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Whether you have a smaller bust and are looking for a bra that fits comfortably or are shopping for someone else who does, we’ve got you covered. Those with small busts have a wide range of options, as they often don’t require as much support as people with larger busts. However, since there are a myriad of choices of shapewear for women, it can feel overwhelming when trying to narrow down the options.
To find the best bras for small busts, I interviewed bra experts about coverage, style and sizes to find out which bras they recommend. I also relied on personal experience to suggest some tried-and-true favorites.
What to consider when buying bras for small busts
Size
Before picking a bra for a small bust, you must know the cup size and band size, says Amelia Newman, intimates technical designer at Adore Me, who notes that although size is an essential measure, proper fit is much more important than its accompanying number and letter. “Your bra size is more of a ballpark,” she says. “It's better to get fitted and try different brands or to simply find a brand that suits your body and style and stay loyal." Although your bra size will likely vary slightly from brand to brand, your size is not as important as how comfortable the bra feels.
Style
Bras come in a range of styles, so always find the best shapewear for women that works for you. However, bras are designed with different features that you should consider before making a purchase. Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and author of “The Bra Book,” recommends demi cups, push-ups and balconettes for people with small busts, but it’s essential to make sure they’re also comfortable. The number of clasps and the width of the band varies by bra, so read the product descriptions of the bras you’re interested in to ensure you select a bra that provides proper fit and support.
Coverage
You’ll also want to know the type of coverage you’re looking for before hitting that “buy now” button. “Generally speaking, less coverage will work best for a petite frame,” says Ra’el Cohen, co-founder and chief creative officer at ThirdLove. “Too much coverage for not enough breast tissue will result in a poor fit and a bulky wearing experience.” That said, there are no rules when it comes to coverage — the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable.
Our top picks for the best bras for small busts
Best budget bra for small busts: Warner Cloud 9 Wire-free Contour Bra
Best budget bra for small busts
Warner's Women's Cloud 9 Wire Free Contour Bra in Black (1269) | Size 40B | HerRoom.com
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to accommodate a small bust, consider Warner’s Cloud 9 Wire-free Contour Bra. It’s made with nylon and elastane and offers full coverage and light, 1/16-inch padding, which can protect breasts and subtly enhance shape. It’s available in 16 colors including pale pink, garden rose and toasted almond.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-40.
- Cup sizes: A-D.
- Style: Wireless contour bra.
- Materials: Nylon and elastane.
- Coverage: Full coverage.
- Color options: 11.
- Price on publish: $26.95.
What we like:
- Features 1/16-inch padding.
- Available in 11 colors.
- Doesn’t have side boning.
What we don’t like:
- Runs small.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
For nearly $27, this wireless contour bra is affordable and features light padding that protects and enhances breast shape.
Get it here: Warner Cloud 9 Wire-free Contour Bra
Best T-shirt bra for small busts: Wingslove Push Up Plunge T-Shirt Bra
Best T-shirt bra for small busts
Wingslove Push Up Plunge T-Shirt Bra
When it comes to the best T-shirt bra for small busts, I recommend this bra from Wingslove. As someone who regularly wears T-shirts, I like how this bra defines breast shape with its contour cups and that I can adjust its underwire when needed. I also appreciate the decorative crystal between the cups, which enhances the design without being overly flashy and gives me a confidence boost, even when I’m wearing a T-shirt. The only drawback I’ve found with this bra is that hand-washing is recommended, which can be more time-consuming, especially when you’re in a rush.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-38.
- Cup sizes: A-DD.
- Style: Contour demi bra.
- Materials: Nylon and elastane.
- Coverage: Demi.
- Color options: 12.
- Price on publish: $29.99.
What we like:
- Has a crystal decoration.
- Can adjust its underwire.
- Made with contour cups.
What we don’t like:
- Hand-washing is recommended.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
T-shirt lovers will appreciate this contour demi bra, which features an adjustable underwire, comes in a range of colors and has a decorative crystal.
Get it here: Wingslove Push Up Plunge T-Shirt Bra
Best nude bra for small busts: Skims Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra
Best nude bra for small busts
SKIMS T-Shirt Bra | Medium Neutral | 30B | Fits Everybody
Skims’ Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra is a great choice for a nude bra for those with small busts. Available in 10 shades that match a variety of skin tones and 360-degree stretch technology, this bra will move with you for a comfortable fit. The number of shades will help you find a no-show look, and although this buttery-soft bra is designed for small breasts (being available in an A cup and smaller band sizes), those with larger busts can also wear it as cup sizes reach H and the band size goes up to 46.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30-46.
- Cup sizes: A-H.
- Style: T-shirt bra.
- Materials: Polyamide and elastane.
- Coverage: Demi (molded).
- Color options: 12.
- Price on publish: $54.
What we like:
- Nude shades match.
- Buttery-soft feel.
