Any other Apple/Rectangle shapes with a large bust out there? - YouLookFab Forum

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Any other Apple/Rectangle shapes with a large bust out there?

yellowgirl

I've finally come to the realization that I'm an Adorable Apple/Racy Rectangle - and I have a large bust (34DDD). I say finally b/c I didn't have this shape before having a baby and now I know why I've struggled to dress myself - the shapes that used to work for me no longer do. Last night I printed out Angie's 2010 guides for Apples/Rectangles as well as her posts regarding dressing a larger bust - so helpful!!

I'm wondering if you would share things that you have found that work great for you, particularly tops and dresses. I'd love to hear about fabrics, styles and even specific brands or links if that's easier. I've been doing alot of shopping lately and it's been hit or miss, so I could really use some specific recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

Body Type

15 replies

Latest reply was from fathenry

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'm a 34DDD and an hourglass with apple tendencies (I was full on apple until I lost weight recently and found my waist again after my kids). I find knit wrap dresses (I almost always need a cami because of the plunge and cleavage combo) are great. I have some great lightweight knit dresses by Max Studio that I get at Nordstrom Rack for $39 or less. The knits are drapey, but the cuts are nice. V necks and other tops that are fitted, but not clingy. I have to be very careful with tunics or I appear like I"m wearing maternity. Substantial knits are good in sheath or empire/sheath stiles (like ponte which holds its shape and doesn't cling) too.
I have no luck with button downs because I always have to pin the gape and hate that.

anna

Wrap styles ! It is necessary not to let fabric hang down from the bust or the middle will look even thicker. I always look for wrap tops. Also I like to find wrap wool cardis and belt them with a wide belt. That makes the top stick out a bit under the belt so that my hips look a bit wider and my waist smaller in comparison. It gives the illusion of curviness.

yellowgirl

I'm finding the replies so interesting - thanks so much!

I have been avoiding even trying on wrap styles b/c I just assumed they would be a bad match with a large chest. I don't like showing cleavage and thought I couldn't wear that style. I'll definitely have to try a few now. I had always thought I needed to go for higher-neck tops and dresses and come to find out that's not a good look for a larger bust.

I'm not terribly excited about wearing a cami under everything during the summer, though. Have any of you tried a cami bra? Wondering if that would be a good option.

catgirl

Veteran

Try a faux wrap! They don't work well on me for some reason, but I have seen a lot of other large-busted gals carry them off beautifully.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I love cami bras (the kind with a real underwire bra built in) for summer, I have one from Travelsmith and one from Landsend (no longer made) and am about to order from Garnet Hill. I also have a couple of shapewear slips with cotton tank/t on top that I use but they are hot in summer. My office is frigid so I layer a lot. There are also some faux cami items that bridge the gap that attach to your bra but they seem a bit ridiculous to me.

catgirl

Veteran

Have you found plain cami bras that are not lacy?

biscuitsmom

Veteran

You can always sew the area (where the cleavage would show) a bit higher on just about any wrap style top or dress....I have a large bust (40G-H) and wear wrap or V neck a lot...any of those distract from a Apple shape...You have LOTS of company here! Im either a 8 Hourglass w/Apple tendencies or the other way around... I have found to stay far away from any turtleneck, crew or boatneck tops. I also love, but have trouble finding 'sweetheart' necklines...be sure and play up your hair and wear earrings or necklaces that keep the eyes up

crwilson

Veteran

I am the lone person who fits this body type and doesn't really care for the wrap style. It's good in theory, but in reality, I've never had success finding a wrap style (faux or otherwise) that actually flatters my body. I prefer draped necks and jersey knits. I like knot front dresses, too. I'm pretty sure that there's a half cami that everyone likes, but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called (Second something?); obviously I don't have one. I wear a full cami everyday. I know that it would probably be cooler without one, but since I wear one everyday, I don't actually know what I'm missing.

I find Sweet Pea tops to be flattering for my body shape and very forgiving of my less than firm midsection. Ruching, in general, also works well for me.

anne

Veteran

Second base is what you were thinking of Crwilson!

yellowgirl

I'll be trying a cami bra sometime soon - I'll let you know what I find. I'm looking for something that's not lacy, but that's all there seems to be out there.

Tessera

The Second Base cropped camis look good, but they still involve putting an extra layer between bra and blouse. Summers are too hot for me to do that. But here's something weird but potentially useful that attaches to the bra:

http://www.chemisettesbyanne.com/

However, I don't quite see what would stop it from sliding/bunching up as you move around.

Maya

Veteran

If you're not already, get the best damn bra you can afford. Check out brands like Chantelle, Freya, Fantasie, Panache, Empreinte, Lejaby, Prima Donna. Things will fit so much better if your bust is positioned properly, and you'll have more waist definition.

yellowgirl

Yes, Maya, I recently read your amazing bra thread! I, too, was wearing the wrong size and was able to get a much better fit by myself with a Wacoal bra. I discovered there are no bra-fitting stores in my town, except for Victoria's Secret, and I'm just not interested in shopping there. I'm headed to a bigger city next week for a proper fitting at Nordstrom's - can't wait! I told my hubby how much I was planning to spend on a bra and his jaw hit the floor. LOL

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great tips from the ladies! The absolutely essential starting point here is to get the best bra fitting - as our bra specialist Maya pointed out.

fathenry

Veteran

I will second the knot-front styles. Virtually every dress or top I've tried on with the knot front has worked wonders. Also, the A-line style of dresses, tops and skirts works really well. Creates a waist, adds the illusion of hips. I wish there were more structure a-line skirts out there. One last thing - jackets that come in at the waist and flair out at the hips work great too.