Dresses are one of the easiest ways to get dressed and out the door in minutes. But finding the right fit can be tricky, especially if you have a bigger bust, are petite or plus-sized, or have more of a bottom-heavy frame. Finding a style that flatters your proportions and hugs your body in all the right places can be a challenge for anyone.
When you have a larger bust, the number one goal of dress shopping is finding support, support, support. But it’s easier said than found.
“I tend to face the problem of needing a larger cut on top despite being a smaller size on bottom. Luckily, more designers are starting to offer more versatile cuts and silhouettes that can fluctuate between sizing for those with different sized proportions,” Los Angeles-based fashion stylist Audrey Brianne says.
To take some of the pain out of your search, Shop TODAY consulted style experts on what to look for (and avoid) in dresses for big busts. Plus, we rounded up several stunning picks based on their tips.
Features to look for in dresses for big busts
Shopping for clothing can feel discouraging when it takes a while to find the perfect fit, but Stitch Fix stylist Lauren Nelson offers some words of wisdom. “It’s important to remember that you should never force yourself to fit into clothes. Instead, seek out dresses that work for your body type and bust size,” she says.
The neckline, style and material of a dress all matter while shopping for a big chest. But a few other details can also help ensure that you find the best fit.
- Spandex: “Look for materials with stretch in them to ensure dresses fit properly over the bust area. I recommend opting for styles that feature a spandex blend, which will comfortably fit over the bust while also highlighting your natural waistline,” Nelson suggests, adding that pliable fabrics allow more versatility and comfort.
- Flowy fabrics: “Flowing fabrics styled on women with a bigger bust establish an optical balance to the chest,” JLUXLABEL co-founder Teresa Printers shares.
- Dresses that hug your waist: “If the attention is more on your waist, your silhouette will appear more balanced. If you have stronger legs or wide hips, it is also an advantage if the focus is on the waist,” Christina Boyd, co-founder of JLUXLABEL, says.
- Cinching under the bust: “To overcome challenges such as finding the perfect fit and flattering silhouette, consider where your natural waistline falls to create the ideal balance. Having the dress cinch underneath the bustline can help achieve your goal of visual symmetry,” Nelson explains. If you’re gravitating toward a boxier dress, she says adding a belt has the same effect.
Stylist approved dresses for big busts
Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post recently gave her thumbs up to this striped and flowy dress. She predicts this will be a continuous trend in the fall season. “Stripes are always so crisp and clean and fresh-looking, and one of my styling secret weapons,” Post shares.
“Add in the satin-style fabric and incredibly comfortable maxi silhouette and you’ll feel as good as you look,” she adds.
Brianne recommends a classic style like the Wrap Dress popularized by Diane von Furstenberg, especially for larger busts. “A tried and true classic example of camouflaging certain areas is the wrap dress. This style has withstood the test of time and has a bevy of patterns, skirt and arm lengths to choose from. A wardrobe staple for any modern fashionista looking to amp up quality investment pieces in their closet,” she mentions. This affordable design from Quince is flowy and can be easily adjusted with the waist belt.
This dress features side panels that allow for a bra-friendly fit, along with a flowy silhouette and lightweight fabric for easy, comfortable wear. Zeroual says, “The beautifully cinched waist is what makes this dress work. Creating definition at the waist helps balance a fuller bust and gives the overall silhouette more proportion.”
This lightweight jersey dress has a slightly thinner fabric that makes it especially well-suited for warmer environments. Those with larger busts will appreciate the V-neckline, while the collar adds a polished, professional touch. Zeroual recommends this dress because the “stretchy knit fabric is a great choice for a fuller bust because it adapts to the body without pulling or feeling restrictive. It allows the dress to follow the curves while maintaining a polished silhouette.”
Best dresses for big busts, worn by editors
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says she originally rented this dress through Nuuly, but it was hard to part ways with such a comfortable design. “I decided to make it a permanent item in my closet rotation and bought it! You wouldn’t expect this to be as comfortable and unrestrictive as it is with the sturdy denim fabric and top-to-bottom buttons, but this is such an effortless outfit to throw on during the summer and fall. The featured waist adjusters also allow me to tailor the fit to perfectly flatter my body shape,” she shares.
I [Espinal] stumbled upon this dress while shopping online and immediately had to have it. It’s lightweight, easy to pull on, and a great alternative to the classic little black dress when you want something with a little more flair. The ruffled trim adds a feminine touch without overwhelming the simple silhouette.
Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, a deputy managing editor of partnerships at Shop TODAY, recommends this maxi dress by Anthropologie. She says, “As someone who is petite with a bigger bust, I love the silhouette of this Anthropologie dress, which I own in dark green. It has a bunch of flattering features, such as a V-neck, cinched waist and tiered skirt. Plus, pockets!”
Although it’s made with cotton (Brianne notes that 100% cotton can be too restrictive), its various expert-approved features make it a comfortable, chic closet addition.
I appreciate knit dresses because they feel lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear without feeling constricting. This one features a square neckline and vertical stripes that help create a lengthening effect. I especially love how the straight lines make my frame look taller and more streamlined.
