Broad Shouldered and Busty. Can I wear jackets and not look like the Hulk?

[mumofsnotbags]

I have broad shoulders, size 12/14 on top 14 on bottom and am 5 foot 5 Whenever I try to wear jackets I look even bigger and my boobs generally make the jacket poke open at the bust line. Bra sz is 36dd.

I Love all these jackets that are in the shops, longline type ones or longer cardigans they look lovely yet when I try them on I look like my dad in a cardi.I usually go for the ones that fasten with 1 button at the waist so they can hide my tummy.

If your around the same size what do you wear?

Partly lurking for recommendations!

But also asking if you've ever tried Pepperberry as they are cut for bigger boobs. But I've found that some styles are a but skimpy if you are tall or long in the back. At 5'5 you'd probably be OK though.

If you are broad shouldered and bust how about a fitted waistcoat which takes bulk away from your shoulders? They can still look smart enough for work. Also wrap tops are especially flattering on the busty and broad shouldered.

I'm the same as you and look great in jackets. The trick is to get shorter jackets that sit on the hip, not go over your bum, and that are nipped in at the waist with a single button. As little shoulder padding as possible, and no pockets or fussy detailing anywhere on the front of the jacket.

Oooh thankyou, I like the look of pepperberry stuff, shall have a look on there in a while.

Its not that I have to look smart for work, I work from Home most of the time and only now and again have to go to meetings, But I love that people are wearing smart jackets, jeans, converse a long scarf. Looks smart but casual and I could run round after my 2 yr old.

But when I try it on I just look short, stumpy, boobs look bigger than usual, I just don't seem to be able to pull of jackets for some reason.

Shirts are another thing I cant wear. I hate my boobs!

Waistcoat = snooker iMO
i would say jersey soft jackets. NO to collarless boucle types ones

No to long line unless you have a long body.
I like biker types ones too.

I'm going to sound the klaxon for the bra interventionists!

Yes - bet you are a 34F

Try on everything and I mean everything because I think this shape means you always assume everything will look wrong.

Biker no good on me look frummy I think with boobs. Like black single button blazer No fancy stuff. I tried on a mates black fitted Jean jacket and it looked great a revelation but can't find one. Pockets and zips and belts no on me.

also jacket colour to match bottom half

I think Jersey things go too floppy after a few wears I look huge in them! I hope to go straight from coat to summer :)

If you're looking for the combination of casual and comfortable with a smart jacket I think you'll be fine with a jacket. The problems arise when it's a suit type situation which are generally designed to emphasize the shoulders.

So if the emphasis is on your legs and waist, with good jeans and nice comfy shoes, I think a jacket will be fine but it would have to be short-ish. A good one can 'hold them down' a bit and actually flatter if you wear it done up. It's the open jacket with a light top that messes it all up.

Keep it closed, accessorise and focus on the legs and hips.

www.next.co.uk/x55164s4#810646x55

This - except do up the buttons.

I have the same issues - broad shoulders, big boobs, and I'm about a size 12 all over (except for boobs). Pepperberry do jackets cut for the large of nork, but otherwise I have to leave jackets undone.

PS Am pretty sure you're not actually a 36DD. I am guessing that you are either a 32G or a 34FF. A well fitting bra will help with how the knockers look in things.

Like that next jacket I mainly find done up avoids a flouncy look!

I am like you and have a corporate job. I mostly avoid jackets and wear smart work dresses with sleeves. If I do wear a jacket I always try to go for ones that are nipped in at the waist and if possible have three buttons - that seems to reduce the gape over the bust area.

yup Next jacket is nice

32g What??????? Do I need to be measured? Last time I was measured was 2 years ago about 6 months after id given birth, not much has changed since then though.

I do Like the next jacket, I have a similar type from Oasis, this is what Ii tried on this morning actually and made me start this thread. Its not jersey though so maybe that would make it better?

Not sure about the pockets though, I've always avoided them after reading they make your hips appear wider - I need no help in that department .

I love Biker jackets too, but tried on in next last year and I really don't suit them, my lumps and bumps just hang out in all the wrong places. I've always gone for coats with belts too, so they pull in my waist, but after I was twice asked If i was pregnant last week, maybe this is where i'm going wrong?

I love this type but guess with my short body its a no go?

And also, what is a bra interventionist? should I know this?

Thanks for all your replies

They do a bra intervention i.e. make sure you are wearing the right size bra. I would be surprised if you are a 36 if you are a 12/14, sounds too big.

Oh I have just googled the bra intervention and went off to measure (tea got burnt as I dangled in the bedroom but whatever!)

I am a 34 something or other, cant exactly figure out how to do it, my other measurement was 42 so Ive worked it out as an f. I cannot believe I didnt know of this, I just wandered into bravissimo once upon a time, got measured and have always bought bras on that. I wonder if I will one day be able to wear all the things I like and not look stupid in them???

off to look for some new bras now to try a few sizes on, thankyou all