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Original poster

Plus size workwear tops

26 replies

Username24680 · 25/04/2023 22:18

Really need a new basic work wardrobe. I’m size 22 and have a 38G chest. Mainly needing tops to be worn with black or navy slim legged trousers.

Cannot be low cut (no cleavage on show at all), and I need them to be slightly longer to cover my tummy.

Really struggling to find a decent selection! They’re all either cropped or at least very short, or they have a lower wrap over style v-neck which shows too much skin.

Can anyone suggest any shops/websites/specific styles that may suit?

OP posts:
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Luredbyapomegranate · 25/04/2023 22:30

I’ve found the sort of thing you mean in Live Unlimited, Wallis, Next, River Island, Monsoon. Sometimes Fat face but they are often shorter, sometimes M n S and Mango. Evans have them but the material can be dodgy - you can find the odd thing though, same for Sainsbury’s. probably worth checking Boden. If you are tall and can carry off a tunic then seasalt. Often they are wrap style and if that shows too much you have to wear a singlet or get a seamstress to add what your granny would have called a modesty patch (which will look like a singlet). have you got a credit card?! Ideally what want to do is order quite a lot of stuff and try it at home. Look for light jersey or cotton to not be too hot.

Original poster
Username24680 · 26/04/2023 05:45

@itsawildwildworld thank you. The length looks good on both of those but I’m not keen on the collar 😅

@Luredbyapomegranate Thanks! That’s a great list 😊 I’ve just sent back my 2nd big order and kept 2 things out of about 10 so feeling frustrated 😬 I’ll have a look at your suggestions 😊
Id rather not have to wear anything underneath. My work is like a furnace in summer 🥵 i have tried a few wrap tops with camis etc underneath before but I actually fit specialist shoes as a job and spend most of my day kneeling in-front of people so I often find that because I’m quite busty, even a cami or something underneath shows too much because I’m kneeling if that makes sense.

OP posts:
Cliff1975 · 26/04/2023 08:34

Have you tried YOURS

Sunshineandrainbow · 26/04/2023 09:13

I like the basic round neck tops from yours and then wear a long line blouse or shirt over them which I can then take off as needed.
I have found a lot of the live unlimited stuff is polyester which is such a shame as I love the look of the clothes.

Stravaig · 26/04/2023 10:44

Are there any good collections specifically designed for larger figures? They'll be cut with appropriate coverage for curves, instead of just sized up. It's only when you need work clothes which ensure modesty from all angles while kneeling/bending/stretching that you realise most are really not suitable!
I don't know the current ranges in Britain though, hopefully others can suggest?

Original poster
Username24680 · 26/04/2023 14:16

@AConvivialHost thank you. Yes that probably would be smart enough but I carry a lot of weight low on my belly and that would hit me right at the wrong point unfortunately.

@Cliff1975 I’ve ordered quite a bit from Yours but find them so hit and miss with quality unfortunately. And some of their styles are so unflattering!

@Sunshineandrainbow So many of the clothes I’ve ordered have been rubbish quality unfortunately! I’m really not keen on that M&S style you’ve posted but I’ll have a look at what else they have. I haven’t checked there for a while.

@Stravaig Yes, that’s exactly my issue. Lots of lovely tops around but most that suit my shape have a deeper v-neck which just doesn’t work. Even with a cami underneath, customers would be able to see right down my top with the position I’m in.

OP posts:
Niftythrifter · 26/04/2023 16:51

Primark sell bodies, would that be an option?

katscamel · 26/04/2023 19:35

I bought some great tops from Evans and Bon Marche.... size 20, relatively conservative due to the environment I work in. Also look at Debenhams, Next, Dorothy Perkins. Have only looked but not bought from River Island.

Original poster
Username24680 · 26/04/2023 21:52

@Niftythrifter I don’t feel comfortable with anything that is tucked in unfortunately. Need to cover my belly.

@katscamel Thanks, I’ll have a look 😊

@JustAnotherSod I actually always forget about Curvissa! I have a few dresses from there that I like. I’ll have a look, thanks 😊

@Foxy1616 I usually find the tops in Bonmarche too short unfortunately. Not keen on that style you’ve posted there - it feels a little old fashioned to me (sorry, I don’t mean that to be offensive 😅 I just don’t know how else to describe it!). I’ve just turned 30.

OP posts:
AuntieDolly · 26/04/2023 21:58

I normally find them in tkmaxx if you've got one nearby

katscamel · 26/04/2023 22:59

@Username24680 I have a longer body and shorter legs so finding tops can be a nightmare. I've been quite lucky with Bon Marche though.
Can't really take a picture of my wwardrobe but all my tops are longer...well below stomach, longer sleeved, decent neckline. The one I have that's a wrap over type design I just wear a came underneath. All worn with black or navy trousers.
Matalan is another possibility but find they come up short.

Sunshineandrainbow · 26/04/2023 23:06

Foxy1616 · 26/04/2023 21:03

M&S often have nice bits but they are a bit scattered in between other things. Unpopular but if you are on a budget try BonMarche - ignore the glittery butterfly print T-shirts & they have a variety of tops that work well for work if you don’t need super formal
https://www.bonmarche.co.uk/tops/short-frill-sleeve-leaf-tile-print-v-neck-top-9003466.html?cgid=womens-tops-t-shirts&dwvar_9003466_color=53
https://www.bonmarche.co.uk/smart-tops/short-sleeve-floral-print-top-9004287.html?cgid=womens-tops-t-shirts-smart-tops&dwvar_9004287_color=93

Wish the bottom one wasn't polyester

Original poster
Username24680 · 27/04/2023 06:32

@AuntieDolly I have one about 40 mins away but it’s pretty rubbish unfortunately. Will be near another big one next week though so I’ll give them a try 😊

@katscamel I’ll have a wee look online and see what kind of things they have at the morning. Thanks 😊 I often find the same with Matalan. Have jumpers and coats from them but I struggle with tops.

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Original poster
Username24680 · 27/04/2023 06:35

Auntpodder · 26/04/2023 23:07

Not cheap but I find scandi brands like Masai, Noa Noa and Part 2 do longer length, flattering tops - for example https://www.masai.co.uk/tops/baila-blouse/1006177.html

@Auntpodder thanks. I’ll have a look at those. The one you’ve posted is ideal with the neckline and sleeves but it’s far far too short for me unfortunately. Ideally would be at least crotch length.

OP posts:
JustAnotherSod · 27/04/2023 07:55

Ulla Popken could be another place to have a look - it can be pricey and the sizing takes some working out - but there are some real gems there too.

Plus Size Long Sleeve T-Shirt » Buy Fashion online | Ulla Popken