How to Cover Low‐Cut Tops

Co-authored by Elle Monus and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 20, 2021 References

If you’ve ever tried on a new top in the store and then brought it home to find it was much lower cut than expected, you’ve probably experienced the woes of trying to wear a shirt without showing too much. Instead of ditching your low-cut top, you can use clothes or accessories that you already have to make your outfit more comfortable while still showing off your own personal style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Wearing Layers

1
Put on a camisole for an easy fix.^{[1]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} Camisoles are tight tank tops that usually have a lace border on the neckline. Wear one of these under your top to cover your cleavage easily.^{[2]
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- Some camisoles have built-in bras so you don’t have to wear as many layers. However, these built-in bras don’t offer a ton of support.
Tip: You can make your camisole blend in by wearing one the same color as your shirt, or add some flair with a pop of color.
2
Wear a cropped tank top for less fabric underneath.^{[3]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} Camisoles are long and can add a lot of bulky fabric to your outfit. Choose a cropped high-neck tank top to wear something under your shirt that isn’t so bulky.^{[4]
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- Make sure your cropped tank top has spaghetti straps so you aren’t adding more bulk with thick straps.
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3
Layer your shirt with a long sleeve for a fashion-forward outfit. Covering up your neckline doesn’t always have to blend in. Throw on a long-sleeve shirt underneath a low-cut tank top for a cute outfit that will make you stand out.^{[5]
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- Use a white long sleeve for a classic look, or put on a bright neon shirt to make your outfit pop.
4
Throw on a cardigan or jacket to stay warm. If it’s chilly out, you can stay warm and cover up your neckline by putting on a cardigan or jacket and buttoning it up to your neck. Make sure your outer layer fits well and can button up all the way.^{[6]
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- A simple cardigan is a great addition to a summer outfit as the weather starts to get chilly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Adding Accessories

1
Put a scarf around your neck for easy coverage. Fold your scarf in half and place it around your neck. Loop the scarf around the hanging ends of itself and pull it up toward your neck until it sits over your chest. Position the rest of the scarf to cover up your neckline.^{[7]
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Tip: Knotting your scarf will make it stay in place to keep your neckline covered throughout the day.
2
Drape a shawl around your shoulders for a cozy cover-up. Unfold your shawl entirely and drape it over your shoulders. Fold one side over the other so that your chest is covered. Use a safety pin to attach the sides so that they stay together.^{[8]
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3
Put on a stacked necklace to make a statement. Wear a large, thick necklace that covers up your neckline. Add a second necklace if you need more coverage.^{[9]
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- This is a great look for a party, especially if you want to make a statement.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Modifying Your Top

1
Sew an insert into your neckline for a permanent cover. Cut out a panel of fabric that is about as wide as the width of your neckline. Place the panel inside of your shirt and position it so that it covers your chest. Pin the panel into place and turn the shirt inside out. Sew the panel onto your shirt using a needle and thread. Cut off the excess fabric and turn your shirt right side out.^{[10]
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- You can also use a sewing machine to attach the panel to your shirt.
2
Close up your neckline with a safety pin for a quick fix. Gather your neckline in your hands and hold it together in the area that you’d like it to sit. Use a safety pin to attach the 2 sides together on the inside of your shirt. Attach another safety pin below that if your shirt starts gaping outwards.^{[11]
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- This works great for wrap blouses or plunging necklines.
- Use a broach on the outside of your shirt instead of a safety pin if you want some extra flair.
Tip: Keep a few safety pins in your purse in case you need to use this fix on the go.
3
Add lace to your neckline to make it higher. Measure the length of your neckline with a measuring tape. Cut out 2 strips of black or white lace as long as your neckline. Attach the lace strips together with double-sided tape. Line the lace up on your neckline and pin it in place. Use fabric glue to attach the lace to your top and let it dry.^{[12]
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- You can buy lace, double-sided tape, and fabric glue at most craft supply stores.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Wearing a Stylish Bra

1
Wear a high-neck bra for some added flair up top.^{[13]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} High-neck bras usually have a front panel that is decorated with lace or a cute pattern. Put on one of these bras underneath your low-cut top for a pretty solution to your low neckline.^{[14]
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- High-neck bras often don’t provide as much support as normal bras, so they won’t push your chest up and outwards.
2
Put on a bandeau for straight across coverage. Bandeaus are strapless bras that sit straight across and cover your entire chest. If your top is low enough, you may see part of the bandeau sticking out. If it isn’t, these bras will at least flatten out your chest and give you less cleavage.^{[15]
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Tip: If you have a fuller bust, a bandeau may not be enough support for you. Try putting one on over your normal bra for some extra coverage.
3
Add some decoration to your outfit with a strappy bra. Bras that have straps across the top that sit on your chest won’t cover up your neckline entirely, but they will add some decoration to the open area of your top. Add a black strappy bra to a patterned blouse to make it fancier while covering up.^{[16]
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- Strappy bras look great for parties and casual get-togethers, but they aren’t great for formal or professional events.