If you're a small-busted person like me, you're probably well-acquainted with the fact that our bra options are especially limited at big clothing stores. You may also have heard more than once the common misconception that women with A, AA or AAA cup sizes don't need bras. Many times, even when we do buy bras for small busts, they don't fit quite right: Either there's awkward gapping or constantly slipping straps or not enough shape. Even some women with B cups know finding bras that actually fit can be a painstaking endeavor.
But I'm here to tell my fellow small-boobed gals: With the right guidance, it's totally possible to find the bra that's equal parts comfortable, supportive and flattering for your bust.
"Women owe it to themselves to find a bra that they love," says Dora Lau, designer and CEO of Dora L International.
"Shopping for bras that provides [women with smaller busts] the perfect fit they deserve is a basic step in self-care that can leave [them] feeling empowered — put on that well-fitting bra and go live your best life!" echoed Tracy Freno, lead bra fit expert at Bare Necessities.
The journey to finding the perfect bra, according to the pros, starts with acknowledging that it's an investment of your time, not just your money, to find the right one for your particular set.
"Finding the best bra is so much more about fit than about the number and letter of a specific bra size," Freno says. Lau agrees: "Gravity is going to be a fact of life, and a well-fitting bra can help prevent stretching and sagging," she says.
To help you get started, we asked several bra-fitting experts for their tips on how to find the right bra that's tailored to your boobs. Then, see our pros' — and our small-chested editors' — favorite bras for small busts.
How to shop | Types of bras | Best bralettes | Best T-shirt bras | Best demi bra | Best push-ups | Best wireless | Best underwired | Best strapless | How we chose | Meet our experts
How to buy a bra for small boobs
Our bra-fitting experts offered the following advice on shopping for bras:
Comfort and fit. Understanding fit — particularly learning how to take your own bust measurements — is first and foremost, says Freno. "One of the biggest issues we see when women come to us for fit advice is that they are in the wrong size because they were incorrectly measured in a store," she explains. Courtney Killpack, CEO of Layton, Utah-based Bra Fittings by Court, strongly suggests visiting a professional bra fitter if you can. "They're expertly trained on how to fit smaller cups. They will be able to tell you what brands and styles will work best with your breast shape," she says.
Big box retailers may not have the right bra size and fit. "What many stores will do is fit you into what they can sell you rather than what you should actually be wearing," says Freno. Killpack, similarly, says that the average salesperson may not necessarily have a professional fitter's specialized knowledge. "Most places like this will carry five to six cup sizes per band," she added, whereas independently owned or specialty lingerie and bra shops may have two or three times that. While you may save a few bucks at the department store, they likely won't have the high-quality materials and the durability (not to mention comfort) that bra-focused stores can offer, according to Rachel Klein, owner of the small-chested-focused intimates brand Lulalu, which designs its bras based on a long research and development process, as well as fit-testing on A-cup models.
Know your brands. There are countless brands that make bras, so knowing the ones that make bras that fit your particular bust shape is key, Freno says. "For instance, someone with a shallow bust and petite frame should avoid brands who make bras for full-busted breasts or full-figured bodies, as they will not be the right fit for your shape," she explains. "It’s also important to buy from brands that tailor, grade and fit-test on smaller-chested women," echoed Klein.
Shop for bra styles that you feel most confident and comfortable in. Surprisingly, Freno says that this is one of the most common issues her small-busted customers run into. "They have a vast selection of garments that could work for them, so sometimes the hardest part of their bra shopping process is just determining which they will feel most confident and comfortable in," she explains. For instance, some smaller-chested women may not necessarily need an underwire when a lacy bralette gives the same feminine and sexy vibe — and can comfortably take them from day into evening, Freno explains. "It all depends on your outfit and what activities you plan to wear your bra for."
Types of bras for small busts
It's smart to have several basics on hand that pair well with particular garments in your wardrobe.
Bralette: Freno often recommends a wire-free, unlined style to her customers with small breasts. "Bralettes are very comfortable and can be a great wardrobe addition for everyday wear. The frame of a bralette conforms to your natural shape," she says.
T-shirt bras: These typically underwired bras are designed to be comfortable, versatile and practically invisible under a T-shirt, according to Klein. Freno also mentioned these are a "must" for those looking for an everyday bra that still provides shape and uplift. "We suggest finding a style that has either a demi cup or a cup that sits lower to the breast tissue as to not overwhelm a smaller frame," she says.
