It's a misconception among women that bra shopping is easy peasy when you have a small chest. But, sadly you cannot wear "literally anything" because your cup measurement is AA. In truth, members of the IBTC have a host of lingerie gripes — slipping straps, rising back bands, that awkward space between one's bra cup and her actual breast. It can be a whole lot of ugh all around.
Seeing this as a challenge rather than a throw-in-the-towel-and-go-commando sort of situation, we spoke with the bra-fit experts from Aerie, Cosabella, and The Little Bra Company for the scoop on what styles are best suited to small boobs. "Just like full-figured or larger-chested women deserve a better-fitting bra, so do smaller-breasted women," Emily Lau, founder and owner of The Little Bra Company, tells us. We couldn't agree more.
To that end, we highly recommend a professional bra fitting if you've never had one or it's been a while; you might be surprised by your results. Once you've crossed the fit hurdle, it's time to shop. Ahead, we're sharing 19 gorgeous, functional bras that cater specifically to the small-boobed set. You've never felt this supported.
Lightly Lined Bras
A lot of people — hi, nosy sales clerks — falsely assume small-chested women don't need to wear a bra. “I've had many customers tell me that they’ve had terrible experiences when shopping for a bra, because a salesperson told them their size didn't exist, directed them to the teens section, or told them that they didn't need to wear a bra at all,” Lau tells us. “Another misconception about bras is that small-chested women don't need any support. On the contrary, bras for petite cup sizes need to have support in the right places in order for them to stay in place and create natural-looking curves.”
To that end, Aerie fit and style expert Jenny Altman recommends “lightly padded bras for a little extra oomph with a very natural amount of padding.” Cosabella designer Kristin Ulrich echoes Altman, adding that this style “provides definition and shape” where there might not be a ton to start.
“Light padding all over the cup is referred to as ‘lightly lined’ and does not add any volume, but creates a more even, natural shape while also providing ample nipple coverage,” Altman explains. “If you want volume, go for padded bras that have the padding at the bottom of the cup. The amount of padding in the bottom of the cup is what makes you look feminine versus whoa!”
"A lot of padded bras out there have very little support in the back, which causes the riding-up effect," Lau explains. A general rule of thumb for discerning shoppers: "The more padded a bra is, the more support there should be in the sides and back."
Duet By Timpa, $50.00, available at Journelle
"It’s so important to put your bra on the right way each morning," Altman explains. "Adjust the straps before you put your bra on, and then scoop your breasts into each cup. Small-busted women, especially, want any and all breast tissue in the cup, rather than at the back, under the arm, etc. The SCOOP is the biggest wow moment you will ever have!" We hope you're taking notes at home.
Aerie, $39.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters
Lightly contoured padding and supportive underwire will give you just the right amount of cleavage in a classic, comfy style.
Gap, $36.00, available at Gap
Calvin Klein's simple, T-shirt bra is very light on the padding — it's really just a thin layer that refines the shape of your boob. After all, the last thing a small chest needs is a heavily padded push-up that looks as just as unnatural as it is uncomfortable.
Calvin Klein, $42.00, available at Shopbop
"This is a great solution for girls who just want to feel a little more feminine in their everyday bra without looking at all like you’re wearing padding," Altman says. The light lining is also a perfect solution if you prefer to keep your nipples under wraps.
Negative, $75.00, available at Negative
Racerback & T-Strap Bras
It could be that your straps are always slipping because they’re too loose. If that’s the case, Ulrich advises tightening the straps to prevent them from falling onto your shoulders. That said, she explains, “Over time, straps stretch along with the rest of the bra, and it could be time to replace it altogether.”
If simply adjusting your straps doesn’t prove a quick solve, it might be time to consider different bra styles that’ll complement and work with your petite chest and delicate shoulders. A small-chested woman herself, Altman champions racerback and T-strap bras: “If you’re constantly reaching into your shirt to pull your straps back onto your shoulders, you MUST switch over to a racerback or T-strap. They are just so practical! Life changing for some people.” The positioning of the straps makes it impossible for them to slip — it’s pretty much a no-brainer solution to the nagging issue.
You can even shopping this handy bra-converter clip to turn your existing styles into racerbacks. Now, how convenient is that?
