How to Show Cleavage Tastefully - Bra Tips, Styling Rules, Dos and Don'ts

What is Cleavage?

Cleavage refers to the exposed area between a woman's breasts that is visible when wearing low-cut tops or dresses. The appearance of cleavage is dependent on several factors like breast size and shape, bra type, neckline of the garment, and posture.

While cleavage has sexual connotations in some contexts, women may also choose to display cleavage simply for fashion purposes or self-expression without the intent to be provocative.

There are no hard rules on when to show cleavage. It's ultimately up to each woman to decide when she feels comfortable and appropriate showing off her décolletage.

Choosing the Right Bra for Cleavage

Finding the perfect bra is key to creating great cleavage. The right bra will lift the breasts, bring them closer together, and enhance their shape for maximum impact.

Consider these bra types and styles for showcasing your cleavage:

1. Push-up Bras

Push-up bras are specially designed to lift the breasts and push them inwards and upwards to create dramatic-looking cleavage.

They have supportive underwire cups and padded or molded cups to give breasts a boost. Some even have removable pads for adjustable lift.

2. Plunge Bras

Plunge bras have a low center front gore that allows you to wear low cut necklines without the bra being visible. The plunging neckline also brings the breasts closer together for great cleavage.

Look for plunge bras with contoured cups, underwire, and light padding for the best cleavage effect.

3. Multi-way Bras

Multi-way or convertible bras let you alter the straps into different configurations including classic, halter, one-shoulder, cross-back, and strapless.

This versatility allows you to show off maximum cleavage with low-cut and strapless tops.

4. Balconette Bras

Balconette bras have a horizontal bust line that gives the breasts a lifted, rounded shape. The cups are low-cut to display cleavage without showing too much lift.

Opt for a balconette bra with angled demi-cups, underwire, and wide-set straps for great cleavage with open necklines.

6 Tips for Styling Cleavage

Once you have the right bra, you can use these tips for tastefully styling and showing off your cleavage:

1. Choose the Right Neckline

Necklines like sweetheart, V-neck, scoop neck, and square will best showcase your cleavage. Go for necklines that complement your breast shape.

Avoid high or crew necklines that hide your cleavage. The neckline should enhance, not hide your assets.

2. Look for Straps and Cut-Outs

Tops with thick or embellished straps help draw attention to the cleavage area. Tops with peek-a-boo cutouts at the neckline or front can also highlight your décolletage in a chic way.

3. Accentuate with Accessories

Use accessories strategically around the breasts to accentuate your cleavage. Opt for pendants, scarves, chokers, or statement necklaces that sit just above or between the breasts.

4. Use Cleavage Contouring Makeup

Use makeup like highlighter and contouring to emphasize and enhance your breasts. Highlight the inner corners above the cleavage to make them pop.Contour under the breasts for lift.

5. Adjust Posture

Good posture goes a long way in showcasing cleavage. Straighten up with shoulders back to bring breasts closer and project them outwards.

Tilt chin down slightly and move shoulders forward for more defined cleavage. But avoid hunching over.

6. Take Advantage of Lighting

Look for overhead lighting or light coming from the sides at chest level to illuminate and highlight your cleavage.

Avoid lighting from below the chin which casts unflattering shadows. Also avoid direct harsh sunlight.

How to Show Cleavage Appropriately

Showing cleavage can boost your confidence and femininity when done tastefully. Here are some tips on showing off your décolletage appropriately:

1. Avoid Too Much Cleavage

Showcasing a hint of cleavage can be classy and alluring. But avoid revealing too much cleavage or coming across as lewd. Be mindful of your audience and environment.

2. Consider the Occasion

Cleavage may be great for a date night but not necessarily for the office. Save extremely low-cut tops for evenings out versus professional or formal daytime settings.

3. Get the Right Bra Fit

Ill-fitting bras with spillage, gapping, or bulging can make cleavage look messy. Get professionally fitted for a bra that properly lifts and shapes the breasts.

4. Use Structured Tops

You don't need low necklines to create cleavage. Opt for structured garments like blazers with darts at the bust to enhance shape and lift.

5. Skip Cleavage if Uncomfortable

Don't feel like you need to show cleavage if doing so makes you feel uneasy. There are many chic ways to cover up that are just as empowering.

6. Be Age Appropriate

Women over 50 can still rock cleavage. But be mindful of preserving sophistication and class when baring décolletage as you mature.

Fashion Tips for Different Body Types

Certain styles work better for showcasing cleavage depending on your body type. Here are cleavage fashion tips for different figures:

1. Pear Shaped Body

Go for sweetheart, square, and strapless necklines to show off your defined upper bust. Wrap tops and ruched dresses also complement your shape.

2. Rectangle Body

Create the illusion of curves with off-the-shoulder tops, cross-body necklines, and tops with embellished straps to highlight your cleavage.

3. Apple Body

V-neck and wrap dresses draw eyes down to minimize a fuller midsection. Empire cuts also work well. Avoid spaghetti straps or strapless styles.

4. Hourglass Body

Show off your balanced figure with scoop and square necks. Plunging necklines, crisscross styles, and halters also highlight your cleavage.

5. Inverted Triangle Body

Balconette and demi-cup styles flatter a full bust. Sweetheart necklines and horizontal stripes help balance broad shoulders.

Enhancing Small Breasts

Having a smaller bust doesn't mean you can't show tasteful cleavage. Here are tips to enhance and show off cleavage if you have small breasts:

• Opt for push-up and padded bras to add volume.
• Try demi or balconette bras that lift breasts front and center.
• Go for horizontal and diagonal necklines to mimic cleavage.
• Add breast enhancement inserts for temporary lift and cleavage.
• Use ruffles, patterns, and embellishments near the neckline.
• Apply makeup like contouring and highlighting to create dimension.
• Avoid spaghetti straps and strapless necklines.

Hide Cleavage When Desired

For days when you want to downplay your cleavage, use these tips:

• Wear higher necklines like turtlenecks, high collars, and crew necks.
• Opt for looser, structured tops and minimized shoulder padding.
• Pick strapless minimizer bras to tone down lift and enhancements.
• Use shawls, scarves, or blazers to cover up the chest area.
• Avoid tops with embellishments and details near the bust.
• Minimize posture adjustments like pushing shoulders forward.
• Go for darker solid color tops versus lighter shades.

Complementing Your Cleavage

These additional style tips will help you complement your cleavage for a beautifully pulled-together look:

• Highlight your face - Let your cleavage be the accent rather than the focus.
• Show just enough skin - A modest hint of cleavage is more elegant.
• Pull hair back - Let your décolletage shine by pinning back your hair.
• Watch the midsection - Avoid emphasizing the middle which draws eyes away from cleavage.
• Go minimal on accessories - Limit necklaces and chains which hide your shape.
• Mind your posture - Stand tall with shoulders back to keep cleavage perky.
• Accentuate legs - Show a bit of leg to balance your look.

The Takeaway

With the right undergarments and style choices, you can highlight your cleavage in a way that feels sexy yet tasteful. While the amount of cleavage you show is an individual choice, being classy takes precedence.

The key is looking put-together overall, not just focused on your breasts. When rocking cleavage, do so with confidence while being mindful of the situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.