Most Flattering T-Shirts For Broad Shoulders On Women

Many of my clients are broad-shouldered women, which typically means their shoulders are wider than their hips. This body type is called an inverted triangle. It’s one of the most underserved body types in the fashion world and my clients are constantly in search of the best women’s t-shirts for broad shoulders.

Best Women’s T-Shirts For Broad Shoulders

Repeat after me: scoop neck, scoop neck, scoop neck. This is the most important styling tip every broad-shouldered woman needs to know. The most flattering t-shirts for broad shoulders are always scoop necks. V-necks can work too, but it must be a curved vee (like the picture above). If the line of the vee is too straight, it’s not much better than a crewneck, which most of you probably know by now adds a lot of volume to the shoulders. You also want to skip square necks. Your broad shoulders are already mimicking the hard lines of a square, so we need to get away from that. Instead, we want to create the appearance of curves on this inverted triangle body type. A u-neck can also create curves, and if your shoulders are not much wider than your hips, an open boat neck can work as well. Let’s break this down:

• Scoop necks, soft v-necks, and u-necks are a must for flattering shirts for broad shoulders. Crewnecks add width.
• Your tops must define your breasts, armpits, and arms. Drop sleeves and dolman sleeves add weight.
• Angled, fitted cap sleeves in a flexible fabric slim the shoulder.
• Tank tops should have medium-width straps that sit at an angle. Thick, straight straps on a tank top will make you look boxy. And tiny spaghetti straps make your shoulders look huge in comparison.

The No-Nos: Stop buying crewnecks. Stop buying drop sleeves. Stop buying dolman sleeves. The shoulder seam of your shirt should always be exactly where your shoulder ends. There are few exceptions to this.

How to Make Broad Shoulders Look Smaller

This post was originally created to simply provide the best women’s t-shirts for broad shoulders. But it became so popular, I expanded my shopping recommendations to other types of flattering clothes for broad shoulders and wanted to go into more detail on the inverted triangle body type. The main goal in dressing a woman with shoulders more prominent than her hips is to create hips. Fit and flare dresses and aline dresses are great for creating the illusion of hips. If you have a smooth stomach, no matter your size, snug fitting ruched dresses are also amazing if you have minimal hips. Below you’ll find the best t-shirts for broad shoulders, along with flattering dresses, blazers, and button-down shirts.

James Perse Deep V-Neck T-Shirt

This t-shirt is available at Nordstrom Rack and Amazon and comes in a multitude of colors!

Sizing + Fit: True to size. But order a size down as well to compare.

NZT by Nic+Zoe Scoop Neck T-Shirt

This tee by NZT Nic + Zoe is the best t-shirt for women ever made. It’s the only t-shirt that I have put on every single client, of every age and every body type. Not one client was disappointed in it. That scoop neck flatters every single woman from large chested to small busted — and of course, it flatters broad shoulders as well. It’s available at Nordstrom and Amazon.

Sizing + Fit: True to size. But order a size down as well to compare.

ATM Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee

I just had to show you the ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub Tee in this wonderful teal shade as well. This tee is available at Bloomingdale’s and ATM.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.

JCPenney Womens Plus Scoop Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Sizing + Fit: True to size.

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

This is one of my go-to flattering shirts for broad shoulders. The deep curved v-neck of the Madewell Whisper Cotton Pocket Tee disrupts wider shoulders. I know there is a pocket, but it is well-placed and doesn’t add weight. Plus, this shirt comes in a rainbow of colors. It’s available at Nordstrom and Shopbop.

Sizing Tip: Runs a little small. Order a size up to compare fits.

Tommy Bahama Ashby Isles Curve Hem T-Shirt

This flattering t-shirt for broad shoulders is available at Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, and Zappos.

Sizing Tip: Runs slightly big. Order your true size as well as a size down to compare.

Athleta Breezy Scoop V Tee

Sizing Tip: True to size, but order a size down as well to compare.

Splendid Deep U-Neck Tee

ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub V-Neck Tee

The super curved v-neck on this ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub Tee is wonderfully flattering. This tee is available in several colors at Bloomingdale’s, ATM, & Saks 5th Avenue.

