About 10 years ago, I found button down shirts that were wrap around instead of having buttons. They were so flattering & easy to wear with my big bust.
Jane Lawson They were available through a store called The Limited in the US. That store is no longer around & I cannot find those shirts anywhere else.
Also, I have friend with an extreme hour glass shape and big bust. She has a clothing budget where she allows for tailoring costs. The fashion industry just doesn’t provide for her.
Hmm... daily problems when you're petite with a big bust: Needing to wear heels to get a good proportion, and if a v-neck top is not in Petite size range, the neck will always be too low and wide! Hidden blouse buttons are a stroke of genius and if more brands adopt them, I might buy button-ups again. But, if they are even a little snug in the bust, those stripes are going to distort themselves, so as another commenter mentioned, we have to buy them too big and tailor them. I think small busted women are very fortunate; you guys can wear everything! I'll check out that new course. 🤗
Hello Marie-Anne, Denise here... I purchase shirts, especially white, button down shirts from a British company called Bravissimo. The shirts are very flattering because there is room for our busts but the style slightly nips in at the waist. Often regular shirts that fit our busts hide our waists and we look larger/heavier than we are. The Bravissimo shirts save our figures.
Thanks for featuring the necklace from Justine! It is great to see Fabulous French ladies working together. Love your channel and love your collaborations.
Hi Marie-Anne, thanks for addressing this tricky figure problem; I am only a bit larger than average (36E), but struggle with it. My problems with having a large bust are: 1. it’s really difficult to find tops, especially tailored dresses, shirts and blazers, that fit both my bust and my average shoulder width, 2. shirt-gaping, as you mentioned, 3. “pull lines” across the bust, 4. finding bras that are pretty and have narrow straps - most bras in my size have those wide, padded straps that are comfortable, but show at the edges of most of my tops), a d finding bras that aren’t padded, but have enough of a liner to prevent nipple show-through. My solutions (never completely satisfactory) are to: buy mostly knits, even in blazers, buy up one size and have the shoulders taken in (this adds an extra cost of $100 for blazers here in expensive San Francisco, so I can only afford to do it for a few high quality, timeless items that I adore), adding fasteners between buttons: Velcro “buttons” work best, but are difficult to sew on. As you mentioned V- necks are the most flattering, but I also like scoop and square ones. I never show any cleavage, but the more chest skin that shows, the more it breaks up the huge-bust look.
I can never understand why shirts/blouses and cardigans have the same measurements in the back as in the front. Most women need the front of the garment to have more fabric than the back. No one is the same size in the front as the back. What do you think? Meantime, thank you Marie-Anne - love your channel and 'advice'.
@@schneeroseful Exactly - I often unpick the front darts - steam and press where the seam was and it gives me a better fit in the front. Yes, darts make a shirt look very finished and neat but not always practical for me.
My bust is a 32 E cup. The best thing I ever did was to get custom shirts, which I wear to work with skirts and suits. I have a shock absorber bra for playing tennis, the hold is incredible.
Never seen those little extra buttons, will look out for these! I had this experience some years ago when wearing a silk blouse and didn't notice that I was giving an "extra" hello. I find winter dressing hardest, ask I don't want an exposed neckline or light knits (although Madrid isn't cold for so long) but chunky knits add bulk to my chest and high jumpers create the extra expanse of breast that you spoke about. I put a shirt under a vneck as an option.
I hate shirts for a long time, for the thing with the buttons 🙈 Now I wear them over tank tops as a cover up or do the buttons under the bust and create a deep V. A good bra is really essential, but hard to find in very big sizes 🤷🏻♀️
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Thank you Marie-Anne I will visit the website. Oh and I have an eye on the jewelry from Justine, too. Very pretty, Justine is so talented 😊
Bonjour from uk. I sometimes have this problem with gaping. I usually put some invisible stiches in my shirts/blouses so they do not gape. Really enjoying your videos 🙂
Merci for this video. I have a large bust and try to follow the v-neck and vertical stripes rules. I am also an avid tennis player and need a very supportive bra which I've found. It's made by Glamorise and allows me to run all over the court for my weekly 1+ hour game of singles. I have followed Justine for a very long time and she always has priceless insights to share along with a lovely line of clothing and jewelry. Thank you for supporting her. Be well!
I had no idea there are blouses with hidden buttons! I have that gaping button problem so I just tend to avoid blouses. I'lm have to look for those! Thank you...💐💕
Hi Marie-Anne, I have used a tailor for years to accommodate my hourglass figure and it is amazing what proper tailoring can do with ready to wear clothing. Blouses, trousers, jeans, dresses, skirts, etc. One’s clothes look custom made. Minimiser bras are wonderful for minimizing too as we have talked about too! Happy Bastille Day! 😘 🇫🇷 We celebrate every year with champagne! I will raise my glass to you! 🥂
Not only do I like Justine Leconte very much, but I also respect and admire her views on fashion, sustainability and many other things. Her jewellery is beautiful and unique, just like her. It was nice to see her here too :)
Very useful advice...I used to be able to wear any neckline but with my weight gain only v neck and open neck shirts will do....I am hoping this is a temporary problem as I lose weight and drop in size ...the info on M&S putting those extra buttons on the inside is useful I shall try their range and also the shock absorber bras. Thank you and God bless Gilly wife of Mark
I have a big busy and I tend to use thinner bras with little or no padding, that helps so much. And a good bra with adequate support is effective. I sometimes wear a zip up bra like the ones used for running and it compresses everything.
Oh that's a real precious tip with that hidden button. I like sewing and will consider it next time I buy a blouse. Love the shock absorber bras (and have a few of those.) That is indeed thé most important thing when you want to run etc. ( And good shoes ofcourse) loved the video Marie -Anne!
