Okay, so let’s get into it. Figuring out clothes when you’re built, well, like this – smaller frame, larger bust – it’s been a real journey, let me tell you. It wasn’t like I woke up one day and had all the answers. It was messy, lots of trying things on and lots of ‘nope, not gonna work’.
My process really started with just plain frustration. I’d go into regular stores, grab my usual size, maybe a small or extra small based on my shoulders or waist. Tried on a shirt. Shoulders fit fine, length was okay, but the buttons across the chest? Screaming for help. Big gaps, pulling, looked awful.
So, the obvious next step, I sized up. Grabbed a medium. Great, the chest fits now, no more button panic. But everywhere else? I was swimming in it. The shoulders drooped, the waist was baggy, looked like I was wearing a tent. It just made me look bigger all over, which wasn’t the goal.
Finding What Actually Works
This went on for a while. Buying stuff I thought was okay in the dressing room, then hating it when I wore it out. Eventually, I realized I had to get methodical about it. This became my actual practice, figuring this puzzle out.
First, I started paying way more attention to fabrics. Stretchy materials became my best friends. Things like jersey, knits, anything with a bit of spandex or elastane. They accommodate curves much better without needing the whole garment to be oversized.
Then, I focused on cuts and styles:
- Wrap tops and dresses: These are lifesavers, honestly. You can adjust the fit around the waist and bust. Super forgiving.
- V-necks and scoop necks: Found these generally more flattering than high necklines like crew necks, which sometimes just made everything look like one solid block.
- Tailoring: This was a big one. I finally accepted that off-the-rack often just won’t cut it perfectly. Found a decent local tailor. Sometimes I have to buy a size up to fit the bust and then get the waist and shoulders taken in. Yes, it’s an extra cost and hassle, but having clothes that actually fit? Game changer.
- Structured fabrics with darts: For things like blouses or jackets that need structure, I look for items with good darting around the bust. Sometimes they build in the shape you need.
- Avoiding certain things: Super boxy tops are usually out. Anything with horizontal stripes right across the chest? Nope. Button-downs remain tricky; I always check for that dreaded gap or buy specifically designed ones.
I also started learning which brands tend to work better for me. It was pure trial and error. Ordering online became a lot about checking size charts meticulously, reading reviews from people with similar builds, and accepting that returns are just part of the process.
So yeah, that’s been my journey. It wasn’t a quick fix. It involved a lot of trying stuff on, making mistakes, learning about fabrics and cuts, and finally resorting to tailoring. It’s still not perfect, sometimes shopping is still annoying, but it’s way better than it used to be. You just gotta put in the time to figure out what works for your specific shape. It’s an ongoing practice, really.