Demi cup or balconette: "These styles are cut lower on the breast and provide lift," Lau says. Killpack also recommends this style for her small-chested clients. "Cups that aren't as full coverage tend to fit better...These are cups that aren't as full; they're considered half cups," she says.
Push-up: "These are popular and can enhance [breasts] by giving support within the cup," Lau says of this style that Freno also recommends. Lau added that the light push-up at the base of this type of padded bra can help fill any gapping between your breasts and the bra cup. Klein suggests a push-up that comes with removable bump pads for versatility — for instance, to create a non-push-up look or add boost to just one breast.
Underwired, unlined bras: "If she prefers something unlined but wants a little more structure than a bralette has, an underwire, unlined cup will provide a natural shape and support," Freno explains. This type of bra can appear in various styles, including unlined demi and push-up bras.
Wireless, lined bras: For something that has a similar supportive and flattering shape of an underwire bra without the wire, Klein recommends looking for wireless bras with soft foam cups.
Best bralettes
Pepper Lace Triangle Bra
- Good for large rib cage
- Feminine design
- No padding
Style: Unpadded, hook and eye closure | Sizes: XXS-XL | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Adjustable
As a 34AA, this is hands down my favorite bra to rule them all. I reach for this bralette more than any of my other bras — and trust me, I’ve tried plenty 34AAs and 36AAs bras out there.
Made from double-layered lining that still offers medium-level support without padding, this minimalist bralette comfortably hugs my boobs and gives them a lift without any fabric bunching. The deep V shape is also flattering on smaller busts.
Calvin Klein Invisibles Convertible Bralette
- The straps aren't too tight
- Quality design, per customers
- Not enough support, some customers say
Style: Wire-free, pull-on | Sizes: 30 A/D to 42 B/C | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
Another Freno pick, this one is similar to Wacoal’s B-Smooth in that this bralette is wire-free that’s easy to slip on and wear for long periods, thanks to its soft and stretchy nylon-based fabric. Plus, it’s bonded to offer a bit of extra support, but you won’t see it due to its seamless construction that’s “invisible under clothing” according to the brand and some reviewers. Removable modesty foam pads: Also included. This bra’s straps, however, are slimmer, but are convertible and fully adjustable.
The Wacoal B-Smooth Bralette
- Comfortable fit
- "Best wireless I've tried," per customer
- Some say it runs small
Style: Wire-free, pull-on | Sizes: 32 A/B to 38 A/B | Support level: Light | Coverage: Full | Straps: Wide, non-adjustable
Freno shared a few favorites from her small-busted customers, starting with Wacoal’s B-Smooth Bralette. Made of soft and stretchy microfiber (a blend of nylon and spandex), this bralette also has wide straps and a seamless construction that’s designed to be easy to slip on, no hooking required. It also comes with removable foam inserts you can slip in for extra coverage and shaping.
It’s a truly versatile bra, according to dozens of reviewers: easy yet just supportive enough to wear in the house, in the yoga studio or out on errands, and the biggest rave across the board is how comfortable it is.
Best T-shirt bras
Lulalu Microfiber Lace Print T-Shirt Bra
- Feels soft
- Fit can run small
Style: Plunge, lightly lined, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 30AAA to 38A | Support level: High | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Adjustable
Freno recommends T-shirt bras for those that want the everyday wearability of a bralette, but with a little bit more structure and shape underneath a tee.
You'll see that specialization in this bra's specs: It's wireless and made from slightly stretchy, soft fabric that's comfortable enough for long wear, and the soft plunge style is flattering for small chests. It still offers structure and support, though, thanks to the flexible side boning.
From experience, this bra gives just enough boost to my girls underneath my T-shirt without any gapping (shocker!). Plus, the lace print (which doesn't feel like lace!) is super cute.
b.tempt’d Future Foundations T-Shirt Bra
- Straps can turn into racerback
- Has underwire
Style: Underwire, contour cups, hook-and-eye closure | Sizes: 30A to 40DDD | Support level: High | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
Similar to the Naori Pure Luxe, this Freno-recommended T-shirt bra by Wacoal is also built with wired foam contour cups in a flattering plunging shape. It’s also made of soft and stretchy fabric that’s built to be seamless under a tee. The straps of this demi-style, however, can be converted to a racerback for extra strap security. Plus, says one reviewer: “It was very comfortable with no gapping in the cups—great for those with smaller chest sizes.”
