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Original poster

Where to buy clothes - big boobs?

56 replies

LionsAreScary · 26/01/2011 22:55

Do any of you ladies have any tips on where to shop to find tops to suit a larger bust?

I'm not that large - 36D in fact - so it shouldn't really be a problem. But so many tops around at the moment seem to be cut with rounded or higher necklines (rather than a flattering v neck) and they just fall straight down from the bust, making me look like a big lumpy sack.

For example (not that I shop much at Next, but it is fairly mainstream):
these

every one of these would make me look boxy and fat, rather than just curvy.

OP posts:
tethersend · 26/01/2011 23:27

Have you looked at Bravissimo?

WhatsWrongWithYou · 26/01/2011 23:44

You're right about the Next ones - lots of them are a 'smocky' shape which, as you say, makes you look boxy/fat.

Are you an hourglass? It's very easy to make yourself look bulkier than you are just by wearing a slightly wrong shape.

I find scoop necks and sweetheart necks more flattering than a v, but recently there's been a spate of drapey necked styles which are super flattering. Gap had some before Christmas but I doubt they're still stocking them.

I'm 32ff, and I can't think of a particular shop where I have most success. I think it's more a matter of knowing what suits, avoiding too-high necks, and dressing to flatter rather than trying to disguise.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 26/01/2011 23:46

I don't know about Bravissimo - I often think there's an element of 'here's my tits, my arse is coming' to their clothes Smile.
Quite like the look of the navy cardi, though.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 26/01/2011 23:48

Something like this - although I wouldn't wear it tucked in like that.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 26/01/2011 23:52

Or this.

beijingaling · 27/01/2011 03:16

I feel your pain. I don't think any one shop works. I remember reading a vogue article about boobs not being 'fashion' which is why there is rare,y anything in the shops for us

accessorizequeen · 27/01/2011 10:30

I got a wraponline and poetry brochures last week, lots of great tops for big busts (I am 38GG!). I've got a couple from wrap already and they're v.flattering. Expensive but lovely quality. I find ones with v neck plus some sort of draping, gathers suit me best. Never go near next anymore, even Monsoon is hit and miss although it used to be good.

BecauseItoldYouSo · 27/01/2011 10:44

Cowl necks are a big NO NO when you have large norks.

I agree that no shop is one stop. You really need to hunt around.

Stuff like this is good.

virgo1979 · 27/01/2011 10:51

marking my place - am still bf, was 34d before pregnancy so never been flat chested but have a wardrobe full of stuff that i just cannot wear as it is just too snug or makes me look like I am about to topple over. For cheap 'home' wear I have found sainsburys (!) have nice long tshirts with deep necks that are quite nice, and ok to wear with leggings. I have started to wear dresses more tbh as easier to put on a dress than finding decent fitting tops to wear with jeans... Sad.

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 10:53

Bravissimo is shit for clothes.

badly made and they wash badly.

(great for bras and swimwear though)

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 10:54

that draped cowl will be fab. I have some like that which look great.
Conventional cowls are awful but that more subtle draping looks great.

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 11:01

That 'tunic' top would make me look pregnant.

BecauseItoldYouSo · 27/01/2011 11:05

dressing large breasts

V or Scoop necks are the only tops that work with a large chest.

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 11:09

IMO the main thing is to make sure that it comes in at the waist and doesn't hang down from your boobs like a tent.

shouldnotbehere · 27/01/2011 11:24

oooh, I dont buy many clothes. I'm a size 14 and E cup, and like phase eight and reiss for tops.

I recall wedding dress shopping, and specifically wanting a v neck dress for my boobs (so flattering), and no embellishments under or on my bust (did not want my bust exagerated). It was so difficult. I did eventually find a v neck dress with on the shoulder straps, but choice was so limited.

shouldnotbehere · 27/01/2011 11:24

muddleduck, I agree, empire dresses look terrible on me.

ellangirl · 27/01/2011 12:30

I find monsoon never have enough room in the boob region, I'm a 30GG. I just stick to v neck t shirts or fine knit jumpers, usually with a cami/vest underneath. I have no inspiration about where to find stuff, you just have to be lucky to pick up the right thing. I hate tops that have an empire line/seam as they usually finish in the middle of my boob! I have adjusted a few tunics with tie backs so that the tie comes back from the waist instead of just underneath the boob, I find that's more flattering for me as my waist is the smallest bit.
I'm trying to find a dress to wear to a wedding in march, but having a nightmare. I can't wear a pencil skirt shape I have saddlebags, and nothing fits in the boobs. Basically I'm an hourglass, but with big ol' saddlebags!

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 12:40

agree that phase eight is very good for those of us with boobs (at the moment).

the much discussed 'janice' dress looks great on my (34GG).

ellangirl · 27/01/2011 12:50

I never look there, having a window shop now!

TapselteerieO · 27/01/2011 12:55

I like the banana republic top BecauseItoldYouSo linked to, the tubic, it looks loosely fitted and stretchy, could be worn with a tank top or sleeveless cardigan? It is a pity it is hand wash only.

I tend to stick to wearing jersey material, 30G boobs and my 5ft height make shopping a challenge. I don't wear cowl necks they just draw attention to my boobs and I feel untidy in them.

I think empire line can work if it is fitted and the empire line starts under the bust sort of like this.

mrswoodentop · 27/01/2011 12:56

I am similarly blessed and find Kaliko quite good ,they have got some lovely dresses in the sale at the moment.I agree about monsoon

TapselteerieO · 27/01/2011 12:57

this but I don't usually wear pink and I think they only have it in a 16.

ellangirl · 27/01/2011 13:02

That's nice TapselteerieO, the empire line is a bit lower. I meant that most of them don't allow enough room for big boobs and the line is too high, then it flares our from the wrong place. They're very flattering when the seam is under the boobs though as it makes your waist look smaller, I just never find any with enough room!

muddleduck · 27/01/2011 13:02

agree Kaliko can be good.

TapselteerieO · 27/01/2011 13:10

You are right ellangirl, it is hard to find them, we should have our own style thread, for clothes that flatter the large norked mner, we can all post links to things we have seen that seem to work.

When I was younger and slimmer as long as I had a really well fitted bra boat neck etc tops were okay on me, I wouldn't always look for low/v necked tops, but now I tend to layer vests under v necks to hide my norkage, because lots of v necks can be very low fc and warehouse are two brands that seem to be very revealing.