Your help and inspiration IS A REAL GIFT🎁 my BEAUTIFUL FRENCH AMIE🌻💐🌺🌷! I REALLY appreciate your ideas and sense of humor! I've been busty since age 9..... and have to buy bras in a specialty shop $$$. I'm working on bringing back my waist 💃🚶♀️🏃♀️(I'm 48....) and tucking in button up tops! I also like nude camisoles or matching singlet to be worn under a lower cut dress or blouse! I do not allow the "GIRLS" 👙 to be on display! Buttons down the front of a skirt or shirt are slimming.... but I TOO, have avoided wearing them! I'm a petite HOURGLASS and tailored shirts can be so hard to find that fit my arms and bust but aren't too long or wide! With love from rural South Australia! 🇭🇲🇺🇸
I watch Justine’s UA-cam videos and have that exact necklace, also in silver!! It is so pretty although it does dangle just a bit suggestively between my large breasts since I am quite petite (excluding my bust). When I do strenuous exercise I wear 2 bras, a well-fitted sport’s bra underneath a tight crop-top type bra. Those extra hidden buttons are fantastic, I have never seen them before but am forever putting a tiny hidden safety pin between the buttons on tops to stop them gaping. Being petite and large busted can be a style nightmare. Great tips
Yes, the gaping blouse when sitting is always an issue and immediately destroys a chic look. The hidden buttons in the bust area are a brilliant solution! I'll search for a M & S shirt, hope they still make them like that.
Hidden button shirts!!!! Brilliant! I have never seen one but will certainly be on the lookout now! Also, have never seen the “Shock Absorber” bra. Great for sports of all kinds! Thank you for the great info, Marie-Anne!
Aloha Marie-Anne... glad for the advice you provide here, so relevant.. as I have become bigger as I am getting older... I am careful about what I wear so not to expose my decolletage..and the stripes advice and the necklace is brilliant, I will try to find blouses in horizontal stripes, and I would love to buy a necklace like you are wearing here, AND I also follow Justine.... so great link up to her site also, Mahalo lovely lady..
Marie-Anne, I have a very large bust, and the best tip I can give is try to find a top with chevrons, rather than stripes. Vertical stripes are terrible on someone really curvy, as the stripe breaks. What's very slimming on an already small-chested woman is not slimming on someone curvy. I get really sick of slim women suggesting long necklaces. When they dangle, they bounce off one's stomach. They sometimes disappear into one's cleavage, too. My tip? Wear oversize brooches on a jacket. They distract the eye and make one look much flatter. Flat jewellery is also disastrous. If your necklace is larger in scale, the eye notices less of a distance between the nipple and the collarbone. (Nothing lies flat on me anyway, so you would only see the edge of flat jewellery). The secret to good tailoring is princess seams. Look at Dolly Parton. Her clothes never gape and all her tops have curved seams. I rue the day Jasper Conran stopped making clothes for Debenhams. (He cut beautifully for a large bust). I have no shirts that gape, because I either buy shirts with big darts or princess seams. If all else fails, buy a size up, don't button the shirt, and cross it like a wrap top, into your trousers. Or, mix up the buttoning. Put button no. 4 into buttonhole no 5 and vice versa. Instant ruching!
Great video with such helpful tips! Those are definitely problems we have when we are large busted. I’ve found a company called Bravissimo, based in the UK, ships internationally, that caters to women with large busts. They size everything by cup-size and ‘fullness’. Imo everything is very expensive ($80 for a tank top) but it all fits properly and are forever-pieces. I like tho that the advice u gave allows us to buy in the ‘regular’ department and get a proper fit while saving money. Ty Marie-Anne💐
I love Justine! I watch her channel and she is a pleasure to to watch and learn. It was you that inspired me through you book and help me be a strong woman, a lesson and encouragement that I didn’t know get from my mother. I have very large bust. I lost some weight, but not in that area. I used to ride horses also and I purchased my bra from the equestrian store. Don’t you love doing sitting trot? It was hard for me to maintain contact with the saddle until I got a lot of practice. I used to tape up my breasts, then put on my sport bra. I find that I have to wear bralette at night to feel more comfortable. I enjoy my size, and buying pretty lingerie but the underwire can be uncomfortable. Is the French rule to wear matching underwear with the sport bra?💋
Good video. Her Room is a website that carries up to an M cup bra and has the best bra fitting and selection guides over an enormous price range and many terrific brands. They also have band sizes starting from a 30. They recently just stopped carrying 28 and they go way up. I wear a DD or French E and usually avoid button up shirts.
Bonjour Marie-Anne, I have always had that problem with shirts where the spaces between the buttons gape, I have had numerous Shirts and blouses from Marks & Spencer's and they are great with the two hidden buttons, I can't understand why all ladies shirts and blouses are not made this way, if I buy a shirt I like from other shops, I have to put two pins in between the buttons, it's so annoying and sometimes you can just see where the pin is, if I buy a bigger size it's too big on the shoulder, you would think manufacturers would be wise to this problem, not only for big bust, you have said it happens to you sometimes and you have small bust. 😬
Hi I love those shirts from Marks and Spencer too. There is no branch of M&S in my town here in Ireland and I find it hard to know which size to order, so I order in two sizes knowing I will have to return one shirt which I find annoying.
