How to find clothes when you have a large bust
We chatted with a stylist for tips on dressing busty bodies
Credit:
Reviewed / Eloquii / Hutch / Abercrombie & Fitch
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It’s no secret that the fashion industry isn’t the most inclusive—despite how many body-positive influencers now fill our feeds. In addition to a need for more mid- and plus-size silhouettes, a major ask among shoppers is more inclusive bust sizes in those categories, as well as within the petite and straight-size categories.
Recently, Hollywood starlet Sydney Sweeney revealed that, despite being one of the hottest rising actors (our words, not hers), even she has difficulty finding clothes. In an interview with Glamour UK, she mentioned that two of the only brands to custom make clothes for her are Miu Miu and Armani. In other instances where it looks like her red carpet looks don’t quite fit, it’s because she was stuck with smaller-busted sample sizes. "So whenever I get to wear Miu Miu, Armani, or when a brand is letting me reconstruct the top or rebuild it or alter something, that's when it looks better," she shared in the interview. "That's when you see I look more confident and happy on the carpet."
As we’re firm believers that everyone should be able to feel their most comfortable and confident—regardless of celebrity status—we chatted with NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López, who regularly uses her socials to share tips for dressing bodies with bigger busts. So, without further ado, ahead, find the best brands for large busts, plus eight dresses and tops designed with big boobs in mind.
The Best Brands for Large Busts
Clothing is typically sold in one of two scales: letter or number. While letter scales are said to correlate to certain numerical sizes, López says that it’s not a perfect fit for folks with big busts. “I will typically avoid a fast-fashion brand that only offers sizing in XS to XL because their clothing is typically produced on a ‘standard’ sizing scale and doesn’t necessarily take into consideration curvier body types, larger busts, etc.,” she explains.
Instead, López reaches for big bust-friendly, letter-sizing brands, like Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Cos, Everlane, Farm Rio, Hutch, Old Navy, and Show Me Your Mumu. She also opts for brands with numerical sizing that can make it even easier to find your ideal fit. A few of her go-tos include Eloquii, Good American, Perfect DD, Shapellx, Skims, Spanx, and Universal Standard.
If you’re dead set on shopping fast fashion—or venturing into European brands or other trend-based stores—López simply suggests sizing up to accommodate a larger bust. For example, if you normally wear a size large, consider buying an extra-large at shops like Zara, Nasty Gal, and H&M.
Dresses for Large Busts
According to López, the best dresses for large busts are wrap dresses, corset bust dresses, babydoll dresses, square neckline dresses, and halter dresses—all of which offer additional lift and support, and in some cases, separation to avoid the dreaded uni-boob appearance. When shopping for dresses for large busts, López says to prioritize silhouettes with under-breast seams (like babydoll dresses) and/or adjustable elements like straps, waist ties, and corset laces. That way, even if you end up sizing up to accommodate your bust, you can tailor it to your body shape.
Step into your dopamine dressing era with the Never Fully Dressed Havana Wrap Dress.
Never Fully Dressed is a UK-based dopamine dressing brand that recently opened its first U.S. brick-and-mortar shop in New York City. Of all the beautiful garments the inclusive brand sells, its wrap dresses are some of the most popular. The Never Fully Dressed Havana Wrap Dress is a sheer rainbow-printed midi dress with metallic gold flecks for an even more whimsical appearance. It’s sold in US sizes 2 to 24 and can be tailored and tied in a variety of ways to fit both bust size and style preference.
Florals? For spring? It might not be groundbreaking but this corset-inspired pink floral ruffled midi dress is a gorgeous pick for big busts.
Abercrombie is no longer just a brand dedicated to ripped jeans. Now, the beloved early aughts retailer specializes in high-quality basics that often end up trending on TikTok. Recently, the brand unveiled the A&F Wedding Shop, which features dozens of gorgeous (and fairly affordable) dresses, many of which will work for larger busts. We’re particularly fond of the Pink Floral Lace-Up Back Tiered Maxi Dress, which is sold in petite, regular, and tall sizes XXS to XL (as well as white and blue floral options). The ruched-bust midi dress features corset details, making it as tailorable as it is picturesque.
Wrap your bust in whimsical chiffon ruffles with the Hutch Whitlee Dress.
The Hutch Whitlee Dress is one of the most whimsical wrap dresses there is—which is why it sells out in record time whenever a new color is launched. “I have this dress and it’s so flattering, stretchy, and lightweight,” López reveals.
