- Lives up to its name: comfortable and lightweight
- Convertible straps for versatility under clothes
- Wireless design
- Machine washable and durable
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
Updated March 10, 2024
When it comes to potentially traumatic shopping experiences, buying a new bra is right up there with replacing outdated jeans or trying on swimsuits after a long winter.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.
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.
Our top picks for the best bras for small breasts
Best budget bra for small breasts: Hanes ComfortFlex Fit Women’s Oh So Light Wireless Bra
Best budget bra for small breasts
Hanes ComfortFlex Fit Women’s Oh So Light Wireless Bra
An option that’s as comfortable as it is affordable, this bra is a lightweight and easy option for everyday wear. The wireless style eliminates any poking or digging into the skin, and the lightly padded foam cups mold to the natural shape of smaller breasts. It's a practical addition to your lingerie drawer, offering all-day support without any frills or fuss.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: Small - XXXL
- Cup sizes: N/A
- Number of colors: Six
- Style: Convertible wireless bra
- Price on publish: $14.83 - $24
What we like:
What we don't Like:
While adjustable, the straps may not offer enough length for those with longer torsos
- Doesn’t provide significant lift or a boost in cleavage
The bottom line:
A budget-friendly everyday option that focuses on lightweight support and comfort.
Get it here: Hanes ComfortFlex Fit Women’s Oh So Light Wireless Bra
Best everyday bra for small breasts: Gap Breathe Favorite Coverage Lightweight Bra
Best everyday bra for small breasts
Breathe Favorite Coverage Lightweight Bra
Designed with breathability in mind, this lightweight underwire bra is one you’ll want to reach for every morning. The seamless design ensures a smooth silhouette under your favorite tops, while the underwire offers gentle support without sacrificing comfort. Crucially, the cups lay flush against smaller breasts, eliminating the dreaded gaping.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 40
- Cup sizes: A - DD
- Number of colors: Four
- Style: T-shirt bra
- Price on publish: $29
What we like:
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- The seamless design creates a natural, flattering shape under clothing
- Frequently goes on sale, making it extra budget-friendly
What we don't Like:
- Some customers have found that the underwire can get bent out of shape in the washing machine
- Limited color options
The bottom line:
Keep an eye out for sales because this bra is flattering, easy, and breathable.
Get it here: Gap Breathe Favorite Coverage Lightweight Bra
Best push-up bra for small breasts: Victoria’s Secret So Obsessed Smooth Push-Up Bra
Best push-up bra for small breast
Women's Victoria's Secret So Obsessed Smooth Push-Up Bra
Given that many of their bras are only offered in B cups or larger, Victoria’s Secret isn’t a go-to destination for small-breasted shoppers. But for those days when you want the girls to look, well, bigger, the So Obsessed Smooth Push-Up Bra can’t be beat. The padding promises to add up to one and a half cup sizes, and the plunging neckline accommodates a wide range of low-cut clothing.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 38
- Cup sizes: AA - DD
- Number of colors: Seven
- Style: Underwire push-up bra
- Price on publish: $49.95
What we like:
- The boost is real and it’s spectacular
- Unlike some push-up bras, this one is comfortable and seamless
What we don't Like:
- Some users find that the padding reduces breathability, making it less ideal for sweaty situations
- Hand wash only
The bottom line:
Bigger isn’t always better, but sometimes you just need a boost.
Get it here: Victoria’s Secret So Obsessed Smooth Push-Up Bra
Best seamless bra for small breasts: Everlane The Invisible Bra
Best seamless bra for small breasts
Invisible Bra by Everlane in Dark Tan, Size S
Everlane's The Invisible Bra is a lingerie hero for those with more modest busts. Chicer than a sports bra but just as comfortable, it truly disappears under clothes while offering the right amount of support.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: XXS - XXL
- Cup sizes: N/A
- Number of colors: Five
- Style: Seamless plunge bra
- Price on publish: $35
What we like:
- The elegant and minimal aesthetic
- True to its name, this bra is virtually invisible under clothing
- Adjustable straps, and fabric that lies flat against the skin
What we don't Like:
- If you’re used to wearing padded bras, this one might not appeal
The bottom line:
A minimalist’s dream that eliminates bumps or lumps under clothing.
