Nikki’s Inbox: Top Tips for Busty Ladies
Hiya Nikki,
Asian fashion is so addicting! I love all the adorable knits and shirts but sometimes they can look incredibly frumpy on me because my chest is quite large. I tend to look a lot wider and generally bigger in loose clothing. Aside from wearing a belt, what would you suggest I do about this?
Thank you!
Molly, 16 / London
The number one rule for busty ladies is to NEVER wear any loose clothing! While loose-fitting tops usually look great on athletic-shaped girls, they will add to your top half even when belted and, as you rightly pointed out Molly my dear, they make you look bigger than you actually are. You want to look curvy-licious, not top-heavy, so why are you hiding your beautiful body under those loose tops? So your solution? Invest in fitted tops with cuts that flatter your assets! That means being smart about your shape too. Do your homework and figure out which necklines and details work to your advantage. Because while there are tops to that flatter busty ladies, everyone’s body shape is unique!
I don’t think I have to remind you how important it is to get the right shapewear to hold up your girls. When you have that sorted, check out these simple rules on tops for busty gals:
- Necklines: V-neck, scoop necks and turtlenecks always work well!
- Colors: Dark-colored tops will de-emphasize your top half. Be sure to pair them with light-colored bottoms as this will make your bottom half look larger, balancing the top.
- Sleeves: Short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves and long-sleeves are all good. Avoid sleeveless cuts and wide lapels as these only emphasize your bust.
- Cuts: Choose cuts that really emphasize your curves! Loose-fitting clothes are big no-nos. Knits really hug your figure and empire-waist tops will hide tummy flab.
Now, here are some more suggestions!
Why V-Necks and Scoop Necks Work
This type of deep neckline draws attention to your face and breaks up the wide expanse of the chest area, so that your bust appears smaller. The deeper the V-neck, the smaller your chest appears. Do remember to layer a camisole underneath! In your case, the point of the V-neck isn’t to reveal cleavage, thereby drawing more attention to your girls, but to break the wide chest area into seemingly smaller sections!
Wrap Around Those Girls!
Wrapped tops do the same trick as V-neck and scoop neck tops. They give the appearance of a smaller bust and so even the proportions. The wrapped design can also be quite feminine or girly because it puts the focus on your waist.
Your Body’s Favorite Printed Knit
Molly darling, remember that horizontal stripes and top-heavy body shapes are arch-enemies , so that’s one pattern to cross off when you’re looking at our adorable knit selection. Single, large prints may not be flattering either, depending on their size, so choose wisely. An all-over print works, as long as it is consistent and not too busy. Whatever print you choose, remember the top should be figure-hugging with the right neckline!
Bust a Blouse
You mentioned your love shirts but button-downs can be tricky without a tailor. A larger size ensures your bust is covered without those awkward gaps but it’s likely the shirt will be too big everywhere else (especially the sleeve length and hem). Instead, I suggest you to go for button-less blouses so you won’t have to worry about how the top closes around your bust area. Lightweight and fine knit work best for the classroom while chiffon is best for the office. A blouse with a fly-front is a clever trick as the fly-front will hide any awkward gaps at the bust. Again, remember that necklines should be V-neck or scoop neck to flatter your top half! One cheat is to choose a high-necked blouse and top with a fitted single-button jacket. Although high-neck cuts are generally unflattering on bigger busted ladies, the fitted jacket will create a deep V-cut that gives the illusion of a V-neck top.
Hope you have fun busting out your new look!
Nikki
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Tags: bra, pattern, scoopneck, shapewear, top-heavy body shape, U-neck, V-neck
