3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (2024)

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methods

1Choosing a Modest Bra

2Choosing a Concealing Undergarment

3Covering up with Accessories and Outerwear

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Co-authored byJordan Stolch

Last Updated: October 21, 2021References

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You know that dress in the back of your closet that always makes you feel like Cinderella at the ball? You love it because it's glamorous, but wish it would show just a little less cleavage. A few simple tricks will help you sport that low-cut number with confidence.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Modest Bra

  1. 1

    Invest in a bralette. A bralette is a bra that has no padding or underwire. Free from all the usual bra trappings, you don’t have to worry about your cleavage taking over the night.

    • If this still isn’t cutting it, you can go a step further and choose a lace bralette. This version of the bralette is edged in lace and is meant to be worn in public, rather than buried beneath a shirt. The lace will help cover your cleavage and add a romantic touch to your dress.[1]
  2. 2

    Wear a bandeau for a layered look. It’s made of stretchy material and doesn’t waste its time on extra padding. Similar to the bralette, bandeaus are meant to meet the public eye, and will help you achieve a lovely layered look.[2].

    • You can also use your bandeau to create a color contrast - brighten a black dress with a hot pink bandeau or temper a red dress with a black bandeau. You could also consider coordinating your bandeau with other accessories like shoes.

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  3. 3

    Try a high neck bra. High neck bras often tie at the neck and look like halters or come with a detachable decorative portion that slides conveniently in front of your cleavage. Not only will this bra cover your cleavage, it will give an edge to even the most boring dress.[3]

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Concealing Undergarment

  1. 1

    Layer a lace camisole under your dress. Camisoles are basically tiny, body-fit tank tops. Regular camisoles will work too, but their appeal is informal, so if your dress is on the fancy side opt for the lace version instead. Also, some camisoles have a bra built in, allowing you to skip the bra entirely – whether this is to your advantage or not depends on the dress.[4]

    • Try wearing a cami that matches your skin tone or the color of the dress for a subtle look, or choose a color that complements the dress if you want to add a little contrast.[5]
  2. 2

    Do-it-yourself with a sewn-in cleavage cover. Choose a strong, thin material such as spandex or Lycra. These fabrics ten to provide support but also allow for movement.

    • You can also consider lace, but you would want to bind two layers together in order for the material to be strong enough.
    • From there you will need to find a cleavage cover pattern. You can find plenty of free cleavage cover patterns online. Pinterest and sewing blogs are a great place to start your search.
  3. 3

    Put on a snap-on bra overlay for an easy solution. This convenient triangle of fabric snaps right into your bra. The lace versions of these are especially apt for pairing with dresses. Be sure to consider what kind of fabric the overlay is made out of as some materials can be itchy and will be more of a nuisance than a help.[6]

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Covering up with Accessories and Outerwear

  1. 1

    Accessorize with a webbed necklace. Webbed necklaces work great since they tend to cover more skin. You can always use some fashion tape to pin the necklace in place if you are planning on dancing.[7]

  2. 2

    Wear a scarf for a simple fix. A scarf can add elegance, texture, and color to your outfit. Avoid bulky and multi-colored scarves that will overwhelm, instead of highlight, your dress. Silk scarves in particular will give your dress that extra romantic edge.[8]

    • Looping your scarf in a waterfall shape, rather than tying it, will allow for the best coverage.
  3. 3

    Sport a shawl for a classy look. Shimmy in style (and worry-free) when you pair your dress with a shawl. You will want to find a shawl that has a triangle front. The triangle lays right over your cleavage so there is no need for any special pinning or folding.[9]

  4. 4

    Pair it with a pashmina. Feeling fancy? Add a pashmina to your dress and you will be the poshest lady on the block. While you can fold a pashmina in many ways, the best option for covering cleavage is to fold your pashmina into a top. Simply wrap the pashmina around your front and then bring it back over the shoulder and let the remaining fabric drape.[10]

  5. 5

    Try a cute coat. A small decorative jacket has three functions: bringing your dress to life, covering your cleavage, and keeping you warm on cold nights. Find a coat whose color complements your dress and you are on your way!

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  • Question

    How do you cover a deep V neck dress?

    3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (14)

    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).

