STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ILoveChoo · Hermes

button downs for big chests?

Kelly · Hermes

Banana doesn't make them anymore. I went in and asked a couple months ago and they looked at me like I was crazy :(

If you're willing to splurge, the best idea is probably to get a shirt that fits your chest and then have a tailor take in the rest.

Bravissimo has a shirt made especially for larger busts. Be sure to consult their size chart because their sizes make no sense initially (there are 3 different versions of each size number). I can't speak for this shirt in particular, but I've gotten two Bravissimo garments in the past. One was a dress that fit really strangely, but just yesterday I got a top (same size as the dress) that fits like a dream.

http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/shirts-and-tops/bravissimo/bl14-details.aspx?colour=Black

esquiress · Marc Jacobs

I have a Ralph Lauren one that I bought at Macy's years ago that's perfect, I think because it has like 2% lycra or spandex or some kind of stretch material in it so it has some give to it. So maybe check for that.

Also--check your bra. The shirt I just mentioned never gaps on me when I wear this one bra (nude chantelle bra w/ molded cups) but once it did when I wore a different bra with it (lacy nude la perla with wide blue ribbon detail). I have no idea why my bra would make a difference because both bras are the same size and fit me perfectly but there you have it.

Oh and I'm a 32C, if that helps put things in context for you. HTH!

Lilykind · Hermes

They are $$$ (retail for almost $200), but Rebecca and Drew makes shirts that are sold by bra size and sleeve length.

www.rebeccaanddrew.com

fshnonmymind · Nine West

I have issues with button front shirts and what works for me is to buy one that fits the bust and have the rest taken in. I bought a Rebecca and Drew shirt before and it fit my bust, but was so tight in the shoulders, but I do have broad shoulders, so that was most likely why. I think they were supposed to tweak the design to fit better in other areas. The customer service was excellent and I would be willing to splurge on another shirt (but I would go in person instead).

ILoveChoo · Hermes

how long does it generally cost to have the waist taken in?

fshnonmymind · Nine West

I had a shirt tailored ages ago so I'm not 100% sure how much it was. I had it fitted and shortened and I believe it was somewhere around $25-30 bucks.