Body Acceptance Body Love body shape Chest Dressing Joyfully Fashion Tips style

Small Chest? Not a Huge Problem – Easy Ways to Boost Your Bust

Two people holding rocks in their hands.

 

I must, I must, I must increase my bust!

Many of you will remember that famous line from Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. It’s the humorous and sometimes uncomfortable story of a young girl navigating her way through early puberty. I was right there with Margaret when I was that age; chanting while religiously performing numerous reps of pec squeezing exercises, all in the hopes of enlarging my small chest and officially entering the porthole of womanhood. I don’t think either of us had much success, but thankfully I realized being a woman actually has nothing to do with having a huge rack.

I’m sure most of us have come a long way since hanging out with Margaret, but still, there are times when we members of the flat squad want to feel more feminine and shapely. If the look of a more significant bosom is what you’re after, you can maximize your assets with these simple style tips.

Making the Most of Your Small Chest

Well-Placed Pockets

One strategy to use when dressing a small chest is to choose blouses with breast pockets. Pockets, especially ones with flaps, create volume and add dimension exactly where you want it.

A woman standing in front of a white wall.

A woman wearing a blue shirt with two pockets.

Pattern + Pockets

Use the pocket strategy and add a pattern for more visual interest. This floral print military-inspired shirt caught my eye.

A woman in camouflage jacket posing for the camera.

Layering + Pattern + Pockets + Sparkle

When you have a small chest, layering is a great way to go. Choose a couple of thin pieces to be sure you’re adding volume, not bulk.

A person wearing a shirt and jeans with a jacket on

Zippers + Pockets

Is there anything more eye-grabbing than pockets with zippers on your bazookas?

A woman wearing a red shirt and gray sweater.

Layers + Bright or White

Increase the look of fullness by layering a draped neck or loop neck cardigan over a brightly coloured or white blouse. The bright or white layer underneath draws attention, while dark colours recede. 
A woman wearing a gray sweater and red shirt.

 

Ruffles and Details Are a Girl’s Breast Friend

Pump up the volume with alluring details like ruffles and lace. You could also try sequins or other embellishments around the neckline.

A woman standing in front of a wall wearing jeans and a red top.

A woman wearing a red top with ruffles and lace.

Pattern + Ruffles + Sheer Fabric

You can’t help but notice the bust line on this blouse because of where the ruffles and sheer fabric meet. Genius.

A woman wearing a floral top and black pants.

A woman wearing a black and red floral dress.

V-neck + Wrap + Ruffles 

I barely recognized my girls in this boho print top. Any of these elements are great tricks for a small chest, but together they are a triple threat. The V-neck elongates and draws attention to the bust line. Ruffles along the decolletage give the bust a boost. The wrap style lifts and separates.

A woman wearing a floral top and jeans.

A woman wearing a floral dress with a necklace.

Cowl Neck

A cowl neck top never fails to add extra oomph.

A woman holding a bottle of wine and a bag.

The Right Bra

I’m going to assume you already know about padded bras, push up bras and cutlets. They are all heroes when you want to create some seriously sexy cleavage. Let’s face it, sometimes it IS about looking sexy. Other times, it’s about dressing to create shape.

Whether you have large coconuts or small, don’t under-breastimate the power of a correctly fitting bra. An ill-fitting bra does not do you or your clothing justice. I recommend you go every 2-3 years to be professionally measured. Even five pounds gained or lost can make a difference in cup size.

Miscellaneous Tricks

  • horizontal stripes
  • empire waists with details
  • turtlenecks
  • understated bottoms

Making the Best of What You’ve Got

Most of us have at least one hang-up with our body. If it’s not your knockers, it’s something else. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own body-loving-journey, it’s that dressing your body well will catapult you to a place of acceptance and joy.

Now booking spring and summer closet makeovers. Make your appointment today!

 

 

 

 

A woman leaning against the wall of a building.

*Photos above taken by the lovely Stefania Savluc. All items from The Bay.