"While most bra companies scale down based on a larger average body type, The Little Bra Company scales based on a petite body type," Lau says. "The petite customer in the intimate apparel world is not necessarily just 5'4" and under. We have taller customers who happen to have a smaller band and/or cup size. Just like a petite pant may fit a petite customer better, our bras fit a smaller-framed, smaller-chested customer better."
The Little Bra Company, $60.00, available at The Little Bra Company
"These bras are great for summer tanks and dresses. So many bras now have beautiful backs that really show off the detail of your bra under scoop-back tops," Altman says. "Even more, though, these bras are great for the shoulder-slipping problem."
Underprotection, $64.00, available at Journelle
The problem with just tightening your standard bra's straps, according to the small-chested staffers we badgered, is the back of the bra tends to ride up really high, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Thankfully, the solution is an easy one.
Base Range, $74.00, available at Need Supply Co
"Racerbacks and T-backs are a great basic to have in your closet and can be worn under most tops," Ulrich says.
Eberjey, $56.00, available at Eberjey
Racerback & T-Strap Bras
There's little comfier to lounge around in (or wear all day while running errands!) than Sloane & Tate's Supima cotton bra.
Sloane & Tate, $53.00, available at Sloane & Tate
Bandeaus
You’d think going strapless would be easier when there’s less breast to support. This isn't always the case. While in theory this bra style is very useful for the summer, that's only if you can get them to stay up. That requires you to be discerning in the dressing room or when reading online product descriptions: “When shopping for a bandeau, make sure to look for details like silicone on the inside band instead of just elastic to ensure there is no slippage,” encourages Ulrich. “Side boning will also give your chest a little support and shape.”
Hanky Panky's strapless, soft-cup bra offers light support and lots of lace — just think about how fun it'll looking peeking out of tank tops.
Hanky Panky, $39.00, available at Hanky Panky
While we're all about a bra that places a high premium on functionality, sometimes pure pretty just wins out. We love the sheer and lace detail!
ID Sarrieri, $185.00, available at Net-A-Porter
"Cosabella's Never Say Never Flirtie Bandeau bra is great because it is sexy and fun in an allover lace, but has details like silicone on the inside for no slipping, and side boning to give a little support and shape," Ulrich explains. "For the girl who really can’t live without her padding, the Trenta Padded Bandeau bra is perfect — it's fun, comfortable, and lays smooth in a gorgeous flat lace."
Cosabella, $55.00, available at Cosabella
A plunging 'v' bra you can confidently wear.
Out From Under, $24.00, available at Urban Outfitters
Bralettes
Bralettes are a popular fashion item right now, but in truth, they’re made for smaller cup sizes. It’s good news for you! While they don’t offer much in the way of support, depending on the brand, some can actually give you a great shape. They have a bit more definition to them than a bandeau, and they have greater sex appeal than a sports bra.
“Pretty bralettes are perfect for women who embrace their small chests,” Ulrich says. “They provide coverage with minimal support, and the added benefit of no discomfort from underwire.” Altman reiterates Ulrich’s sentiment, adding, “Padded bras are genius if you want to look more curvaceous, but the amount of padding one wears is very personal. The completely natural shape offered by a bralette is just as feminine and beautiful as a push-up.” Well said, ladies.
Whether you're embracing your natural curves or you simply love the range of bralette designs available to you, Samantha Chang's lace and silk iteration is too lovely and romantic to leave on a store hanger.
Samantha Chang, $100.00, available at Ouihours
Free People's selection of bralettes is pretty top-notch. This triangular-shaped piece is a favorite for its strappy design.
SKIVVIES by For Love & Lemons, $98.00, available at Free People
Talk about alluring — this detailed underpinning will look edgy under a slightly-sheer white top. Bonus: Its double side straps offer additional comfort.
Fleur du Mal, $98.00, available at Fleur Du Mal
Mimi Holliday's non-padded, wireless bra is an ideal choice for lazy weekend days spent lounging around your apartment, or for occasions when you can’t be bothered with underwire.
Mimi Holliday, $71.12, available at Mimi Holliday
Own your shape: H&M's lacy bra is the perfect accessory to every summer look.
H&M, $19.99, available at H&MLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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