I am not going to say that having a large chest is a bad thing.  I think there are pros and cons to having all chest sizes.  However, I am not going to lie and say that having big boobs is always a picnic either, especially as I get older.

While it should be simple, finding well-fitting t-shirts that work for a large chest can be about as difficult as finding the perfect bra (I’m a Primadonna bra girl, myself).  Ask any large busted woman and she will tell you this.  The neckline needs to be perfect, the length just right and the shape needs to be fitted, but not too fitted, like freaking Goldilocks.  The list goes on.

The Best T-Shirts When You Have a Large Chest

If you are looking for the perfect t-shirt shape and style that will work for your large chest, check out what to look for in these tips.

Neckline

If you have read at least one book on dressing your body (you can check out mine), then you know that high necklines, like jewel and crew necks, can be difficult to wear. You are better off with deeper necklines like scoop and v-necks which break up the space and keep it from looking like you aren’t smuggling water cantaloupes under your top.

You need to be careful with this tip.  If a neckline is too deep or low it can look overtly sexual, especially if too much cleavage is exposed.  It’s a tricky balance.  Be sure to bend over in a t-shirt with a deep neckline to make sure you aren’t revealing too much when you wear it.

Here are some examples of necklines that work and don’t work.

Length

The proper length of a t-shirt is also important to consider.  Shorter tops are not your friend when you have a large chest, and forget cropped tops.

When you optically shorten any part of the body with clothing it also makes that area look wider.  Women with large chests optically appear to have short torsos, even if they don’t, and a shorter top will only emphasize this.  Unless you want to look top heavy and extra booby, or like you are boobs and a waist, avoid t-shirts that are short.  Ideally, the perfect t-shirt length is 1-3″ below the pelvic bones on the body.

Here are some examples of lengths that work and don’t.

Shape

Shape is the next important feature to consider.  Shapeless t-shirts are a no go.  Not only do boxy, wide styles have the same widening effect that shorter tops do, boxy tops also bypass a crucial part of a curvy woman’s body, the waist.

I wish I could say going out and buying t-shirts with shape was going to solve all your problems but, alas, it isn’t.  There are some shaped t-shirts that have so much shape you might as well stick a blinking neon sign on your chest that says, “Boobs here.”  Be careful of excessive lycra, too much stretch and t-shirts that cling to the body versus gently shape the body.

Here are some examples of what to and not to look for.

Sleeves

Sleeves can be equally perilous when shopping for t-shirts for large chests.  Full short sleeves, and those wide bell/statement sleeves can visually add unnecessary fullness across the bust line.   Choose short sleeves that fit close to the arm instead.  Alternatively, 3/4 sleeves are ideal because they draw the eyes away from the bust line.

Thickness

Lastly, fabric thickness.  Tissue weight and super flimsy fabrics rarely work with large chests. Instead, beefier fabrics have substance and will contain the curviness of the body.  If you prefer fabrics that are lightweight, look for styles with gathering or ruching over the tummy to add some substance and to conceal unwanted lumps and bumps.

It’s not easy to find t-shirts for large chests that hit all these points, and when you do find them it is a small miracle.  However, by hitting on at least a few of these points you’ll be able to wear a t-shirts and look great at the same time.