These Are the Best Bras for Small Busts, According to Bra Fitting Experts (2023)

These Are the Best Bras for Small Busts, According to Bra Fitting Experts (1)


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Finding the best bras for small busts can be more involved than you’d think. While some may opt for the trendy bralette, others seek more support and lift. And when you finally find a stylish option, it might not pass the fit test—or the other way around. Luckily, comfortable bras that cater to small boobs do exist—without skimping on quality or style. From push-up bras to padded bralettes to wireless bras, it’s possible to enhance your natural shape and feel more confident.

“Finding a bra that fits can boost your confidence, make your clothing fit better, and in some cases, it can improve your physical and mental health,” explains Tiffany, expert bra fitter and owner of The Lace Lounge. “Women often settle for ill-fitting bras, thinking the problem is them. Or have preconceived notions on what bra sizes look like.” She explains that she sees lots of sizing discrepancies, like someone who needs a size 30D wearing a size 34B instead.

Meet the experts: Laura Burke, underthings expert and founder of Fit by Burke; Tiffany, expert bra fitter and owner of The Lace Lounge

“Some think that small busts have it easier [when] finding bras but that’s not the case at all. There is no evidence that women with smaller busts get fit any better than the rest of us. I see women of all shapes and sizes in my studio, and we all struggle,” explains Laura Burke, underthings expert and founder of Fit by Burke. “Why? Because we haven’t been educated on how a bra should fit. We know the correct fit of clothes or shoes for example, but there is a lack of education on the proper fit of a bra.”

Our top picks

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best bras for small busts, plus some tips on how to find your perfect fit.

Lea Lace Bra for Petite Women

This option from The Little Bra Company (one of Burke’s go-to brands) is specifically designed for those with smaller busts. The brand’s tagline is “made especially for petites” and this stylish option comes in some often hard to find size combinations like 28-38A. It’s made from a smooth, microfiber fabric to lay nearly undetectably under clothes and create natural-looking curves with a lightly padded, wireless design.

“The Lea bra is my favorite bra style by TLBC. I’ve gone through two and am about to buy a third,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon. “Lea style is my favorite because it keeps my girls where they should be in comfort. No wires. No pretensions. Just perfect.”

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Jacquard Contour Underwire Bra

Natori is another one of Burke’s favorite brands for those with small busts, and this affordable option is perfect for everyday wear. It offers full coverage and contoured pads with seamless fabric for a smooth, flattering fit. It’s also available in a wide selection of neutral and pastel tones.

One Amazon shopper wrote: “This is one of the most comfortable bras I own. It’s very supportive, the fabric is soft, and it fits perfectly. I absolutely love it!”

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Soft Foam Cup Wirefree T-Shirt Bra

If you’re looking for a wireless, no-frills option then look no further than this T-shirt bra. “Montelle offers great-fitting, small bust friendly, wire-free t-shirt bras,” explains Tiffany. It offers soft, flexible comfort and ample wire-free support thanks to four-way stretch foam cups and lightweight padding.

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“Not easy finding a comfortable bra sometimes but this one is a ‘keeper,’wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Have purchased three so far because of expected fit, adequate support for me and bra keeps shape/fit after several washings. Pretty fabric choices, too.”

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Breathless Multi-Way Push-Up Bra

Skarlett Blue is one of Tiffany’s “favorite brands for a small bust” and one that “makes some of the best push up bras for a small bust,” she explains. This push-up bra has air foam pads that provide a flattering lift and smooth, microfiber fabric that hides well under clothing and feels soft and smooth on the skin.

“This bra is just the perfect fit. It is soft to the skin and really gives a good shape. I recommend it if you want a comfortable bra,” wrote one Macy’s shopper.

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Dolce Bralette

Burke names Cosabella as one of her top bra brands for smaller busts and the company offers a wide selection of lacy, unlined bralettes. The Dolce stands out from the pack with its beautiful chevron lace pattern, adjustable shoulder straps, and the same hook-and-eye closure at the back as standard bras.

“This is the softest bra I have ever found. A lot of brands advertise barely there, well that was barely true, but this is the bra that comes closest for me to barely there,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “This isn’t going to be a very supportive bra but I wasn't looking for that. This type of bra always has and always will be my favorite style.”

