As promised, I wanted to share some of my best tips for dressing a larger chest. When I first mentioned that I was going to be getting a breast reduction, a lot of y’all said you were shocked because you hadn’t noticed my large chest before. And honestly, it’s because I’ve spent the last 15+ years doing my best to hide my chest. I know everyone feels differently about their own body and I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a large chest (obviously), but for me, it was always an area of discomfort – both literally and figuratively. I never liked the attention that sometimes comes with a large chest so I did my best to essentially hide and minimize them.

For those of you who have read my article on My Breast Reduction FAQs, you know that I’m extremely happy with my results. My chest is much, much smaller than before and I’m beyond excited to dress a smaller chest! I know a lot of y’all have larger chests though so I’m more than happy to share what worked for me over the years in terms of dressing a larger chest. I also have all my looks on LTK so you can see some exact pieces I relied on over the years.

xx Ash

TIPS FOR DRESSING A LARGER CHEST

Every body is different but I hope these are helpful in general!

BE PICKY ABOUT BRAS

If you have a large chest, you know that the struggle is REAL. It feels impossible to buy the pretty bras and forget about the thin bralettes that you see people wearing. Over the years, I will say that I saw much better minimizer, strapless and everyday bras come on the market compared to when I was in college, so I’m thankful for that. I’ve tried soooo many bras over the years in search of ones that were supportive and minimizing, and here are my favorites:

I prefer unlined bras and these give the best shape for a full bust. All are ideal for DD+.

+ Strapless: The absolute best for lifting/separating and minimizing. Also love that the straps are convertible.
+ Everyday: This one is soft and comfortable while being supportive. This is the “least” minimizing of the 3, but still a good option for D/DD.
+ Everyday: This is my go-to bra for minimizing and lifting. If you have a full chest, this will be your best friend. It’s unlined but gives you a really nice shape.
+ T-Shirt Bra: This says it’s a sports bra, but I wore it whenever I was wearing something with a higher neckline, like a crew neck or turtleneck. This has the best support and separation. The wider straps were also really comfortable.

SKIP CERTAIN PRINTS

I love stripes and prints but certain prints will always draw attention to a chest. This isn’t to say you need to stop wearing prints – do what you feel good in! – but I did find that think horizontal stripes and prints in a clingy material didn’t do my chest any favors. At the same time, I found some prints to be more flattering; it’s really about finding the ones that work for or against your chest.

WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR BLACK

This is obvious and a flattering tip in general but over the years I relied heavily on black tops / dresses, etc.

FIND THE RIGHT BATHING SUITS

Y’all already know that finding bathing suits are another struggle for larger chests but I have a couple to share with you: this one-shoulder one-piece and this V-neck bikini. I know that other people swear by Monday Swimwear and that they design for larger chests / all body shapes which I love!

BUY BLOUSES A SIZE UP

It’s nice that the oversized blouse trend is in because this is how I’ve been wearing mine for years. If you buy a size up, you won’t be dealing with the buttons pulling and getting bunched up. Longer shirts can also lengthen your torso which made me feel more confident.

FIND YOUR FLATTERING SILHOUETTES

Things like wrap tops / dresses became a flattering go-to for me over the years, especially when I was teaching and had to wear more workwear. Anything with a waistband that breaks up your chest and waist is another option that I wore often and same with v-necks (that weren’t too low).

FOLLOW THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Let me tell you the number of times I’ve wished I had a smaller chest when seeing girls go braless or wear tiny bathing suits – but it’s not my body. I personally found that finding other women with larger chests (whose style I liked) was helpful.