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Summer tops for an larger bust?

NancyT

Hi everyone:

I'm new to the forum, and I just love Angie's Blog!

I'm an hourglass (approx 38-29-38) and wear a 38D bra. I'm 5'5", 130 lbs. My problem is this: as far as casual summer tops go, whatever I try on always tends to make me look dumpy and older than my years (I'm 41)..does anyone have any good suggestions/ideas where to find something more flattering?? I live in Ontario, Canada.

Thanks.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from emilykate

Lannie

Hi Nancy T- you'll find a few people on the boards are also from Ontario (I'm in Hamilton!). I'll say off the bat that I am not blessed with a large bust, but one of the styles of tops that seems to work on many types of people is the wrap top. Particularly if it's a knitted material, it can accomodate the bust and accentuate the waist. You could also try a belted blouse- there's a great one at Jacob with an obi-style belt:
http://www.jacob.ca/images/col.....016384.jpg
It's classic but versatile, and would define your waist and hopefully in the right size would keep your bust covered up (I know tops with v-necks or scoop necks can be tricky that way). Of course, with the right cami layered underneath you can get away with more.
Or what about a silk blouse?
http://www.jacob.ca/images/col.....016982.jpg
That has a slight scoop neck, but it's still modest.
Anyhow, I'm sure some of the ladies with largest busts can weigh in more effectively than I can.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome Nancy T and thanks for the compliment!

It would really help if you posted a picture. That way we can offer more effective suggestions.

Anonymous

Let's see. I wear a 34DDD (34F is what they call it), and i'm 5'5" and about 125 pounds so I think in those regards, we are similar.

I can't give you any names for stores since I live in California, but I can share with you what works for me. For summer tops, here are some general rules I stick to. Feel free to use any or all of them, or to totally disregard them if I'm totally off base:

-Go for a top with thick straps that will cover a supportive bra. This generally means no halters, no spagetti straps, and no strapless tops.

-Avoid high necklines. However, anything with too deep of a V will require a cami underneath.

-Observe where the seeming lies on the top. If it is an empire cut, is there enough room on the top for proper coverage? Or will the empire line cut accross your chest?

-Avoid stripes and designs that might be pulled at the bust.

-If there are buttons, can you button them without pulling? Can you wear the buttons open at the top with a cami underneath?

This is what I can think of on the top of my head. I have developed an eye for tops that will or will not work for my large bust but petite frame after a lot of trial and error. I hoped I helped in some way. Good luck!

Nicole

Veteran

Hi Nancy! Another full bust gal here. First and foremost, are you wearing the best possible bra in the correct size? Saggy girls can make any top look matronly.

Here are the things that I look for in tops:

* V neck or scoop neck
* Sleeveless or longer "short sleeve" (no caps or flounce sleeves)
* Some kind of rouching or wrapping at the waist (but I need more waist definition than you do, probobaly.
* Shirts to hit at the hip if I'm wearing pants/bermudas or a little higher if I'm wearing skirts.
* Tops that fit properly in the shoulder. The shoulder seam has to hit my shoulder high enough so I don't look like I have droopy or extra wide shoulders.

Even though some of these issues are not directly associated with the bust line--they do affect how the bust looks.

As for where to get these kinds of tops....I will buy from just about any place. Online I like NewYorkandCompany.Com and Espritshop.com. I also like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Macys. But I find it so difficult to find tops that I love, that I am not picky about where I get them.

A few things I avoid are :

*Empire Seams (like the plague)
*Unnecessary gathers at the shoulders or arms
*High Necklines
*Anything with no give--there are a few exceptions to this, but in order for a top to fit over my bust and not tent out at the waist, it has to be stretchy.

I hope this helps!

Ola

Hi Nancy! I live just outside of Toronto - it's great to see more Canadians here!

I can definitely agree with a lot of the above advice - I'm a 36DD. Empire seams, as Nicole says, really are the plague. I keep trying them on because the tops look cute but inevitably they cut right across the chest. Stay away from high-neck tops because they'll just make your bust look bigger.

