How to Show Cleavage

The best tops, bras, and styling tips to showcase your bosom buddies

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 References

Wearing Tops that Complement Cleavage

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Enhancing Your Assets

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Sporting a Plunging Neckline

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Showing cleavage is a powerful tool you can use to enhance your looks and make you feel sexy. In addition to your natural cleavage, there are many ways you can enhance and flaunt your assets. However, keep in mind that most degrees of cleavage aren't appropriate in professional environments. Sometimes it can be difficult to know all the rules and tricks when it comes to showing cleavage, but it's important to learn the basics.

Things You Should Know

Wear V-necks, button-up blouses with the top button undone, or tops with eye-catching designs to draw attention to your cleavage.
Wear well-fitting or push-up bras to make your cleavage more pronounced, or consider silicone inserts for an extra boost.
Use double-sided tape with pasties or a triangle bra to rock a deep, plunging neckline.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing Tops that Complement Cleavage

1
Wear tops that show off your cleavage. While this may seem like a given, the right top is absolutely essential when showing cleavage. You can't show something that's covered up. While a turtleneck sweater may make your bust look fantastic, it will hide your cleavage. Make sure what you're wearing is cut for visible cleavage. Some classic examples are:
- V-neck sweaters, t-shirts, and tank tops.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
- Button-up blouses.
- Criss cross tops.
- Dresses with plunging necklines.
- Blazers without undershirts.
- Mesh tops.
2
Leave your top buttons undone. This is a trick you can use to instantly go from modest to sexy and back again. If you're wearing a button-up blouse, simply unbutton the top few buttons. You can create a plunging neckline by leaving many undone or show just a classy hint of cleavage by buttoning a little higher. This versatility will let you wear the same thing to the office and to a party without needing to stop at home to change.
3
Wear tops with eye-catching designs. When you're showing off your assets, you're likely to want some attention drawn their way. A good way to draw the eye towards your cleavage is to wear a top with not only a low neckline but also an interesting design. If your blouse is plain or a solid color, wear an eye-grabbing pin or brooch near your cleavage.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
4
Make sure a strapless outfit has enough support. This can come from within the outfit itself if it has built-in boning. Otherwise, you will need to find the right strapless bra for the job. Find one with enough support to keep your cleavage looking great while keeping everything in place.
- Keep in mind that a strapless bra can push your breasts up too far. Make sure your cleavage looks natural.
- Before heading out for a night on the town, try jumping in front of a mirror while wearing your outfit. If you find your breasts jiggling too much, your top sliding off, or your bra peaking out, reevaluate your outfit. You don't want anything to pop out unexpectedly on the dance floor.
- For formal events, such as a wedding, consider being fitted for a bodice. A bodice will both keep your cleavage in place and make you look a little trimmer.
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Keep the dress code in mind. Every type of job and work environment will have its own rules when it comes to cleavage. Many offices are fine with a hint of cleavage, while others are more strict. Some professions may even be fine with a plunging neckline.
- If you aren't sure what your work's dress code is, try asking your supervisor or checking the employee handbook.
- When you're starting a new job, try to remember how people dressed during your interview.
- When in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep the cleavage to a minimum.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Enhancing Your Assets

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Make sure your bras fit correctly. When showing cleavage, you want your breasts looking their best, and an ill-fitting bra won't be able to do that. Your breasts should fit perfectly inside the cups without any bulging at the top, bottom, or sides. Your bra should sit firmly and horizontally across your back without riding up as the day goes on. If your bra has an underwire, make sure it fits against your chest without gaps or pinching.^{[3]
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2
Consider sporting a push-up bra. Push-up bras are essential for creating the sexiest cleavage possible, especially for women who may be less well-endowed. These bras are specifically designed to increase the appearance of cleavage. Push-up bras work to push your breasts both upward and together, giving you a fuller, perkier look. If the pushup isn't enough for you, tie it in the back
3
Give silicone bra inserts a try. Also called "cutlets," inserts can both enhance cleavage and add volume to your breasts. Position an insert low on the exterior side of each breast. This will push your breasts inward, creating better cleavage.
- When wearing inserts, you may need to wear a bra that's at least one cup size larger than what you'd wear with unenhanced breasts.
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Wear makeup. If you want the focus to be on your breasts, make sure to take the time to make them look their best. Pat on some powder and bronzer before going out. Try to make the color of your cleavage match your face.
- Don't go so far as to pile on foundation, however. If you want to hide blemishes, stick with a light concealer.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sporting a Plunging Neckline

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Use double-sided tape. Celebrities seem to get away with extreme plunging necklines while experiencing relatively few wardrobe malfunctions. If you're curious as to how this is accomplished, the secret is simple: double-sided tape. Double-sided sticky tape mounted along the inside of their tops keeps their clothing stuck perfectly in place. This is vital when you're sporting a plunging neckline without a bra if you don't want to flash your nipples.
- Breast lift tape, designed especially for holding up breasts, will also work well for keeping them in place.^{[4]
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2
Know what to wear underneath. You have a few different options for how to handle your undergarments when wearing a plunging neckline.
- The easiest and usually best-looking option is to simply go braless. However, this can be difficult to pull off and may not feel comfortable for everyone. If you're going braless, consider wearing nipple covers, also called "pasties" or "petals," in case of slippage.
- A thin, understated bralette or triangle bra can give you support while keeping your cleavage in full view.
- A bandeau covers up some cleavage but works well in more casual settings.
- Because plunging necklines are trendy, deep plunge bras made especially for this look are becoming more common.^{[5]
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3
Layer with sheer fabric. Do you want to wear a plunging neckline but still feel a little self-conscious? Consider sheer layering. Pair a sheer, high-cut top over a solid one with a plunging neckline. This combination will put your cleavage on full display while masking any minor skin imperfections in that area.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I flaunt my cleavage?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

Wear clothes that have eye-catching designs, such as ruffles or pockets, to help draw attention.