Any person with bigger boobs knows there is a mythical garment, nay, a veritable quest item we all desire but can never find: the button front shirt. To fit the bust, we size up until the waist becomes a hopeless sack of missed opportunity. Broad shouldered people like moi also contend with the potential to hulk out should we stretch our arms too much, and those of a narrow shouldered persuasion can find sizing up means the shoulder seam creeps down their arm. What are we to do? Why find a bust-friendly clothing company like Exclusively Kristen, of course! Kristen kindly sent me a classic white version of her staple shirt during “The Delusional Period,” and while the bust fit perfectly, my thyroid tummy strained the lower buttons. I am finally able to wear and enjoy.

Sizing

The size is a European 16 (don’t worry, it’s a US brand) which the size chart notes as being: 44-46″ bust, 36-38” waist, and 46-48” hip. Presently, I measure: 42” bust, 33” waist, and 39” lower hip. As a result, the shirt is slightly big on me now, but not as much as I expected. Because the material is 100% cotton, the lack of stretch means the shirt not only runs a smidge small but also maintains shape despite the size discrepancy.

On account of those aforementioned broad shoulders, I prefer a button front to have a looser fit because I move my arms and hands a lot. Restrictions across my shoulders bother me, and I am less inclined to wear those clothes. Nevertheless, on my next foray, I will order a size down, assuming my measurements stay the same.

Fit

I adore the fit of this shirt. The pattern is ideal for hourglass shapes because it nips in at the waist before gently flaring across the hips. The shoulder seams sit at the appropriate place, and I can fully button the entire shirt without any pulling or snugness.

The Exclusive Kristen button front is the epitome of bust-friendly clothing with noticeable projection in the chest region. The front and back both boast darting to shape and contour the shirt to the body, and the sturdy but lightweight cotton provides a sense of structure to the piece.

My only gripe is the arms are long for me, but I never wear anything long sleeve without either rolling or scrunching up the fabric. Likewise, even though it does button easily to the neckline, I hate feeling suffocated. That’s why in the pictures I unbuttoned it and rolled the sleeves to my normal place of wear.

Materials

I am a sucker for a 100% cotton shirt, especially in a button front. I used to purchase mine from J. Crew all the time and belt them, but now I can wear this shirt as is or tuck it in for a more fitted shape. The cotton is thick enough to not be sheer but also thin enough to breath. In the sweltering heat, like when I took the photos, the cotton does not trap heat against the body. Cotton also holds up better for me over time because the elastic component often breaks down with frequent washes, use of the dryer, and/or bleaching.

To me, the real star of the materials is the quality of the design. Everything from the buttons to the seaming screams thoughtfulness and attention to detail. I previously tried an Exclusively Kristen dress (now on sale for $40), which I love although I do need to tailor it once my weight stabilizes. In fact, I mentioned J. Crew, and if you are familiar with the brand, their overall quality level is what Exclusively Kristen aims for, if not a higher standard. These are not fast fashion pieces but rather ones designed to last you for years.

Price

At $69, the button front shirt is fairly priced. Similar quality button fronts range from $60 to $80 depending on the brand, placing Exclusively Kristen right in the middle. Furthermore, all of their designs are timeless staples. A white button front will always work, no matter what new style trends emerge. It’s versatile enough to let you play with multiple looks to suit the trends but also classic enough that it won’t look dated in a year. If you work in a conservative profession, shirts like these are perfect for projecting an air of authority and professionalism too.

The shirt is available in light blue, black, and navy, and there are two short-sleeve versions on sale for $29 in limited sizes. Again, all of these are neutral, classic color combinations that work well with a variety of wardrobes meaning your cost-per-wear will far exceed the price point.

Overall Thoughts on the Exclusively Kristen Button Front

As a general fan of crisp white shirts, I think Exclusively Kristen succeeds completely in offering a solidly crafted piece of bust-friendly clothing at an inexpensive price point. Between the versatility of the design and the way it fits my curves, the look is relaxed and refreshingly chic. Furthermore, supporting the brand means supporting a small, Black woman-owned business, meaning your dollars help an individual rather than a massive corporation. That’s always bonus points in my book. If you are in the market for bust-friendly clothing, definitely check out her website!