    3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (15)

    Image Consultant & Style Advisor

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    Try wearing a cami that matches your skin tone or the color of the dress for a subtle look, or choose a color that complements the dress if you want to add a little contrast.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    How can I add a little more coverage to a low-cut dress?

    3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (17)

    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).

    3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (18)

    Image Consultant & Style Advisor

    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow byunlocking this expert answer.

    If the dress is a V-neck, try pinching the dress together in the front, then use double-sided wardrobe tape to secure the neckline and bring it up a little. You could also stitch a snap on the inside to keep the dress closed.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • Whether it’s a new bralette, a new scarf, or a new camisole, be sure you try it out before going out. While many of these options will cover your cleavage, they may also leave your chest looking lumpy or shapeless. Try the clothes on and be sure you aren’t trading one faux-pas for another.[11]

        ⧼thumbs_response⧽

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      • If you just want to make sure you don't accidentally show too much skin, try using double-sided wardrobe tape to secure the dress to your skin.[12]

        ⧼thumbs_response⧽

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      • Trying stitching a snap into the neckline of the dress to close it a little.[13]

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      3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (20)

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      More References (4)

      1. https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-wear-a-pashmina-4428070
      2. http://www.hurraykimmay.com/2016/12/26/what-to-wear-underneath-plunging-necklines
      3. Jordan Stolch. Image Consultant & Style Advisor. Expert Interview. 3 November 2020.
      4. Jordan Stolch. Image Consultant & Style Advisor. Expert Interview. 3 November 2020.

      About This Article

      3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow (31)

      Co-authored by:

      Image Consultant & Style Advisor

      This article was co-authored by Jordan Stolch. 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). This article has been viewed 23,530 times.

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      Updated: October 21, 2021

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      FAQs

      3 Ways to Cover Cleavage in a Low Cut Dress - wikiHow? ›

      Wear a camisole, high-neck bra, or bandeau bra made from a nice material, like lace or silk, underneath your dress. If you choose a color and fabric that complements your dress, it should blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, buy a removable dress panel that will clip or snap onto your bra straps and cover your cleavage.

      How do you hide cleavage in a low cut dress? ›

      Wear a camisole, high-neck bra, or bandeau bra made from a nice material, like lace or silk, underneath your dress. If you choose a color and fabric that complements your dress, it should blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, buy a removable dress panel that will clip or snap onto your bra straps and cover your cleavage.

      How do you wear low cut tops without showing cleavage? ›

      Put on a camisole for an easy fix.

      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. Some camisoles have built-in bras so you don't have to wear as many layers.

      How do you stop a low cut dress from gaping? ›

      If you find it's gaping once you've already sewn it, try steam pressing it first as often this can fix the problem. But if it's still too loose, unpick it, shorten the neckband by 1-2.5cm (3/8-1in) by sewing the ends together a bit further in, and attach it to the neckline again.

      How do I make my cleavage more obvious? ›

      5 Tricks for Naturally Enhancing Cleavage
      1. Choose the Right Bra. If you want to emphasize great cleavage, selecting the right type of bra is important. ...
      2. Protect Them from Sun Exposure. ...
      3. Use Makeup. ...
      4. Exercise More. ...
      5. Wear the Right Types of Clothes.
      Jul 6, 2021

      How do you wear a low cut dress without a bra? ›

      There are different ways you can tape your bust in order to give the illusion that you are wearing a bra under your dress. Taping vertically over your bust provides more support, where as taping horizontally across your bust can provide a little lift. Which way to tape is up to you and the neckline of your dress.

      How can I make my dress fit better around my bust? ›

      Purchasing the right undergarments could help your dress fit correctly. If the bust is too large, fill the extra space with a bra or bustier. A padded bra could help the bust fit closer to your chest. If you already have a bra that will work with your dress, you can purchase silicone inserts to help fill the space.

      How much cleavage is too much? ›

      The breasts should have a natural shape, and they should not be touching." As a general rule, the amount of cleavage that should be visible is 1 or 2 inches — 3 inches at the most. When the breasts are pushed up into unnatural shapes and more than 3 inches are exposed, it's called Hard Cleavage.

      How do you make a low cut formal dress more modest? ›

      All you need to do is wear a pair of spandex shorts under your dress. This will keep you from revealing too much when sitting down or if there is a gush of wind that lifts up your skirt. But, make sure it doesn't show underneath the dress.

