Best Bras for Small Breasts, From Strapless to T-Shirt Bras

When it comes to potentially traumatic shopping experiences, buying a new bra is right up there with replacing outdated jeans or trying on swimsuits after a long winter. At best, it’s a necessary evil. And when you’re a card-carrying member of the Itty Bitty You-Know-What Committee, bra shopping can be a minefield of overly large cups and mountains of excess padding.

Bras for smaller breasts aren’t just pretty scraps of fabric. They play a pivotal role in providing comfort, support, and the desired look under clothes. From the crucial importance of finding the perfect fit—goodbye gaping—to exploring innovative fabrics and styles, consider this your guide to the best bras for petite chests.

Our top picks for the best bras for small breasts

How we chose the best bike locks

What to consider when choosing bras for small breasts

Limited selection

Brick-and-mortar stores tend to focus on offerings for average-sized and larger busts, leaving smaller-breasted women with fewer options. If you’re frustrated by the in-store selection, take your search online for more choices in the A-cup-or-less arena.

Padding

A sea of excessively padded bras can be a nuisance for those who prefer to flaunt their natural size and shape. Finding bras without unnecessary padding or push-up features can be challenging even among the best lingerie brands, as “bigger” and “higher” were the dominant buzzwords for decades.

Gaps and spaces

Forget “my cup runneth over.” When it comes to smaller breasts, the opposite is often true. Many bras may not fit snugly, leading to unflattering gaps between the cup and the breast. This can be particularly noticeable with molded cups that are designed for fuller busts, so finding a close fit is crucial.

Strap placement

The strap placement may not be ideal for smaller breasts, leading to slipping or discomfort. The best bras feature adjustable or convertible straps to accommodate different body structures and types.

Support system

Bras for smaller breasts may lack the necessary support, especially in designs that focus more on aesthetics than functionality. Sure, sometimes you might want a lace bralette that serves very little practical purpose, but when you need actual support in the chest area, an underwire bra is often a good bet.

How we chose the best bras for small breasts

Choosing a bra that’s right for you is highly personal and subjective, since all bodies are different. I researched the best-reviewed bras, focused on details that smaller-breasted shoppers should consider, and used my own experience as a petite-chested woman to compile this guide.

What type of bra is best for a small chest?

One perk of having perky boobs is that smaller breasts don’t require as much support as bigger chests. When it comes to styles, the sky’s the limit, generally speaking. Balconette, plunge, or bralette options are especially flattering on smaller busts. T-shirt bras can be an ideal everyday choice, providing smooth, seamless lines under clothing.

How do you make sure your bra fits correctly?

For smaller breasts, the right fit is everything—that means no gaping or spaces between the cup and the breast, and straps that stay in place. Focus on finding a bra with close-fitting cups, adjustable straps, and a snug band to help ensure a flawless fit. If you’re opting for an underwire bra, find one with underwires that sit comfortably without digging into the chest—many underwire bras are designed for fuller breasts, so this is something to look out for.

How should a bra for small breasts fit?

Bras for small breasts should have cups that lie flush against the chest, without any unflattering gaping. The band needs to be the correct size for your ribcage; otherwise it will dig into the skin and cause unwanted spillage over the edges.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a small breast size?

While “small” is subjective, AA, A, and B cups are on the smaller end of the bra size scale. But remember, good things come in small packages!

Do push-up bras work on small breasts?

Push-up bras can absolutely work on small breasts, giving them a lift and creating cleavage. Look for styles with graduated padding, which concentrates more padding at the bottom for a more natural lift. Opt for bras with a snug, yet comfortable fit to ensure the desired shape.

Do small breasts need underwire?

Sometimes! The need for underwire largely depends on personal preference and comfort. While underwire bras can provide additional support and shaping, many women with smaller busts tend to choose wireless bras that offer a more comfortable fit.

What is the best bra style for creating cleavage?

If you're looking to amp up your cleavage game, plunge or push-up bras will be your best bets. Plunge bras have a deep center gore, which helps bring the breasts closer together. Push-up bras, on the other hand, use padding and design to lift and enhance the appearance of the bust, offering fuller and more pronounced cleavage. The most important factor is—as always—finding the right fit for your petite chest.

How often should you replace your bra?

A bra’s expiration date depends on a few different factors: the quality of the bra, how often you wear it, and how you care for it. As a general rule, Big Lingerie says to replace bras every six to 12 months, but most women hang onto their over-the-shoulder boulder holders for far longer than that. Instead of an arbitrary date on the calendar, look for signs that it's time to replace your bra: stretched-out bands, fraying straps, distorted underwire, or a fit that suddenly feels uncomfortable. Having a number of bras in rotation can also help extend their lifespan.