Ask Angie: /big breasts?? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: /big breasts??

cmakowski0817

Member

I have a 32 f cup boobs(that are real not fake so they are not really perky, but ok for there size)with a kinda short torso. I have a really hard time finding fashionable shirts to wear out that aren't just plain v neck shirts that actually flatter my body. I wear a size 6-8 in pants. Alot of things make me look pregnant if they are not fitted, but i find the style these days is not really working for my body type. Please help figure out what i should wear that will show off my curves!!!! I am 28 years old and like to dress a little trendy but classic at the same time, but i need help

Body Type

14 replies

Latest reply was from crwilson

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to our forum. I hope Nicole chimes in. She'll be able to tell you ALL you need to know about dressing a larger bosom.

When did you last have a professional bra fitting?

cmakowski0817

Member

very recently. About two years ago i went to Bra smyth in nyc and finnally for the first time in my bra wearing life actually had a bra that fits me. But now my problem is the shirts to wear over them. I find myself wearing plain black cotton shirts alot because nothing ever seems to flatter my shape. I am very curvy def hour glass but all the layering and belts and loose shirts just make me look fat or prego. I don't know what to buy

Kari

Veteran

Tops are hard.

I'm not sure if this will work on you or if this is the look you are going for, but I had good luck with the Express buckle-cuff short sleeved shirt (I bought last year's version, but this is the one currently in stores: http://www.express.com/catalog.....egoryId=18)
I like it because even though it's a weave, it has just enough stretch that it doesn't hang or stand away from my body, and the buttons are also spaced close together that I get no gaping. I can tell you it's a relief not to have to wear a cami under every button-down shirt.

I look forward to hearing what Nicole (and others) have found!

shana

Veteran

I also struggle with tops - I have a large bust and short torso (though not so large as last summer when I was still nursing!). I have had luck with wrap tops (also give the V shape) and faux wraps, deeper cut cowl necks, and scoop neck tops. I have a few button downs that don't gape (I actually used some double-sided tape to close the gap on one!). I have seen some cute tops with a lower square neckline but these don't work that well for me since I have a wide back/inverted triangle shape. What's sad is that I can't really wear any of the cute ruffled shirts that are so fashionable right now - they draw way too much attention to the bust!

Maya

Veteran

I am a 32E so I sympathize with your plight. I would recommend the same necklines as Shana. If you're looking for button-downs, try NY&Co. Many (though not all) of their button-down tops actually close over my chest, which is a true marvel. Their sizes run a bit big though so if you are otherwise small it might not work out, but it's worth a try. They have lots of stretch content in them and they're very reasonably priced.

I don't know what your arms and shoulders are like, but I like wearing interesting/voluminous sleeves (like puff sleeves or kimono sleeves). Somehow It seems to balance the chest a bit. Of course if you are broad-shouldered that might not be the best idea. I have small shoulders and arms though so it works for me. I wish I could wear the pretty ruffle and tie-neck tops that are so fashionable at the moment, but I can't, so instead I wear the ruffles and ties on my sleeves!

HannahC

I am 32H, so I fully understand your problem

I wear wrap tops and dresses. I find that this is the only silhouette that works for me. Otherwise, if the size is big enough to accommodate breasts, then it is baggy at the waist and in the back.

Another alternative is to wear a fitted v-neck, which obviously will be very stretched across your bust, and an open cardigan/jacket on top. Most of my jackets don't close in the chest, but following Angie's approval I just wear them open.

Oh, and, of course, no ruffles, no turtlenecks, no loose shirts, no crewnecks Tie-necks might be ok if you leave the tie loose, otherwise the bow on top of the bust is not a pretty sight. Yeah, and also no shiftdresses ...

Nicole

Veteran

Hi CMackowski (we need to get you a nickname!)

I am a 36F in European sizing. I am an inverted triangle. I wear a size 6/8 on bottom and a size 12/L on top. Ugh--tops are the bain of my existance. I wish I could say there is a specific store that works for me. But it's really hit or miss everywhere for me. It sounds like you have the neckline requirements down pretty well. Avoid high necklines, crewnecks, turtlenecks.

