A favourite blouse
The other day I received a question about wearing shirts and blouses if you have a large bust (and particularly if you don’t have a defined waist as well).
Fortunately, there are manufacturers of shirts specifically for large busts – these include:
- Campbell and Kate
- Pepperberry
- Carissa Rose
These are made to fit over a larger bust yet not be hugely baggy around your waist and shoulders.
But, why not also consider blouses? Their softer fabric can make it so much easier to wear than a cotton shirt that is more stiff and structured.
If the blouse is, well blousy and voluminous around the waist, you can tuck it in. If you are short waisted, either wear a low rise trouser, or a high rise skirt and don’t forget to blouse the blouse over the waistband, so as not to draw too much attention to that lovely horizontal band.
Of course, avoid breast pockets on all shirts so as not to draw attention to your chest and enlarge it further!
Share your shirt and blouse finds in the comments!
This is very helpful, thanks! I find blouses/shirts for large busts hard to find unless they’re cut bigger everywhere, which makes them baggy/boxy for me.
I especially like how the style of blouse you’re wearing, similar to the third one in your Pinterest selections (white/gray pattern with black lines up the front, neckline and sleeve cuffs) can create a small vertical “column of color” (something I’ve learned from your wonderful site) if matched with coordinating dark bottoms. Is there a style name for this kind of blouse with the vertical contrast lines?
K – no name that I can think of! The vertical placket is a design feature in a few blouses – just have to keep your eyes out for them!
The “fitted fit” blouses by Foxcroft work well for me…no gaping, and because they’re fitted, they curve in at the waist a bit for great slimming effect.
Question. In your first polyvore you say that button downs can be worn out if the bottom is shaped. Does this mean that straight-bottom blouses shouldn’t be worn untucked?
Ideally the straighter bottom looks better tucked, the curved bottom is more flattering. Depends a little on the shape of the whole shirt too – you can wear straight hems out – just be aware of where they end and if they are making you look wider or more boxy around the hips!
I think this is where the camisole comes into its own. Leave the top buttons undone and go for the pop of colour underneath.
Great point Terri – camis are great for larger busts!
Hi Imogene,
While a large bust is not my fashion issue (I have many others!!) I just wanted to say how much I love your necklace. Is this available anywhere? I collect beautiful silver pieces and love the delicate yet bold look of this piece.
Thanks!
Rebecca – this pearl piece was a gift from a friend – I think she sourced if from Hong Kong somewhere! Sorry I can’t be of further assistance
Thanks for replying to my question. It’s good to get a bit of direction – and I love your featured blouse.
I also wear shirts open like a casual top over a tshirt or cami when it’s hot, or with one underneath and buttoned when colder.
Yes, cami’s are the other way to wear them easily.