"Flat-Chested: How to Elegantly Wear a Dress Without It Looking Baggy or Unnatural?"

2023.06.21 published

A Bride-to-Be Reaches Out for Advice＊

＜Content＞

I am struggling with my small breasts, which are almost sunken.

When I wear a wedding dress, it usually ends up being loose around the chest area, making it noticeable.

I can't wear my dream bustier-type dresses as the lack of bust makes it look unnatural.

On the other hand, if I opt for high-neck long sleeves, it ends up being baggy around the chest and looks awkward. Should I put in padding?

How did other small-busted brides manage to wear their dresses? Did they face difficulties in choosing their dresses? Did they come up with any solutions?

Here are the responses we gathered＊

【Response 1】

When I was choosing my dress, I went for styles that didn't show much of the cleavage!

However, what my coordinator told me was that the right underwear is crucial.

If you choose the right bridal innerwear that fits your size, it will help the dress conform to your body shape.

【Response 2】

I also have small breasts, almost to the point where my collarbones are prominent, but when I had my dress properly adjusted, it didn't bother me much!

Depending on the shape of the dress, it might be noticeable, but looking for styles that slender models wear could help.

I also worked out at the gym to build some muscle, and I felt like it made my décolletage look a bit fuller, haha.

【Response 3】

I also have very small breasts and it is hard for me to gain weight in my upper body, leaving me with a really slender figure.

Before choosing my dress, I was very anxious, thinking if there were even dresses that would fit my body type... 😭

Most dresses I tried on were loose around the chest, and not only was that unnatural, but it also caused the dress to shift.

The wedding dress I ended up choosing was a bustier type with simple (almost nonexistent) embellishments and a lightweight, fluffy tulle skirt!

My second dress had lace sewn around the chest area, but since it had half sleeves, it didn't make the chest look unnatural, and it also helped mask my slender upper body.

Personally, I recommend a half-sleeve type! ❤

I had both dresses adjusted quite tightly in the bustier part during the final fitting! ✊

After the adjustments, the dresses fit my body perfectly, and there was almost no looseness around the chest. By the way, I wore padded innerwear. ★

To prevent the dresses from moving, I also had some kind of clip added to hold it in place.

I also paid special attention to my posture (><) - I kept reminding myself to stand tall and not slouch while going about my day, haha.

【Response 4】

I understand your pain 😭 I wore a nu bra and bridal innerwear!

I got a custom dress, but after losing some weight since measurements were taken, I found that the dress slipped when I tried it on.

I ended up buying anti-slip products online to stuff with towels and make it work!

➡ Check out the recommended nu bra specialty store here＊

【Response 5】

I used padding, and for the overseas pre-wedding photos, I utilized both a nu bra and bridal innerwear together.

For the reception, I chose off-shoulder styles for both the wedding dress and colored dress, and aside from padding and tightening them, I focused on maintaining good posture.

【Response 6】

I also don’t have a large bust🤣

But considering losing some weight, I had the bustier-style dress fitted tightly so that on the big day, it hugged my chest nicely compared to the fitting.

They say dresses are meant to be worn with your bust, and although mine is small, it surprisingly made my shoulders and collarbone look sleek, eliciting compliments on my beauty, so I was glad I chose the bustier style 🐇💕

【Response 7】

I’m also small-busted 😢

I added a slightly thicker pad!

If it’s too thick, there’s a gap between the chest and the innerwear, so in critical situations, maybe consider combining with a nu bra.

Also, if you puff your chest up as much as possible, it won’t be too loose on the dress!

【Response 8】

I also have quite small breasts.

Given the season, I wanted to go for the bustier style, but it was too loose, so I added two pads inside my bridal innerwear to fit into the dress I desired!

There are many cut lines for the décolletage that you can choose from, so while looking in the mirror, I received some advice from the costume staff about which cut suited my body.

Personally, I wanted a bust line that didn't look pointy but had a nice rounded shape, so I adjusted the position of the pads until I made my final decision!

Make sure to consult with the costume staff or female planners. Also, I purchased properly fitting dress correction underwear to prepare for the final fitting just as I would on the day itself!

