Help! Large bust - which tops???

[maybeyoushoulddrive]

I realise it's not the end of the world, but the sun has come out and I'm still wrapped up as I don't seem to have any tops that fit me. I've put on a lot bit of weight recently and nothing will squeeze over my bust. I'm 32G, size 12-14 with a long back and short legs.

I just don't know what shape is best for me now and I'm on a tight budget! Thank you if you've any ideas!

Hi you sound a bit like me (32K) 10/12. I find that a stretchy vest top and a thin undone cardigan/blouse/shirt works best for me as I can get a bigger vest, (with adjustable straps is better) and 'proper' sized cardigan. I should add I need to cover up in the sun though. Vests are the only tops that fit and don't bunch under my arms.
However I am very interested in what other people might have to say

I'm a 14 and 34FF, I find the vest tops from Republic fit really well. Think they're 2 for £12 or something like that.

Hi thanks for your answers.

I don't know about vest tops - am very self conscious of how big I am, I always feel a bit on show IYKWIM? I do sometimes wear them with something over the top, but I just get too hot with layers...

I'd never heard of Republic (am v unfashionable) I fear at 40, I'm a bit too old for their target market!

I know what you mean, I've got baby belly which is a bit This is why I like wearing a cardi/blouse etc over it (open).

Sainsbury,s got some lovely summer tops at the mo

I like Dotty P cap sleeved t- shirts with scarves.

I find normally tops a bit short and so sometimes wear men's vests. Good fitting strap tops will not be revealing. Bravissimo at £32 quid a pop though

I like dresses.

Lots of layered vests and wrap or tie cardis. I am bigger than you and vests are fine- but for work you need a wide shoulder strap - it's more formal and covers your bra up.
On no account go for high necks, with big boobs you need scoop or deep v neck, but you can wear a vest underneath to make it decent - i.e no cleavage, if you like.
The wrap/tie cardi breaks up the bust and enhances the curves. High necks give the impression of one mega-slope of bosom, not flattering.

Reading with interest, I am stuck for tops too because of Extra Large Norks. I hate myself in vest tops, I need a sleeve to cover my arms and something fitted to show that I have a waist. While I love Peppeberry for dresses, all of their tops are either Tunic style or sleeveless. I like the look Freshlettice mentions, a cami with a wrap cardi over, where do you get light weight wrap cardis form Lettice?

I like slash necked tshirts or 3,4 sleeves

Some great advice here. I hadn't thought of wrap cardis - they would solve the feeling exposed in a vest problem. Must look out for some.

I've just been into our local (small) town and come back very dejected. All the tops seem to be high neck, short and wide. Nothing looked right. It was all funny colours too I must go to better shops...

I spent ages trawling through websites last night maybeyoushoudldrive, couldn't see one top that would suit me. I have lost weight since last year so I literally have nothing to wear. I'm sobbing with you..

Another big-chested sister here facing the same problem. Arms too flabby for vests so I go for vests with a lightweight fabric, unbuttoned blouse worn open over the vest. It's far from ideal but I dont have a better idea.

Hello sisters! I'm 34g 12/14. Tips are a pain in the hoop. I like blousey things- I find t-shirts cling to my tum too much. With a cardi over.

Reporting back.

After digging around at the back of the wardrobe on the floor I found a v v old blouse. I wore that this afternoon with a white vest and it may be the way to go - did feel a bit bunched up though...

Same problem here. I have virtually no tops and totate the same three or four again and again. Desperate for new ones and can't find anything. What suits me is either a vest top with a little cotton cardi over, or three quarter sleeves with a scoop or slash neck. Virtually impossible to find nice ones in good fabric though. :(

rotate

I am going to complement my 2 for £9 quid dotty p slash necked cap sleeved t-shirts with something like this. £35 is super expensive for a top (for me) but over time I could build up a few staples.

I'm very similar in size to you - I'm a 32g and about a size 12.

I find (as pp have said) that the low scoop or v neck tops work best. I usually get mine from Laura Ashley or Monsoon.

I never buy blouses though - don't own any as they never fit properly.

I try to buy loose tops like this one, they are gathered across the chest and don't fit tightly, so I don't feel self-conscious.

www.next.co.uk/g372128s2#826083g37

Esprit have some lovely cowl-neck, drapey scoop neck and similar tops - here (prices in euros, sorry - could't make it link to esprit.co.uk properly).

Having a search for my hols and have come up with a few ideas on Monsoon's website:

Monsoon Vest Nice wide straps and loads of colours.

Cowl neck

I haven't been shopping yet! Just wondering if anyone has had any successful shopping trips??? I'm liking the prices of the H & M stuff

No tops but did buy an ace fitting bra from an Asda range that fits up to a G cup. They have t shirt bras and they are between £6 and £12 .

I think dresses are more flattering and cooler than separates. I have Next tea dress £16 - blue dress at bottom. I also have this in black. A great fit is all about the bra you wear.

I have loads of weddings, christenings etc. coming up . I am waiting for a An MN recommended Pepperberry dress. If it fits well, I may order [http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/dresses/day-dresses/printed-chiffon-dress/multi/fd07mu/?show=16&sort=4&level=2#reviews this printed chiffon dress]]

I like all of ladyintheradiator's tops - especially the last one. I try to go for something slightly fitted.