How to Dress for a Big Bust

Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: April 20, 2023 References

If you have large breasts, it can be tricky to find flattering clothes that don’t over-emphasize your chest. Many styles and fashions cater to women with smaller busts. But there are plenty of options that will make big-busted women look and feel great. Whether you’re balancing your bust with an A-line skirt or tastefully showing off your cleavage with a V-neck, there are a number of fashion choices that will compliment your body type.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Following General Tips and Tricks

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1
Ensure you have a well-fitting bra. For busty women, the most important starting point for a stylish outfit is finding the correct bra. It should offer full-breast coverage and give your chest shape without over-accentuating its size. Try a nude-colored bra, which helps to eliminate outlines under sheer T-shirts.^{[1]
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- Take a look at brands like ThirdLove, Chantelle, or Wacoal, which go up to sizes G and H and offer cute styles.^{[2]
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Details like ruffles, frills, breast pockets, and ruched fabric will make your breasts seem larger.^{[3]
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Research source} Focus on tops with clean lines that won’t call attention to your bust.
3
Pick a flattering fabric for tops or dresses. The ideal materials will be stretchy while also providing support and structure—stretch cotton or gabardine, for instance.^{[4]
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Research source} Fabrics to generally avoid include:^{[5]
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- Shiny or metallic materials
- Ribbed knits
- Stiff fabrics
- Slinky jersey
4
Select the right neckline. V-necks are often the most flattering on busty women because they lengthen the silhouette and direct the eyes downwards. Scoop necklines are also a good look for big breasts. Avoid polo, crew, cowl, and square necklines, which tend to draw attention to the bust.^{[6]
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- Watch out for overly deep V-necks—they may show off too much cleavage to be appropriate in certain settings.
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Look for sleeves that won’t draw attention to your chest. Focus on tops with long sleeves that flare below the elbow, or natural shoulder sleeves (where the shoulder seam aligns with your actual shoulder).^{[7]
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Research source} If you’re looking for a tank top, try finding one with wider straps—spaghetti straps can make your shoulders and chest appear much larger.^{[8]
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Research source} Consider steering clear of these sleeve styles:
- Sleeves that finish at the line of the bust
- Drop shoulders
- Raglan sleeves
- Kimono-style sleeves
6
Size up with button-down tops. Oxford shirts can be particularly tricky for big-busted women. The key is to buy a shirt that specifically fits your breasts (which may mean bumping up a size or two).
- Oxfords can be easy to style in a larger size—try tying it at the bottom, layering under sweaters or dresses, or half-tucking it in to your pants.^{[9]
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- Another option is to find a tailor, who can take in the shirt around the neckline, armholes, and lower torso.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Flattering Outfit

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1
Find an A-line skirt that balances your bust. Look for A-line styles, which flare out and help maintain a proportional silhouette. Pair a tucked-in shirt with a skirt that has a slightly lower waistline, to help lengthen your torso.^{[10]
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- To accentuate your curves, try wearing a pencil skirt.
2
Combine a solid-color top with a matching bottom. Finding a dress that fits perfectly can sometimes be tricky, since busty women often wear different sizes on top and bottom. By pairing separates of the same color, you can create the cohesive look of a dress without the sizing issues.^{[11]
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- Consider mixing textures to add visual interest and draw attention to your bottom half—a black leather skirt with a black cotton V-neck sweater, for instance.
3
Pair boyfriend jeans with a tucked-in shirt. A wide-legged look can be great on a big-busted woman, since looser jeans or dress pants help to balance out their top half. Try pairing low-rise boyfriend jeans with a tucked-in, drapey T-shirt in a thick fabric such as terry cloth or densely woven cotton.^{[12]
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- Skinny jeans are not always the best option, since they can make your breasts look even larger.
4
Wear a dress that emphasizes your waistline. The best dress styles for big busts include wrap dresses, fit and flare shapes, and neat A-line silhouettes. Short hemlines can be a plus, since they pull the eyes down to the legs and away from the chest area.
- Try strategic color-blocking to achieve a cinched-waist effect without a belt or tie.^{[13]
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Throw on a blazer or jacket over your outfit. Watch out for double-breasted styles, which can sometimes add weight to your upper half. Go for narrow lapels—or ditch the lapels all together and choose a lapel-free vest or blazer.
- Don’t worry about buttoning your blazer up, which can lead to gaping and pulling. It’s stylish and work-appropriate to keep it open.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing the Right Accessories

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The best necklace for a big bust hangs around your throat or sternum and calls attention to the delicate line of your collarbone.^{[15]
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Research source} Necklaces that are too long will hang off your bust instead of lying flat, while chokers draw the eyes up and make your breasts appear larger.
2
Draw attention to your legs with high heels. A pair of statement heels can make legs look longer, diverting eyes from your chest.^{[16]
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Research source} Shoes that are sparkly or brightly colored will attract even more attention.
- If you’d prefer not to wear heels, split-front booties offer another way to visually elongate your legs with footwear.^{[17]
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Blanket scarves or scarves knitted from chunky yarn serve to add extra volume to your bust. Try thinner materials, such as a cashmere pashmina, which will lay flatter.
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Find a belt that won’t take over your midsection. The right belt can help emphasize your waist. Watch out for too-wide styles which can have the opposite effect, erasing your waistline and overemphasizing the bust.
- Try a skinny belt paired with low-waisted pants, which highlights an hourglass figure.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Are good bras actually worth the price?

Catherine Joubert
Professional Stylist
Catherine Joubert is a personal stylist who works with a wide range of clients on refining their style. She launched Joubert Styling in 2012 and has since been featured on Buzzfeed and styled celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Angie Everhart, Tony Cavalero, Roy Choi and Kellan Lutz.

Catherine Joubert

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

If you have a fuller bust, a good bra is 100% worth the cost, so long as it's not excessively expensive. Well-made bras will provide instant lift and support and can help outfits come together and look great, too!

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Is this only for plus-size women?

Community Answer

No! These tips and tricks will work for anyone with a large bust. It is open to all shapes and sizes.

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What about women who have large breasts and a big waist?

Pinkskates

Top Answerer

Wear V-necklines. Try to bring attention to another part of the body, like your legs, with bold heels.

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Tips

For the best fit, find a tailor who can help adjust your clothes when necessary. It may help to add corset-like boning to some garments for extra support, or even built-in bras. Other items may need to be brought in or taken out to suit your bust.^{[19]
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