【Response 9】

I also have extremely small breasts, which made every dress fit loosely. It was too small for any padding to feel comfortable. But since I love bustiers, I went that route.

I chose soft pastel colors and avoided extremely simple chest designs or those that emphasized a cleavage as they drew attention to the bust.

Since the upper body is slender, the skirt part tends to appear more voluminous than it actually is, so I recommend designs with more volume below.

Even similar designs might not show how they fit the chest until you try them on, so be sure to try on as many as possible. I hope you find a fantastic dress!

【Response 10】

I have very small breasts, but by wearing proper bridal innerwear, I was able to wear a bustier-style wedding dress that I loved without it being loose or sagging.

Bridal innerwear has excellent corrective power even without padding, and adding pads makes a significant difference in appearance!

Although I started as an A-cup, the stress from my mother-in-law before the wedding made me lose some weight, resulting in even smaller breasts, but I could still wear a bustier style!! Haha.

Straight bustier styles have more dresses that suit even those without much bust compared to heart cup types.

Heart cup type dresses are primarily suited for those with larger busts.

【Response 11】

How about a lace long-sleeve blouse!?

I am also on the slender side with small breasts. Considering that, I wore a lace three-quarter sleeve blouse with my wedding dress.

I saw actress Keiko Kitagawa wearing a long-sleeve blouse at her wedding, and I thought it looked cute and stylish 😍 Maybe this way, I could somewhat cover my slender body type!

With a slim frame and less impactful appearance, the long-sleeve blouse stood out well!

How did the padded innerwear go? Mine had thick padding, which helped to enhance my bust significantly, haha!

Additionally, the costume staff tailored the back of the dress to suit my body shape.

【Response 12】

I had an acquaintance with an extremely slender bust who wore a dress with an open back and chest while managing with a nu bra!

➡ Check out the nu bra store my friend bought from＊

【Response 13】

Bustier style dresses with short-sleeve lace designs make the bust less noticeable!

A dress with volume around the chest will do the trick! Something with ruffled fabric gathered together would work fine.

【Response 14】

I am also currently choosing a dress. Due to my flat chest, the V-neck styles I adore end up being too loose...

Even in a bustier style, heart-shaped cups made it look loose and awkward, but deeper ones seemed to sufficiently cover it, so it was fine ^_^!

It's a bit sad not being able to wear what I dream of, but let’s enjoy choosing a dress that suits us best and makes us look beautiful without compromising!

【Response 15】

As a petite bride, I highly recommend using lots of padding, a boosting bra, and gaining a bit of weight!

Also, it’s good to decide on the bra or innerwear while trying it all with a nu bra on!

You can definitely rock a heart cut bustier dress even without much bust! Consider trying breast enhancement massages or night bras as well 🥺

Ultimately, I think gaining about 5 kg and toning areas like the belly and butt through strength training might help too—💪

【Response 16】

I went for an off-shoulder design! Although I have small breasts, my décolletage gets complimented often, so I chose a design that shows the areas I'm more confident in ^ ^

Also, for those worried about their petite bodies, I recommend full custom-made dresses over ready-to-wear ones!! (This only applies to venues that allow outside dresses…)

I had no favorite designs in ready-to-wear, so I wanted full custom from the start, and the designer added three pads for me, haha.

She created the dress to make my body look as feminine and beautiful as possible 👗

【Response 17】

I originally had small breasts but became even smaller post-pregnancy (laughs).

I’m about to have my wedding, so I’m planning to wear a nu bra and have additional padding!

【Response 18】

I wore an off-shoulder dress and added double-sided tape inside the chest to prevent loosening! (I also had it fitted tightly)

When I felt the bust was still a concern, I covered it with accessories like necklaces! I hope this is helpful! ☺️

【Response 19】

I chose a dress with a flat chest shape instead of a heart shape! ❗

I had them tighten the top edge of the dress, just under the bust, to ensure it didn’t lift away.

Even though it sank a little on the day, I was able to avoid any visible innerwear or looseness! ✨

【Response 20】

When trying to achieve beautiful volume in your chest, keep in mind that simply putting padding in a bra can sometimes make it appear wider, so you need to be careful.