Thank you for the information on the Mark & Spencer shirt. I never buy button-up shirts anymore because of the gap problem. My problem is to fit the bust the bottom of the shirt looks like a tent on me. Thank you for mentioning your Facebook group. :)
The shirt area below the bust requires fisheye (waist) darts to look flattering. On larger sized women and large busted women, they're a must, and no matter what size you are in the front, they will make you look orders of magnitude better than a shirt hanging from your bust. You can learn to make your own clothes or you can find a tailor to make shirts for you. Shirts with waist darts are VERY flattering. I make them for my plus sized friends (large bust + large abdominal/below bust area) and they look great. Many people are walking around in front button shirts WITH waist darts already but because they are commercial off the rack garments, they won't fit you specifically even if you wear the correct size for your bust. If your shirts already have waist darts, see if there is enough fabric taken up by the dart to remove it with a seam ripper and re-pin it to fit your front area. . If not, consider having 1-2 shirts custom made for you. You'll be amazed at the look of a well-fitted shirt. Another flattering look for a large bust is a dark colored sheath dress. Because it's one piece from the neckline to the knees, it gives the visual of elongating your body. If it's a print, make sure it's small, nothing splashy. Black, navy, dark brown, maroon, any warm colors will make you look smaller. Again, it should be fitted to your own curves in the front which is more flattering than hanging from your bust. So French darts or waist darts would be necessary there too. Good luck!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur I love your videos. :) A good suggestion to re-fit off the rack shirts is to release the dart, re-pin it to fit your front area, and if you don't have a sewing machine or don't want to hand sew the darts, take the pinned shirt to a dry cleaner as they have industrial sewing machines and they will sew up your darts for a few dollars. Thanks Marie. I'm working the covid ICU today, so didn't wear my sheath dress to work. :(
Hello Marie-Anne. I could relate to that video. I have a large bust. Buying dresses is the hardest thing, especially because I’m shorter and they can just hang from the bust and look frumpy. There is nothing worse than having to constantly be thinking about whether your blouse is gaping. Safety pins aren’t a good idea, speaking from my experience, one unfortunately came undone, ouch. Well it didn’t hurt me fortunately but I was worried that anyone had seen the pin. Not a good look. I should get some of that tape model’s use or double-sided but I’d worry that it might end up showing. The extra buttons are a great idea. I have seen it on a shirt but don’t remember the brand. Good to know M&S have them. I really like Justine. She is so knowledgeable. Actually it might have been from watching her that brought me to you, due to the algorithms. It’s been a while since I watched her channel so I must check back. I saw when she launched her jewellery line and I’m sure she has many more pieces now. That piece of yours is lovely. Actually I must go and find the video I missed of yours with your earrings. I told you I was going to watch it but when I searched again I didn’t see it. I’ll check again after this. We seem to have the same taste in jewellery. I found a good bra called a “minimiser”. It has an underwire which I find comfortable. It’s harder to find a good sports bra because they don’t have enough structure to be comfortable so I just wear my usual brand at the gym. I might look at that brand you showed - merci!
Thank you for your good advice. Beeing an amazone myself, I know how painful horseback riding can be. A good sportsbra is essential for support. When choosing a daily bra I can advise Marlies Dekkers. Especially for larger busts. When the undergarments fits and supports you, your clothes will look better on you. Rule nr 1 for larger busts. 😉
I have this and I’m quite slim, and am a medium hourglass. I find it’s not about the top only, but about your whole silhouette. So, high waisted pants wide legged pants look great. Better than skinny, although I’m slim and can do them. Same with skirts, high waited and a-lined or wider skirts. Also, turtle necks are much better than crew necks in winter. I do high waisted pencil skirts too, though, because I like them. I just take a bit more care with the tops. They can be spacious and flowey or tight with deeper neckline or turtle neck. If i’m not in the mood for showing off, I combine it with a short boxy jacket or an elegant blazer on top. Outside of French style, batwing sleeves are good, enspecially if the bottom of your top is narrow around the waist. Also, sometimes I want to be a tomboy. So I have a good quality wool suit with well tailored baggy trousers and a spiffy short jacket. I wear it with a generous blouse and flat ankle boots or chique leather trainers. It can be liberating to be well dressed but ignoring the hour glass ideal. Sorry Marianne. I do appreciate your video’s and classic style a lot also! I would love it if you would do a a video on style rules breaking some time! 😘
Jersey or other stretchy fabrics are your best friend if you have a large bust. If I buy a structured shirt to fit my bust, shoulders are often too wide and it tends to look like a tent, adding extra volume I don't have. But when I buy it to fit the rest of my upper body, it's of course too small around the bust area. To solve the problem I only buy shirts made from elastic fabrics and secure the buttons around the bust area additionally with small buttons (similar to the hidden buttons you showed). This modification is easily done by myself or a taylor.
Have you ever collaborated with Justine? I started watching her videos about what French women eat, and I think that’s how I came across your videos on the same topic.
I have the issue with oxford shirts where a gap sometimes show in between buttons and my trick is for a tailor to do hidden snaps, but I sure would love to not have every oxford customer tailored.
Since I have watched your videos I have bought more v-neck sweaters and tops which DO look much better. I am a D cup but have a tiny frame so all my blouses gap unless I buy something oversized (which I am not a fan of being petite).
Thank you for this one, this is me I hate my big bust, it spoils everything clothes shopping is a night mare, I am only very petite everywhere else, it's awful I hate it so much and it's embarrassing. I am saving up for a breast reduction but in the meantime thank you for the tips 🙏 yes sports can be a problem I can't run because of this even aerobics can be painful wearing two bras I find can help just to keep everything in control for exercise, in the UK there is an online lingerie shop called bravissimo who do larger cup sizes in underwear swimwear and sportswear
Bonjour, chère Marie-Anne. Are these tips useful also for women with wide shoulders even with a small bust? I am petite (160 cm hight x 42 kg) and I probably have an inverted triangle body shape. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my shoulders. Thank you. 😘
great video Marie-Anne, I love todays tip! sometimes certain shits gapes at the bust. I make sure I'm wearing the right bra, and /or size up. you look fantastic!
Regarding exercise with a big bust, there are a few products generally known as "breast bands" which you put over the top of your bra and at the top of your breasts. It sounds strange, but it stops too much up-and-down movement
Thank you so much for telling me about your shirt with the hidden buttons inside! What a wonderful idea. I intend to convert my existing shirts by adding hidden buttons/buttonholes. I don't suppose you remember how M & S advertised this feature on the shirt you're wearing? Gape-proof shirt ...? I'd have to buy online as I live in New Zealand. I've actually been afraid of wearing shirts (I'm a 44 - size 14D) as I had a bad experience after parking my car road-side. I wondered why cars were honking their horns at me until after crossing the road, I notice 3 undone buttons exposing my entire bra and upper stomach!!! Love your channel. :)
I have a 34hh and horse ride those bras are fantastic! I live in sports bras they are not pretty as such but they hold me in. I don't wear shirts button ups as I can only eat them very oversize which hides my shape. I'm pretty extreme hourglass and have a super short torso..... Nightmare to dress especially casual and if I dress up have to be careful not to look like a tart
I too have a large bust and my problem is that frequently need size L or XL, UK 16 to accommodate my bust and then the shoulders are too wide and the sleeves too long. My cup size GG is out of proportion to my petite 5ft 1in slightly chubby frame.