I just received this dress and immediately loved its construction, design and color. The fringed hem adds a playful, fun touch, while the embellished pearls along the turtleneck give the design an elegant finish. While the high neckline may be less accommodating for larger busts, I appreciate how the structured fit smooths my wider back and cinches my waist without feeling restrictive.
Bender also loves this dress for its superior craftsmanship. “After weeks of searching for the perfect travel dress for some upcoming trips, I stumbled upon Noble’s Utility Dress. Between the 100% cotton canvas material that can withstand multiple washes, the expansive size and color range, the modern oversized sleeves that perfectly cover my upper arms (quite insecure about them!) and the perfectly cinched waist, I was instantly enamored. When it finally arrived at my apartment, I fell in love all over again with how effortlessly cool I looked in it.”
Best dress styles for large busts
Sick of wasting precious time trying on way too many dresses and never finding the right fit? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you hone in on the dress styles that work best for larger busts.
Halter dresses: “This style is particularly good for those with large chests. It pulls up and together without overexaggerating the body. There’s versatility with halter tops in how they’re fastened that can aid in containing and slimming,” Brianne says.
Dresses with adjustable straps: “These help accommodate fluctuating fit. Avoid strapless and spaghetti straps as the former tends to read saggy, and the latter can cause shoulder grooves and pesky indentations,” Brianne says.
V-neck, scoop, cowl or square neckline dresses: “I suggest reaching for dresses with necklines that elongate the torso and upper chest. When styling my clients, I like to recommend these particular styles, which all look great on women with larger busts,” Nelson says.
Wrap and A-line dresses: “These are standout silhouettes for busty clients, particularly for women who wear extended sizes,” Nelson tells us.
Asymmetric cuts and drapes: “They help you reveal as much or as little as you prefer,” Boyd says.
As for celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, the best go-to dresses to wear if you have a larger bust include V-necks and halter dresses because they look flattering and draw attention to the skin instead of the size of your bust.
You also want to work on proportion. If you have a larger bust, personal stylist Charline Zeroual says that “in order to maintain the balance between your top half and your bottom half, try to bring a little bit of flow on the lower body.” She goes on to say, “But I think the key is always to accentuate the waist.”
More dress shopping tips for large busts
What to avoid
Silks, satins and 100% cotton. Brianne says silks and satins retain heat, and 100% cotton can be too restrictive.
Zeroual also recommends avoiding “anything that is oversized” and “anything boxy.” She says that we “definitely want something that will be fitted [...] around the bust.”
Cadmus goes on to say that “it depends on the desired look, comfort level in wearing a look, and overall body shape.” She continues, “A style that I find rarely works for big busted women is a bustier-style dress. Often the bust does not fit within the confines of the bustier.”
Be mindful of hardware
Even the hardware on a dress can make a difference in the way it fits. Brianne recommends choosing dresses with buttons instead of zippers because “buttons tend to be more forgiving [and] combat fit issues.”
The right bra makes a world of difference
Flattering your figure doesn’t stop at finding the perfect dress. “Like good primer is to makeup, a good bra is to fashion. Having support in all the right places can do wonders! Regardless of the type of dress you wear, the shape of the garment should hug your figure,” Printers says.
“Remember to start with a solid foundation by wearing a supportive, properly-sized bra. Having the right bra will make it easier to discover the perfectly fitted dress you’re in search of and allow you to go out into the world confidently,” Nelson echoes.
If you’re shopping in store, try it on!
Dragging a whole bunch of garments into the dressing room can be a bit of a pain, but trying things on in person can pay off. “Don’t avoid styles simply because of hanger appeal (mainly lack thereof). Always try on each product unit to gauge fit. Ask questions of the sales teams. All employees should be well-versed and full of information,” Brianne says.
Frequently asked questions
According to Zeroual, the best dresses are those with a more open neckline such as V-neck, square, sweetheart or scoop necklines. "The idea is to create some openness around the chest to visually balance the volume on top," she says.
When it comes to dresses, you want to think about proportions and how to visually lengthen the silhouette. "V-necks are particularly flattering because they create a strong vertical line, drawing the eye up and down and helping elongate the torso. In contrast, very high or closed necklines can sometimes make the upper body appear fuller because there is an uninterrupted block of fabric from the bust to the neck," Zeroual adds.
How we chose
To find the best dresses for big busts, we turned to fashion experts for guidance on the silhouettes, fabrics and design elements that offer both comfort and a flattering fit. From waist-hugging styles and flowy materials to dresses with strategic under-bust cinching, their recommendations helped shape our selection. We also assessed each option based on quality, material, price and firsthand testing, while researching top-rated styles and shopper favorites to build our final list.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Audrey Brianne is a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles. She has worked with companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson and People’s Revolution.
- Lauren Nelson is a styling supervisor for Stitch Fix, an online personal styling service.
- Teresa Printers and Christina Boyd are the founders of JLUXLABEL, a women’s clothing brand based on the belief that “high fashion should be attainable for every woman,” according to their website.
- Samantha Brown is a celebrity stylist and the best-selling author of “Dressing Up”.
- Charline Zeroual is a Los Angeles-based personal stylist who focuses on a more conscious approach with her clients.
