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Whether you have a voluptuous bosom that spills over your top or you feel the need to plump yourself up with wads of tissue, dressing to suit your bust is all about maximising and minimising your assets. Most British women wish they had a different shape to pull off the latest fashions: according to a SizeUK National Sizing Survey in 2005, 60 percent of the UK's shoppers struggle to track down clothes that really flatter them.
First things first: wearing the right-sized bra can make a huge difference, giving definition and improving the look of a larger woman. According to Figleaves, over 70 percent of women wear the wrong size bra, and badly-fitting bras can lead to poor posture, neck and back problems as well as looking bumpy under clothes.
Most department stores and boutiques offer a measuring service so if you haven't already done this, get yourself down there pronto. If you have problems finding good bras, Figleaves and Bravissimo are excellent online stores that cater for the larger cup size.
A common mistake for the larger lady is to wear a bra that's too small, creating the infamous 'quadruple breast' scenario. If you want your breasts to look smaller, try minimiser bras - they're designed to reduce the bust silhouette by up to three centimetres and give a natural shape. If on the other hand you're small and want to increase your cup size, liquid-filled bras and inserts can work a treat.
Have a good look in the mirror and embrace your shape. Be honest with yourself, and buy the size that fits you properly and not the size you used to be or fantasise about. If you're big-busted, always buy open necklines such V and U necks, and choose long or three-quarter-length arms over sleeveless - these break up the chest area and draw the attention away from your breasts. Tops with pretty collars, gathered shoulders and colours that bring out your eyes and hair can help: as a rule, stick to one tone and avoid garishly bright colours combined with dark bottoms.
Make sure you follow the rule of smooth lines - if the fabric is overstretching you need to take the next size up. Tops with stretch and drape are great, but anything super-clingy can make you look much bigger than you are. Look for fitted shirts - again with deep V-necks, darts and small collars.
Patterns, breast pockets, large prints, shoulder pads, horizontal stripes, high, round and square neck lines can all overemphasise a large bust. Go for lightweight V-neck sweaters; ditch any heavy or bulky-looking jumpers that can make you look out-of-proportion. A short single-breasted jacket looks great on a fuller figure but make sure it follows the contours of the body and has small lapels. Double-breasted jackets can make you look square and bulky, so it's best to steer clear.
For smaller-busted women, the rules are almost reversed. Layering works well for your figure and can create a great look. Top picks for small busts are high necks and asymmetrical necklines, because they broaden shoulders and create the illusion of a larger bust. Sleeveless and halter-necks draw attention to your arms and away from the bust, but V-neck tops and three-quarter-length sleeves can draw attention to your chest area and make it look even flatter than it is.
It's wise to opt for chunky jumpers rather than lightweight knits; breast pockets, patterns, ruffles and larger collars can help add depth. Polo-necks can also look great on smaller-breasted women. These few simple rules can help you dress to impress, be more comfortable with your figure and walk with style and confidence.
Words: Dawinder Bansal
Photography: John Stewardson
Clothes supplied by Covet
Make up/styling: Nadine Gibbons
Model: Hannah Cook of Adage
More fashion features >
Photography: John Stewardson
Clothes supplied by Covet
Make up/styling: Nadine Gibbons
Model: Hannah Cook of Adage
More fashion features >
