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Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.

158 replies

Ceramicsandsoftfurnishings · 13/05/2021 13:29

Hello,

I am starting this thread after one too many failed shopping orders for Summer dresses! I am a 34 KK and have bras sorted (Bravissimo is fab!). Why is it SO hard to find summer dresses that are cut for big boobs?

After much failure, I think I need scoop/v-neck dresses that are tighter on the bodice and flow out to midi length. Love a bit of a sleeve too as it makes hiding bra straps easier. Having had two babies, I am bigger than I was and a 14/16 now so looser stuff that still nips in at the waist is better. I am just finding it so hard! Wraps do not work for me and buttons often gape and I feel like it's so hard not to look frumpy with a huge boobs.

Next don't seem to cut for bigger boobs and sizing up makes the shoulder area look ridiculous! Tried Joules but the same thing applies. Thinking about HUSH maybe but it's pricey. Has anyone found any real gems that fit the above criteria? Help! Here are some I am thinking of trying...

Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
ilovecherries · 13/05/2021 14:17

I was your size OP, till I had a reduction 2 years ago (now a 32G so still not tiny despite them taking over half a stone away...). Anyway, I found hush Kensington worked well and actually gave me a waist too. Also the hush Jamie with a belt. Penelope was not successful though. Some M&S midaxi dresses worked well even though they are button front. Zara can also have a few workable options.

julieandertoninthewarehouse · 13/05/2021 17:26

Yes I am a 32j and still processing it 🤣 but I recently bought this dress from Mint Velvet, it has a sweetheart neckline so very fkattering and is cut under the bust so it hangs beautifully. they do it in a couple of colours:
www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/hannah-floral-print-maxi-dress/33790

I am loving the square neck/sweetheart neckline with shirring trend at the mo as I think its really flattering on a bigger bust. New look have some nice square necked styles, as do Next - that are fitted at the top but more floating over the tummy area.

Blythwind · 13/05/2021 21:44

I have had success with some dresses from monsoon. It was a surprise/relief to find they actually fitted my bust when I tried them on!

Tolouse · 13/05/2021 22:30

Watching with interest. I wish Bravissimo did nicer dresses or at least more that have sleeves

Florabritannica · 13/05/2021 23:11

I feel your pain - I am a 34h. Don’t have any answers but watching with interest.

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 13/05/2021 23:36

@julieandertoninthewarehouse that's a lovely dress.

I bought this from Hush fully thinking I'd have to send it back but it's brilliant. Generously cut over the boobage and nice thick shoulders - I'm really pleased to have something sleeveless and bra friendly. Just need the motherfudging weather to play ball now...

QueenPaw · 13/05/2021 23:43

Dorothy Perkins tall range used to do the best strapped summer dresses annoyingly
I have loads of these as they cover straps and armpit area

Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
NellietheNumpty · 14/05/2021 09:03

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/natalie-ponte-dress-black/sty-j0708-blk
This style looks good on me. I would wear it was tight as the model though.
I have 2 Boden tops in cowl neck that are fab. They cover everything and nip n at the waist.

NellietheNumpty · 14/05/2021 09:09

Love those @QueenPaw
They look amazing on you. I can see why the long works they extra fabric helps the waist to sit correctly . How tall are you?

Twinkie01 · 14/05/2021 09:11

Where's the first dress from OP the red one. It's beautiful.

CatherineMaitland · 14/05/2021 09:20

32H here and I love a shirt-dress - the collar and cut provides structure at the top/shoulders, and wearing the buttons a little bit open adds a V-neck without revealing too much. There's usually some sort of a tie-waist so you can define your shape a bit. Sometimes I size up depending on the shop. I prefer a longer sleeve as you can roll them up a length that doesn't end right on the biggest point of my bust as a lot of short sleeves do. Mango quite often have some.

I like this one but it's on the pricey end - www.marksandspencer.com/ciara-linen-dress/p/clp22526234?color=IVORYMIX

I avoid blue or blue stripey ones, as I look exactly like the Matron of Malory Towers in them. Not usually the look I'm going for.

QueenPaw · 14/05/2021 09:21

@NellietheNumpty I'm 5ft 10 anyway but I find going for tall range dresses gives extra boob room

MapGirlExtraordinaire · 14/05/2021 09:21

You are my people, hello!

