For more than 70 years, thousands of brides have traveled to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City to find their wedding day looks. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel the magic of Kleinfeld. Not only does Kleinfeld have 30,000 square feet filled with the largest selection of wedding dresses in the world, it also has the greatest professional staff of over 200 employees who are dedicated to finding and perfecting your bridal look.
We get asked on our Instagram and Facebook often how to shop for wedding dresses as a bride with a larger chest size. Finally, the wait is over! We spoke to our bridal consultants and expert alterations staff to learn how to approach shopping for your special day as a busty bride, and these are the tips you definitely don’t want to miss. Get the scoop, below.
Think about strap options.
Definitely explore styles with straps thick enough to cover your bra straps! This way, you’ll have extra support and no one will even know. Cap sleeves are a great option here too. Keep in mind, while a spaghetti strap might look nice, the weight of your bust might make these skinny straps dig into your shoulders. Stiffer strap fabrics (think satin, crepe, etc.) will also provide extra support, while fabrics like delicate mesh will not.
Bras are best.
We definitely recommend trying on each and every dress at Kleinfeld with a supportive strapless, longline or regular bra so that you can get an accurate look at how each style will fit you on your wedding day. We carry plenty of longline and strapless bras in various colors for you to try on at your appointment to make things easier for you. While it may seem like simple cups sewn into the dress would do the trick, our expert alterations managers will always prefer you wear a bra at your selection appointment, and during each alterations fitting. This way, your gown will fit you in the same fashion as it did when you tried it on.
Opt for styles with a higher back.
Dresses with raised backs or corsets make great options for bustier brides. This way, a bra can be worn without it being seen, plus a corset can be adjusted as needed for extra support. Bonus: corseted bodices will cinch and highlight your waist really well.
Illusion isn’t off the table!
While some might think sheer illusion in the bodice would be off limits for a bigger chest, fear no more! If you’re totally in love with the look of illusion, we say “yes”—just keep in mind you’ll need to wear a skin colored bra for some secret support. Depending on the level of illusion or cut outs, your alterations manager might suggest filling in these areas with lace, lining or detailing to accommodate undergarments. Keep in mind, customization fees may apply here.
Think about bust-friendly necklines.
If you’re not wild about cleavage, there are great bust-friendly necklines out there for you! Instead of a more revealing v-neckline, try a bateau neckline or a pretty off-the shoulder look. Both of these styles can incorporate a strapless bra to give you the support you need, but still show off your décolletage.