Get it here: Everlane The Invisible Bra
Best bra for AA - A cups: Pepper Ultimate Contour T-Shirt Bra
Best bra for AA - A cups
Pepper Ultimate Contour T-Shirt Bra
Filling a gap in the lingerie market, Pepper caters exclusively to small-breasted shoppers—it’s one of the best lingerie brands for those of us who struggle to fill an A cup. Their low-cut t-shirt bra offers a contoured shape, enhancing your natural silhouette. Understanding that one size doesn't fit all, the company designs bras which ensure a snug fit without that awkward space between the boob and the cup. Plus, it’s almost invisible under a white t-shirt, thanks to a wide range of color options.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30 - 40
- Cup sizes: AA - B
- Number of colors: Eight
- Style: Demi-cup t-shirt bra
- Price on publish: $65
What we like:
- The scooped, low-cut cups are flattering and cleavage-enhancing
- An underwire design made for small breasts that’s comfortable and supportive
What we don't Like:
- Given Pepper's specialized focus, the price point is higher than some of the more mainstream brands
- Online-only, which might not appeal to customers who prefer to shop in person
The bottom line:
A perfect fit for the most petite chests.
Get it here: Pepper Ultimate Contour T-Shirt Bra
Best bra for B cups: Harper Wilde Base Unlined Bra
Best bra for B cups
Harper Wilde Base Unlined Bra
This unlined bra is all about comfort, with a simple design and an ultra-soft fabric that feels silky against the skin. Ideal for those with a slightly bigger cup size who don’t rely on padding to create shape, Harper Wilde’s bra offers lightweight support and a natural silhouette.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 42
- Cup sizes: A - DDD/F
- Number of colors: Seven
- Style: Underwire bra
- Price on publish: $45
What we like:
- The unlined style feels like the next best thing to not wearing a bra
- The adjustable straps can be converted into a racerback style
What we don't Like:
- A bra free of any padding won’t appeal to everyone
- Online-only, which might not appeal to customers who prefer to shop in person
The bottom line:
An easy-to-wear, no-frills style for those seeking an unlined bra.
Get it here: Harper Wilde Base Unlined Bra
Best t-shirt bra for small breasts: SKIMS Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra
Best t-shirt bra for small breasts
SKIMS T-Shirt Bra | Black | 30B | Fits Everybody
A cult favorite style from a love-it-or-hate it brand, this SKIMS bra does an impressive job of living up to its name by fitting a wide variety of shapes and sizes—including small breasts. Lightly lined cups, a flexible underwire, and super stretchy fabric help to create a snug fit.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 46
- Cup sizes: A - H
- Number of colors: Sixteen
- Style: T-shirt bra
- Price on publish: $54
What we like:
- A wide range of colors to suit different skin tones, plus limited edition seasonal shades
- Fabric that lies flat against the skin thanks to a bonded neckline with no stitching
What we don't Like:
- Some customers have found that sizing can be inconsistent across different styles of SKIMS bras
The bottom line:
A comfortable, stretchy, and supportive t-shirt bra that fits well and creates a flattering silhouette under clothes.
Get it here: SKIMS Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra
Best strapless bra for small breasts: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Best strapless bra for small breasts
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Finding a strapless bra for smaller breasts can be an exercise in frustration and futility. This is a category that tends to focus on supporting bigger boobs, presumably because brands have decided that those with smaller breasts can simply go braless when presented with a tricky neckline. ThirdLove, a lingerie company that specializes in inclusive sizing, luckily understands that petite-chested shoppers deserve strapless options, too. Their classic strapless bra is available in AA, A, and even A½ cup sizes to ensure a snug and supportive fit. Shopping tip: ThirdLove also made our lists for the best wireless bras, best t-shirt bras, and the best cotton underwear for women.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 44
- Cup sizes: AA - H
- Number of colors: Two
- Style: Strapless bra
- Price on publish: $72
What we like:
- Options for the smallest cup sizes and in-between sizes
- Silicone grip on the inner edges of the bra help keep it in place
- Lightweight padding creates a natural-looking shape
- Comes with removal clear and matching straps for added versatility
What we don't Like:
- Limited color options
- Pricier than some strapless bras on the market
The bottom line:
A good quality strapless bra will last for years—since it’s not something you’ll wear every day, consider this one an investment for your chest.