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No-Wire Strapless Bra

Lively, another of Burke’s go-to brands, makes a fabulous strapless bra for small busts. It features a silicone grip to keep the bra from sliding down, light padding, and supportive boning throughout for a comfortable, flattering fit.

“This might be the most comfortable strapless bra I’ve ever worn. Didn’t dig into my sides but still stayed up,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. “I ordered my usual size and it fit perfectly. Very soft material and straps included if I want to wear it with one strap or two.”

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Duet Lace Underwire Demi Bra

Timpa is “one of my favorite small bust brands for completely unlined, underwire bras,” Tiffany explains. This unlined, underwire Duet bra also has the added bonus of a demi silhouette, which Burke explains is one of her go-to styles for those with smaller busts. It has beautiful, sheer cups with a lace trim and is complete with adjustable straps and classic hook-and-eye closure.

“I have wide-set, ‘low-volume’ breasts in a small B cup (or B- as I put it). I also have a large band size (38) for my cup size. One of those sizes the old department store ladies sigh after hearing. Anyway, the thing fits,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I don’t look deflated, squished in weird ways, no hollow areas in the cups, and all without having to wear an absurdly padded bra. The girls look great. The stretchy lacy fabric is very sexy. And did I mention it fits?”

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oft Foam Cup Full Coverage T-Shirt Bra

This padded bra by Montelle (another option from one of Tiffany’s go-to brands) offers full coverage in everyday T-shirt style bras. It has a strong mesh underband, wings for comfortable support, and four-way stretch foam cups with lightweight padding.

“The bra is very nice quality and fits well. I wanted a lightly lined, little bit of padding, and full coverage. This one hit all those points,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

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Minx Unlined Balconette Bra

Balconette bras have a beautiful, elegant look but are also well-suited to those with a small bust. This option from Skarlett Blue is unlined for a non-bulky feel yet provides ample lift and support with stretch cups and a supportive underband and wings.

“This bra has changed my mind. I didn't know an underwire would be so comfortable,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I love the way it fits...my boobs are bottom heavy, not much on top…so fuller coverage bras give me gaps on top. The balconette style has solved this for me.”

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Comfort Revolution Wireless Bra

If you’re looking for an extra-comfortable bra option, try out this wireless, pullover bra from Bali. It offers seamless, longline coverage with zero hardware or lines for a barely-there look and feel. The cups have removable foam inserts for a customizable shape, as well as “targeted support zones” to keep things in place.

“I have very small breasts so I don't need support, this is the most comfortable I have ever worn,” wrote one of the 1,400+ reviewers who gave the product five stars on Amazon. “It’s so comfy you can sleep in it…buying in all the colors!”

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Momento Crop Top

This sports bra is a favorite of Sareena Rama, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, who previously shared it as one of her top picks for activities like relaxation yoga in conversation about the best low-impact sports bras. “I have it in three colors!” she said of the lightweight, stretchy, reversible crop top bra.

“Everything about this crop top is great for small boob gals. I’m 5’2, 120 lbs, and 34AA cup. I wear size XS. Normally I need padding to ensure I don’t look flat chested,” wrote one reviewer on the prAna website. “While this too doesn’t have padding, the cut is very flattering. Makes me look like I have a little bit of cleavage.”

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Signature Lace Push-up Bra

This embellished bra is for those who like to add a bit of style to their undergarment wardrobe. It has scalloped lace detailing all over the cups as well a lace trim on the underband, plus bow and jewel detailing at the center. The push-up style bra also features ultra soft, molded cups for subtle lift and smooth contours.

“Best bra I’ve purchased in years,” wrote one of the 1,200+ reviewers who gave the bra five stars on Amazon. “Being on the smaller side I’ve always had a hard time finding a good-fitting bra. This did not disappoint, great quality as well.”

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Feathers Contour Plunge Bra

This plunge bra is another stellar option from one of Burke’s go-to brands with an elegant and practical design. The contoured, plunge cups feature mesh fabric and pads that mold to the body as well as lace wings that provide both support and comfort.

“I’ve tried lots of high-end brand lingerie, but this bra is the winner on all accounts. It fits perfectly, wears and washes well over time, and is comfortable and beautiful,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon. “It leaves you with a smooth, sleek appearance in tight-fitting apparel. The lace sides are especially nice. I’ve gone back and ordered several more.”

