For the past year, despite living in rainy Britain, I’ve become obsessed with cowboy chic. On my mission to dress like an extra from Yellowstone, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect denim button-up shirt. The problem? I wear a 34F cup, which means every fitted shirt style I’ve tried gapes with buttons that pull in all the wrong places, while oversized options make me feel frumpy.
Anyone with a larger bust will be all too familiar with this sartorial nightmare – which, considering that 57% of women in the UK wear a D-cup or above, is most of us. This morning, a scroll through Next’s new-in led me to a wonderful discovery: a range for fuller busts! And no, not just pretty bras, but genuinely big-bust-friendly clothing. Much to my delight, the lineup included a flattering Western shirt.
Mid Blue Fuller Bust Cinch Waist Fitted Denim Shirt
At first glance, it looks just like a classic denim shirt – a usually problematic choice for ‘the girls’. Though, thanks to the extra room through the bust, there is zero gaping, which means I don’t need to size up and sacrifice shape.
The flattery doesn’t stop there: Next’s clever design team has included strategically placed pleats that create a cinched effect, pulling in at the waist and making it especially flattering for curvier shapes. Think of it as a subtle, updated take on a peplum. The result is a sleek, tailored finish that looks far more expensive than its £34 price tag.
As for styling, a denim button-up shirt slips seamlessly into any good capsule wardrobe. Fully lean into the Western vibes with a Canadian tuxedo, also known as pairing the shirt with jeans in a similar mid-wash for an easy, relaxed look. Alternatively, give it a modern update by teaming it with a black, swishy midi-skirt, high-vamp pumps and a neck scarf for a pop of colour.
If a fuller bust line sounds just as life-changing to you as it does to me, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more. If you prefer a dark-wash denim, they also have a fuller-bust version of their short-sleeved indigo top. Or, for a return to basics, the range also includes classic white shirts in both long and short-sleeved styles.
Finally, a shirt – a flattering denim one – that actually fits properly. Bliss!
