I’m often asked how to minimize the look of broad shoulders. Fortunately, there’s lots you can do to downplay your shoulders and feminize your body proportions as a crossdresser or transgender woman.
But first things first… Don’t feel bad about the size of your shoulders!
Many cisgender (genetic) women have broad shoulders – including some of the most beautiful models and celebrities in the world.
That said, here are 10 tips and techniques to minimize your shoulders while creating an elegant and feminine look.
1. Find a Flattering Neckline
As a general rule, you should avoid square or horizontal necklines. Instead, opt for necklines with rounded or vertical lines to help soften and slim your shoulders. For example:
Neckline DOs
- V-neck
- Scoop neck
- Halter tops
- Thick shoulder straps
Neckline DON’Ts
- Bateau neck
- Square neck
- Strapless or sleeveless tops
- Spaghetti straps
2. Wear the Right Size Breast Forms
Your breast forms should be large enough to balance out your shoulders. However, they shouldn’t be so big that they add excessive bulk to your upper body. Here are some guidelines for choosing a cup size:
- If you have a small frame – choose a B or C cup.
- If you have a medium frame – choose a C or D cup.
- If you have a large frame – choose a D cup or larger.
Check out my blog post on Trans / Crossdresser Breast Forms: How to Choose the Perfect Pair for more info on selecting the right size and shape for you.
3. Wear Darker Colors On Top
Dark colors have a slimming effect, so an easy way to balance your proportions is to wear dark colors on top and light colors on the bottom.
4. Choose Your Sleeves Wisely
Sleeves can have a big impact (good or bad) on the appearance of your shoulders. Here are some suggestions:
- Avoid sleeves that cut horizontally across your biceps.
- Avoid puffy or ruffled sleeves.
- Look for sleeves with a slimming diagonal cut.
- 3/4 length sleeves are universally flattering.
5. Avoid Shoulder Pads
This tip is obvious. Shoulder pads are the last thing you need, so don’t be afraid to cut them out of your tops and jackets.
6. Distract With a Printed Bottom
Drawing people’s eyes away from your shoulders is a great distraction technique. Bring attention to your lower body with a printed or embellished bottom.
7. Wear Skirts That Flare Out
Skirts that flare out at the bottom help balance the width of your shoulders, creating a more feminine silhouette. Look for gathered, flared, pleated, and/or a-line skirts. Avoid strait skirts and fitted pants.
8. Choose the Right Jacket
When it comes to jackets, you should avoid broad collars and double breasted styles. Instead, opt for single breasted jackets with a narrow collar and lapels.
9. Know Your Best Necklace Length
Long necklaces create vertical lines that help slim the upper body. Avoid short, chunky necklaces and chokers.
10. Find a Flattering Hairstyle
Yes, even the right hairstyle helps. Here are some guidelines:
- Hair that falls above or below your shoulders is most flattering.
- Avoid hairstyles that fall at exactly shoulder length.
- Straight hair emphasizes the angles of your body and can make the shoulders look wider.
- Full, wavy hair helps soften the shoulders and balances broader body proportions.
To learn more about selecting the right hairstyle, be sure to see my post on MTF Transgender Hairstyles: 6 Best Transfem Haircuts & Styles.
In conclusion
Never forget that you can look beautiful and feminine at any size or shape. The secret is to distract from so-called flaws while playing up your assets.
Do you have broad shoulders? If so, what are your favorite tips for looking your best when getting dressed?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you liked this article, you will LOVE my free 3-part Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
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Just a note about this subject. I realized recently just how big my shoulders looked when I saw my picture next to two female cisgender friends. I noticed this in the first two pics so we took some more. I tried to cover my shoulders by putting a large grey hoodie sweatshirt draped over my shoulders. Underneath I was wearing a black dress that has looked really good before. Guess what I learned? DONT try to cover up like that!!! Ewwww!!! I looked even bigger and it didn’t look right. I’m off that kick until. I figure out how to feel comfortable with my looks I’m only wearing stuff i know looks good. And right now what looks good is leggings, tops and it doesn’t look so bad exposing my shoulders. What looks bad is trying to fake it.
Thank you Lucille for the great advise and ideas, so many times we dress inappropriately maybe from the lack of experience or not having someone to bounce ideas of off on our dress choices, at 68 yo, I’ve had many years of practice and with two sisters at home while in my teens I was able to learn a few things, lucky for me (I guess) I was born an XXY that has contributed to my “still young looking” feminine figure and desire to be fem part time, dressing the part has still been a challenge but I have implemented a lot of your ideas and all I can say is that its great when the public can’t tell if you are male or female, I still get a kick out of that, why not have fun with it.
For the other ladies here, I have let my still dark hair grow out for the last few years and that in itself can help considerably to the challenges of the change, long hair, tight skirt, nice shoes, from the back, for sure, you will get a lot of attention.
I am so very grateful for you cherished advise! Can’t wait to go shopping with all of your great fashion tips. I’m such a fan❤️✨
Hi Lucille
Great advice , I think I was lucky because my shoulders are not too big and my high is 5’6 and I was very lucky with the size of my hands they are small and my feet too I am 8,5 in women shoe size.
Much love Joanna xoxo
I think these are some great ideas. I often like something drake the on my shoulders or a shrug if I wear a spaghetti top . I rarely ever wear a spaghetti shop without something on my shoulders . I admit that I haven’t spent enough on my wardrobe.
Thank you Lucille. The applied photos are great guidelines. I am always grateful for your tips
Yours Respectfully,
Michelle
Lovely
Oh crap!
I wonder how many rules I broke in this one!
giggles
Seriously these tips are very helpful and although I already know most of this it is good to review and refresh things regularly as we gurls sometimes go off on fantasy related tangents which violate the tenets
of feminine presentation