Oh Marie-Anne, Shock Absorber only goes up to DD. Not for big bosom's after all. 😩I love a v neck but it creates the very problem I am trying to avoid at work when I bend over, so I have to stick to high neck, even though it does not suit me. Any suggestions?
If you are in a colder climate you can wear a turtleneck under a V neck sweater or shirt. It gives the visual illusion of the V but with the coverage of the turtleneck. Pendant necklaces that create a V over higher necks also seem to help.
When I have no other choice, I wear a matching or contrasting décolletage “modesty panel” (attaches to bra straps by elastic pieces with snaps), or “boob tube”, which is a lightweight bandeau, worn over the bra). I just get too hot to wear a cami, even a silk one, underneath, especially since menopause, and these alternatives are much cooler. They come in many colors and can be found, with some effort, on the net. Another trick I use is to wear a made-to-be-shown bralette over my regular bra, but this only works for casual wear, and if the main bra straps don’t show. Wearing a bralette over a strapless bra sometimes gives enough support to get away with the lack of lift in the strapless (some lift is essential for my age and size).
Need a special bra that smoothes the sides and back bulge from all the excess breast tissue. And bras in my size are so expensive! The button down shirt problem can also be fixed with double-aided tape if there are no hidden buttons.
I have had good results using the double sided tape called Hollywood Fashion Tape. Remove it directly after you take the garment off. If left on for days, it may damage fine fabrics.
A classic trench coat is a challenge for me. Anything double-breasted is not flattering to my shape, and sadly the rare single-breasted ones somehow are not as chic. Any thoughts?
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thank you, this is so true. I always see a trench coat on must-have lists so perhaps this is where the desire comes from. But you are so right, if it isn't flattering...
In order to get blouses to fit, I have to get on extra big. I have narrow sloping sholders. Thee shoulder seam falls over them. The rest of the shirt is too big in the waist and rest of my body. Have to add long seams in the front and sides.
A problem with big busts is that with time, gravity doesn't help, especially when you would like to go without a bra. My bust is not huge, but now at a mature age I need to find pretty, chic and comfortable nightwear that offers a little support, at a reasonable price. Well it's VERY hard to find, and that's so disappointing. I am sure lots of mature ladies would love to look their best at any time. If you have any tips, Marie-Anne, they would be very much appreciated :)
SimplyBe have the best shirts for large breasted women. They have two buttons between the outer buttons that keep it closed and very secure. The fit is also perfect! My cup size is L, by the way.
Ok, I am about an E cup, when I took the largest bra on the market, my friend measured and added 12 inches to the straps, and it was 58 in the band and we added 6 four pronged bra extensions. I need a good, old fashion course, minus the stranglehold! I have a 10 and 13 year old nephew and niece that I play with in the water! Don’t get me started on suits with a skirt, or a swim dress! The material I need my suits made out of is called Chloraban, and it melts in waste water! There was a high school junior in Canada who is in n the weight room every day, and the pool 2x a day for 3 hours each time! Her suit exposed Her buttocks when She flipped turned, and was embarassed on international tv1
Ha ha. This episode is not for USA and UK. These are the countries where women want them huge. I could never understand it, but this episode shows how the world is split into classy and crass.
I forgot to add the #1 daily problem: When people meet you, they don't look at your face first! 😬
Same here.😟
Especially men! I look at their eyes when we talk, they look at my bust!
Lol...so true
About 10 years ago, I found button down shirts that were wrap around instead of having buttons. They were so flattering & easy to wear with my big bust.
what brand are these shirts? i would love to know
Jane Lawson They were available through a store called The Limited in the US. That store is no longer around & I cannot find those shirts anywhere else.
I found a similar style via the White House Black Market in-line store called the poplin wrap blouse.
Also, I have friend with an extreme hour glass shape and big bust. She has a clothing budget where she allows for tailoring costs. The fashion industry just doesn’t provide for her.
Hmm... daily problems when you're petite with a big bust: Needing to wear heels to get a good proportion, and if a v-neck top is not in Petite size range, the neck will always be too low and wide! Hidden blouse buttons are a stroke of genius and if more brands adopt them, I might buy button-ups again. But, if they are even a little snug in the bust, those stripes are going to distort themselves, so as another commenter mentioned, we have to buy them too big and tailor them. I think small busted women are very fortunate; you guys can wear everything! I'll check out that new course. 🤗
I simply love that you wear red lipstick and it seems no other make up . I wish I was that brave ! It’s beautiful on you .
I love Justine Leconte. Her philosophy is very much aligned with yours Marie-Anne. And the necklace is stunning.
Me too !
Hello Marie-Anne, Denise here... I purchase shirts, especially white, button down shirts from a British company called Bravissimo. The shirts are very flattering because there is room for our busts but the style slightly nips in at the waist. Often regular shirts that fit our busts hide our waists and we look larger/heavier than we are. The Bravissimo shirts save our figures.
I also have a plain white shirt from M&S with a similar arrangement of hidden buttons ; it works very well .
Thanks for featuring the necklace from Justine! It is great to see Fabulous French ladies working together. Love your channel and love your collaborations.
