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.
I’ve not been stepping out long, and at first I was very self-conscious about my fairly masculine shoulders. Then I thought, Why not embrace them, instead of downplaying them? The girls at the gym are proud of their muscles, so why can’t I be, also? I’ve found that looking both pretty (as pretty as I can get, anyway) *and* strong has helped my frame of mind and altered my feminine personality somewhat, too. My (amazing and supportive) wife told me of a woman she once knew, very attractive and six feet tall, who said she had never felt intimidated by a man in her life. What a great attitude! So with that in mind and no longer embarrassed by my shoulders, I find that on those (too-rare) occasions when I go public, I’m a more relaxed, confident, happier girl!
Thankyou for posting your picture. The shoulders are not noticeable as your hips are wider. The dress smooths the figure. You look wonderful. Rosemerry
love the look
Although I’ve been wearing panties for years, It’s really only been within the last year I’ve expanded to bras, silicone breast, dresses, wigs, the whole nine yard. Like you I go to the gym regularly so I’m not very feminine looking. Have not gone out in public (OK the gym with a bra and padding but not the inserts yet.) I guess I worry (know) I won’t be passing as a female.
Hola a todas! Muy útiles consejos para sentirse y, claro, tener los pensamientos y ademanes de una mujer y al mismo tiempo usar la ropa, accesorios adecuados. Aparte de corregir tus errores masculinos es súper emocionante pensar de una forma femenina.
I request any body to take to do transformation because Iam desperate for money. Ineed to transform. I will do everything if you help me to transform. Help.
Merci beaucoup pour vos conseils.
À chaque article de votre part, vous m’offrez une part de féminité en plus.
Moi je ramène toujours mes coudes vers mon corps pour donner une apparence plus mince. Aussi, je choisis des décolletés en tissu souple et fine, ça adoucie la largeur du haut de corps.
Cordialement.
SOPHIA
Vous etes belle!
S’il vous-voulez ce serait sympa si vous voudriez une amie, pour parler des trucs filles. Mon google plus s’appelle Ana – Ophelia
Good article, I never thought about my shoulders being an issue, but there are some very helpful tips here, thank you.
Well, here I am again, getting gabby in my dotage. Those are such perfect tips! I just have to add something more. Horizontal lines, or suggestions of such, elsewhere, can make the other places look more narrow. A really great example is: Hats. Broader brims work even better. And you can have such fun with them!
And a real woman is the “don’t”?
Yes, cuz even women make mistakes that are not “ideal”. Cisgenders can have broad shoulders too
I have those! A flaring skirt does help. As pointed out, it is encouraging to see genetic women with broad shoulders as well. Somehow they still look feminine. That gives me hope that broad shoulders alone is not the kiss of death, merely another characteristic to deal with. One perspective item, is to be aware that from behind, one can seem masculine unless that is also dealt with. At times I have heard a “sir” from behind, then later, “oops, sorry ma’am.” Dress and body language need to be able to send a girl message from the back.