- Its cups are lightly lined.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Whether you’re looking for a bra for everyday wear or special occasions, this T-shirt bra from Skims will support your breasts and is available in 10 shades that match most skin tones.
Get it here: Skims Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra
Best bralette for small busts: Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette
Best bralette for small busts
Cosabella Women's Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette, Blue, Medium, Lace Bralette
Since small breasts don’t normally require much support, bralettes such as the Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette can focus more on design. Made with polyamide and elastane, this minimal-coverage Italian floral lace bralette features a sweetheart neckline. In addition, you can pull it over your head and say goodbye to clasps, hooks and underwires. It’s available in 39 different colors.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-38.
- Cup sizes: A-D.
- Style: Bralette.
- Materials: Polyamide and elastane.
- Coverage: Minimal.
- Color options: 38.
- Price on publish: $27.75.
What we like:
- Available in 39 colors.
- Can be pulled over your head.
- Wireless.
What we don’t like:
- Its tag may itch.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This Italian floral lace bralette offers comfort and minimal support and you can easily pull it over your head — no struggling with clasps with this pick.
Get it here: Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette
Best balconette bra for small busts: Parade Dream Balconette Bra
Best balconette bra for small busts
Parade Dream Balconette Bra
For a retro-style balconette bra for small busts, consider Parade’s Dream Balconette Bra. Whether you prefer nude or jewel-toned shades, this bra comes in a range of colors. I love that this unlined bra is made with Parade’s signature fabric featuring recycled yarn, which stays cool and stretchy and is better for the environment. Plus, this bra is machine-washable, which is handy when you don’t have time for hand-washing.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 3-46.
- Cup sizes: A-DDD/F.
- Style: Balconette.
- Materials: Signature fabric made with recycled yarn.
- Coverage: Demi.
- Color options: Eight.
- Price on publish: $15.
What we like:
- Bold color options.
- Retro style.
- Made with recycled materials.
- Unlined.
What we don’t like:
- Cannot be ironed.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This balconette bra is a great option for those with small busts as it provides a vintage look and shape, using a cooling and recycled fabric.
Get it here: Parade Dream Balconette Bra
Best underwire bra for small busts: Wacoal Embrace Lace Petite Push Up Underwire Bra
Best underwire bra for small busts
Wacoal Embrace Lace Petite Push Up Underwire Bra
If you’re in the market for an underwire bra for small busts, Kimmay Caldwell, undergarment educator at Hurray Kimmay, recommends this lace push-up pick from Wacoal. “This bra is great and the removable pads provide an excellent fit for fluctuating or uneven busts, both of which are very common and totally normal,” says Caldwell. Although this bra offers minimal coverage, it still lifts the breasts and has straps that you can adjust as needed.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30-36.
- Cup sizes: AA-C.
- Style: Push-up.
- Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex and cotton.
- Coverage: Minimal.
- Color options: One.
- Price on publish: $62.
What we like:
- Lace band.
- Adjustable back straps.
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one color.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Although this bra is only available in one color, its underwire provides extra support, it comes with adjustable straps and it’s specifically designed for people who wear C cups and under.
Get it here: Wacoal Embrace Lace Petite Push Up Underwire Bra
Best everyday bra for small busts: The Little Bra Company Lucia Lace Bra
Best everyday bra for small busts
The Little Bra Company Lucia Lace Bra for Petite Women | Convertible Straps | Supportive Underwire | Medium Push Up
Caldwell recommends this bra from The Little Bra Company if you’re looking for an everyday bra for smaller busts. “The Lucia is awesome because of its smooth lace and close-centered cups that, together with padding, create great cleavage,” says Caldwell. “The convertible straps are a bonus.” This bra also has an underwire for extra support, but it’s hand-wash only.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28-38.
- Cup sizes: A-C.
- Style: Deep plunge.
- Materials: Polyamide, elastane and cotton.
- Coverage: Demi.
- Color options: Three.
- Price on publish: $65.
What we like:
- Medium push-up.
- Seamless silhouette.
- Convertible straps.
What we don’t like:
- Cups may create a pointed look.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Although this bra is designed with daily wear in mind, Caldwell recommends this lace bra for its cleavage-enhancing effects and convertible straps.
Get it here: The Little Bra Company Lucia Lace Bra
Best plunge bra for small busts: Calvin Klein Women's Constant Push Up Plunge Bra
Best plunge bra for small busts
Calvin Klein Women's Constant Push Up Plunge Bra
This plunge bra is my go-to when I’m looking for lingerie to provide me with that next level of confidence. With minimal coverage in cup sizes A to D, this bra is designed for show but still offers support. My favorite aspect of this bra is that I can barely feel it while wearing it, which is key on those hot summer days when my skin can feel sticky and the last thing I want is to feel fabric on my skin.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-36.
- Cup sizes: A-D.
- Style: Plunge push-up.