Theory Sunaya Silk-Stretch Shirt

This Theory Sunaya Silk-Stretch Shirt is super stretchy, soft, and flattering — what more could you ask for in a button-down? This shirt is available at Bloomingdale’s and Saks 5th Avenue.

Sizing Tip: Runs big, which is odd for Theory, but true.

Marine Layer Classic Scoop Neck Tee

Rag & Bone Gemma Floral Jacquard Cotton Blend Top

This top is available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Bella Dahl Flowy Button Down Shirt

This shirt is available at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

Sizing Tip: Runs larger, order 1-2 sizes down.

Vince High/Low Stretch Silk Shirt

The angle on the shoulder seam of the Vince High/Low Stretch Silk Shirt is doing all the favors for broad shoulders. Plus, this stretch silk is everything for a broad shouldered woman — you’ll want to wear this shirt all day. Also, notice the length and side slit — you can leave this shirt untucked and still look put together. This shirt is available at Nordstrom (plus size, here), Vince, Neiman Marcus, and Shopbop.

ATM Schoolboy V-Neck Tee

This tee is available at Bloomingdale’s, Amazon, and ATM.

Sizing Tip: True to size.

Nic+Zoe Vital V-Neck Sweater

This shirt is available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Enza Costa Cap Sleeve U Tee

You must have a flat stomach for this Enza Costa Cap Sleeve U Tee, but that deep v-neck and those angled sleeves will slim your shoulders.

Sizing Tip: Runs small. Order a size up.

Veronica Beard Cindy V-Neck T-Shirt

The Veronica Beard Cindy V-Neck T-Shirt is another soft, versatile tee with a flattering drape. This t-shirt is available at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Veronica Beard.

Rag & Bone The Vee Tee

Rag & Bone’s The Vee Tee is great for a soft, white tee in a flattering cut. Plus, it’s not sheer! This tee is available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Theory Sunaya Silk-Stretch Shirt

Here’s that wonderfully soft and flattering Theory Sunaya Silk-Stretch Shirt I mentioned above in black.

Sizing Tip: Runs big, which is odd for Theory, but true.

Kut from the Kloth Jacqueline Denim Jacket

This jacket is available at Nordstrom and Kut from the Kloth.

Cinq à Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve Blazer

This Cinq à Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve Blazer can be dressed up or down and pairs wonderfully with most of the flattering shirts for broad shoulders featured in this post. It looks like it might make your shoulders appear even broader, but it absolutely will not! It’s just too big for this narrowed shouldered model. It’s available at Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, Amazon, and Shopbop.

Badgley Mischka Odessa Pleat Cocktail Dress

I know this post is focused on flattering shirts for broad shoulders, but I just had to show you the Badgley Mischka Odessa Pleat Cocktail Dress. It might seem that it would make your shoulders broader, but it does not. It tempers the width with all the elements we’ve talked about — angled, fitted cap sleeves with a v-neck that defines your breasts, armpits, and arms. I put this on a very broad shouldered client this week who is extremely picky and self-conscious about her shoulders and this was her favorite piece of the day!

ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub V-Neck Tee

I just had to show you the ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub Tee in this wonderful canary shade as well. This tee is available in yellow at Nordstrom and in several other colors at Bloomingdale’s, ATM, & Saks 5th Avenue.

Most Flattering Shirts For Broad Shoulders From The Past

I originally wrote this post in 2014. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.

AllSaints Eemelyn Shimmer V-Neck T-Shirt

Sizing + Fit: True to size.

Boss Bashina Stretch Poplin Blouse

This supremely stretchy Boss Bashina Poplin Blouse is tailored on the sides for a very slim fit, but has good width at the shoulders. It is not for the very broad shouldered, but a lot of you ladies will love it.

Sizing Tip: Runs small, order 1-2 sizes up.

BeachLunchLounge Charlene Stripe Puckered Button-Up Shirt

Halogen Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee

My clients are all dying for this uber soft Halogen Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee. It is insanely flattering on everyone, including broad shouldered women.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but it is quite stretchy, so feel free to go down a size if you have a taut body.