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eamless Wire-Free Bra

This no-frills option from Hanes offers extreme comfort and wire-free support. It features a flexible, soft fabric that the brand claims molds to your shape while providing a smoothing, seamless finish under clothes. The bra is also made with moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and cool.

“Love this bra!” wrote one of the 2,500+ reviewers on Amazon that gave the bra five stars. “So super soft and comfy…if you want smooth comfort like a bralette but with an adjustable closure in the back this bra is it.”

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Cloud 9 Lightly Lined Comfort Bra

This lightly padded bra offers just the right amount of lift creating a naturally flattering look. Plus, it’s made with ultra-soft fabric on the cups and band for a comfortable fit, and front adjustable straps for convenience. Another great feature? A slight plunging shape that works well with a variety of tops.

“I’m a small-chested woman. Flat even,” wrote one of the 3,100+ reviewers who gave the bra five stars on Amazon. “This bra checks my boxes: minimal padding that matches a trainer bra (can’t remove it), wide enough straps that don’t leave red welts, and NO air gaps in the cup! No air gaps!!! The hook closure is also nice. I’m excited about being able to wear an adult bra that fits.”

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(Video) Bra Fitting Seminar Part 3

How to choose the best bra for small busts

✔️Get fitted by an expert. “If you aren't having any luck with department or chain stores, seek professional help,” says Tiffany. “Look for smaller businesses, specializing in bra fitting. Bra fitting boutiques have the expertise and extended sizes needed.”

✔️Watch out for the cups. Too much space in the cup is “the biggest issue” Tiffany finds in those with a small bust. “Essentially either the cup is too big, or the cup is too projected (and is incompatible) for their breast shape,” she explains.

✔️Select the right band size. Burke explains that too large of a band is another common mistake she sees in those with a smaller bust or a petite frame. “80-90% of the support comes from the band! A snug band that anchors to the body and does not ride up is the key to support and comfort,” Burke explains. “If you reach around your back and can pull out the band more than an inch, then you need a firmer band.”

✔️Consider certain styles. There are so many different bra shapes and styles, but some are better suited for those with a smaller bust than others. Burke explains that bras with a fuller cup “tend to overpower small busts,” and prefers sticking with demi or plunge styles. Plunge styles are best suited for those with far set breasts to “help with lift and cleavage” while demi styles (like a balconette bra) are best for those with breasts that are fuller on the bottom as the cut straight across the bottom and widely spaced straps help add fullness to the top, Burke explains.

✔️Bring clothing options into the dressing room. “If you're having issues with harsh lines or how bras look under your clothing, always bring a few tops or clothing you typically wear with you, when shopping for bras,” explains Tiffany. “This will allow you to see how potential new bras will look under your clothing. A bra may look amazing in the fitting room with no top on, but can look textured, lumpy, or have cup edges that are visible with clothing on.”

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How we chose the best bra for small busts

We spoke with Laura Burke, underthings expert and founder of Fit by Burke and Tiffany, expert bra fitter and owner of The Lace Lounge. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best bras for small busts available.

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Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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FAQs

What bras are best for small bust? ›

  • ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-shirt Bra. $72. ...
  • Pepper Classic All You Bra. $55. ...
  • Lulalu Chloe Essential T-shirt Bra. $58. ...
  • Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra. From $47. ...
  • On Gossamer Bump-It-Up Push-up Bra. $48. ...
  • The Little Bra Company Lucia Signature Bra. $65. ...
  • Cuup The Plunge Bra. $68. ...
  • Timpa Duet Lace Demi Bra. $45.
Mar 31, 2023

Which bra gives best shape and support? ›

Support: Underwire bras are known for providing optimal support, so it could be your top choice if support is what you're looking for. Best for: Bigger, fuller breasts.

How to choose a bra for an older woman? ›

Because of this, she says that “full-coverage bras won't work well for older women because the top of the bra cup will be hollow due to loss of volume.” She recommends looking for demi-cup or balconette styles for everyday bras because these types of cups do a great job of lifting and shaping breasts with shallow top ...

Is padded bra good for small breasts? ›

Padded bras are highly recommended for women with small busts. They can wear it every day to boost their confidence and for ultimate coverage.

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