Sizing question for large-busted women - YouLookFab Forum

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Sizing question for large-busted women

Scarlet

Veteran

For Christmas I wanted to get my mother a shirt like one I have that I know she likes a lot. (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../44875.jsp)
The problem is I know that button-down shirts are problematic for her due to her bust size. I think she wears a 36DD. She is 5'4" and about 150 pounds, hourglass figure. I was thinking to order this shirt in a 12, which is supposed to fit a bust of 39 inches, or perhaps a petite size 14, which should be comparable in the bust. Perhaps though I just shouldn't even try with the button-down shirt since if it doesn't work out, I know it is a bit frustrating to her.

Does anyone have an opinion on the sizing or whether it's just a bad idea?

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I think this is a tough one unless you know from her that she already owns a shirt from that company and what size she takes....Has she found shirts from any one maker that work and that she likes and know the sizing on?

Atlantia

Veteran

There are a couple companies that let you order button down shirt by bra size. I wish I could remember some, but it isn't coming to mind. That would be my suggestion.

rute

Veteran

For me it's no only a matter of size, some button down shirts open in the bust even when the size is right. It has to do with the button placement also. I always try on me before buying.

missvee

Veteran

I'm leaning to the 14 petite, but what does Jcrew's customer service say? Sounds like she might be right on the border between petite and regular sizing. It's a cute shirt!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I bought and returned this shirt - it's a great shirt but it fit me wrong. I'm 5'4", 125, a 32D hourglass. I needed an 8 to avoid gaping at the bust and it was ridiculously poufy through the waist. I'm not sure this shirt is very hourglass friendly.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Scarlet --

I know it's the thought that counts but button up shirts are such a challenge for most women built like your mom. And J Crew cuts for the more petite bustlines IMO....

I'd look into Carissa Rose:
http://www.carissarose.com/

or Bravissimo's Pepperberry (UK-based but international shipping):

http://www.bravissimo.com/pepp.....sale=false

adorkable

Veteran

Speaking as a very curvy hourglass (I'm 5'4", around 120, with a 30G bra), J Crew shirts are not a good fit - anything that fits my chest is straight-up ridiculous in the shoulders and waist.

In general, though, most woven shirts are tricky if you're very curvy, unless the fabric has a bit of stretch to it. I think you might have to take her shopping for it...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Foxcroft is another good way to go.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

JCrew in general seems to cut for a little straighter figures, although I've never tried on this particular shirt. I have had success with the Perfect Fit shirt, which is loose and blousy through the body, not very fitted. Im a 32DDD and got that shirt in a 6 which just barely fits at the bust without gapping -- I could have gone up to an 8 for a more oversized fit. It helps that the fabric on the shirt I got is silk, so it's drapey and soft. It washes really well too.

Jules

Veteran

It also looks a little narrow through the hips (check the back view). I know that's less of an issue because you can undo the buttons but I try to avoid clothes that are working against my shape.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I am a 34DDD and the 12 perfect shirts usually fit (although I have some that pull a bit at the bust - depends on the fabric stretchiness) I agree with Angie that Foxcroft has better fit and button placement for my bust. I have found them at Nordstrom and on Sierra Trading Post.

adorkable

Veteran

Oh - my personal best bet for reasonably-priced button-downs tends to be Ann Taylor (and/or Loft), especially the petite ones (since normal length shirts come down to the bottom of my bum).

If you think they've got stuff she might like, maybe take her there for a try-on?

(Caveat: my chest is the reason why I own precisely two button-down shirts - every other work-appropriate top I own is some kind of stretchy knit.)

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Button downs are a tough one for busty gals. J. Crew and Ann Taylor don't work for me at all...unless I want to stitch the front closed. If you're looking for a sure-thing gift, I'd steer away from the button fronts.

dizzys

Button ups are difficult.... some work some do not. I am 5'4 165 and a 34 H/HH. I would suggest another alternative for a gift.

http://www.mycurvyclothes.com/ has some nice button downs that would work.

http://WWW.eshakti has custom clothing to measurements for a very reasonable price.

Anonymous

I am your mother's height and weight but bigger bust size....button downs have to be tried on, they pull, gape, etc. I'm Canadian so can't give you any store alternatives but I frequently have to go up a size to fit the girls,,,then the sleeves are too long, but that is another post

Scarlet

Veteran

Thanks for all these great responses. I decided since I can't see the size in person it is too risky. It is interesting though because I have this shirt in a 2 and I normally wear a 32D, but I am significantly shorter than CinnamonF, or maybe my bust is just placed differently. (I think it is a bit low?) Fit is so confusing. I do find J.Crew to tend toward straight cuts, but some of their shirts still work for me. I ordered some knits and a popover shirt, so let's see. Thanks for all the tips about special shirt brands to check out. I didn't see the right thing jumping out at me today, but I will keep it in mind for the future because I know it would make my mom so happy to have some properly fitting button downs.

Dashrashi

Veteran

For reference, with J Crew, you can do an online chat/call customer service to get garment measurements specific to the item and size. All you need is the style number. If you know what actual bust measurement in a shirt will work, you can compare it to the bust measurement they give you for, e.g., the 14p in that style.

Scarlet

Veteran

Thanks, Dashrashi. I will try that.