Some women love them, some are continuously frustrated by them and some just wish they didn’t have to think about them on a regular basis. Getting dressed if you have big boobs can pose some frustrating challenges, both for those who want to show them off and for those who’d rather downplay their ample bosom. Buttons rarely seem to lay flat, shopping for sports bras is a chore and tent dresses hit a little too close to their name when propped up by your large breasts. But once you know a few simple styling tricks, you’ll find it’s much easier to get the look you want without putting in so much effort. Here are six tips to help you feel more confident in your outfit-building skills—whether you’re working with DD, E or even G cups—plus one piece of old-school advice you should absolute ignore.
6 Style Rules Every Woman with Big Boobs Should Follow (& One You Should Totally Ignore)
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1. start With A Bra That Actually Fits
The most important piece of advice we can give you (or anyone with boobs, really) is to find a bra that fits correctly. Lots of statistics are regularly published that the vast majority of women are currently wearing the wrong bra size, and while it may be hard to pin down what that exact percentage really is, the bottom line is it’s true. The best place to start when shopping for bras is with an in-person fitting with an expert, which most lingerie stores or the lingerie departments in larger retailers can provide. Wacoal also has a very cool at-home app if you don’t want to or can’t hit up your local mall. Of course, you can always measure yourself at home using an old-fashioned tape measure and some quick math as well.
Once you know your correct size, go forth and try on all the bras. Seriously, all the bras. Not all bras, even those of the same cup and band size, sit the same on the body. Some women have a ton of cleavage, others have breasts set further apart from one another. So be sure to try on a few different styles to find what works best for your specific frame.
2. if You Want To Balance Your Proportions, Try Cinching Your Waist
If you’re hoping to achieve an hourglass shape, look for dresses or tops that nip in at your waist. This gives the impression that this is your smallest point and will also make it look like your hips and bust are of more similar sizes, especially if you opt for a flowy skirt that skims over your hips. Pro tip: Placing the belt higher on your torso will emphasize your boobs, while wearing one lower will have a minimizing and lengthening effect.
Shop similar styles: Endless Rose ($80); Estelle ($169); Bhanuni by Jyoti ($180); Spell ($249); Cleobella ($258); Rhode ($425)
3. subtle V-neck Or Sweetheart Necklines Can Help Downplay Your Bosom
For those who don’t want their gals to steal the show, a V-neck might be the best answer. Contrary to what you might assume, a gentle V shape draws the eye in and up which helps to elongate your frame and lessen the impact of a larger chest. The key, however, is not to go too low. A deep neckline is better for those who want highlight their breasts. A hint of cleavage is OK, but don’t go lower than three or four inches below your collarbone. (Alternately, a tiny V notched into a crewneck will make you appear larger, so keep an eye out for that Goldilocks cut that hits you in the perfect spot.)
Shop similar styles: BP Plus ($49); J.Crew ($80); Eloquii ($100); Good American ($149; $100); Monrow ($167)
4. statement Necklaces Can Also Help Minimize Your Chest
Another piece of advice that may at first seem counterintuitive is to wear big necklaces to offset your big boobs. Why does this work? If you place something tiny next to something large, it only serves to emphasize the size difference. But if you put two large things next to one another, they appear to be perfectly proportioned. Play around with different lengths and styles to find what works best for your body shape, then have fun with mixed metals, bright colors or groups of mismatched necklaces you put together yourself.
Shop similar styles: Anthropologie ($58); 8 Other Reasons ($82; $58); J.Crew ($118); Kendra Scott ($248); Marni ($390; $273)
5. if You Want To Show Off The Gals, Opt For A Cowl Or Halter Neck
These two necklines are great for making your bosom look even larger, and you don’t even need to go low-cut for the effect to work. A cowl neck adds more volume to your chest and draws the eye inward, as does a halter, to focus on your cleavage. We will admit, lower cut styles will likely amplify your chest even more, but you can certainly give the gals some oomph without giving away the whole farm if you opt for something a bit more modest.
Shop similar styles: Lulus top ($32); BP dress ($45); Standards & Practices dress ($88); Free People dress ($98); Susanna Monaco top ($98); Elliatt dress ($136); Amanda Uprichard top ($224)
6. blousy Boho And Ruched Tops Are Also Great For Emphasizing Your Boobs
Think peasant tops that puff out at the chest before cinching in just below your bust or at the waist. They add volume to any frame, including your already impressive chest. Ruching at the bustline also works to play up your cup size with a fun extra-feminine touch. Lucky for you, this type of Bridgerton-inspired silhouette is majorly trendy right now.
Shop similar styles: ASOS ($20); Open Edit ($34); ASTR the Label ($59); Lovers + Friends ($108); Reformation ($148); LPA ($188)
7. don’t: Forget About Button-front Shirts And Dresses
Buttons and boobs historically don’t have the best of relationships, but there are now plenty of brands out there that have dedicated their time and effort to making button-up shirts that actually fit larger chests with no gaping or pulling. Seriously, it’s entirely possible to find a gorgeous button-down to fit your torso without “just sizing up.” Pari Passu, Careste and Perfectdd all cater to those with larger chests, just to name a few, so if you have your heart set on a sporting a classic white button down a la Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, you absolutely can.
Shop similar styles: ASOS ($36); Bravissimo ($90); Pari Passu ($128); Perfectdd ($145)
