Learn how to dress to enhance the appearance of a small bust.
Boost your bust with these visual enhancement tricks.
Look for dresses and tops that feature gathering, pleats, twists, knots, and/or ruching at the bodice. A style that works well on small-busted women can provide a visual boost as effective as a good push-up bra.The dress shown here has a gathered bust with a twist in the middle. This kind of detailing gives the illusion of curves through texture and volume. Notice how the gathered folds in the fabric create the appearance of a fuller, rounder bustline.
What to Wear Underneath
Before you go any further, make sure you have the right bra.
Perhaps the most important item for every small-busted woman is a great bra. Whether you want to increase your bust size or just find a comfortable bra that fits well, you'll find what you need in my Itty Bitty Bra Guide or its sister page on padded push-up bras.-
The Itty Bitty Bra Guide
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My bra size is 32AA or A, depending on weight fluctuations. When I'm a 32A, it's easy enough to fit into the smallest bras from mainstream underwear and lingerie brands. Any smaller than that, and it becomes quite a challenge! I'm not an...
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Padded Push-Up Bras in Small Sizes
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On my Itty Bitty Bra Guide, I host a poll asking small-busted women about their favorite bras. Many of my flat-chested respondents have endorsed the padded push-up style as their favorite, so here they are: my top picks for pushup bras to fit small b...
Go for fitted styles with draped necklines.
Draping at the neckline of a top, sweater or dress can be a very flattering style for small-busted figures. Just make sure the bodice is fitted and that the neckline doesn't dip too low, otherwise you could end up showing too much when you lean forward!
I love simple, elegant drape neck styles. This casual top (above right) and satin evening dress (left) are both classic prototypes you can keep in mind when shopping for clothes to enhance a small bust.
As you can see, this dress is quite low-cut. However, it doesn't overwhelm the model's small figure; that's because the dress isn't too wide for her shoulders, and it's cut to fit close to the body through the bust and waist.
From flat to feminine: How to transform your bust
...just add ruffles!
Wear tops and dresses with ruffled necklines. A little ruffle can do wonders for a flat chest. My favorite way to wear bust-enhancing ruffles is on a scoop neck cotton eyelet blouse.Try a pretty, feminine blouse like this one in white or cream -- light colors also help enhance a small bust, and you'll be able to wear a piece like this all year round. Just throw on a cropped jacket or cozy cardigan over it when the weather gets chilly.
Style Tips for Petite Women
How to dress to flatter a small frame.
Note that both of the drape neck fashions shown above are fitted everywhere except at the neckline. Clothes that are cut too loose or boxy will swallow up your petite figure and hide what little curves you do have. For outerwear, petite figures look best in cropped jackets and belted coats that come in at the waist.
Still wondering what to wear? Questions are welcome.
Flat fashionistas, please note: don't miss the style gallery farther down.
If there's anything else you'd like to know about what to wear to enhance a small bust, feel free to enter your question in the comment box below. There's no need to register an account, but don't forget to bookmark this page so you'll be able to find my response. The itty bitty t-word committee appreciates your support, whether you're a member yourself or just a friendly ally of our cause. :)
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Reply
- Promgirl Promgirl Feb 1, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
- im trying to find a put dress for prom that will flatter my figure, i wear a 32A! i love that red dress on the top of the page, where can i find it?
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Reply
- cjsysreform cjsysreform Feb 2, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
- Hi! Unfortunately I can't seem to find that dress for sale; I just used the picture to illustrate the ruched bust style. But there are many other similar dresses you might like. Try a Google Image search for "prom dress ruched bust."
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Reply
- grace grace Dec 6, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
- im a 17 year old teen 5"4 in height and my bust size is about 28-29 inch.
i need a very miraculous help!! :((
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Reply
- grace5 grace5 Dec 6, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
- 28-29cm rather my bust size
everytime i go out, i feel degraded x(
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- cjsysreform cjsysreform Dec 28, 2009 @ 5:15 am
- Grace,
I'm really sorry to hear that you feel so self-conscious about your bust size. At 17, it's possible that you still have some growing to do; lots of girls fill out a bit more after high school. In the meantime, I'd suggest a bra with some padding to help you feel more confident when you go out. There are some very nice bras by Victoria's Secret Pink and AE Aerie that are made just for teens, including padded styles. I have some examples of these posted on my blog at 32aabra.com.
You're lovely as you are, so please don't be too harsh on yourself. Feel free to contact me on Twitter or by email at info [at] 32aabra.com if you need to talk... I've been where you are, and I survived. :)
Amanda Sage
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Fashions for the Flat and Fabulous
A gallery of gorgeous clothes to fit, flatter and enhance small breasts.
Deep teal silk flutter sleeve top, by TIBI.
Snag That Style
Shop for clothes to enhance your small bust.
See something here you like? Here's where you can get the fashions featured in the gallery above. Go ahead, give that sexy little bust of yours a gift... because small breasts are beautiful.
Repeat after me: I love my itty bitty rack, and I'm gonna dress it right.
TIBI teal silk ruffle blouse: Chick Downtown
Ella Moss black cowl neck dress: Couture Candy
Splendid silk & cotton halter dress: Chick Downtown
Sheer Elegance chiffon dress: ModCloth
For a little extra boost...
by cjsysreform
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