women's apparel

The 14 Very Best Bras for Small Breasts

No uncomfortable underwires here.

Photo: Marcus McDonald
Photo: Marcus McDonald

In this article

It has taken me years (and a few dressing-room meltdowns) to find a bra that supports, sculpts, and defends against nip slips without a single pinch. And one thing I’ve learned about bra shopping while working on the underwear beat is that word of mouth is a good place to start. So to write this guide on the best bras for small breasts, I talked to a number of small-chested women and professionals who fit bras for a living, including lingerie-store owners. Though I’m a 36D myself, I also tried out some of the bras below, testing them out for comfort especially. Scroll onward for the best bras for small breasts, including one that comes in half-cup sizes and another that’s been described as “the unicorn of undergarments.” And if you’re looking for underwear or shapewear, we’ve got guides on those too.

What we’re looking for

Sizes

If you’re in the A- to B-cup range, there are ostensibly more options, from lacy lingerie and padded push-ups to more minimalist bralettes. As size-inclusive as the intimates industry has become, there are still hard-to-shop-for sizes in the small-breast category — namely, bigger bands (like a 48A) and AAA or AA cups. Your best bet is to look for companies that specifically design for smaller chests, says Cora Harrington of The Lingerie Addict. A similar sentiment was shared by undergarments educator Kimmay Caldwell and Elisabeth Dale, author of The Breast Life Guide to the Bra Zone, both of whom mentioned shopping at start-ups like Pepper, Lively, and ThirdLove. Although not all of the brands featured below are small-bust specific, I focused on retailers that offer a range of sizes. As you go down a size in a band, you go up a cup size, and as you go down a cup size, you go up a band. So a bra in a size 36AA is the equivalent size of 34A, 32B, and 30C, which theoretically gives you some more sizes to choose from.

Underwire

The war of the wires comes down to comfort (and wireless is winning). But before burning your underwire, it helps to understand why it’s there in the first place. “The underwire’s job is to shape the base of the cup and thus the rest of the breast,” Caldwell explains. Its other responsibilities, as Caldwell lists, include lifting up cups, helping a bra lie flat against the front of the body, and separating your breasts from each other. Sans underwire, it’s on the straps to provide all the support — that’s why, generally, wire-free bras will have a less lifted shape, Caldwell says. (And speaking of straps, “unattended bra straps” are one of the most common mistakes Christina Viviani, co-founder of the Great Eros, sees during fittings. Adjust accordingly — and often — as they move around over time, and “make sure your back closure sits parallel to the floor and isn’t riding up,” Viviani says.)

Cup style and coverage

Cups do double duty: Not only do they change your bust’s silhouette (see yesteryear’s bullet bra to today’s all-hanging-out mesh), they also determine coverage. Imagine a push-up bra with lower-cut cups versus one that’s branded as “full coverage” — the former is focused on cleavage, giving the bust a fuller and more exposed shape in the middle, while the latter is more about minimizing the bustline, moving cleavage from the middle to the sides. It’s all about personal preference, but “figuring out your natural shape helps point you in the right direction of choosing a bra,” Viviani says. For example, a plunge shows off more décolletage, while a demi will give you more fullness on top. And then there’s the lining to consider: Unlined usually means more sheerness, while the lined category includes lightly lined and padded bras.

Best bra for small breasts overall

Sizes: 32A–44H with half-cups (like A½) | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: T-shirt style with memory-foam cups for a lighter lining

What makes ThirdLove’s T-shirt bra a standout is the number of sizes it comes in — including half-cup sizes for in-betweeners. It checks off the boxes I’m looking for as the Strategist’s resident underwear expert: It’s shaping, supportive, and super-comfortable. Although it’s a T-shirt-style bra, which is designed to create a smooth silhouette even under — you guessed it — T-shirts, the cups are cut a little lower than is traditional. Still, I wasn’t spilling out of the bra. Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo, who’s a 36B, likes ThirdLove’s bra enough to forgo her usual “no underwire” rule. “It makes my boobs look equal and perky without overly drawing attention to them,” she says.

The biggest point of contention with this bra is the straps. Former Strategist writer Karen Iorio Adelson appreciated the “stay-put” pleating, though Strategist writer Lauren Ro doesn’t think the pleats make much difference in keeping the bra in place. I’ve been wearing this bra for almost a year and haven’t had any trouble with slippage — though I do suggest tightening them with each wear.

Best (less-expensive) bra for small breasts

Sizes: 30AA–40B | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Plunge with contoured and lightly lined cups

Pepper caters specifically to small chests — in this case, by offering exclusively AA, A, and B cups. The All You bra is a best seller for the brand, featuring a plunging cut with demilike cups. Ro likes that the bra keeps the natural shape of her breasts: “There’s nothing worse than when your boobs just look like the cups of the bra.” There’s no gapping between bra and breasts, either. It’s going to be less lifting than our best overall recommendation, because the cups are less molded. Dale also notes that Pepper’s designs have “really pretty details” — you’ll see scalloped edges and mesh inserts throughout the company’s catalogue.