Hi Marie-Anne, thanks for addressing this tricky figure problem; I am only a bit larger than average (36E), but struggle with it. My problems with having a large bust are: 1. it’s really difficult to find tops, especially tailored dresses, shirts and blazers, that fit both my bust and my average shoulder width, 2. shirt-gaping, as you mentioned, 3. “pull lines” across the bust, 4. finding bras that are pretty and have narrow straps - most bras in my size have those wide, padded straps that are comfortable, but show at the edges of most of my tops), a d finding bras that aren’t padded, but have enough of a liner to prevent nipple show-through. My solutions (never completely satisfactory) are to: buy mostly knits, even in blazers, buy up one size and have the shoulders taken in (this adds an extra cost of $100 for blazers here in expensive San Francisco, so I can only afford to do it for a few high quality, timeless items that I adore), adding fasteners between buttons: Velcro “buttons” work best, but are difficult to sew on. As you mentioned V- necks are the most flattering, but I also like scoop and square ones. I never show any cleavage, but the more chest skin that shows, the more it breaks up the huge-bust look.
I can never understand why shirts/blouses and cardigans have the same measurements in the back as in the front. Most women need the front of the garment to have more fabric than the back. No one is the same size in the front as the back. What do you think? Meantime, thank you Marie-Anne - love your channel and 'advice'.
Darts lengthen the width at the front without sacrificing storage abilities
@@schneeroseful Exactly - I often unpick the front darts - steam and press where the seam was and it gives me a better fit in the front. Yes, darts make a shirt look very finished and neat but not always practical for me.
My bust is a 32 E cup. The best thing I ever did was to get custom shirts, which I wear to work with skirts and suits. I have a shock absorber bra for playing tennis, the hold is incredible.
Never seen those little extra buttons, will look out for these! I had this experience some years ago when wearing a silk blouse and didn't notice that I was giving an "extra" hello.
I find winter dressing hardest, ask I don't want an exposed neckline or light knits (although Madrid isn't cold for so long) but chunky knits add bulk to my chest and high jumpers create the extra expanse of breast that you spoke about. I put a shirt under a vneck as an option.
Bonjour Marie - Anne I love your beautiful pink coffee mug
Me, too! It’s SO PRETTY
I hate shirts for a long time, for the thing with the buttons 🙈 Now I wear them over tank tops as a cover up or do the buttons under the bust and create a deep V. A good bra is really essential, but hard to find in very big sizes 🤷🏻♀️
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Thank you Marie-Anne I will visit the website. Oh and I have an eye on the jewelry from Justine, too. Very pretty, Justine is so talented 😊
Try Ulla Dessous. They make high quality in any size (65-130 B-N).
I got rid off most of my shirts for the same reason and I do not bother of buying them anymore. Not very satisfying to me.
Bonjour from uk. I sometimes have this problem with gaping. I usually put some invisible stiches in my shirts/blouses so they do not gape. Really enjoying your videos 🙂
I haven’t seen the hidden buttons before but I find using Hollywood fashion tape is also a good solution
Merci for this video. I have a large bust and try to follow the v-neck and vertical stripes rules. I am also an avid tennis player and need a very supportive bra which I've found. It's made by Glamorise and allows me to run all over the court for my weekly 1+ hour game of singles. I have followed Justine for a very long time and she always has priceless insights to share along with a lovely line of clothing and jewelry. Thank you for supporting her. Be well!
I had no idea there are blouses with hidden buttons! I have that gaping button problem so I just tend to avoid blouses. I'lm have to look for those! Thank you...💐💕
Hi Marie-Anne, I have used a tailor for years to accommodate my hourglass figure and it is amazing what proper tailoring can do with ready to wear clothing. Blouses, trousers, jeans, dresses, skirts, etc. One’s clothes look custom made. Minimiser bras are wonderful for minimizing too as we have talked about too! Happy Bastille Day! 😘 🇫🇷 We celebrate every year with champagne! I will raise my glass to you! 🥂
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Sounds like you had a lovely day and there is nothing as delicious as French pastry as far as I am concerned! 😘
Not only do I like Justine Leconte very much, but I also respect and admire her views on fashion, sustainability and many other things. Her jewellery is beautiful and unique, just like her. It was nice to see her here too :)
Very useful advice...I used to be able to wear any neckline but with my weight gain only v neck and open neck shirts will do....I am hoping this is a temporary problem as I lose weight and drop in size ...the info on M&S putting those extra buttons on the inside is useful I shall try their range and also the shock absorber bras.
Thank you and God bless
Gilly wife of Mark
I have a big busy and I tend to use thinner bras with little or no padding, that helps so much. And a good bra with adequate support is effective. I sometimes wear a zip up bra like the ones used for running and it compresses everything.
Love Justine! I've been following her for a while now. Thanks Marie- Anne, I'm so thrilled that I stumbled across you.
Oh that's a real precious tip with that hidden button. I like sewing and will consider it next time I buy a blouse. Love the shock absorber bras (and have a few of those.) That is indeed thé most important thing when you want to run etc. ( And good shoes ofcourse) loved the video Marie -Anne!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur indeed ;)
Your help and inspiration IS A REAL GIFT🎁 my BEAUTIFUL FRENCH AMIE🌻💐🌺🌷!
I REALLY appreciate your ideas and
sense of humor!
I've been busty since age 9..... and have to buy bras in a specialty shop $$$.
I'm working on bringing back my waist 💃🚶♀️🏃♀️(I'm 48....) and tucking in button up tops! I also like nude camisoles or matching singlet to be worn under a lower cut dress or blouse!
I do not allow the "GIRLS" 👙 to be on display!
Buttons down the front of a skirt or shirt are slimming.... but I TOO, have avoided wearing them! I'm a petite HOURGLASS and tailored shirts can be so hard to find that fit my arms and bust but aren't too long or wide!
