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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think that the "bodice" of dresses are getting shorter?

31 replies

PyongyangKipperbang · 30/07/2026 00:13

I am 5'6" (34C) , maybe a tiny bit shorter, so not out of the ordinary and half of the dresses I try on dont properly come down to my waist.

They are styled or look like they should but the always seem to be just a wee bit too short. I dont have a long body, tops etc are fine and trousers/jumpsuits also are, its particularly dresses.

OP posts:
PyongyangKipperbang · 30/07/2026 00:58

GreatFall · 30/07/2026 00:52

It’s because most women want a dress that skims over their stomach. A style that is fitted at the bust and flares from there suits many women now that most people are larger than they were. It absolutely does not suit a flat chested straight up and down figure.

I can sort of see what you are saying but I am talking about dresses with a clearly defined waist line. So skater dress...ok. But I tried on a lovely bardot dress with a slim top, full skirt, belt and very obvious waist, it was still not quite long enough without me having the baps well out of the breadbin!

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 30/07/2026 00:57

I’m 5’1” and have some dresses bought this year and last which aren’t specifically petite which have the waist in the right place for me, which surprised me. They’d be as you describe on you, I would think. But other styles are too long in the waist for me, it’s not all of them.

GreatFall · 30/07/2026 00:52

It’s because most women want a dress that skims over their stomach. A style that is fitted at the bust and flares from there suits many women now that most people are larger than they were. It absolutely does not suit a flat chested straight up and down figure.

Negroany · 30/07/2026 00:50

I have this, waists just under my boobs so every dress looks like empire line. So annoying.

It means the narrow waist part is actually over my lower ribs, making the dress uncomfortable.

I'm not sure if it's a dress issue, style issue, or me issue. But I can really only wear dresses without actual waists.

Edit: I'm a D cup. Dp when I look at clothes online says "why do none of the women have boobs?". It's depressing!

PyongyangKipperbang · 30/07/2026 00:46

Pieceofpurplesky · 30/07/2026 00:36

I had this exact conversation last week and totally agree. I think modern clothes, whatever size, seem to think women are straight up and down without curves on their boobs and arms!

Thats why I added my boob size, because I had a hunch that one of the first questions would be how big they are!

I am so glad its not just me because I was beginning to think I am freak!

OP posts:
Pieceofpurplesky · 30/07/2026 00:36

I had this exact conversation last week and totally agree. I think modern clothes, whatever size, seem to think women are straight up and down without curves on their boobs and arms!