You are blessed with a generous bust-line but haven’t a clue how to balance your shape. You probably feel like people only see what’s below  your face. Well, lucky for you women pay thousands of dollars to have that bust-line. That’s not the only plus; there are ways to wear certain fashions to complement not flaunt. If you can relate to most of the characteristics listed below, than you most likely have a busty figure.

• Bra size is over a “C” cup.
• Usually, this shape has a combination of a shorter waist.
• Without the right support, your body can look 10 pounds heavier than it really is.
• Lower portion of body is petite to normal size compared to the upper portion.

You’re probably getting a headache just thinking about it but don’t worry. Below I have listed pieces to shop for and other informative tips.

What to wear?

Flattering Tops

• Slightly fitted V-neck or scoop neck tops; be sure there not too tight.
• A button-up men’s shirt is always a classic piece to have. Read the “Tips” section in the right column to learn more about work attire.
• Tops that taper or nip you waist a bit
• Fitted sweaters are great work attire but again not too tight.
• Halters tops are flattering and are perfect to wear on hot summer days.
• For jackets and coats, invest in princess cut or a classic trench. Belted coats and knee-length puffers flatter and give balance to proportion.

No, Nos!

• Stay away from embroidery, ruffles, gathering, shirring or big patterned tops. All they do is draw more attention to the bust-line.
• Flimsy fabrics or bias cuts lack support. Shop for thicker cotton or wool textiles.
• It is possible to wear empire waist tops without looking pregnant but be cautious. Make sure there is no extra fabric gathered or shirred around the bust. This area does not need additional fabric around the breasts.
• No waist-length puffers

Slimming Bottoms

• A-line skirts and pencil skirts for professional occasions
• Pin-stripe pants elongate the figure.
• Low sitting on the waist and boot-cut jeans are perfect paired with leather boots or heels.
• Pants with a slight flare help balance the top but don’t go over board.
• Straight-leg slacks or capris are also flattering. The straight-line elongates the legs. It can be hard to wear flats with a busty figure; however, pairing straight leg pants with ballerina slippers give a polished look.
• Wearing a heel with slightly flared pants or boot-cut jeans immediately elongates the figure and takes the eye away from the upper portion.

No, Nos!

• Mid-thigh or narrow skirts make you seem top-heavy.
• When shopping for pants or jeans, keep away from super skinny. However, putting the boots over the pants works well with skinny jeans. It’s a great trick to balance the top with your bottom half.
• No super flared or full pants. These make you seem shorter and squaty. Flared jeans take much needed inches off your height.

Dresses

• Body slimming sheath dresses are a perfect match for the busty shape. Wearing a good quality shapewear underneath a sheath dress will enhance a more polished appearance.
• Shop for controlled tops paired with a slightly full skirt. The length of a skirt is important when it comes to fuller skirts. About 2-4 inches below the knee is a good length to wear. I do not recommend any longer. Pair with simple heels. Bulky or distracting shoes will take away from the full skirt and cut legs in half.
• For evening wear or cocktail attire, the jewel neckline, v-neck, or halter top are an excellent choices. You can show a little neckline but don’t go over the top with cleavage.

 

No, Nos!

• Any Ruffles or shirring around the breast areas will add unnecessary fullness. Look for less distracting necklines instead.
• For special occasions, keep it simple on top. Don’t let the clothes wear you.
• I do not recommend strapless dresses especially for formal wear. You will be pulling the dress up the whole night. There is one exception to this rule: If you are petite and busty, wearing a corset underneath a good quality strapless dress can work. I have seen it done and the dress looked beautiful on the busty figure.

What about those swimsuits

• Look for tops that give support just like a bra does. Some women think they don’t need padding for the top. However, once they have worn a controlled top, they feel more secure in their appearance even by the pool.
• Halter tops with thick straps are the best bikini tops to wear. You will not have as much support as a padded top but you will have cleavage.
• Also, with any style a wide band underneath the bust-line keeps things in place.
• A solid, dark color on top diverts attention.

No, Nos!

• Be cautious when purchasing string bikinis! They do not give you the support you need up top. String bikini bottoms can be flattering but keep the strings below the waistline.
• No ruffles or big patterns on top!

Undergarments

Medium to Large Bust: For women with larger busts, wider shoulder and back straps give firm support. Full cups contain the breast better and give a better appearance. Underwired bras provide better support under the bust. Smooth, plain bra styles, without too much lace, help to make your bust appear smaller.

Contour Underwire

Demi-cups provide more sex appeal by giving breasts a boost. Only wear this bra with button down tops. Do not wear with t-shirts. The bra can cut you in half when it shows through the top. Add bronzer to the decolletage and cleavage to provide a glow.

A Minimizer is the best bra for large breasts that need lots of support. It gives full coverage without altering shape and prevents uni-boob.

Sports Bras with Molded Cups – The molded cup keeps the uni-boob at bay. It supports the breasts yet allows curves to show. The Sport Underwire from Wacoal (shown above) is the perfect sports bar. Without underwire is another option. Sizes go up to DDD. 

Where to Shop 

Because the average American women is a 34C and above, most local department stores provide great quality bras for the larger sizes. Macy’s and Nordstrom’s have an assortment of highly recommended bras to choose from. The department stores have  Professional bra fitters to measure you. After measurements are taken, they will find an assortment of bras to choose from.