Subscribe to blog via RSS

Search Blog

The Working Closet

with Susan Wagner

The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.

You can also catch Susan over at Working Closet.

Fit tips for the well-endowed woman

Categories: tops

4 comments

We live in a culture that loves big-busted women — at least, sometimes. If you’re a well-endowed girl, shopping for tops that fit can be less than a love story. So how do you get the best look for your boobs?

The key is fit.

index
Diana wrap shirt, Carissa Rose, $80


When you’re well-endowed, it’s crucial that everything fit properly through the bust. Start with the right bra — have a professional fitting, to make sure you get appropriate support and coverage. Once the girls are properly cantilevered, it’s time to look for some great tops.

A larger bust often means that you have to choose between a shirt that fits across the chest and one that fits in the shoulders and body. A good tailor can take your shirt in, but no one can make a too-small chest fit properly. Don’t bring home anything that doesn’t fit right across the breasts.

How do you know if your shirt fits right? It shouldn’t gap or pull across the chest, for one thing; button up shirts should lie flat at the placket. The line of your bra shouldn’t be visible through the fabric — that’s a sign that you’re pulling it too tight. And you should be able to hug someone without worrying that you’re going to rip the back seam out.

An empire waist is flattering to women with a larger bust, particularly if your large bust is balanced by a small waist. But be sure the seam hits under your breast, where your bra rests, not across your nipples. An empire waist that hits too high makes your shirt hang wrong and gives you a tummy; it also cuts your breasts in half and — ironically — makes them look larger. Go figure.

Balance a large chest with a cinched-in waist; pair your top with a wide belt, or choose a wrap shirt with a substantial sash. If the body of the shirt is too wide, have it tailored; it should fit close to the body. Pair with an A-line skirt or a pair of book-cut or wide-legged trousers.



Subscribe to blog via RSS
Share this on:

4 comments so far...

  • Any ideas on where to buy, Susan?

    Melissa D  |  February 13th, 2010 at 7:56 pm

  • I concur, where can I buy these so called clothes? Either it fits across the chest and is huge in the armpits and waist or it fits in the waist, shoulders, and armpits and doesn’t fit in the boobs.

    Would you recommend buying a men’s button down shirt and having that altered? My thinking is that there is an appropriate amount of fabric, especially in length (am i right? of course I am), to cut away without having certain parts already gone. Like those supposedly fitted shirts, can those be saved if taken to a tailor? can the pit issue be fixed?

    sam  |  February 15th, 2010 at 5:38 am

  • Hello Ladies,

    The shirt featured is from my clothing line for big busted women! You can click on the link underneath the picture of the shirt, or you can visit the site at Carissarose.com.

    Thanks,

    Carissa

    Carissa Rose  |  March 3rd, 2010 at 9:39 am

  • For tank tops, I’m liking the ones from Sahalie/Norm Thompson that have a built-in underwire bra, sold by bra size. They sell one with a regular neckline & one with a higher neckline (that’s also longer), in either cotton or a stretchier synthetic.

    etinca  |  March 30th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

Have a question?

Check out our popular Q&A area to ask questions and search for answers.

Quick recipes

Check out our favorite quick and easy recipes, perfect for busy moms.

Affordable Luxuries Blog

Check out our daily picks for affordable luxuries for you and your family.