How to Make a Flat Chest Beautiful

Reviewed by Reina LeGrand

Last Updated: July 30, 2024

While there is nothing wrong with having a small chest, many flat-chested women often feel self-conscious about their distinct lack of upper curves. A small bust can be both beautiful and sexy, however, even by societal standards. Start by selecting undergarments and tops that fit your body right. Then, play with shape, color, and pattern to enhance the appearance of your chest it in favor of other features you feel more confident about.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

Take Advantage of Your Bust Size

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Before you start worrying about how to make your chest look fuller, consider all the ways you can use your flatness to your benefit. There are many styles that do not suit women with larger busts. These styles often work wonderfully for women with flatter chests, though.

These tops are notoriously difficult to wear bras with, since the strap of a traditional bra will show through. Women with flat chests can don these tops while going braless. They can opt for a strapless bra. Some women with larger busts may not feel very supported in a strapless bra, but the support often proves plenty for women with smaller busts.
These dresses do not look good with bras since you can see the wearer's side. For the same reason, these dresses do not often suit women with larger busts, since so much of the chest is exposed while wearing the dress. Women with flatter chests, however, can get away with exposing a little of what they have without needing to worry about looking inappropriate doing so.
3
Wear a scarf or bandana as a top. This works especially well with Hermes scarves and other large square styles. Women with smaller busts can pull this look off easily since tops made out of scarves are often delicately tied together, whereas women with larger busts may worry about "falling out" of such tops. Many of these tops often require the wearer to go braless, which is another reason why it is more suitable for women with flat chests.
- Wear a scarf as a fitted halter. Fold the scarf in half so that it looks like a triangle. Tie the two tail ends around your waist and tie the two layers of the top point around your neck.
- Alternatively, wear it as a sleeveless top. Fold two opposite corners of the scarf to the scarf's center. Tie the scarf around yourself, keeping the folded edges at the top and bottom.
A bandeau top is a strip of cloth that ties around the breasts, exposing the stomach. The bandeau is not appropriate for all settings, but you can wear it for a stroll on a beach boardwalk or while on an island vacation. You can also wear it beneath an open sweater or jacket for a slightly more appropriate option that works in more settings.
As another notoriously difficult top to wear a bra with, strapless gowns are perfect for women with flatter chests.
Instead of fighting against your lack of curves, roll with it. Think “men's style” jackets, fitted graphic t-shirts with traditionally tough, masculine images, and “boyfriend” jeans. Pull the look together by accessorizing with gunmetal jewelry and thick-banded watches. This is a highly chic type of style that flat-chested women are in the perfect position to take advantage of.
Many of these garments end just below the bust line, accentuating the bosom. These jackets do not suit women with larger chests well, since the style often makes the chest look fuller.

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

Create an Illusion of Fullness with Bold Colors and Patterns

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Color and pattern can go a long way in creating extra volume up top. Look for light colors and patterns that draw the attention to your bust.

Opt for pastels and other light colors, especially across the bust. Dark colors have a slimming effect, which could make your chest look smaller.
Horizontal stripes have a widening effect, which often helps small chests look fuller.
Look for blouses with horizontal stripes across the chest, but a solid color beneath the bust, covering the rest of the torso. This further intensifies the effect of the stripes. The same principle can be applied to other patterns, as well. Match a pattern over your bust with a solid color covering your stomach.
Try a few different patterns on and determine what suits your body and your personality best.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

Choose a Fit that Accentuates Your Bust

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Your clothing should fit snug and look neat. You should also consider tops that accentuate your waist, since these tend to make the bust look fuller.

This does nothing but conceal the curves you do have.
Empire waists help the bust look larger while masking the midsection, making this an especially good option for women with petite busts and wider midsections. Consider an empire waist if you have a petite stomach, as well.
Women with flatter chests can get away with wearing snug tops without looking inappropriate.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

Use Necklines to Draw the Eye Where It Needs to Go

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Some necklines mask the flatness of your chest, while others take advantage of your small bust to show extra skin.

The extra drapes and folds up top help the chest look fuller.
Halter tops expose your shoulders and create an illusion of larger breasts by drawing the eye directly to the bosom.
Even though these necklines do not necessarily make your bust look bigger, you can wear them and look classy doing so. Women with larger busts risk looking inappropriate in a low neckline, but women with smaller busts can get away with showing more skin and still look appropriate doing so.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

Add Volume with Detailing

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Embellishments and other detailing can add volume to your bust.

This adds volume to your chest without overwhelming your figure.
Empire waist shirts with a bit of embellishment right along the waistline work especially well.
A splash of color or a glimmer of gold or silver sequins will elongate your neck, drawing the focus away from the flatness of your chest.

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

Accentuate Other Areas of Your Body

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If there are other features of your body that you do love, downplay your chest and emphasize your strong points.

Wear the outfit with your favorite high heels to further elongate your leg.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:

Finish Things Off with Bust-Enhancing Accessories

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Accessories can also help you enhance your chest or draw the focus away from it.

A loud, noticeable piece of jewelry at your neck may also steer the eye away from the chest.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

Try a Few Cosmetic Tricks

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Make-up can enhance more than just your face.

1
Use blush to enhance the appearance of your breasts.
- Choose a blush one shade darker than your natural skin tone.
- Apply a light coating of this blush to the skin in between your breasts. This creates false shadows that give off the illusion of a larger chest.
- Avoid using a blush that is lighter than your skin tone or too many shades darker.
2
Apply glitter body dust to enhance your breasts' appearance.
- Apply a light, subtle dusting of this glitter to the top of each breast. This highlights the rounded top, ultimately creating a fuller look.
- Avoid applying glitter gels or other types of heavy body glimmer.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What are some outfit ideas for girls trying to impress a guy?

Spencer Shimada
Image Consultant
Spencer Shimada is an Image Consultant and the Founder of White Shoe Consulting based in the Denver metro area. He specializes in helping others build confidence through wardrobe consulting and personal styling. Spencer has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Weber State University and an MBA from The University of Birmingham.

Spencer Shimada

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Girls should wear outfits that make them feel confident! Confidence radiates through your body language and if you walk with your head held high and your shoulder back, a boy is sure to notice. Try styling yourself utilizing contrasting colors. If you wear light colors on your top half, wear dark colors on your bottom half. If you’d like to infuse some color, start off with an accessory such as a colorful bracelet, earring, or interesting necklace. Dress true to yourself.

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Question

I've had a double mastectomy, no reconstruction, so I am totally flat. What more could I do to enhance my chest?

Community Answer

You could use padded bras and blouses/tops with lots of fabric at the front -- pleats, frills, gathers.

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Can I wear a sleeveless dress with polka dots if I have an AA cup size?

Community Answer

Yes, it would be totally fine. You can wear whatever you would like.

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Tips

Consider having your bra size measured professionally. Many department store lingerie departments or chain lingerie stores offer this as a complimentary service.

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