I have a few requirements that I look for in a top.
1. Must have some stretch to it (even woven tops can have stretch)
2. Must have an open neckline (V, Scoop, Low slung cowl)
3. Must have simple sleeves (no puffs, no frills) (but this may be due to my shoulder span more so than my breast size).

I find that layering creates a bit of a distraction and visual interest as far as boob size goes. I have a pretty extensive collection of tanks and camis--and I wear one under just about everything. I also have a lot of cropped cardigans that get a lot of use. It allows you to wear that tee shirt as a layering piece instead of on it's own. Also tops with rouching along the side seams or even in the front, can be your best friend!

If you're looking for a collared shirt, I suggest you get in touch with Carissa at Bratique Helene. http://www.bratiquehelene.com/catalog/

Here are a few tops that I would consider trying on:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=22417

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=22417
(mandarin collars are great for us--that paisly print might be too big for me, but you sound smaller, and it might work for you)

Ooohhh I really like this--I might give this one a try myself:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=22417

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=22417 (I'd probably cut the ties off the arms though--that would bug me to no end!)

A ramped up Tee--in a slinky material and pretty neckline shirring:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=22417

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great advice from our YLF pros.

Did I understand correctly? Was your last "recent" bra fitting two years ago?

carissa

(website)

I recently fit two clients in new bras, one a 32GG and one a 34G (she came in wearing a 36DDD with a bustline that was very down & out). Those ladies wear knits, knits, and more knits. They use lots of layering techniques to disguise from the bust, although a shelf camisole tends to create a bust-mound, not a pretty look.

I recommend fitting your bustline (your biggest body part) and finding a good tailor. My tailor knows my body (short waist w/34FFs) and works wonders on all things - even knit pieces.

One of my print models used belts to cinch in her tiny waist and it looked great! She was an hourglass, but not shortwaisted. I tried a big waist cinching belt and it looked great until I sat down. LOL.

carissa

(website)

I forgot to say thanks for the shout-out Nicole.

Other than my line (Bratique Helene) Nine West and http://www.RebeccaandDrew.com can fit the (smaller) full bust, and of course Bravissimo.com (more trendy, less quality).

ImogenL

(website)

I'm a 34G with a short waist and rectangle shape - so here is my advice:

1. Look for lower necklines, layer singlet/tank tops under v necks that are too deep.

2. make sure the stomach part of the top is fitted - avoid belting as it makes you look very top heavy

3. Wear LARGE scale jewellery - it distracts the gaze away from your breasts and up to your face

4. faux wrap tops are great, too

5. Find a great alterations person who can take in shirts to fit you - buy for your bust then have the rest altered.

6. If you don't have broad shoulders already, look for wider or larger collars and puffed sleeves which help to reduce the apparent size of your bust.

Check out my blog - lots of tips on what to wear for a larger bust.

Good luck!

cmakowski0817

Member

Thanks for all the help! I will let you know how i do. Angie you must have miss understood my last fitting was about a month or two ago.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Phew. Thanks for reassuring me that your bra fitting was indeed recent. You have plenty of info to work with

crwilson

Veteran

I think we have the same body! I struggle to find clothes that fit properly, but here are the things that I like: Sweet Pea tops, for one. They stretch, have interesting patterns, and somehow just float over the body. There are lots of wraps to choose from too.

Casual jackets - I wear a lot of jackets, and even though they don't usually button, I leave them open. If it's a nicer jacket, I sometimes get them tailored, but most of the time, I just leave them open.

I never wear crew necklines, and I try to do v's or scoop necks with camis underneath. I never, ever wear camis with a shelf bra though because it makes me look enormous.

For some reason, and I'm not quite sure why this is true, square and scoop neck peasant blouses that are flowy are really flattering on my body. It shouldn't be true because usually volume is bad for me, but for some reason (and I've verified this with photos, my husband, and trusted friends), it often works.