By Lindsey, CS editor. Follow me @CollegeStyle12.
This article is a continuation of our fabulous body peace series. Read other articles on dressing for your body type, beating the body blues and airbrushing in magazines.
Sorry, VS. Not everyone can wear this push-up.
OK, so apparently the most common breast size for women in the United States is a 34C according to the CDC, but we know that not every woman is shaped the same way (something Victoria’s Secret doesn’t recognize). If you measure in at DD or above, this post is for you! I’m right there with you ladies… and I know it isn’t always fun because let’s face it: having big boobs and a small waist can be both frustrating and expensive, even if there are thousands of girls dying for your shape.
Your Guide to Bras
As I’m sure you have already realized, Victoria Secret PINK stops at a size D. The main problem with having big boobs and bra shopping is that most retailers assume that if you have big boobs, you are overweight. This isn’t always the case! If you have big boobs and a small waist just go ahead and give up on buying your bras at Walmart, Target, Victoria Secret, etc. UNLESS you get them altered by a good tailor.
A good bra will make you stand taller, make your boobs look great and make you look skinnier. A bra is perhaps one of the most important items in your closet, so get ready to invest in a good one. Also, actually wear a bra, because I’ve got more bad news for you chica: the more you have, the more you sag! You aren’t Kate Hudson. Wear a real bra and get those puppies up there for the long haul.
Is your bra as uncomfortable as Lady Gaga’s?
Steps for finding a good bra
- Go to the right place: Call around and find a store that has the sizes you need and has a good selection. DO NOT BUY A BRA ONLINE. That is cheating. It won’t fit. I go to Soma Intimates and although the store is pricey, you get what you pay for. These bras will make you look great and they last. I’ve also had luck with Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
- Get sized by a professional: Yes, I know it’s sometimes embarrassing for you shy flowers, but believe me, having someone wrap a measuring tape around your boobs might not sound like a picnic, but you need it. While you are still growing, get sized every six months. Your boobs can keep growing in to your twenties depending on when you got your first period, so keep checking in. Also get resized with any major changes in your weight. The bad news is that most girls wear the wrong bra size, the good news is that most girls underestimate their cup size and overestimate their band size.
- Try on, try on, try on: Yes, finding the perfect bra is frustrating, but it is also worth it. Expect to spend a while in the bra store and set a few hours aside so you won’t be rushed. My advice would either be to go by yourself or with your mother. Don’t take your boyfriend. It may sound fun to him at first (lingerie shopping, oooh!), but he won’t be a good sport after the first hour… I promise. Get someone at the store to help you. Learn her name and call it often. You don’t need to keep putting your old bra and shirt back on every time you need a new size. It is inefficient. Don’t be afraid to ask an associate to look at the bra on you and comment on the fit. That’s what they are there for.
- Don’t be afraid to go sexy: Just because you’ll probably be shopping among older ladies who either want super boring bras or want super impractical ones meant to “recharge my husband’s sexual batteries” doesn’t mean you have to buy a frumpy bra! Buy something sexy AND practical. What’s a bra without colors, bows and lace? One word of caution: sorry sweetheart, but a push-up bra is not in your future. Why? Because you don’t need it! You want your boobs up and ready, not in your neck. No push-ups for you…ever.
- Diversify: Don’t buy all of the exact same bra, but at the same time know what works for you. You need three bras: a nude T-shirt bra, a “special bra” that can convert to racerback and go strapless and a fun bra for everything else. It’s OK to go with the same general shape if that’s what you like, but buy bras for different purposes.
- Don’t be afraid to alter: If your bra doesn’t fit exactly right, spend the 10 extra dollars to get it altered. If you don’t want to shell out the cash for an expensive bra, buy a cheaper one in an easier size (usually one waist size up) and have the band taken in. If you aren’t on the tightest hook when you buy the bra, it is too big. You want to start on the tightest hook so when the bra stretches (they all do), it still fits.
- Take care of your investment: If you followed my advice, you paid enough where you don’t want to ruin these. Wash them on delicate in a lingerie bag. Shape with your hands after washing and lay flat to dry. DON’T DRY THEM!!
Your Guide to Bathing Suits
Most girls with this body shape also wear bathing suits that don’t fit.
Your bathing suit doesn’t fit properly if…
- Your boobs fall out the sides or top when you move. Let’s face it: swimsuits are meant for swimming, not tanning. The best swimsuit is one that you can actually, well, swim in.
- Either your waist strap or your top strap is tied tight enough that it leaves red marks.
- Your boobs fall out the bottom when you jump in the water.
Love this swimsuit’s shape
Here’s the fix:
- You need a bigger cup size. I know that your waist is small enough where you could maybe wear a small, but your boobs are big enough where you need a size large. Always go with the size that fits your boobs and then get it altered to fit your waist.
- You need a different style. Halter bathing suits that tie in the waist and in the back are cute, however, these won’t be the best for you. These are meant for A or B cups. Go with something that has an actual clasp in the back and is fixed or clasps at the top.
- You need underwire. I know it sounds uncomfortable, but underwire will help you stay supported and will give your boobs a better shape. Contrary to popular belief, two-piece bathing suits are made with underwire. You just need to look for them.
My final tip on bathing suit shopping is don’t get discouraged! Put in the time to find one or two great suits and get them altered to fit you perfectly. Wearing a swimsuit that fits great will do more for you than a summer tan or losing those last few pounds before bikini season. Don’t lose hope and go for the frumpy one-piece your grandmother wears with the flowers. There are cute bathing suits that can look hott, actually fit and flatter your shape, both one-pieces and bikinis.
Your Guide to Clothes
So you’ve got a bodacious rack? Congratulations. Contrary to popular belief, not everything makes you look va-va-voom like Marilyn here. She had your shape, but she also knew exactly how to flatter it and you should learn too.
- Separate the big from the small: Look for dresses that have a clear separator between your boobs and your rib cage. This type of bodice will separate the two visually. Without this, girls with big boobs can look heavier than they actually are.
- Don’t hide: This is the one thing I’m definitely guilty of. Loose T-shirts can look great with certain outfits, but if the bulk of your closet is compromised of shapeless t-shirts and dresses (guilty!), you are hiding your shape. Whether it’s because you feel embarrassed or think you are being judged for your frankly sexual shape, hiding is never fun and can make you look worse. Gradually work on wearing garments that actually fit.
- When in doubt add a belt: Anytime you can add a belt, do it. The belt will draw attention to your natural waistline and hourglasses figure and away from your breasts.
- Tuck it in: Tucking can be a great tool for your body type, but often girls are afraid to try it. High-waisted items look great with tucked-in shirts. This is my favorite trick in the book.
- Test it: Because you have more, you show more. You aren’t going to be able to wear the same things as your size B friend because you have a more naturally sexual figure things will look more risque. Keep the goods underwraps by checking your outfit in the mirror before you buy or head out to class. Bend over to check the front and turn to the side as well.
Final Points
Don’t forget it girl: whether it’s in bars with drunk males or in a bra store, having big boobs can be frustrating at times, but take pride in what your mother gave ya! The best thing you can wear is confidence, always.
What’d you think of my tips? Will you be taking along any on your next trip to the dressing room? Have any other tips you’d like to share? Comment below, email us at info@college-style.com with fashion questions or tweet us @collegestyle12.
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