The Little Bra Company Yvonne
- Cup shape is smooth
- Elastic can stretch out
Style: Demi-cup, underwire, light push-up | Sizes: 28A to 36AA | Support level: High | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
Killpack likes this T-shirt bra that's more of a demi style for her clients with small chests. This bra from The Little Bra Company — which designs intimates specifically for those with petite, smaller frames — combines features of both T-shirt and demi bras: It's got the same seamless build that makes the former look practically invisible under T-shirts, while the little lace trim on the straps and back adds a nice feminine touch.
A bonus: The straps are convertible, and the cups have contoured push-up padding that gives a teeny boost to your bust to add to the flattering shape under a T-shirt.
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra
- Very comfortable
- Fabric stretches out
Style: Underwire, contour cups, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 32B to 38DDD, 32 to 36GGG | Support level: High | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable
You've probably heard of the brand Natori from those who take bra fit and comfort seriously. This one, another Killpack recommendation, gives great support and shape to people with A or small B cup sizes. Built with underwire and contoured foam cups, this bra gives a little more coverage than the previous T-shirt bras we recommended, but still has that seamless build to make it inconspicuous under your favorite tee. The lace straps are a pretty touch — and adjustable, to boot.
Best demi bra
Skarlett Blue Adorned Demi Cotton Bra
- Expert-recommended brand
- Many say it's true to size
- Unlined design
Style: Underwire, unlined, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 30A to 36DDD | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Adjustable
Both Freno and Killpack named Skarlett as one of their favorite brands for small boobs. This demi cotton bra, one of Freno’s customer faves, is made from a stretchy and comfy fabric that’s mostly 91% breathable Pima cotton. Unlike the previous T-shirt demi cup bras we recommended above, this pair is unlined; still, the cups are molded and their underwire gives enough shape and support. The super-delicate lace trim atop the cups is a flattering touch and frames the chest nicely.
Best push-up bras
Bare Push-Up Without Padding Bra
- Hook band is cushioned
- Strap details can irritate
Style: Lined, underwire, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 30B to 40H | Support level: High | Coverage: High | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
For structure and a lift, a good push-up bra will offer both the shape and support you're looking for. For small busts, Freno likes Bare's unlined pushup option. Instead, the bra is constructed with darted and vertical seaming, as well as inner foam side slings, to give that support and uplift.
Despite these bells and whistles, the bra is still comfortable, say reviewers, likely due to its soft, stretchy microfiber and lace material. It's also super-versatile with its four-column back closure and convertible stretch straps. And we'd be remiss not to mention the pretty and delicate lace that lines the under-bust and neckline.
Montelle Intimates Prodigy Ultimate Push-Up Bra
- Convertible straps
- Comfortable with a dress
- Straps can be too long
Style: Double-lined, underwire, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 32A to 38D | Support level: High | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
Killpack's push-up preference for small chests is the Intimates Prodigy by Montelle Intimates. This bra was designed for "ultimate drama," which means that it's says to add up to two cup sizes (and perhaps even cleavage!) thanks to the "pillow cup" design. If that's not enough, there's also double-layered side wings for an extra boost of support.
Got narrow shoulders? The brand says that due to the flexibility of the straps, which can be converted into either racerback or halter, you can customize to what fits your shoulder frame, and the occasion or outfit, best.
One reviewer on Montelle's site loves this bra, saying, "I am not well endowed and the Prodigy gives me enough boost and shaping so my clothes fit better and I feel more confident."
Best wireless bras
Free People Ali Low-Back Seamless Bra
- Many customers say it's comfortable
- Some experienced fabric tears
Style: Stretch, plunge, pull-on | Sizes: 32A to 36C | Support level: Low | Coverage: Medium | Straps: Spaghetti, non-adjustable
When commerce editor Vivien Moon isn’t splurging on her favorite Stella McCartney intimates, she goes for this seamless and wireless bra from Free People. She has it in three colors “because I am obsessed,” she raves.
“It’s great under shirts, and I love it for an open-back moment in a lower-cut shirt. It is truly so comfortable that I reach for it first before any other bralette,” Moon adds.
