The Best Shirts for Curvy Figures: Smart Choices for a Flawless Fit

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried on a shirt that fits your waist but pulls at the bust—or one that closes comfortably at the chest but drowns your shape—you’re not alone. For curvy women, finding a shirt that fits properly across multiple body zones (bust, waist, hips, shoulders) can be a real challenge.

The truth is, most brands don't design for proportionally fuller figures—and standard size charts rarely tell the full story. That’s why tellar.co.uk is transforming the way women shop for shirts. By comparing your measurements to real garment data across 1,500+ brands, Tellar ensures you can finally find shirts that fit all of you—first time.

In this expert guide, we’ll cover:

• The best shirt styles for curvier body types

• What to look for and avoid in technical fit and fabrics

• The top brands offering curve-conscious tailoring

• 🔗 With embedded links to tellar.co.uk tools and in-depth blog posts

Why Most Shirts Don't Fit Curvy Women Properly

Most ready-to-wear shirts are based on a standardised pattern block designed for straight-cut body shapes with modest busts (usually a UK B-cup). Curvy women—who typically have a waist-to-hip ratio below 0.75 and a bust cup size of D or above—require shirts with:

• More chest ease (without needing to size up drastically)

• Better armhole shaping to prevent pulling

• Natural tapering at the waist

• Shoulder seams that don’t drop or strain

The lack of garment contouring leads to one of the most common complaints: shirt gaping. This occurs when there’s too little ease through the bust, causing horizontal stress lines and open button gaps. Learn more in our guide:

🔗 Understanding Sizing Problems with Button-Ups

Technically Flattering Shirt Styles for Curvy Women

1. Darted Stretch-Cotton Shirts

Fit Benefits:

• Stretch accommodates bust movement

• Bust darts shape without distorting lines

• Smooths over the torso without clinging

Ideal Fabrics:

• Cotton-elastane blends (2–6% elastane)

• Poplin with bust seams

• Double-weave stretch cottons for crispness and structure

Brand Recommendations:

• Baukjen – Stretch organic cotton, shaped for curves

• Uniqlo – Affordable darts and shaping seams in key sizes

• Jigsaw – High-quality poplin with subtle contouring

• Sézane – Parisian tailoring with bust darts and waist fit

• Massimo Dutti – Structured elegance, verify sizing via tellar.co.uk

2. Soft Wrap-Style Blouses (True and Faux)

Fit Benefits:

• Adjustable fit that flatters fuller busts

• Minimises gaping without relying on stretch

• Deep V shapes elongate the torso visually

Technical Details:

• Overlap should be at least 10–12cm for secure bust coverage

• Inner button or snap fastening for bust stability

• Waist cinch at natural waist (not empire) for best effect

Top Wrap Brands:

• Reiss – Luxury faux-wrap and belted blouse styles

• Warehouse – Affordable wrap blouses in crepe and satin

• River Island Plus – Modern, curve-sized wrap silhouettes

• Nobody’s Child – Sustainable options with waist ties

• Coast – Elevated occasion-ready faux-wraps

🔗 Dive deeper: Shirts by Body Shape – What Works Best

3. Peplum, Waist-Cinch & Belted Shirts

Fit Benefits:

• Focus on defining the waist

• Balance volume between bust and hips

• Break up straight silhouettes

Construction Tips:

• Peplum flares should begin at or slightly below the natural waist

• Tie-waist placement should match waist measurement from Tellar profile

• Avoid short peplums that start too high on the torso (can exaggerate bust)

Great Brand Picks:

• Phase Eight – Sculpted peplums with bust and hip allowance

• Whistles – Clean, minimalist shaping in belted silhouettes

• Karen Millen – Strong tailoring and cinched detailing

• City Chic (via ASOS) – Plus-specific shaping with fashion-led cuts

4. Soft Modal or Jersey Draped Shirts

Fit Benefits:

• Stretch and drape accommodate curves naturally

• Ideal for layering or business-casual styling

• Reduced risk of button strain

Fabric Notes:

• Modal blends are moisture-wicking and breathable

• Tencel and cupro options offer a smooth silk-like finish

• Avoid single-layer viscose if you prefer structure over fluidity

Curvy-Friendly Brands:

• Boden – Modal shirts with tailored hems

• & Other Stories – Draped silhouettes with modern styling

• Elvi – Smart jersey shirts with design-led necklines

• In The Style Curve – Soft, wearable, bust-conscious options

• Matalan Curve – Budget-friendly shirts in stretch jersey

5. Longline Shirt Dresses (Layered or Belted)

Why They Work:

• Provide full coverage and movement

• Versatile as dresses or open layering shirts

• Emphasise vertical lines for taller or curvier builds

Fit Facts:

• Hem should fall below hip, ideally mid-thigh or lower

• Bust darts critical in woven fabrics

• Belt should sit at natural waist (not under bust)

Best Brands:

• Mango Curve – Clean shirt dresses with waist shaping

• Monsoon – Embroidered and belted longline designs

• New Look Curves – Great budget range for open shirt styles

• Hobbs – Polished shirt dresses in cotton-silk blends

• Zara (TRF) – Always double-check with Tellar sizing

🔗 Related: Dress Styles That Flatter Curvy Figures

What to Avoid in Shirts if You’re Curvy

🔗 Want more? Read Why Brand Sizing Can’t Be Trusted

Fabric and Fit Guidelines for a Perfect Shirt

Always ensure the shirt provides a minimum of 7–10cm ease at the bust, and that the shoulder seam sits at the acromion (outer shoulder point).

🔗 Learn: How to Measure Yourself for Clothing

More Brand Recommendations for Curve-Fitting Shirts

Affordable High Street

• Primark Curve

• ASOS Design Curve

• Simply Be

• Tu by Sainsbury’s

• F&F at Tesco

Mid-Range & Elevated

• Reiss

• Boden

• Phase Eight

• Karen Millen

• Whistles

Premium & Designer

• Me+Em

• Lauren Ralph Lauren

• Marina Rinaldi (Max Mara)

• Jigsaw

• L.K. Bennett

🔗 Check any brand instantly using the Tellar Store Size Lookup Tool

CTA: Get Shirt Sizes That Actually Fit – In Seconds

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