- Materials: Polyester and elastane.
- Coverage: Minimal.
- Color options: Two.
- Price on publish: $18.97.
What we like:
- Lightweight feel.
- Straps can be converted to a racerback.
- Can be machine-washed.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Those seeking a plunge bra to showcase cleavage will appreciate this lightweight bra from Calvin Klein, which lifts breasts and features convertible straps.
Get it here: Calvin Klein Women's Constant Push Up Plunge Bra
Best push-up bra for small busts: Vanity Fair Women's Ego Boost Add-A-Size Push Up Bra
Best push-up bra for small busts
Vanity Fair Women's Ego Boost Add-A-Size Push Up Bra
Even though I have a small bust and don’t think a push-up bra is always necessary, options like this one from Vanity Fair are my favorite to give my chest an added boost. The company claims that this bra can make your bust look one cup size larger, and I find the enhancement even greater than that. Plus, this bra is made of nylon and spandex that stretch with you as you move.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-38.
- Cup sizes: A-D.
- Style: Push-up.
- Materials: Nylon and spandex.
- Coverage: Demi.
- Color options: 12.
- Price on publish: $44.
What we like:
- Enhances breast size appearance by a cup.
- Stretchy.
- Front straps are convertible.
What we don’t like:
- Front fabric may dig.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This push-up bra provides noticeable enhancement and is made with materials that are designed to move with you.
Get it here: Vanity Fair Women's Ego Boost Add-A-Size Push Up Bra
Best strapless bra for small busts: Maidenform Women's Custom Lift Strapless Underwire Bra
Best strapless bra for small busts
Maidenform Women's Custom Lift Strapless Underwire Bra
As someone with a small bust who wears strapless bras regularly, this option is the only one I’ve been wearing for years, for a good reason. Offering ample coverage and available in three nude colors, this bra can work with every outfit. The underwire gives breasts a lift, but it’s not so tight that you’re uncomfortable while wearing it. Plus, it comes with straps if you decide you’d like to add them, which is a bonus.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32-38.
- Cup sizes: A-D.
- Style: Strapless.
- Materials: Nylon and elastane.
- Coverage: Demi.
- Color options: Three.
- Price on publish: $24.
What we like:
- Can be worn five ways.
- Made with lift technology.
- Available in nude colors.
- Comes with straps.
What we don’t like:
- Band sizes run small.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This strapless bra from Maidenform is designed with an underwire that provides support and lift technology, and gives you the option to add straps.
Get it here: Maidenform Women's Custom Lift Strapless Underwire Bra
How we selected the best bras for small busts
Expert advice
I created this list of the best bras for small busts after conducting interviews with Ra’el Cohen, co-founder and chief creative officer at ThirdLove; Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and author of “The Bra Book”; Amelia Newman, intimates technical designer at Adore Me; and Kimmay Caldwell, undergarment educator at Hurray Kimmay. They provided recommendations and insights regarding styles, coverage and sizes that guided my research.
Personal experience
Since I have a smaller bust, I’ve had my fair share of experience shopping for both flattering and comfortable bras. I included some of the favorites I’ve discovered over the years.
Style
Since not every bra-wearer has the same style, I included various styles to cater to different preferences, from push-up bras to strapless options.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What type of bra is best for small busts?
Since those with small busts don’t have to worry about support as much as women with larger busts do, they can wear a wide range of styles. “Small-busted women are fortunate in that they can wear any type of bra, as the demand on the bra's function isn't as high as for someone with a larger breast size,” Luciani Sena says. “Ultimately, the best bra for any size is the one that is comfortable and makes you feel confident.”
How can you tell if a bra fits correctly?
Our experts agree that you can tell if a bra fits correctly if you don’t experience spillage over the cup or encounter any digging into your skin. You should also look for signs of wear, such as a protruding underwire or a broken clasp. In the end, a well-fitting bra is a comfortable bra — if you’re constantly adjusting it, it probably doesn’t fit you correctly and you need a different style or size.
How often should you replace your bra?
Six months to a year is a good rule of thumb to follow for how often you should replace your bra, Cohen says. Bras will also demonstrate telltale signs of deterioration over time that indicate it’s time to buy a new one. “A bra should be replaced when it’s either too stretched out to do its job, or it’s showing signs of wear and tear such as fraying cups, underwire bent or poking through, bent clasps/hooks, etc.,” Luciani Sena says. If you want to keep your bra in good condition for as long as possible, Cohen recommends not washing it in hot water, as heat will cause its material to break down more quickly.
Which bra styles help prevent sagging for small breasts?
If you’re looking for bras that will prevent small breasts from sagging, “A push-up style can be great and doesn’t always have to entail heavy padding,” says Luciani Sena. “Look for a demi cup style with graduated padding on the underside and side of the cup to push what breast tissue you have inwards and upwards.”
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
