It's tiring, isn't it? Constantly comparing your body to others'? How many times have you wished you were taller, shorter, thinner, curvier? Women are on a constant quest to change themselves. Breast size in particular is a sensitive subject for many of us. We either curse that we were born with more or wish that we had more. But consider this: Many of us don't realize that the clothes we wear can make all the difference in the way we feel about our bodies. It's time we embraced and appreciated our bodies the way they are. Here's how to flatter your figure, not fight it!
Isn't it amazing how hard it is to find a great fitting T-shirt? Such a basic item should a breeze to find. But with so many necklines, sleeve lengths and styles out there, this can be a tough task to accomplish. Needless to say, your first step is finding a great fitting bra. Here's what else you need to know:
Full Bust
- Best necklines are scoop necks and V-necks. They break up the expanse of the chest area and draw attention away from your bust. Stick with solid colors.
- Best sleeve lengths are cap sleeve, long sleeve and three-quarter sleeve. They camouflage larger arms that sometimes accompany larger chests.
- Avoid high, round neck and square neck T-shirts. They make full busts look like one bulky mass. Also avoid sleeveless and oversized T-shirts.
Small Bust
- Best necklines are high necks and asymmetrical necklines. They broaden the shoulders and create the illusion of a larger bust. Printed tees are also flattering for small chests.
- Best sleeve lengths are sleeveless. Women with small chests tend to have slimmer arms so the goal is to draw attention to them and away from the chest.
- Avoid low scoop-neck tops or deep V-neck tops with three-quarter sleeves. They accentuate bony chests and draw attention to the fact that you have a small bust. The V acts as an arrow to the bust and the sleeves accentuate small arms.
A blouse is a blouse, right? Wrong. There are many more cuts and styles out there than you may realize, and you just might be wearing the wrong one for your bust size. Even the size of your collar can make a difference. Here's the lowdown:
Full Bust
- Look for tops that are fitted, with deep, vertical V-necks. Wear styles that have small, vertical lapels and collars, with a bare minimum of detail. Styles with bust darts often fit better.
- Avoid pockets at all costs and stay away from styles with horizontal detailing, big lapels or collars and large prints.
Small Bust
- Look for fitted tops with narrow V-necks. Create fullness with breast pockets, ruffles, smocking and gathering. Try wide lapels and collars.
- Avoid voluminous or structured tops that you don't completely fill out.
For the most part, the rules about which T-shirt styles to wear should also be applied to which sweater styles to wear. There are obviously additional rules for sweater styles, such as turtlenecks, wrap styles, etc. Here's what else you need to know:
Full Bust
- Wrap cardigans are your best bet. They are the perfect solution to the "mono-boob" problem that certain styles cause, and they define your waist at the same time. Cardigans and deep V-necks are also flattering options. Stick with lightweight yarns.
- Avoid chunky knits that will add bulk to your figure, and anything too tight.
Small Bust
- Turtlenecks are elegant and flattering on flat-chested women. Chunky knits give the illusion of a larger chest as do fitted long-sleeve sweaters. As with T-shirts, look for styles with detailed fronts to cover the chest area. Halter styles show off shoulders and accentuate your small bust.
- Avoid ultra fine yarns that cling and draw attention to the bust area.
Finding the right fit for your body is essential. Years ago, women had many different dresses for different occasions. But today, most women have just a few good dresses in their closets that they use for many different events. Follow these simple rules to ensure the dress you buy is appropriate for your body:
Full Bust
- Your best bets are wrap dresses, which hide the tummy area and separate the bust, or sweetheart and open necklines, which elongate the neckline and draw the eye up. Look for dresses with a slight flare to balance the lower and upper body.
- Avoid high necklines, which unify the breasts, and halter styles, which may cause breasts to pour out on the sides. Other shapes to avoid are boxy or baggy styles.
Small Bust
- Opt for high neck styles that emphasize arms or deep V-neck styles that only those with small busts can pull off. Look for smartly placed gathering and shirring or trim over the bust to create fullness. Backless dresses draw attention away from the front and can be very sexy.
- Avoid voluminous shapes that you can't fill out or skintight tops that draw attention to the bust area.
A well fitted jacket is tough to find. The smallest of detail can determine whether a specific style is suitable for your body type or not. But once you figure out what to look for, it will save you endless amounts of time and money. The purpose of a jacket is to add polish to an outfit. Here's how to find one that fits and flatters:
Full Bust
- Choose a shorter style that is fitted, somewhat nipped at the waist and has a deep V-neck. Shorter jackets lengthen legs and the deep V divides the chest. Always buy single-breasted styles with narrow lapels for maximum flattery.
- Avoid boxy styles like double-breasted jackets that make you look square and top heavy. And never buy styles that have patch pockets.
Small Bust
- Best styles include fitted jackets that feature breast pockets, seaming and shirring. Belted styles and styles with scoop necklines are also good options.
- Avoid jackets with dropped sleeves, deep armholes or with too much shaping at the bust.