The base-layer bra comes in so many cute colors (18, to be exact) that some reviewers say they even wear it alone as a cropped tank. But it does just as well as a loungewear piece (or a pajama top, as one reviewer who went to sleep with it says).
True & Co True Body Triangle Convertible Strap Bra
- Barely-there feeling
- Super soft
- Not enough stability
Style: Removable lining, pull-on, plunge | Sizes: 30C to 40B | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
It was love at first sight when our Shop TODAY writer first tested a comfy True & Co. bra, and we still have nothing but even more appreciation for this seamless, versatile option. It's insanely soft, for starters, due to the True Body microfiber fabric — "the softest fabric in our collection," according to the brand. In addition to the bra being wireless, it basically feels like you're wearing nothing at all, our writer raved.
Vivian Le, a Shop TODAY photo editor, and Jen Birkhofer, Shop TODAY's VP of Commerce. "They're literally the most comfortable," Le says, and Birkhofer agrees, adding, "Especially post-pregnancy, that’s all I wear."
The Little Bra Company Erika Black
- Feels lightweight
- Band is a little tight
Style: Plunge, lightly lined, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 28A to 32D | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable, convertible
This wireless pick from Killpack is also lightly lined, but gives a bit more structure than the previous two options. It's constructed for closer-set breasts, and we see that in the flattering deep-plunge shape with a subtly feminine lace border. It's also made of ultra-soft microfiber (both the cups and band), so we can see this being comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Best bras with underwire
Lulalu Callie Lace Bra
- Shows definition
- Can show lace trims on shirt
Style: Hook and eye closure, bandeau, lightly lined | Sizes: 30AA to 42AAA | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Full | Straps: Adjustable
The Callie is my favorite pick when I’m feeling fancy or want to wear an outfit with the bra peeping out. Thanks to the delicate two-layer lace detail combined with the cool bandeau style, I can do just that. It has just enough lining and structure, though, that I sometimes wear it as an everyday bra.
Though there is some metal hardware that gives The Callie a bit more structure than a bandeau or a wireless bra, that structure is lined with nylon, and it lacks side boning, so fit and comfort isn’t an issue.
Best strapless bras
Cora Convertible Strapless Bra
- Doesn't gap at cups
- Flattering fit
- Straps are optional
Style: Lightly lined, underwire, hook and eye closure | Sizes: 32AAA to 40AA | Support level: Full | Coverage: Full | Straps: Removable, adjustable, convertible
"When you need a strapless bra, look for a bra with a firm push-up at the base of the pad and with wires that are embedded in the pad for comfort," Lau advised. My choice that meets that criteria (yes, including comfort): Lulalu's Cora strapless bra.
Initially, I was shocked at how well this hugged my shape without feeling tight, and even more shocked that it didn't gap when I moved or bent over. I have the 34AA, and that and A cups include a small bump pad at the bottom of the cups to give me a little boost so I'm super confident in a tank or crop top without worrying about gapping. (The brand says that AAA cups have padding that's removable.)
Plus, it's constructed to be comfortable (key to a style of bra I'm always nervous about wearing out). That's all thanks to the soft cups made of microfiber, as well as the mesh band with flexible boning. And the ultimate test it passed, according to several reviewers' and my own experience: It stays up.
Gatherall Bra
- Ideal for strapless designs
- Very easy to wear
- Can loose elasticity
Style: Backless, silicone | Sizes: Cup A to Cup DD | Support level: Medium | Coverage: Light | Straps: N/A
This is the one pick recommended by someone in Shop TODAY who's not small-chested, but she loves how it works so much she thinks small-chested gals will find it helpful, too.
"While I have bigger boobs, it works with smaller boobs because it creates 'the big illusion' and is a great backless option" says Jannely Espinal, SEO writer.
The sticky bra is made of washable and reusable silicone and, like other sticky bras, aren't designed for full coverage. Rather, they're meant to offer a backless and strapless solution for outfits and occasions that need it. The difference is, according several reviews we pored through, this one actually stays put and gives you the support you need regardless of cup size.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team selected styles based on expert recommendations and those tested daily. After, we scoured through customers' reviews and asked our editors for their favorite designs that help with support and provide comfort.
Meet our experts
- Dora Lau is founder and president of Dora L International.
- Tracy Freno is lead bra fitter at Bare Necessities.
- Courtney Killpack is founder and owner of Bra Fittings by Court.
- Rachel Klein is the owner of Lulalu.