I'm a 32/34 JJ and have struggled for years. I've bought a few things recently, helped partly by signing up to Stitch Fix and following some of their ideas.

My current favourite, this looks so much better on our kind of figure than it does on the model. I got three compliments on the school run wearing this and haven't felt as stylish in years. It is ever so slightly on the open fronted side but I've just bought some small black poppers to add in. I've also bought a spare so I can keep one gaping and sexy, and one more suitable for work / brunch: www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/katrina-jersey-cropped-jumpsuit

Also love this casual dress from the same place www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/hetty-jersey-dress-navy-stargazer

I also really like a couple of the current Bravissimo dresses, these styles I buy the new print each year, they really suit big boobs and a bit of a mum tum:
www.bravissimo.com/products/iris-dress-pd566/ - not as short on me at 5ft 5

www.bravissimo.com/products/alex-zip-front-dress-pd672/ I wasn't sure about the khaki piping in this picture but I don't think it is there in the real life dress, or it certainly isn't as visible.

Will post this before my phone loses it and try and add another

Snooks1971 · 14/05/2021 09:32

Great thread thanks OP. I’m 34G and recently bought this from M&S. It really nips in under the boob area. Annoyingly it looks pretty much sold out but thought I would share anyway in case it comes back into stock.

www.marksandspencer.com/floral-midaxi-waisted-dress/p/clp22526808

Snooks1971 · 14/05/2021 09:33

This is a similar cut and also very flattering

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/green-check-ruched-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/p/679610039

Snooks1971 · 14/05/2021 09:34

I’ve kept this one too but I will wear it with a stretchy black belt, tent looks don’t suit big boobs!

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-floral-midi-smock-shirt-dress/p/679583509

KatharinaRosalie · 14/05/2021 09:41

Some Phase Eight dresses have more boob-room, also Esprit seems to be more generously cut and I have had success with Boden too, although they often ruin a perfectly nice dress with too high neckline.

MapGirlExtraordinaire · 14/05/2021 09:43

My other new favourite dress is a Stitch Fix own brand so I can't find a link online. I do recommend them though.

I also have quite a bit of success with Phase Eight, I've got a lovely thick jumper dress from there which is like wearing a nightie, also some shirt dresses.

I also quite like Damsel in a Dress. These are all successes I've had a couple of years ago so no links I'm afraid, but their turf brands I filter by, along with Jolie Moi, when I'm doing a John Lewis order.

I'm after a lightweight jacket which will fit boobs but not make me overheat, something light I can throw on to head to the pub on a warm evening. Any ideas?

I think biker style often suits my figure but isn't great for summer... In my mind's eye a linen blazer cut just right would be perfect but I've never found one.

blue1000 · 14/05/2021 09:43

I've got a couple of Jolie Moi dresses and they fit really well. I find I need to avoid anything with a high round neck and sleeves that end at the same point as my breasts. Going to look at the Bravissimo range but they look a bit short and I need to cover my knees. I've got a shed load of shift dresses but they look so dated now even in my formal workplace.

MaverickDanger · 14/05/2021 09:44

I’m normally a 32GG but currently breastfeeding and more like a 34/6 K/KK.

Also carrying an extra stone so have had to go up a dress size for my bottom half and two for my top half. Just don’t really feel like it’s my body at the moment!

Loving the Mint Velvet one. I also love a shirt dress & a belted playsuit. Managed to pick up a couple from Zara that aren’t too horrific on me.

NellietheNumpty · 14/05/2021 09:50

I would love your views on this Olson dress. I am still undecided.

Fellow big breasted women, I need YOUR help! Let's find flattering Summer styles.
NellietheNumpty · 14/05/2021 09:53

@CatherineMaitland. I wouldn’t have thought of a shirt dress so thanks. It is about sharing what works.
@MapGirlExtraordinaire I had never heard of sugarhill those links are great. I can see why the crop jumpsuit would give balance.

harriethoyle · 14/05/2021 09:58

Another vote for shirt dresses - silk fred have some great ones, I've bought the Jonah in a range of colours!

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/dancing-leopard/clothing/jonah-mini-shirt-dress-in-small-green-leopard?locale=en-GB&gclid=CjwKCAjwv_iEBhASEiwARoemvL1Cze0ie3vZpCRaxCvof3HopxKLAitkn7NZIyTg9MOHG_oW-yd71xoCavcQAvD_BwE