The 16 Best Shirts for Big Boobs (and 3 Styles You’ll Want to Avoid)
The saying ‘if you’ve got ‘em, flaunt ‘em’ is cute and all. But sometimes you just want to wear something that flatters ‘em. Yes, we’re talking about your boobs, and—if you’re anything like me, a G-cup—you know that not all shirts are created equal. Some show off way too much cleavage, others are simply not built to be worn with a bra (looking at you, adorable backless pieces I could never wear) and others do not-so-nice things to your bust. So, to avoid any smushing, over-revealing or tent-like silhouettes, we’ve whittled down 16 of the best shirts for big boobs, zeroing in on four trendy styles that you’ll want to wear right now.
But before we get into it, let’s just go over a few shapes you might want to avoid. Note: We’re not saying you can’t wear these pieces; you just might find that they’re not quite as flattering or easy to wear as the fuller bust-friendly pieces on our list.
Styles to Avoid:
1. Anything with a true empire waist. Shirts that severely nip in at the waist—especially those with seams just centimeters below your boobs—can often appear to be a maternity style on your frame. Instead, look for silhouettes that skim your curves or that have a drop waist, which will provide the added benefit of elongating your torso.
2. Tops with bra details. You don’t rock shirts with shelf bras for a reason; they just don’t work. So a shirt with an external bra that’s fit for a B-cup isn’t going to magically work with your gals. It’s going to work against them and probably cut them off awkwardly.
3. Button downs—with a caveat! We can all agree that there’s nothing worse than dressing for work and getting to your desk, only to realize the buttons on your shirt are mere moments from busting open. Most button-downs are not made for us busty gals and even oversized versions can be wildly unflattering...but there are a few brands who have started developing these work-friendly shirts for our bodies. (We love Perfectedd for just that.)
Wrap Detail
Just like a wrap dress, these shirts offer plenty of breathing room for your bust. But in order to find your correct size, focus on finding a top that’s fitted to your breasts—which might be a bit bigger than your actual shirt size. Since these tops can usually be adjusted with a string tie, you’ll find this larger size actually suits you rather well.
1. Billie the Label Cyd Wrap Top
If ties aren’t your thing, this button option from Billie the Label is a welcome alternative.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
2. Free People Sophie Denim Wrap Crop Top
When chambray button downs let you down, a wrap version is the way to go. This one is cropped and ready to be paired with all sorts of high-waisted skirts, shorts, jeans—you name it.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
3. Baacal Wrap Top
This crisp poplin number has all the flattering details to make it an all-time fave: a shirred front, a waist-cinching tie and a sweet row of buttons down the side.
Available in sizes 10 to 22.
4. Shrimps Cordelia Floral Fil-Coupé Organza Wrap Top
No one said your wrap top had to be boring! This gorgeous embroidered number is flirty, fun and cut rather high on the chest, so you don’t have to show too much off.
Available in sizes 6 to 14 UK.
V-Neck
While your go-to T-shirt style isn’t relegated to just the V-neck, we don’t blame you for gravitating toward this clavicle-baring cut time and time again. The secret here is that the subtle plunge creates a long line that shifts the focus away from your ample assets. (FYI, a scoop neck might also provide you with the same flattering benefits.)
5. Perfectedd Logan V-Neck Sweatshirt
Perfectedd is a brand that only makes tops for the DD+ crowd, so this V-neck sweatshirt has just the right proportions for your frame.
Available in sizes XS to L.
6. H&M+ Lace-trimmed Camisole Top
Trimmed with lace that extends all the way down the front of this mossy camisole, this is a cute and flattering top. That yes, will require a strapless bra, but some pieces are just worth that inconvenience.
Available in sizes L to 4XL.
7. ALC Iris Deep-V Neck Bodysuit
Yup, you can rock bodysuits, if you want to. Especially if you have a smaller frame, these tops won’t overwhelm and will look polished when tucked into jeans or a skirt.
Available in sizes XS to L.
8. Alp N Rock Veronica Polo Sweater
You can also try out this neckline as a polo—though we’d recommend going for a thicker fabric, like this sweater. That way, it drapes over your frame, rather than clings to your gals, if you know what we mean.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Anything Smocked
We love smocking because it provides just the right amount of stretch. In simple terms, it’s a design technique that adds some elastic give to an otherwise rigid cotton or linen fabric. And there are plenty of ways to test out this trend, whether you go for a fully smocked tank with a flattering drop waist peplum (that’s what’s pictured above) or a floral blouse with a smocked panel in the back.
9. Eloquii Smocked Top With Puff Sleeves
The beauty of a smocked top is that the curve-hugging fabric will nicely balance out any voluminous sleeves (and that combo will take plenty of attention away from your bust).
Available in sizes 14 to 28.
10. Reformation Pinto Smocked Floral-Print Top
There’s no way your bust will feel smothered under this stretchy, chic number.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
11. Evarae Lora Shirred Top
Here’s another example of a drop waist that will do wonders for your torso. And, BTW, the sleeves can be worn two ways (either off or on the shoulders). Trust us when we say you’ll reach for this top quite a lot.
Available in sizes XS to L.
12. East To West Smocked Top
Sure, you’ll need to deal with a strapless for this number. But it’s such a fun spring-to-summer piece that looks great with jeans—and the X-shape of the smocking will make your waist look tiny.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Sweetheart Neckline
Not just for wedding dresses, the sweetheart neckline is actually a tasteful way to show some cleavage without going too low. Just be sure when shopping this style to stay away from tops that have built-in bras (see number one on our no-no list above!). For Spring 2021 the coolest way to wear this is as part of a long sleeve ribbed sweater and come summer, you can simply lose the sleeves and slip into a tank version of this look.
13. ASOS DESIGN Rib Fitted Corset Top
From the scoop neck detail to the cut-out hem, there’s no way this shirt won’t be flattering. And you can’t beat that under-$30 price tag.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
14. Wilfred Tuscany Sweater
This one comes in every color you could imagine—from sage green to pure white and even saffron orange—so you’re sure to find one that suits your spring aesthetic.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
15. Vince Sweetheart-Neck Camisole
Swap out your boring tanks for this updated version. Even your sweatpants will thank you.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
16. ASTR the Label Duffy Sleeveless Top
Don’t let those front buttons trip you out; this shirt has a forgiving smocked panel in the back that will give your bust plenty of breathing room.
Available in sizes XS to L.
RELATED: The 15 Best Dresses for Big Boobs
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