If you are top heavy, you probably have broad shoulders and a big bust. Because you carry more weight on your top half, it is critical you choose the right styles that can create a visual balance for your shape. Since not all clothes will look equally good on you, I’ve put together a list of the items you should probably avoid. But first, let’s take a deep dive of your body traits to fully understand your shape!
Appearances
- Fuller bust size – This is one of the key defining points of your figure, which majorly contributes to your top-heavy figure. You’re at least a cup C, most likely.
- Broad shoulders – You also have shoulders that appear to be relatively broader compared to your hips. Your shoulders may have sharp or sloped edges.
- Chubbier arms – Since you carry more weight on your top half, you most likely have chubbier arms too.
- Small and curvy waist – Due to the significant size difference of your upper and lower body, the curves of your waist are more indented and defined.
- Narrower hips – They are narrower and smaller compared to the width of your shoulders.
- Flat Buttocks – You most likely lack volume in your less prominent lower half, which means that you also have a flat rear.
- Slim legs – You flaunt lean and shapely legs as you barely gain weight in your lower body.
Celebrity examples
Below are examples of celebrities with top-heavy body type.
- Rebel Wilson
- Adele
- Chrissy Metz
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Tess Holliday
Below are the best clothes for a top-heavy body type.
Below are the best outfits for tops-heavy body shape.
Turtlenecks and High Necklines
I know how high necklines and turtlenecks can somehow be tempting to wear if you’re someone top-heavy, thinking that more coverage will “hide” the fact that you carry more weight in your upper half. But that’s the biggest fashion misconception ever because the more you cover your heavier upper body, the more cramped it looks overall.
This is exactly what tops that come in high necklines or turtlenecks can do to you if you are top-heavy. Because these types of tops fully cover the upper body, it makes your top area look more cramped and heavier compared to your lower body.
Turtlenecks and high-neck tops will easily draw attention to the chest area, especially if they are tight-fitting and this can be more problematic for women with a larger bust. So a style alternative, opt for open necklines instead as this will open up space on your upper half and help evenly distribute attention throughout your frame.
Tops with Ruffles
If you’ve got a fuller bust size and nicely broad shoulders, you will quickly notice that any type of top that features fabric flounces such as ruffles will never be friendly for you. The reason is quite obvious: ruffles equate to more volume and that’s something you’d never want to add to your already top-heavy frame.
Ruffles and fabric flounces, especially when they are placed on the neckline or bust line, can immensely contribute to a boxier or less defined shape and this can really mess up your proportions.
I personally like how dainty ruffles look on clothing, but if you are top-heavy, this will only draw more attention to the very area you would want to downplay. I suggest you skip ruffles for your tops, but you can absolutely still try them when they are placed on your lower body – such as in skirts!
Tops with Heavy Prints
Remember that the main styling goal here is to try to downplay your top-heavy figure so that it won’t look too overwhelming compared to your lower body. Well, if you wear tops that come in heavy or dramatic prints, you are totally contradicting this style goal so I’m telling you – stay away from them!
Heavy prints obviously draw too much attention so when you wear a top that has these types of dramatic details, you are leading the eye to the widest part of your body, which is your prominent upper half. This will further highlight the fact that your upper body is comparatively bigger than your lower body, resulting in clear unbalanced proportions.
I get it, prints are super pretty and they can absolutely make a fashion statement, but as someone who is top-heavy, you may want to incorporate your prints into your bottoms. Heavy prints might steal attention from other areas that you may want to highlight, like your waist or legs – you have to keep your assets right under the spotlight!
Spaghetti Straps
Oh spaghetti straps, aren’t they super comfy and sexy? Well, they sure have their own charm but for ladies who carry a bit more weight in their upper body, this is definitely not the wisest fashion choice you can make.
Spaghetti straps usually mean a narrower area for support so this may not really provide the support busty girls need. We want to make sure the girls are comfortable and well-supported, right?
Also, spaghetti straps don’t provide much coverage on the upper half of the body so it can obviously emphasize the shoulders and upper chest. You see if you are already blessed in the bust department, this could only make the upper body appear even more prominent than it already is.
Shoulder Pads
If you are a fan of retro fashion, then you may have come across tops and dresses that come with shoulder pads. I have to admit that shoulder pads are quite edgy and in fact, more and more high fashion brands are coming up with their versions of clothing pieces that come with the chic touch of shoulder pads!
But then again, this is something you shouldn’t really wear if you are carrying more weight in your upper body. Being top-heavy can also mean that your shoulders are relatively broader compared to your hips so when you wear dresses or tops that have shoulder pads, you will only make this imbalance even more obvious.
If you are looking for tops or dresses that give a chic, streamlined appearance just like shoulder pads, look for those that are made with structured fabric. These structured wardrobe pieces will also give a similar effect without bringing too much bulk to your figure.
Boxy Tops
Generally, I’d like to consider boxy tops a huge no-no for everybody because of how unflattering it is for most body shapes and to be honest, it’s really difficult to make this style work. So for you top-heavy beauties out there, putting boxy tops under your “what not to wear” list is probably something you need to do.
Contrary to what most people believe, resorting to boxy or shapeless tops is not the solution to “hide” your top-heavy figure because its lack of shape will only add unnecessary volume to your upper body. The loose fit of boxy tops can add overall bulk to your frame and this sure is not the best option for top-heavy women who are looking to streamline their silhouette rather than add extra volume.
Instead of boxy tops, look for those that come in a nicely tailored fit – not too loose and not too tight. It’s also ideal that you go for tops that cinch at the waist to make sure that you achieve a slimmer and more defined waistline.
Bodycon Dresses
One of the sexiest ways to really let every curve in your body be showcased is to wear a bodycon dress. It’s true that it instantly gives you a sexy vibe but if you are struggling with the obvious imbalance you have between your heavier upper half and less prominent lower body, wearing a bodycon dress won’t help.
As bodycon dresses feature a very tight fit, this will mean putting extra emphasis on your bigger bust, potentially making it appear more prominent and overwhelming. This visual effect can potentially overshadow your narrower hips and slimmer legs.
Skinny Jeans
Apart from the fact that skinny jeans are sort of outdated, they also feature a body-clinging fit that may not be ideal for top-heavy girls. They are form-fitting and they taper down the legs, so this can further accentuate the fact that your hips and thighs are way smaller in comparison to your fuller bust and broader shoulders.
Instead of opting for skinny jeans, I highly suggest that you try out the classic beauty of straight-leg jeans! They can give you a more streamlined appearance while also giving your legs a bit more volume to help balance out your heavier upper half.
Tight-Fitting Pencil Skirts
This pretty much shares the same style principle of bodycon dresses and it’s the body-clinging fit emphasizing the apparent imbalance you have between your upper and lower body. Considering this, a tight-fitting pencil skirt will instantly draw attention to your heavier-looking upper body and this will accentuate the fact that your lower body is way smaller and less pronounced compared to your bust and shoulder scale.
Skirts that feature roomier silhouettes are better style options. Check out styles like A-Line or pleated skirts!