It’s better to apply a nu bra from the side and then gather your breasts towards the center while applying pressure and wearing a padded bra on top!

This method is particularly recommended for those with outward-facing breasts! ❗

【Response 21】

I also want to know the answer!!! 😭😭😭

My bustier style kept slipping down...!!

Currently, I switched to something with shoulders but still need to choose bridal undergarments...

【Response 22】

I’m not overly large either, but I decided to wear a nu bra before putting on my bridal undergarments!

【Response 23】

I decided to include a nu bra!

➡ Nu bra specialty store＊

【Response 24】

I have quite small breasts as well, but by adding padding to my wedding innerwear and having pads sewn into the dress, I could put it on without it appearing excessively noticeable or loose.

(The idea to sew pads into the dress was suggested by the staff when I was choosing it.)

So, I think pads can make a difference! Additionally, ensuring a very tight waistline also helps...

If this part is loose, the bust area will inevitably be loose as well. I had it tailored to true-to-size! It was a bit uncomfortable, but it provided reassurance.

【Response 25】

I work as a costume staff at a venue 🥰

If you're worried about having a small bust, consider adding padding to your dress or innerwear, or pinching and sewing a bit around the side of the breast to keep it snug! That’s what we do!

Also, off-shoulder styles might be better! I think it’ll help with any looseness! Hope this is helpful!

【Response 26】

I was also worried about having baggy areas when I stooped to bow.

However, wearing my bridal innerwear carefully adjusted helped improve things a bit during fittings!

In the end, I chose an off-shoulder dress, so I didn’t have concerns about the neckline 😊

【Response 27】

Wearing a silicone bra like a nu bra before putting on the bridal innerwear would be good.

Alternatively, sleeveless designs cover the bust entirely, minimizing looseness.

【Response 28】

There’s a recommended nu bra for dresses! 🎉

➡ Recommended nu bra specialty store here＊

【Response 29】

I'm also quite small-busted 😂 I chose a design with small flowers and lace or embroidery from the chest to the waist. I felt it made my bust appear slightly fuller!

Additionally, since the venue staff helped with both the dress and any correction, everything went smoothly with no looseness on the day! 🙆‍♀️

【Response 30】

I also had issues with my colored dress appearing loose around my bust, which bothered me when I saw the pre-wedding photos 😭💦

Before the wedding, during the final dress fitting, I consulted with the costume shop and putting pads into the bustier significantly improved the fit! ☺️

I had them alter the back of the dress and ensured it properly fitted my size, so on the wedding day, I felt it looked great!

【Response 31】

I just had my ceremony and reception last month.

I also deal with small breasts, and since I have broad shoulders, I found it challenging with bustiers, as they accentuated my angular skeleton.

So, I opted for a slender-cut dress made of soft lace material with puff sleeves ending at my wrists, which helped divert attention from my chest and shoulders!

If you're concerned about the bust size, there are various types of bridal innerwear to consider. Perhaps try one that suits your body shape?

I'm also engaged in bridal hair and makeup. Brides who are worried about their bust size often focus on their undergarments or use taping for body shaping and bust volume enhancement.

Consulting with the costume staff and those who will handle hair and makeup or dressing on the day might also be a good idea.

【Response 32】

Among bustier styles, those with deeper heart cut shapes draw attention to the bust, so I opted for shallower cuts with a straighter line across the top.

Wearing bridal innerwear, and with the possibility of adding padding, helped minimize the feeling of looseness more than I expected!

Thank you to everyone who responded! ♡

We have shared all the responses regarding the concern of having small breasts and dresses being loose....

In summary,

✅ Ensure the dress is fitted perfectly

✅ Use nu bras or padding

It seems possible to overcome the issue....??

Please discuss with your dress coordinator, and as you actually wear and try on dresses, piecing together your ideal look! ＊

➡ Check out the nu bra specialty store here＊

➡ If you still haven't chosen a dress, try contacting the "Dress Concierge" service for affordable dress rentals＊

➡ See all articles on bridal innerwear＊