      How do you cover a low cut back dress? ›

      For a quick and easy but elegant cover-up, drape a wrap, shawl, or stole around your shoulders. If you're more concerned about covering your lower back, wrap the shawl around your forearms and let it droop down behind you. A wide pashmina scarf or shawl makes an elegant complement to most dresses.

      What do you wear under a low cut dress? ›

      Camisole. One of the most popular options for underneath a plunging neckline is a camisole. Many women choose to cover their bra or breasts with a simple tank top. Some even wear a camisole with a built-in shelf bra in replacement of a bra entirely.

      How much cleavage does a woman show before it's too much in inches? ›

      The breasts should have a natural shape and they should not be touching.” As a general rule, the amount of cleavage that should be visible is 1 or 2 inches – 3 inches at the most.

      Do you wear a bra with a low cut dress? ›

      What do you wear under a very low-cut dress? You should pick a deep plunging bra that has a deep U shape between the cups and are perfect to wear under any low-cut dress. If you prefer to show off the extra volume, you can try a push-up bra with a deep front cut that also provides you with good support. 2.

      How can I make my chest look bigger in a dress? ›

      Making your chest area the focal point of your outfit can make your breasts seem bigger. Wear a necklace, chest brooch, or pendant to draw attention to your bust. Short necklaces with a large medallion can heighten the illusion of a larger chest.

      What is floating cleavage? ›

      Floating Cleavage

      Perfectly centered, separated, and standing at attention in a way that defies the laws of science.

      What is the perfect cleavage size? ›

      The measurement should be of 15cm from the base of chin to the start of cleavage. The depth between the top of the breasts to where they meet should be 5 cm. Also, if you wear a 34D, consider yourself lucky for having the perfect cleavage!

      What is considered good cleavage? ›

      In this guide, cleavage quality is measured in numbers, then the amount of sides, separated by a comma. 1 is perfect cleavage, 2 is good cleavage, and 3 is poor cleavage. If the cleavage of a mineral is written as 1,2 the mineral has perfect cleavage in two directions.

      What to do when the chest area of a dress is too big? ›

      If the bust is too large, fill the extra space with a bra or bustier. A padded bra could help the bust fit closer to your chest. If you already have a bra that will work with your dress, you can purchase silicone inserts to help fill the space.

      How do you fix a gaping wrap on a dress? ›

      Adding snaps, buttons or a hook fastener at the front stops the dress from gaping while walking or in any unexpected gusts of wind. These can be inserted at the join, although this can pop open, pull, or tear if there's a lot of pressure from physical activity.

      How should I dress if my stomach is bigger than my chest? ›

      Go big on top, narrow on bottom. If you like the idea of belly camouflage but want to show some shape too, let opposites attract. Pair any full-cut top, blouse, jacket or tunic with a slim base of trim pants, leggings or straight or skinny jeans (here's where the latter come in handy even if you no longer love them).

      How do you cover cleavage on a gown? ›

      1. You could wear it with a camisole under the dress.
      2. You could wear an interesting bra or a bralette under it! ...
      3. Or you could wearing a pretty coat over it but that will surely cover up the dress.
      4. You can also wear bib necklaces or layered necklaces to deviate the attention from the cleavage.

      How do you cover your shoulders in a dress? ›

      Drape a heavy shawl over your shoulders for an elegant addition. A thick, wool shawl is a great pick for a fancy dinner or a night out on the town. Let it hang over your shoulders and drape down your arms to keep them warm. Look for a style and color that complements the dress you're wearing.

      How does wrap around dress work? ›

      A wrap dress is a dress with a front closure created by wrapping one side of the dress across the other and tying at the waist.

      Can the bust of a dress be altered? ›

      Usually the dress needs taken in at the bust. It depends on the fit, but most often this can be done by taking in the side seams. Sometimes it needs a different adjustment and a dart can be created or a center front seam taken in to reshape the curve of the bust.

      How do you wear a saggy breast dress? ›

      Trying to compress, diminish or flatten big or saggy breasts by hiding them in oversized tops will just make them look bigger and saggier. You may want to go up a size in very fitted sweaters, though, simply because it looks more polished. Choose black or dark tops instead of white to minimize volume.

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