How to Avoid Looking Too Busty

If your oversized bust makes you feel self-conscious and out-of-proportion, there are ways to improve the situation. Here are methods I've found over the years to dress well with a big bust.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• properly fitting bra
• knowledge of styles that flatter
• properly fitting clothes

1. Start with the right foundation. If the breast is spilling out of the bra cup, it results in unwanted lumpiness and bulges. Fortunately now stores, even discount stores, offer more choices in D, F, and larger bra cups. There are lacy ones and basic ones, but try it on and stretch and move in the dressing room to be sure you don't fall out of it.
2. Take a look at minimizer bras. These redistribute the bust for a slight flattening effect.
3. Look for V-neck blouses rather than scoop or turtleneck. The vee line breaks up the expanse of cloth across the bust.
4. Avoid very tight, clingy tops and ones with extreme cleavage. Combined with a big bust, these unintentionally give the look of a hooker. Also avoid very shiny tops like satin which seem to magnify the curves.
5. A short sleeve broadens the shoulders and brings the bust more into proportion. Bare shoulders and tank tops don't provide that balance, so the bust looks even wider with those.
6. If there are buttons down the front, be sure the shirt is loose enough that the buttons won't pop out of the buttonhole at awkward moments. Keep a safety pin with you to pin inside a shirt with this problem.
7. Wearing an open top over a tank top provides vertical lines down the front. Use a contrasting color to get the best effect from this.
8. Of course, you already know not to wear horizontal strips. These draw the eye across, which emphasizes the width of the bust.
9. A scarf or long necklace can create a v-neck effect when wearing a plain top. Wearing a chunky necklace draws the focus to that rather than the expanse of the bust. Short, even choker style, is good.

Tips & Warnings

• Losing weight helps too. An extra 20 or 30 pounds means looking extra-busty which you don't need.
• Unless there are medical reasons for a breast reduction (backaches, etc.), learn to use clothes to flatter you and draw attention away from a too-big bust. Avoid unnecessary surgery.