There are a lot of things that just go together like PB&J — bloggers and Chloe bags, French girls and striped shirts, Eva Chen and apples. Busty girls and button-up blouses, on the other hand, are typically not one of those winning combinations. If you’ve got a large chest, you may feel like button-ups are a total lost cause.
The gaping discomfort and dressing room frustration has probably led you to avoid them altogether, which limits your style options. Or, if you do find one that sort of fits, it’s usually in a size (or two) larger than what you’d normally wear, which can look overly boxy. To make it work, many fuller-busted women wear a minimizer bra or force the front placket flat with double-sided tape.
Not all button-up shirts are a total disaster, and some brands are taking steps to fix these issues. Now, you can wear the oxford shirt of your dreams. Don’t believe us? Click through this slideshow for ultra-stylish proof.
Equipment
This brand is a button-up favorite for busty and flat-chested girls alike. Plus, a V-neck like this is flattering on fuller ladies since it doesn’t feel as “buttoned-up,” if you will.
While Equipment’s shirts are only available up to size L, the silky fabric and looser cuts allow for more size flexibility, and they’re perfect for petite, full-chested women who don’t necessarily want to go for a plus-size — or have a generally small frame aside from their breasts.
Sure, Equipment blouses are on the spendy side, but many busty employees here at the office raved about the brand when asked about button-up shirts. You won’t regret skipping all the not-quite-right button-ups and going straight for the splurge on a high-quality one that will last for years.
Eloquii
Another great option for busty girls is to opt for a plus-size button-up, like this one from Eloquii. (In a plus-size shirt, you can stick with your true size instead of up-sizing.) It has a looser — but not shapeless — silhouette, and the overlay gives you a more distinct waist and hip rather than feeling like you’re wearing a sack. This variation also has fabric covering the buttons, which adds to the polished look, especially when it’s buttoned up all the way. If any buttons were to pull slightly, it’d be harder to tell.
This top gets rave reviews, which is always promising when shopping for a wardrobe staple online. Sample comment: “I often struggle with button-ups because I am busty and have full hips, and often shirts that fit my bust hang unflattering over the hip. The 14 fit well, and gently skimmed my hips. Highly recommend!”
ASOS Curve
This fashion-girl favorite destination has a solid offering of plus-size button-ups at affordable prices. Not only are they available in a wide range of sizes, they’re also super on-trend.
With fun prints and patterns, these aren’t the matronly button-ups you usually find in plus-size departments. This one’s got a flattering and versatile vertical stripe that elongates the torso and is easily mixed and matched with both solids and other prints. The slightly boxy silhouette means it can accommodate a curvier lower-half, too.
Target
Good ol’ Target has a sparkling reputation for button-up shirts, according to one of our favorite plus-size style experts, Liz Black. This one’s under $20, and its buttons only go halfway down, which is a great trick for larger chest sizes. This style tends to be a little more flexible than one with a full, top-to-bottom row of buttons.
Think about it: the more buttons there are, the more chances there are for gaping or having them pop open. And, because it’s button-free over the stomach, you don’t have to worry about any gaping in that area when you’re sitting down. You can even unbutton it all the way and layer a simple cami underneath to avoid button issues altogether.
Simply Be
Boyfriend fits are a reliable option when it comes to button-up for busty women. Unlike slimmer styles that may require buying one or two sizes up, the boyfriend fit is intentionally a bit oversized — yet, not completely shapeless. Liz Black admitted she tends to half-tuck her button-up shirts so she doesn’t feel like her waist or hips get lost in excess fabric. With a high-low hem like this one, that issue is avoided since your hips are more visible in the front.
Additionally, thanks to a silhouette with a little more wiggle-room, you can buy your true size rather than sizing up. The looser shape also doesn’t feel overly professional, so it’ll be your new go-to for brunches and errand-running.
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