With love from rural South Australia! 🇭🇲🇺🇸
I watch Justine’s UA-cam videos and have that exact necklace, also in silver!! It is so pretty although it does dangle just a bit suggestively between my large breasts since I am quite petite (excluding my bust). When I do strenuous exercise I wear 2 bras, a well-fitted sport’s bra underneath a tight crop-top type bra. Those extra hidden buttons are fantastic, I have never seen them before but am forever putting a tiny hidden safety pin between the buttons on tops to stop them gaping. Being petite and large busted can be a style nightmare. Great tips
Happy Bastille day to you Marie-Anne, and your family! Trust you are having a great time today😃😄😄
Yes, the gaping blouse when sitting is always an issue and immediately destroys a chic look. The hidden buttons in the bust area are a brilliant solution! I'll search for a M & S shirt, hope they still make them like that.
Hidden button shirts!!!! Brilliant! I have never seen one but will certainly be on the lookout now! Also, have never seen the “Shock Absorber” bra. Great for sports of all kinds! Thank you for the great info, Marie-Anne!
Aloha Marie-Anne... glad for the advice you provide here, so relevant.. as I have become bigger as I am getting older... I am careful about what I wear so not to expose my decolletage..and the stripes advice and the necklace is brilliant, I will try to find blouses in horizontal stripes, and I would love to buy a necklace like you are wearing here, AND I also follow Justine.... so great link up to her site also, Mahalo lovely lady..
Marie-Anne, I have a very large bust, and the best tip I can give is try to find a top with chevrons, rather than stripes. Vertical stripes are terrible on someone really curvy, as the stripe breaks. What's very slimming on an already small-chested woman is not slimming on someone curvy. I get really sick of slim women suggesting long necklaces. When they dangle, they bounce off one's stomach. They sometimes disappear into one's cleavage, too. My tip? Wear oversize brooches on a jacket. They distract the eye and make one look much flatter. Flat jewellery is also disastrous. If your necklace is larger in scale, the eye notices less of a distance between the nipple and the collarbone. (Nothing lies flat on me anyway, so you would only see the edge of flat jewellery). The secret to good tailoring is princess seams. Look at Dolly Parton. Her clothes never gape and all her tops have curved seams. I rue the day Jasper Conran stopped making clothes for Debenhams. (He cut beautifully for a large bust). I have no shirts that gape, because I either buy shirts with big darts or princess seams. If all else fails, buy a size up, don't button the shirt, and cross it like a wrap top, into your trousers. Or, mix up the buttoning. Put button no. 4 into buttonhole no 5 and vice versa. Instant ruching!
Great video with such helpful tips! Those are definitely problems we have when we are large busted. I’ve found a company called Bravissimo, based in the UK, ships internationally, that caters to women with large busts. They size everything by cup-size and ‘fullness’. Imo everything is very expensive ($80 for a tank top) but it all fits properly and are forever-pieces. I like tho that the advice u gave allows us to buy in the ‘regular’ department and get a proper fit while saving money. Ty Marie-Anne💐
I am 34 F and find it so hard to look classy. I wear loose shirts and sweaters because I'm so self conscious. Going to try these tips--thank you!
Love the shirt ! Sadly Marks and Spencer closed in 🇨🇦. Difficult to find good, well made clothing nowadays
I love Justine! I watch her channel and she is a pleasure to to watch and learn. It was you that inspired me through you book and help me be a strong woman, a lesson and encouragement that I didn’t know get from my mother.
I have very large bust. I lost some weight, but not in that area. I used to ride horses also and I purchased my bra from the equestrian store. Don’t you love doing sitting trot? It was hard for me to maintain contact with the saddle until I got a lot of practice. I used to tape up my breasts, then put on my sport bra.
I find that I have to wear bralette at night to feel more comfortable. I enjoy my size, and buying pretty lingerie but the underwire can be uncomfortable.
Is the French rule to wear matching underwear with the sport bra?💋
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Thank you so much for the update 💋
Good video. Her Room is a website that carries up to an M cup bra and has the best bra fitting and selection guides over an enormous price range and many terrific brands. They also have band sizes starting from a 30. They recently just stopped carrying 28 and they go way up. I wear a DD or French E and usually avoid button up shirts.
Bonjour Marie-Anne, I have always had that problem with shirts where the spaces between the buttons gape, I have had numerous
Shirts and blouses from Marks & Spencer's and they are great with the two hidden buttons, I can't understand why all ladies shirts
and blouses are not made this way, if I buy a shirt I like from other shops, I have to put two pins in between the buttons, it's so annoying
and sometimes you can just see where the pin is, if I buy a bigger size it's too big on the shoulder, you would think manufacturers would be wise to this problem, not only for big bust, you have said it happens to you sometimes and you have small bust. 😬
Hi I love those shirts from Marks and Spencer too. There is no branch of M&S in my town here in Ireland and I find it hard to know which size to order, so I order in two sizes knowing I will have to return one shirt which I find annoying.
Thank you! Very good tips.
Thank you for the information on the Mark & Spencer shirt. I never buy button-up shirts anymore because of the gap problem. My problem is to fit the bust the bottom of the shirt looks like a tent on me. Thank you for mentioning your Facebook group. :)
The shirt area below the bust requires fisheye (waist) darts to look flattering. On larger sized women and large busted women, they're a must, and no matter what size you are in the front, they will make you look orders of magnitude better than a shirt hanging from your bust. You can learn to make your own clothes or you can find a tailor to make shirts for you. Shirts with waist darts are VERY flattering. I make them for my plus sized friends (large bust + large abdominal/below bust area) and they look great. Many people are walking around in front button shirts WITH waist darts already but because they are commercial off the rack garments, they won't fit you specifically even if you wear the correct size for your bust. If your shirts already have waist darts, see if there is enough fabric taken up by the dart to remove it with a seam ripper and re-pin it to fit your front area. . If not, consider having 1-2 shirts custom made for you. You'll be amazed at the look of a well-fitted shirt.
