Q&A: The Best Tops to Flatter a Large Bust
October 3rd, 2007
Q: I’m 5′5", a fairly athletic size 2, and a 34D with a short torso. I’m fine in suits, layers and button up shirts, but I fear tunics because with my boobs, someone may either think I’m pregnant, or with my height, that I’m wearing a MuMu! Given my height and general size, what would be the best style of top for me?
A: No, you’re not being paranoid about tunics. Loose-fitting tunics have the tendency to make you look like you have no shape to your body. Plus, given your generous bust, they’ll make you look much larger than you actually are.
The best style of top for you this season would be a long, structured top that extends well past your waistline. Structured tops help to define your figure (and can help de-emphasize your bustline), and since you’re short-waisted, longer tops will help visually balance out your top and bottom halves. In particular, I like woven wrap tops for you, as they’ll show off your figure to your best advantage.
Have a great tip about what tops to wear to flatter a large bust? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Jones New York Signature Stretch Wrap Shirt | $64 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
6 Comments
1. Jen | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:02 pm
A tunic could work if it was the right length and you cinched it with a belt to avoid the pregant look!
2. neha | October 3rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
actually, I think wrap tops can be difficult because they often have expectations about bust size. Someone who is a bit large might not fit into it correctly.
3. Trisha | October 4th, 2007 at 1:09 am
You’re right that you need to be careful about fit–but I think that’s true for all styles, more or less. Thanks for pointing it out, Neha!
Structured tops in woven fabrics (avoid knits) are going to be your best bet!
4. Sharon | November 27th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
The woman shown in the photo of the wrap top is nearly flat chested! come on, please use models with the actual figure problem so we can see how it would really look. I am not fat, but only 5’4″ and have a 34G chest. I hate it. I have a terrible time finding tops to fit — I’ve cried in dressing rooms a few times. I wish there was a store that specialized in clothes for large busted women who are NOT fat.
5. Trisha | November 28th, 2007 at 1:55 am
Sharon, thanks for the feedback. Is there an online shop you recommend we visit? Nordstrom (where this photo is from) doesn’t show a wide range of figures for their models.
6. Lisa | December 18th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Sharon’s comment is dead on…The lady in the picture does not have a large bust and it is very difficult for a short, petite woman to find something flattering when you are top heavy.
A website that caters to women in this category would be great!!!