Thanks to the advice here I've purchased a few camis which are great for layering under v-necks and other tops that show too much cleavage on me. The main thing that I find looks dumpy on me are tops that aren't fitted at the waist. I'm looking for some wrap tops to get the best of both worlds there (fitted at the waist and fits the boobs!), but I haven't had any luck yet.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You gals are fab.

nancy

Ola, I totally agree about the frumpy tops that aren't fitted at the waist. Just drove by a Coldwater Creek near my house with a sale sign in window. Guess the sale just started today. This is not a store I usually shop at but as I have learned from this blog, you can pick and choose diff. things from diff. stores. I ended up buying 2 tops, same style but one green and one sort of a pink color. They are sleeveless, button down the front and attached fabric ties that you tie around waist in front. I think they work and were only 24.00 each. You may want to look at them.

Ola

Thanks for the tip!

aisha1984

Hey Nancy!

I might be a little late here but as a fellow busty girl (36dd) I thought I could share some tips.

The tips posted above are fantastic and stuff I look out for while shopping.

Also, avoid any tops that are "shaped" at the top, i.e.
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....d=cat90229

This seems to be a popular neckline for dresses as well but unfortunetly with the girls it might just turn into too much of a show

I avoid empire seams like the plague, as the girls up here noted as well, however a top with banding at the bottom of the bust is normally good as it nips you in at the smallest part of your body. Basically any top that is fitted is good - the looser flowier cuts make bustier girls look bigger than they are. We need shape and definition!

I also normally look for either vnecks or scoop necks and as Nicole pointed out, longer than normal short sleeves - cap sleeves just make us look out of proportion. If you like voluminious sleeves, try this with sleeves that are at least elbow length

Oh and cami's are our best friend

NancyT

Wow, what great responses!

I think I tend to see a lot of T-shirts and tank tops around (summerwear), and I assume that they are the only choices I have for hot weather. I think I've come to the conclusion that cottony tank tops and t-shirts don't flatter me. I will try to look for blouses with open necks, maybe buttons or wrap style, pleats, fitted at the waist, etc. Now I will know what to look for. I appreciate everyone's input.

Ola, can you tell me which camis you are referring to and where I might purchase them?

BTW, this is me:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....m003-1.jpg

Thanks everyone!

Nicole

Veteran

Thanks for posting your photo Nancy. You should put your bio on the who's who thread too!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You‘ve received perfect advise from Lannie, Lissy, Nicole, Ola and Aisha. I have nothing further to add other than thanks for posting a pic. You have a hot hourglass-y bod going there! I can’t wait to see you in styled tops.

emilykate

Hi Nancy - as a busty (34DD) Ontario resident I've found that RW&Co seems to have nice casual/business casual tops that fit me well. Might be worth a look

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Nancy, you're so pretty! You remind me a bit of Jeanne Tripplehorn.

Ola

Sorry I missed your question Nancy. I'm afraid I don't really have a good recommendation for camis - I got mine at a Roots outlet, but have since learned that they're not quite long enough. I like shopping at Reitmans, but I really don't like their camis - I'm not sure what they're made of but they feel plastick-y and non-breathing to me. I do like Reitmans tank tops though, not sure how else to describe them but they're cotton.

I don't like the camis with built-in shelf bras. I find they just squish and flatten everything, whether I'm wearing a bra or not. Plus, since I use camis as layering pieces not stand-alone tops, I don't really want another layer of fabric in the heat, you know?

I like RW&Co also, and have recently stumbled on Mexx - more pricey but they have some interesting things.

Lannie

Ola, do you find the RW&Co camis are long enough? I've been considering trying theirs but they looked a bit short when I held them up (I didn't get the chance to try them on yet).

Ola

I don't think I've tried any camis from them. Also, keep in mind that I'm 6' tall, so things that are too short on me may be just fine on you!

emilykate

Lannie - I have several camis from RW&Co and I like the length. (I'm 5'4") What is "long enough" to you? they hit about my hipbone. Also, it's kind of a juvenile store, but Bluenotes seems to have the nicest cotton tanks (and I've tried lots). They offer enough coverage in the bust area, just longer than hipbone length, and good quality (slightly thicker fabric, hold up to washing well).