Another flattering look for a large bust is a dark colored sheath dress. Because it's one piece from the neckline to the knees, it gives the visual of elongating your body. If it's a print, make sure it's small, nothing splashy. Black, navy, dark brown, maroon, any warm colors will make you look smaller. Again, it should be fitted to your own curves in the front which is more flattering than hanging from your bust. So French darts or waist darts would be necessary there too. Good luck!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur I love your videos. :) A good suggestion to re-fit off the rack shirts is to release the dart, re-pin it to fit your front area, and if you don't have a sewing machine or don't want to hand sew the darts, take the pinned shirt to a dry cleaner as they have industrial sewing machines and they will sew up your darts for a few dollars. Thanks Marie. I'm working the covid ICU today, so didn't wear my sheath dress to work. :(
Highly recommend Adore Me bras
I find bras from Prima Donna is the best for my bust. Started buying them after I had been sized up.
I also found one style in Lane Bryant. NO UNDERWIRES! Bra miraculously lifts me up very well indeed.
Hello Marie-Anne. I could relate to that video. I have a large bust. Buying dresses is the hardest thing, especially because I’m shorter and they can just hang from the bust and look frumpy.
There is nothing worse than having to constantly be thinking about whether your blouse is gaping. Safety pins aren’t a good idea, speaking from my experience, one unfortunately came undone, ouch. Well it didn’t hurt me fortunately but I was worried that anyone had seen the pin. Not a good look. I should get some of that tape model’s use or double-sided but I’d worry that it might end up showing. The extra buttons are a great idea. I have seen it on a shirt but don’t remember the brand. Good to know M&S have them.
I really like Justine. She is so knowledgeable. Actually it might have been from watching her that brought me to you, due to the algorithms. It’s been a while since I watched her channel so I must check back. I saw when she launched her jewellery line and I’m sure she has many more pieces now. That piece of yours is lovely. Actually I must go and find the video I missed of yours with your earrings. I told you I was going to watch it but when I searched again I didn’t see it. I’ll check again after this. We seem to have the same taste in jewellery.
I found a good bra called a “minimiser”. It has an underwire which I find comfortable. It’s harder to find a good sports bra because they don’t have enough structure to be comfortable so I just wear my usual brand at the gym. I might look at that brand you showed - merci!
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Hmm, I wish I could. I don’t have Facebook. I might have to reconsider that decision. 🤔
Thank you for your good advice.
Beeing an amazone myself, I know how painful horseback riding can be. A good sportsbra is essential for support.
When choosing a daily bra I can advise Marlies Dekkers.
Especially for larger busts.
When the undergarments fits and supports you, your clothes will look better on you.
Rule nr 1 for larger busts.
😉
I have this and I’m quite slim, and am a medium hourglass. I find it’s not about the top only, but about your whole silhouette. So, high waisted pants wide legged pants look great. Better than skinny, although I’m slim and can do them. Same with skirts, high waited and a-lined or wider skirts. Also, turtle necks are much better than crew necks in winter. I do high waisted pencil skirts too, though, because I like them. I just take a bit more care with the tops. They can be spacious and flowey or tight with deeper neckline or turtle neck. If i’m not in the mood for showing off, I combine it with a short boxy jacket or an elegant blazer on top.
Outside of French style, batwing sleeves are good, enspecially if the bottom of your top is narrow around the waist. Also, sometimes I want to be a tomboy. So I have a good quality wool suit with well tailored baggy trousers and a spiffy short jacket. I wear it with a generous blouse and flat ankle boots or chique leather trainers. It can be liberating to be well dressed but ignoring the hour glass ideal. Sorry Marianne. I do appreciate your video’s and classic style a lot also! I would love it if you would do a a video on style rules breaking some time! 😘
Jersey or other stretchy fabrics are your best friend if you have a large bust.
If I buy a structured shirt to fit my bust, shoulders are often too wide and it tends to look like a tent, adding extra volume I don't have. But when I buy it to fit the rest of my upper body, it's of course too small around the bust area.
To solve the problem I only buy shirts made from elastic fabrics and secure the buttons around the bust area additionally with small buttons (similar to the hidden buttons you showed). This modification is easily done by myself or a taylor.
I also rely on knits to prevent gaping.
If possible can you style a turtle neck for big busted women or are we out of luck wearing them? Great video. Thank you!
Have you ever collaborated with Justine? I started watching her videos about what French women eat, and I think that’s how I came across your videos on the same topic.
I have the issue with oxford shirts where a gap sometimes show in between buttons and my trick is for a tailor to do hidden snaps, but I sure would love to not have every oxford customer tailored.
Since I have watched your videos I have bought more v-neck sweaters and tops which DO look much better. I am a D cup but have a tiny frame so all my blouses gap unless I buy something oversized (which I am not a fan of being petite).
A very smart-looking outfit. Your blouse is beautiful! Are those french cuffs or just turned up cuffs on your blouse?!
Thank you for this one, this is me I hate my big bust, it spoils everything clothes shopping is a night mare, I am only very petite everywhere else, it's awful I hate it so much and it's embarrassing. I am saving up for a breast reduction but in the meantime thank you for the tips 🙏 yes sports can be a problem I can't run because of this even aerobics can be painful wearing two bras I find can help just to keep everything in control for exercise, in the UK there is an online lingerie shop called bravissimo who do larger cup sizes in underwear swimwear and sportswear
@@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you 🙏
Bonjour, chère Marie-Anne. Are these tips useful also for women with wide shoulders even with a small bust? I am petite (160 cm hight x 42 kg) and I probably have an inverted triangle body shape. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my shoulders. Thank you. 😘
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thank you so much, Marie-Anne.
I guess they will be used for my winter riding only 🙃🐴
Not that I can relate -- but I knew that you wouldn't let us go flat! :)
Excellent! Helped!
😃👍
I'm going to order the Diane necklace. Thank you soooo much.
I have the button problem. I have added hidden snaps to button down shirts before.
I have had hat button issue happen to me this week. Hidden buttons would be a godsend!
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Oh, that's great. Thank you!
great video Marie-Anne, I love todays tip! sometimes certain shits gapes at the bust. I make sure I'm wearing the right bra, and /or size up. you look fantastic!
