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 went out for there first time in years as going back to transgender. I know it’s not my face because I have the face of a pretty women nomatter what, but it was the damn shoulders. I was wearing a very nice tight blouse/jacket. But I am very athletic in stature, look alittle like I was going to fight in w women’s UFC. But all the boys/girls could tell I was because of the shoulders. I’m going to go with a loose top like the one above the I get the money. And a ballerinas tutu. Thank you for posting this. I was really upset today so I looked this up. Don’t you wish you were back at being trans and a teen? I miss those girly shoulder days.
I just want to say there’s no one way to be trans certainly not a hand book half the stuff on this guide I wear and look damn good in…you should wear what you like and rock it and forget what other people say…be you and shine and people will luv u for u..oh and the file thing at the top doesn’t work….
Wondering where you get your example pictures from because I’d love to find that third dress from number 7 (skirts that flair out)
Thank you for the advice. It is nice to find help among our Transgender Male to Female friends.
Thanks for this article, I’m male but I don’t really know what my gender is, I guess I’m fluid. Anyway, I like cross-dressing to dances and such and while dancing I feel great and not self-conscious at all. But then I look at pictures of me from that night and my eyes are instantly drawn to how wide my shoulders are (Which are especially accentuated due to my very slim, no hips, figure). I will try some of these tips next time. And maybe invest in some hip padding 😉
Sunday 28 january 2018
10:45 am
Good morning, Lucille !
My Name is Michelle Mouret 50 years old. Living from France ( south, 600 milles under Paris ).
Thanks you for your advices. .. for my shoulders and the Best choice about dresses.
That’s right : dark clothes for top. .and White or clear happy original at the bottom !
Im looking for an surgery for sex reassignation in south of France Montpellier ? Lyon ?
I don’t know names and phones from good Doctor with SRS… Please, Lucille, Could you help me ?
THANK YOU
MICHELLE
My mail adress is
seigneur.de.pipelic@gmail.com
Do a Google search or have a local endocrinologist refure u to a surgeon
I’m a cisgender gay guy with linebacker shoulders, trying to achieve a more even, balanced look overall. I feel like I learned several great tips from this article, and I just wanted to say thank you.
Thanks for the information on the hairstyle. I was considering getting a straight below the shoulder wig. You convinced me otherwise. Learn so much from you. Thanks for all your great input.
You look great in looking for hair styles for my self:)