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 just tell myself I look like an athletic woman! I’m not thin, but with a natural 41 inch chest, I use a 34 inch corset to create a nice looking waist, and this looks quite feminine with the right clothes. Good tips on the clothing. But I do like wearing a strapless top now and then – it just feels great!
From what I’ve seen a lot of “rules for transition applie to people before and in their transition for people 2+ years on estrogen a lot of these things really don’t aplie anymore
yss i m very slim small frame..i m asian.c my pic and commnt.i m 5 ‘7″
Excellent tips.
Keep them coming.
Cute
Love the information…
Good tips! Yesterday at the gym, I heard girls talking about the inconvenient of cross-training… they were saying that they don’t fit in their sleeves dresses and t-shirts. It make me smile and for now I will look at what they are wearing outside the gym…
I will try the dark top – light bottom trick next time I’ll be en femme. I want that long printed skirt… but it seem out trend this year because I wasn’t able to find anything like this on the internet and even in shops…
I am a big believer in using makeup to make my eyes look bigger and more… emotionally tender. Eyeliner applied softly with a brush is key. A woman’s facial development is usually not as extensive as a man’s, but a woman’s eyes grow to the same size as a man’s so they look bigger relative to the face.
In point 1 you say to wear thick shoulder straps, and show a tank top. But then in the “don’t” section you list sleeveless tops. Where is the dividing line? It would seem that a sleeveless top isn’t that far from a wide-strap tank top.
Thanks for clarifying.
I have broad shoulders and I am proud of them, however, I am self-conscious of my figure and want to have broader hips and thighs and a finer waist and certainly do not want most of anyone’s attention focused on any particular part of my body which of course includes my breasts. I appreciate Lucille’s advise and especially the one about avoiding thin shoulder straps. I feel that I look ridiculous in them. I have not been singled out as far as I know for my shoulders. This may be because I am graceful and grace is considered feminine!
Wearing dresses that are pulled in at the natural waist or flair at the bottom help. As well high waisted jeans with a tucked or simi tucked shirt (this works with slacks as well). Sleeveless cropped jackets work as well but can add extra bulk in the chest area. Slim fitted shirts with bulker bottoms is also an idea.