Best bras for AAA and AA cups

Sizes: 30AAA–42AAA | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: T-shirt style with padded, microfiber cups

Sizes: 30AAA–42AAA | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: T-shirt style with padded, microfiber cups

Harrington and Dale name-checked Lulalu for the smallest cup sizes — the intimates maker specializes in AAA, AA, and A cups, with a band range of 30 to 42. (Finding a 42AAA can be downright impossible when shopping off the rack.) Interior designer Penelope August gets all of her bras from Lulalu, counting the Chloe and Zoe styles as favorites. The Chloe features some light padding, with soft microfiber cups, a tagless hook-and-eye closure, and no side boning (to make sure the bra is close-fitting). The Zoe includes more padding, making it a real push-up, and the straps can be converted into a racerback. August also likes that the brand is minimalist compared to others whose bras have “crazy lace or bows.” Less frills mean the brand is also more on the affordable side — each of its bras is under $60.

Best plunge bra for small breasts

From $32

Sizes: 30A–38DD | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Contoured plunge cups with a light lining and molded mesh

If you’re an eagle-eyed Strategist reader, you have seen the Natori Feathers all over the site. It’s “the unicorn of undergarments,” according to writer Molly Lamoureux, and tops our guide to the best bras. As plunging as it is, I never feel like I’m popping out of the bra — as someone with a larger bust, I’m confident it’ll work well for those with smaller busts, too. Dale, Harrington, and Journelle CEO Sapna Palep all agree. It creates the “lovely round shape,” embracing your natural size (especially as other brands seem to “profit off insecurity,” suggests Palep. The Feathers is a consistent sell-out at New York City’s Bra Tenders, says store founder Lori Kaplan, who repeatedly recommends it to those who wear an A cup. She describes it as lightweight enough to be good underneath T-shirts, while having a nice-looking little trim.

Best push-up bra for small breasts

Sizes: 30A–36D | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Molded cups with push-up padding

For times when a little lift isn’t enough, the On Gossamer Bump-It-Up bra features padded underwire cups and a twist in the front for more of a push-up effect. Caldwell says her clients fall for this bra whenever she puts them in it, especially for its plunging neckline to show more cleavage and less cup. Or, if you’re in search of a racier look, Harrington mentioned Gossard’s Superboost bra to up the décolletage.

Best lace bra for small breasts

Sizes: 28A–34C | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Deep plunge with lace overlaid on contoured, push-up padding

The Little Bra Company makes petite-specific undergarments, including bras starting at a 32AA. (Note: The band numbers 32, 34, and 36 sell out fast.) It rates its bras on a “padding scale,” from “no padding” to “maximum push-up.” To account for smaller frames, the brand uses narrower underwire and sets the cups closer together in styles like the signature Lucia. The cups have contoured, push-up padding, which can give the appearance of a fuller shape and more cleavage, says Caldwell. And although it’s a plunge meant for those times when you do want to show off, the lace edging — similar to that on the Natori Feathers — lays reasonably flat.

Best sheer bra for small breasts

From $68

Sizes: 30A–44H | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Cups cut with deep V, unlined with sheer or printed mesh

Sheerness is what Cuup does best, with the underwear-maker known for its mesh bras. The Plunge counts past and present Strategist staffers as fans; former writer Latifah Miles says she has “never felt sleeker” than when she is wearing it. Nightmoves general manager Amanda McMillan is another fan — even though she often goes braless, she went for the “the idea of the sexy, French-girl-lingerie-under-structured-boxy-menswear look” that Cuup sells. She says the Plunge has a hint of lift and “subtle cleavage,” but is comfortable to wear and doesn’t contort her breasts. There’s also a balconette version of this bra that Beverly Nyugen, fashion stylist and owner of the homewares shop Beverly’s, praises for having a “perfect half-corset fit” that she finds especially pleasing.

Best demi bra for small breasts

Timpa Duet Lace Demi Bra
From $35
From $35

Sizes: 32A–36D | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Demi-cut cups with unlined lace

A demi is different from a plunge, as you’ll get a bit of lift but without any padding. Dale describes it as “kind of like a pretty muffin top.” Her demi recommendation comes from the Dutch company Timpa, and it’s low-cut enough to be worn with a dramatic neckline. (Though the scalloped lace trim at the top of the cups could be pretty peeking out if you’re so inclined.) Demis like this one are made to hoist your breasts from the bottom and push them up, Dale says. “It doesn’t try to squish them together to create cleavage.” Keep in mind that the Duet is designed to have deep cups and a snug band — it’s suggested you stay with your true cup size for more cleavage or go up for a more subtle look.