Regarding exercise with a big bust, there are a few products generally known as "breast bands" which you put over the top of your bra and at the top of your breasts. It sounds strange, but it stops too much up-and-down movement
Thank you so much for telling me about your shirt with the hidden buttons inside! What a wonderful idea. I intend to convert my existing shirts by adding hidden buttons/buttonholes. I don't suppose you remember how M & S advertised this feature on the shirt you're wearing? Gape-proof shirt ...? I'd have to buy online as I live in New Zealand.
I've actually been afraid of wearing shirts (I'm a 44 - size 14D) as I had a bad experience after parking my car road-side. I wondered why cars were honking their horns at me until after crossing the road, I notice 3 undone buttons exposing my entire bra and upper stomach!!! Love your channel. :)
Forgot to say: look for shirts with bust darts for a better fit. Fast fashion brands are making them without them, impossible for a busty woman!
I have a 34hh and horse ride those bras are fantastic! I live in sports bras they are not pretty as such but they hold me in. I don't wear shirts button ups as I can only eat them very oversize which hides my shape. I'm pretty extreme hourglass and have a super short torso..... Nightmare to dress especially casual and if I dress up have to be careful not to look like a tart
I too have a large bust and my problem is that frequently need size L or XL, UK 16 to accommodate my bust and then the shoulders are too wide and the sleeves too long. My cup size GG is out of proportion to my petite 5ft 1in slightly chubby frame.
My buttons pop open or I get gapping if I wear a shirt that fits it gaps if I wear a shirt a little bigger I look frumpy.
MarieAnne I missed the name of the silver chain .I really like it .
Justine is lovely. She is so eloquente. And delicate a real gem just like the necklace. ;)
Oh Marie-Anne, Shock Absorber only goes up to DD. Not for big bosom's after all. 😩I love a v neck but it creates the very problem I am trying to avoid at work when I bend over, so I have to stick to high neck, even though it does not suit me. Any suggestions?
A deep boat neck or a slim V
Try invisible tape to stop gaping when bending down it helps 🙏
If you are in a colder climate you can wear a turtleneck under a V neck sweater or shirt. It gives the visual illusion of the V but with the coverage of the turtleneck. Pendant necklaces that create a V over higher necks also seem to help.
When I have no other choice, I wear a matching or contrasting décolletage “modesty panel” (attaches to bra straps by elastic pieces with snaps), or “boob tube”, which is a lightweight bandeau, worn over the bra). I just get too hot to wear a cami, even a silk one, underneath, especially since menopause, and these alternatives are much cooler. They come in many colors and can be found, with some effort, on the net. Another trick I use is to wear a made-to-be-shown bralette over my regular bra, but this only works for casual wear, and if the main bra straps don’t show. Wearing a bralette over a strapless bra sometimes gives enough support to get away with the lack of lift in the strapless (some lift is essential for my age and size).
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Thank you! I am flattered.
oh thank you so much
Need a special bra that smoothes the sides and back bulge from all the excess breast tissue. And bras in my size are so expensive! The button down shirt problem can also be fixed with double-aided tape if there are no hidden buttons.
Wacoal makes one.
I have had good results using the double sided tape called Hollywood Fashion Tape. Remove it directly after you take the garment off. If left on for days, it may damage fine fabrics.
J’adore la chaîne de Justine 🇫🇷
Je ne savais pas qu’elle crée des bijoux !
I felt like switching to French today, Marie-Anne 😊
High I dont know justime make jewelry I know she is designer but I dont about her jewelry line.
A classic trench coat is a challenge for me. Anything double-breasted is not flattering to my shape, and sadly the rare single-breasted ones somehow are not as chic. Any thoughts?
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thank you, this is so true. I always see a trench coat on must-have lists so perhaps this is where the desire comes from. But you are so right, if it isn't flattering...
I bought a single breastfed man's coat it's lovely and fits perfectly 🙏
Of course we love Justine
I grave large shoulders, because of swimming. Sometimes I feel embarassed, could you give some suggestions? Thank you so much, merci
@@MarieAnneLecoeur grazie!
That's for sharing Justine.
Are there certain types of fabric that make the bust more prominent?
Yes, investing in fabrics that are a bit thicker can be a good idea.
In order to get blouses to fit, I have to get on extra big. I have narrow sloping sholders. Thee shoulder seam falls over them. The rest of the shirt is too big in the waist and rest of my body. Have to add long seams in the front and sides.
A problem with big busts is that with time, gravity doesn't help, especially when you would like to go without a bra. My bust is not huge, but now at a mature age I need to find pretty, chic and comfortable nightwear that offers a little support, at a reasonable price. Well it's VERY hard to find, and that's so disappointing. I am sure lots of mature ladies would love to look their best at any time. If you have any tips, Marie-Anne, they would be very much appreciated :)
@@MarieAnneLecoeur merci :)
SimplyBe have the best shirts for large breasted women. They have two buttons between the outer buttons that keep it closed and very secure. The fit is also perfect! My cup size is L, by the way.
Ok, I am about an E cup, when I took the largest bra on the market, my friend measured and added 12 inches to the straps, and it was 58 in the band and we added 6 four pronged bra extensions. I need a good, old fashion course, minus the stranglehold! I have a 10 and 13 year old nephew and niece that I play with in the water! Don’t get me started on suits with a skirt, or a swim dress! The material I need my suits made out of is called Chloraban, and it melts in waste water! There was a high school junior in Canada who is in n the weight room every day, and the pool 2x a day for 3 hours each time! Her suit exposed Her buttocks when She flipped turned, and was embarassed on international tv1
❣️❣️❣️👍
Ha ha. This episode is not for USA and UK. These are the countries where women want them huge. I could never understand it, but this episode shows how the world is split into classy and crass.
I have natural 34hh I gathering so huge I look like a tart if I dress wrong!
The gap is a huge problem for me. Disaster!