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  • Gladys Parker
    March 19, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Breasts with volume are highly overrated. While I never gave a thought about other girls or women wishing they had more, it never really came to mind, I, on the other hand always thought I was too large for my age and people were thinking off of me. Another thing you can dress them up but, it is hard to dress them down. And when you get pregnant or gain weight they are so uncomfortable. I have wanted a reduction since I was in my mid twenties. The grass is always greener and God creates us as he chooses.

  • Salma
    March 19, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    This is me for sure. Good tips!

  • Andria
    March 19, 2018 at 6:52 pm

    We must increase our bust! Ha! Too funny, but in all so many great tips shared!

  • Taslim Jaffer
    March 19, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Yes, I remember that book and yes, I chanted that phrase a few times 😉 Your tips sound like they work better than the phrase, though! Another post I love – thanks!

  • Tairalyn
    March 19, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    Can I jump in your closet… shop it maybe? Love your style, that army print button up major heart eyes!

  • Tara
    March 19, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    oh my gosh this was the most interesting thing i’ve read all day! i’m not small chested in the least but I appreciated all these tips. never would I have known about pocket strategy!

  • Heydy Lopez
    March 19, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    Def smart tips for people who want to increase their bust (without the major surgery!!)

  • Luci
    March 19, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    A really great bra is everything. It can help support you if you have a large chest or if you are small it can help create one.

  • Jordan
    March 20, 2018 at 12:18 am

    V-Necks and scoop-necks are how I have been surviving lately! I lost a bunch of weight recently, and, of course, the first thing that went was my breast size. Oh well!

  • Megan
    March 20, 2018 at 6:04 am

    I’ve definitely learned to embrace my small chest over the last few years. When I was a teen it was SUCH a big deal to me and these days I fully dig my teeny boobs 🙂

  • Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
    March 20, 2018 at 6:09 am

    I love the military-inspired shirt! The V-neck top is elegant and sexy at the same time -and it looks great on you! 🙂

  • Lyosha
    March 20, 2018 at 8:38 am

    I don’t think small chest should be enlarged. I mean there are so many benefits of small chest. My favorite style lately is a low cute. With small chest it doesn’t look tacky.

    • Dee Clarke
      March 20, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      True. But it’s nice to have options.

  • Elizabeth O
    March 20, 2018 at 9:25 am

    You definitely taught me a trick or two here. Great post. I feel like a good fitted bra really helps me.

  • Rachel
    March 20, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    I think you have helped me avoid the opposite errors. I have a pretty large chest and some shirts just make them look gigantic.

  • Jen ~ The Tipsy Mama
    March 20, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    I have always tried to “enhance” that area! These are great ideas – I especially love the cowl and v-neck shirts. Those are my some of my go to looks! Also loving that Rose/Black Ruffle top! Really great options here that aren’t “showy”.

  • Ana De- Jesus
    March 20, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    I have small boobs and when I was younger I was teased mercilessly for it and always wished that I had bigger boobs. Now although I wouldn’t mind being more busty, I am ok with having small boobs. But I do agree that ruffles are very flattering for smaller busts like myself.

  • Geraline Batarra
    March 20, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    hahaha, I have to share this with my sister. She has a big problem when it comes to her bust.

  • Ashlee | She Can Social
    March 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    Love these tips! I’m in the flat chest gang too, and I’m all about cowl necks. So flattering for us!!

  • Marielle Altenor
    March 20, 2018 at 10:29 pm

    I’ve always wanted small tiny breast! lol A good bra is a must though and I’m due for a fitting.

  • Doreen
    March 22, 2018 at 1:41 am

    I have small breast B something cup, but I feel they are too big sometimes.. lol My boyfriend don’t complain though

  • Ntensibe Edgar Michael
    March 22, 2018 at 4:17 am

    Hhhhhmmmmm….nice article here! May I share it further, to somebody I strongly believe will love it?

  • Journa Ramirez
    March 24, 2018 at 5:05 am

    I am going to share this to my niece.. She’s been looking for some things to do for small chest and I’m sure she’ll love these things!

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