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There are few fashion obstacles as tricky, annoying or deflating than the search for a summer dress that accommodates a bigger bust. Sure, you can find one that reveals bra straps or offers a bulging cleavage, but that's not high up on most people's sartorial agenda when looking for a great dress that'll see you through the warmer months, whether for your day-to-day meanders or the holiday trunk. Trust me, I know.
As someone with a 32J chest and a penchant for a really great dress (I've not been spotted in trousers besides gym leggings and the occasional pair of jeans since 2012), I've come to know what brands, styles and fabrics work best for those of us with a fuller bust. But after much, much trial and error I've also learned which bras (yes, even a strapless option) work for my bust.
If my extensive searching (read: shopping) for dresses that fit and flatter has taught me anything it's that you always need to work with your own intuition. Brands rarely shoot their ecommerce or campaign imagery on models with a bigger bust so you have to use a little imagine to understand how it might work for you. You know your body and your boobs best, which is why you're better off not overlooking a dress you like the look of because it might not work. Try it on, maybe size up, and size up again and then get acquainted with your local tailor. There are of course styles and brands that work best. Think Reformation's bra-friendly edit or the generous proportions of M&S cotton.
Read on to find ELLE UK's edit of the best summer dresses for bigger busts and the best bras to wear them with.
The definitive bigger-bust strapless bra. Size down in the cup and up in the back for the most support and best fit for this style.
The British female-founded brand has long dressed boobs brilliantly.
This A-line dress comes from Reformation's bra-friendly edit.
A red dress makes for a brilliant summer acquisition and this from Noir has added punk spirit.
This bandeau style offers support without the ouch thanks to its no-cut technology.
AYM Studio creates all its styles with fuller chests considered. This is our favourite and the chocolate brown is very chic.
The drape at the chest allows for extra room without too much fuss and volume.
This smocked bust will work especially well for those with an hourglass figure.
This classic Freya bra is an everyday solution for easy-to-wear necklines.
Despite its high-neck, this M&S dress will work well for bigger busts. Size up and its even better.
The cotton T-shirt dress gets a fashiony spin in the hands of Simone Rocha. And, it can be worn with a normal bra. Rejoice!
A smock dress is a bigger bust favourite. This from Shrimps is a sweet option to wear all summer long.
A bra for necklines that sit lower than usual but still accomodate a proper bra.
The fashion editor favourite Dôen's signature dress style works well for larger chests.
APC's slip dress is perfect for those with a bigger chest who also prefer to keep things slinky. The thicker straps are its best asset here.
With its low neckline, this Ganni dress offers a subtle hint of cleavage.
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