This spring, there’s a multicolor purple, red, and violet floral Whitlee Dress (sold in sizes XXS to XL), as well as a vivid orange one (sold in sizes XXS to 3X). Both feature a high-low multi-layer ruffled hem with multi-layer ruffled sleeves to match. Made of sheer chiffon, this dress is super lightweight and breathable but features a lining to ensure it’s not see-through.
Diane Von Furstenberg Julian Silk Jersey Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg is credited with being the mastermind behind the wrap dress—and even recently collaborated with Target on a collection of dresses, housewares, and childrenswear. This crossword print mini wrap dress speaks to our love of words and well-fitting, big-bust-friendly silhouettes. Designed out of lightweight jersey fabric, the dress drapes beautifully and can be tailored to the bust and waist with interior and exterior ties. It’s sold in sizes XXS to XXL.
Standard/Plus Big Bust Styling Tip: “There are so many more plus-size and size-inclusive options now available so you can wear trendy pieces that feel your age, look cute, and work great with your body,” López says. When shopping for standard and plus-size clothing fit for big busts, she says to “avoid extra bulky, boxy fabrics on top—bigger is not always better or more flattering.
"Embrace your curves and find pieces that give you the coverage, support, and confidence you want when wearing the items. Look for stretchy fabrics like cotton, jersey, knit, cashmere, spandex, nylon, and mesh that work with your body; and avoid fabrics that work against you like silk, satin, khaki, linen, and some thick cotton. These fabrics will be boxy, gap, or pull against your chest instead of laying nicely on top.”
Blouses for Large Busts
López says when it comes to dressing people with large busts, the wrap silhouette extends beyond dresses to tops. “I love a stretchy cotton, knit, or spandex top that will fit any body shape, especially a larger bust,” she shares. “I like wrap tops, silky fabrics, comfy cotton shirts, and things that give your chest room but can be tucked into pants and sit along the rest of your body comfortably.” As for what she doesn’t like? “I typically avoid tops with keyholes, narrow necklines that create that awkward side boob/underarm pocket, fabrics that offer no support/coverage to your chest, and super chunky knits and turtlenecks that add extra bulk to the top half of your body.”
A blouse so good you’ll want to buy it in a dozen colors. Luckily for you, there are exactly that many to choose from.
The Sézane Abélia Blouse is one of López’s favorite blouses for big busts. Sold in 12 colors in sizes 0 to 16, it showcases a draped crossover neckline that can be tailored for more or less coverage. While it’s long-sleeved (with button closures at the wrist, BTW), it’s made of 100 percent recycled polyester, so it’s lightweight, breathable, and suitable for most seasons.
Say hello to your new favorite everyday tee.
Skims has become such a style statement that endless dupes have been created so that every kind of shopper can hop on the trend. Still, López says there’s something fabulous about the OG curve-hugging Soft Smoothing Seamless T-Shirt. It’s sold in five core shades and two limited edition hues, including the most perfect Barbie pink. Best of all, it’s available in sizes XS to 4X. It’s comfortable enough to sleep in while being chic enough to layer under blazers for board meetings. Suffice to say, it’s a closet staple.
Dressing for Coachella and Stagecoach just got a whole lot comfier.
With the Westernwear trend at its peak and festival season right around the corner, this easy, breezy, boho-style white wrap blouse is a must. The 100 percent cotton top is super lightweight, totally tailorable at the waist, and sold in sizes XXS to XL. Just think of how cute it’d look with a pair of cowboy boots.
The going-out top is back and this lightweight nylon-poly blend option is worth making room for in your closet.
Long live the going-out top! This form-fitting, off-the-shoulder, cropped long-sleeve is a top pick in López’s closet. What’s not to love? The cross-over design offers extra bust support, while the minimalist design is easy to pair with all kinds of bottoms, making it easy to dress up or down. It’s sold in sizes 14/16 to 30/32.
Petite Big Bust Styling Tip: “For petite people with large busts, I suggest avoiding super heavy, bulky, and boxy tops and jackets,” López says. “Opt for a more fitted top and balance out the look with a belt, flare, or wide-leg pants and statement earrings.”
Another pro tip? If you know you need to size up for your bust, López says to consider opting for a larger size in petite measurements. “I like shopping in petite sizing so the proportions aren’t overwhelming on my body when I size up to accommodate my bust size,” she explains. “For example, I love brands like Loft, Ann Taylor, Madewell, and Banana Republic that offer petite sizing, so I can size up to a large top to fit my chest but the length, width, and arm length are overwhelming on my frame, [so I opt for petite].”
Bonus: Looking forward to summer vacation? You’ll need a swimsuit for that. According to López, a few of the best swimsuit brands for big busts include TA3, Cuup, and Summersalt—all of which offer classic numerical or bra-sizing. Happy shopping!
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