Nordstrom Signature Stretch Silk Button-Up Shirt

The Nordstrom Signature Stretch Silk Button-Up Shirt is made from an incredibly comfortable stretch silk, which means your shoulders will never be encumbered. It also has a nice wide cut on the shoulders as you can see on the model. This is my favorite work-appropriate shirt for broad shouldered woman right now. I’m obsessed with its comfort and versatility. That color palette means it can go with practically anything, from slacks and skirts to jeans. It can pair with greens, camel, blush, dark blue, light blue, black, brown, and rust.

Sanctuary Alma Scoop Tee

The Sanctuary Alma Scoop Neck Slub Linen T-Shirt has both the scooped neckline and cap sleeves needed to slim the upper body.

BP All Day Tee

The BP All Day Tee is one of my favorite solid colored t-shirts of all time, and that u-neck makes it particularly flattering for all my broad-shouldered clients. Plus, it comes in an array of colors.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.

1901 Stretch Cotton Twill Blazer

I was very excited to see 1901’s Stretch Cotton Twill Blazer work for my broad shouldered client. The stretch and fit was spot on. I love it best with jeans or stretch cotton ankle pants. Throw over one of the t-shirts featured above.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.

All in Favor Surplice Top

The raglan sleeve combined with the v-neck on this  All in Favor Surplice Top is extremely flattering for broad shoulders. Just make sure you size down to avoid an oversized look.

Joie Chinaru Floral Peplum Cotton Top

The angle of the straps and neckline of the Joie Chinaru Floral Peplum Cotton Top are perfection.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but most likely you will want to take in on the sides. It’s too wide, but after you alter the torso, you will love it. It is best for women 5′ 4″ or shorter.

1901 Button Up Stripe Shirt

Notice the angle of the shoulder seam on this 1901 Button Up Linen and Cotton Stripe Shirt. This angle is a broad shoulder’s friend. Also, notice that there is no pocket on the chest. Pockets add weight and width.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but also order one size up to compare.

Eileen Fisher High/Low Silk Top

This Eileen Fisher High/Low Silk Top is 100% silk and extremely comfortable. Notice those angled cap sleeves and flattering v-neck. Pair with leggings or skinny jeans.

Sizing Tip: Runs quite large. Order 1-2 sizes down. Looks best on taller women (5′ 6″+).

Equipment Daphne Button-Front Long-Sleeve Floral-Print Silk Shirt

My clients are loving the Equipment Daphne Button-Front Long-Sleeve Floral-Print Silk Shirt. The shoulders are wide enough for all my broad clients. Notice that angled out sleeve seam!  Note, this is the only Equipment shirt I have liked on my broad shouldered clients this shopping round.

Sizing Tip: Runs a bit big. Order a size down. Tall gals will love this top. Shorter gals can simply bring up the hem and shorten the sleeves at the tailor.

Lafayette 148 New York Reese V-Neck Tee

The angled cap sleeves and V-shaped lines on the Lafayette 148 New York Reese V-Neck Tee give it a flattering and elegant look. This top is available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus.

Sizing Tip: Runs large, order a size down.

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum! Mondello Slub Pocket Tee

I love the bright red color of the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum! Mondello Slub Pocket Tee. Plus that scoop neck and slanted cap sleeve are doing us all the favors. It’s also available in plus sizes, here.

Athleta Outbound Scoop Tee

This is one of the most flattering shirts for broad shoulders ever made — plus, it comes in an array of colors.

Sizing Tip: Runs a little small so order your usual size and a size up to compare.

Most Flattering Shirts From Years Past

I originally wrote this post years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.

Kut from the Kloth Helena Denim Jacket

I couldn’t resist showing you the KUT from the Kloth Helena Denim Jacket in the lighter “Empathetic” color as well.

Banana Republic Factory Slub Scoop Neck T-Shirt

Sizing + Fit: Runs small. Order your true size as well as a size up to compare.

Paige Galiene Eyelet Top

Sizing + Fit: Runs small. Order your true size as well as a size up to compare.

Athleta Stratus II Tee

Sizing Tip: Runs large and long. Order your regular size as well as a size down to compare and don’t be scared to invest in hemming it if you are below 5′ 6″.

Karen Kane Alana Jersey Maxi Dress

The angle of these straps is insanely flattering for your broad shoulders and the drape of the dress creates the illusion of hips.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.