Best strapless bra for small breasts

Sizes: 28A–32D with some AA-cup options | Underwire: Yes | Cup style and coverage: Lined, contoured demi with optional push-up pads and straps

I’ve named another of the Little Bra Company’s offerings, the Sascha, the best strapless bra for small breasts, because it comes in smaller band sizes to go with its smaller cups. Since a band’s doing much of the supporting work in a strapless style, getting the right fit is really important. But you’re also getting a lot of versatility with the Sascha, as you can wear it with or without straps and with or without push-up pads. Professional bra fitter Karima Renee (a.k.a. the Philly Bra Lady) also compliments the wide range of “nude” colors, which features shades of nutmeg, chocolate, dulce, and latte. (Unfortunately, this can still be rather rare when shopping for undergarments.) People who come into her shop to try out the bra often say it’s “what they have been searching for all their bra lives.”

Best wireless bras for small breasts

Gap Breathe Wireless Bra
From $21
From $21

Sizes: 30A–38DD (with some AA cups on band sizes 32, 24, and 36 ) | Underwire: No | Cup style and coverage: Molded, lightly lined cups with V-neck

Gap bras are a favorite among small-busted Strategist staffers, but the Breathe won a spot on this list because it’s close to an underwire bra without any actual underwire. It’s one of the bras illustrator and ceramicist Whitney Hall wears most. She describes it as soft and flattering, with flexible, molded cups and adjustable straps that can be converted to a cross-back. Hall also likes that it still feels cute — in colors like garnet and ballerina pink — while being super-comfortable. (Those looking for a sportier-style wireless option can turn to the Patagonia Barely Everyday Bra. When Hall isn’t wearing the Breathe, she’s wearing the Barely Everyday. “It’s hard to find cups that don’t have a space or gap in them — like the bra wished you had bigger boobs,” Hall says. Patagonia’s doesn’t have that problem and is convenient enough for every day, just as its name promises.)

Sizes: 30A–40D (with AA cups on band sizes 32 and 34) | Underwire: No | Cup style and coverage: Lightly lined cups cut in a V-neck style

Aerie is another place to find affordable, supportive, small-bust-friendly bras. This version is a favorite of Strategist writer Bella Druckman. Like the Gap’s, it comes in AA cups in band sizes 32 and 34. Unlike the Gap’s, it has a lower-cut front that shows off some more cleavage. It’s smoothing enough, though the outline from the tops of the cups can show underneath the tightest of tops. Druckman says she feels supported but not squeezed. Since there’s no clasp in the back (though some bigger sizes come with the traditional hook-and-eye closure), the bra is comfortable enough to sleep in.

Best (splurge-worthy) wireless bra for small breasts

Sizes: 0–5+ (equivalent to cup sizes A–G) | Underwire: No | Cup style and coverage: V-neck, high-cut cups, unlined with sheer micro-mesh

Those who want a more barely there bralette should get the padless and wireless Negative Sieve. It’s an archetypal wireless bra — but since it’s on the expensive side, I think of it as a splurge-worthy alternative to the Gap and Aerie. Creative director Emily Eisen likes that it’s lightweight and “a little sexy.” Blogger Frances Kwon thinks the mesh construction is substantial enough to wear on its own — it’s made from a super-smoothing Belgian micromesh. And former Strategist newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler believes it hits the trifecta of comfort, support, and looks. It’s the only bra she needed on a two-week honeymoon in Europe, where it was “comfy enough to sleep in on the red-eye over, supportive enough to get me through long days of walking all over Lyon and Porto, and pretty enough to feel like something I wanted to be wearing on my honeymoon.”

Best triangle bralette for small breasts

Sizes: XS–XL | Underwire: No | Cup style and coverage: Triangle cut with slimmer straps

No underwear guide would be complete without Calvin Klein. Corsillo has been wearing this triangle-style bra for over three years, and it’s one of her favorite weekend bralettes. Despite its lack of an underwire, she says it holds her breasts up and in place. “And it looks good enough (or sporty enough) to wear by itself around the house,” she notes. It has adjustable shoulder straps and a back clasp that crosses (like the Gap Breathe bra).

Some more bras for small breasts that we’ve written about

Our experts

Penelope August, interior designer
Stella Blackmon, filmmaker and former New York photo editor
Laura F. Burke, founder of private bra-fitting studio Fit by Burke
Kimmay Caldwell, undergarments educator
Liza Corsillo, senior Strategist writer
• Elisabeth Dale, author of The Breast Life Guide to the Bra Zone
Bella Druckman, Strategist writer
Whitney Hall, illustrator and ceramicist
• Cora Harrington, founder of The Lingerie Addict
Karen Iorio Adelson, former senior Strategist writer
• Lori Kaplan, owner of Bra Tenders
Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor
Frances Kwon, style blogger
Tammy Lee, a fashion-marketing student at Parsons
Mia Leimkuhler, former Strategist newsletter editor
Amanda McMillan, general manager of Nightmoves
Latifah Miles, former Strategist writer
• Beverly Nyugen, fashion stylist and owner of the homewares shop Beverly’s
• Sapna Palep, CEO of luxury-lingerie retailer Journelle
• Karima Renee, professional bra fitter known as the Philly Bra Lady
Lauren Ro, Strategist writer
• Christina Viviani, co-founder of the Great Eros

Additional reporting by Lauren Ro

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The 14 Very Best Bras for Small Breasts