulder straps. Having a too large band is doing nothing to support them.
Bravissimo delivers to the US and they can talk you through the sizing over the phone. Their website is:
http://www.bravissimo.com
lauraashdown
wrote on August 8 2009 @ 10:28 am: [report]
I’ve discovered a new company in the Uk called ODYLdesign. They are an online clothing company specialising in stylish clothing for busty girls (UK size 8 to 16, D to G cup). They do fitted shirts, separates and dresses as well as lingerie. they have their own sizing which is adapted to the requirements of busty women. You can find them at http://www.odyldesign.com.
bettyboo
wrote on August 26 2009 @ 12:02 pm: [report]
I’m in the UK and can absolutely recommend bravissimo :O) I went there recently and found I’m not the 38DD I thought I was but actually a 34F which was a surprise but the bra’s fit so well (mostly panache and freya in the set i bought so you might be able to get them in US without needing to ship from UK ) but the real bonus is the clothing. In adition to 3 new bra/pantie sets I came out with 3 new dresses, a top and a nightie with inbuilt support. worth every penny, no nice to have a v neck i’m not worried about falling out of (or have to hold together with a safety pin!) and which fits my size (I’ve had to buy 2 sizes up at time to fit my boobs).. brilliant :O)
ciao
wrote on August 27 2009 @ 08:35 pm: [report]
Hmm I think there should be an article like this for girls with smaller breasts! Except how to make them look bigger…
I guess the grass is always greener?
99girl
wrote on September 3 2009 @ 11:23 am: [report]
YES Ciao!!! Exactly what I was thinking. I need some tips for my smaller breasts! Pleeeease.
99girl
wrote on September 3 2009 @ 11:27 am: [report]
Oh to have some really nice cleavage.
CheezeDoodles
wrote on September 15 2009 @ 08:37 pm: [report]
AMEN!!! TESTIFY!
The trend for tops and dresses to be cut right beneath the boobage makes any of us with a rack look like we’re 15 months pregnant. Terribly unflattering no matter how thin you are, unless you’re damn near concave on top.
Buttons tend to be a nemesis as well. If I can get the shirt to fit me nicely around my waist, it will mean I can’t sneeze while wearing it. One good ACHOO in a buttoned shirt can mean that fastener will go flying like it was shot from an AK-47.
Having been overblessed since 12, I have learned that if I have the ladies on display, the rest of me needs to be a bit tamer or carefully balanced. Thank God for v-necks!