Get it here: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Best wireless bra for small breasts: Pepper Zero-G Wirefree Lift Up Bra
Best wireless bra for small breasts
Pepper Zero-G Wirefree Lift Up Bra
Combining the cleavage-enhancing effects of a push-up bra with the comfort and ease of a wireless t-shirt bra, this Pepper bra is an impressive feat of lingerie engineering. It provides a natural-looking lift without creating any gaps or spacing in the cups—small-breasted shoppers know just how rare this is in a push-up bra.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30 - 40
- Cup sizes: AA - B
- Number of colors: Nine
- Style: Wireless push-up bra
- Price on publish: $65
What we like:
- The smooth, seamless design
- Wireless comfort and support means this is a perfect everyday bra
- A range of colors to match different skin tones, plus a cheeky leopard print
What we don't Like:
- Some customers have found the sizing to be confusing or inconsistent
The bottom line:
A great bra for small-breasted sisters looking for a natural-looking boost.
Get it here: Pepper Zero-G Wirefree Lift Up Bra
Best plunge bra for small busts: SPANX Bra-llelujah Adjustable Plunge Wireless Lift Bra
Best plunge bra for small busts
SPANX Bra-llelujah Adjustable Plunge Wireless Lift Bra
While SPANX is known for some of the best shapewear on the market, the brand also has surprisingly comfortable bras. With a smooth back made of patented SPANX hosiery (goodbye, lumps, and back spillage), a plunge design, and narrow, adjustable straps, this wireless bra will lift your chesticular region and enhance your shape while creating a natural silhouette.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32 - 38
- Cup sizes: A - D
- Number of colors: Two
- Style: Wireless plunge bra
- Price on publish: $68
What we like:
- The SPANX hosiery back is a game-changer
- A good bra with a front-closure design is surprisingly hard to find
What we don't Like:
- Only two color options
- The size range is fairly limited
The bottom line:
A comfortable, sexy bra that looks great under clothes and can handle even the deepest V-necks.
Get it here: SPANX Bra-llelujah Adjustable Plunge Wireless Lift Bra
Best lace plunge bra for small busts: Knix Lace Deep-V Bra
Best lace plunge bra for small busts
Knix Lace Deep-V Bra
While Knix has become famous for some of the best period underwear out there, don’t sleep on their other offerings—especially their bras. This soft, stretchy sheer lace bra comes in a wide range of colors and will be the (lightly supportive) star of your lingerie drawer. And unlike many lace bras, this one promises to be itch-free.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30 - 40
- Cup sizes: A - DD
- Number of colors: Eleven
- Style: Lace plunge bralette
- Price on publish: $44
What we like:
- Comes in a wide range of fun colors—hello, jewel tones
- Machine washable
- Comfortable and soft against the skin
What we don't Like:
- Doesn’t offer a ton of support, which may not work for everyone
The bottom line:
A pretty lace bra that’s easy to wear—as long as you’re not planning any high-impact activities.
Get it here: Knix Lace Deep-V Bra
Best balconette bra for small breasts: Fleur du Mal Seamless Luxe Balconette Bra
Best balconette bra for small breasts
Fleur du Mal Seamless Luxe Balconette Bra
Made from 95% silk and 5% elastane, this balconette bra feels comfortable and luxurious. Its seamless design and molded cups provide a gentle lift, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to feel flirty and sexy with this little number hidden under your clothes.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30 - 38
- Cup sizes: A - G
- Number of colors: Four
- Style: Seamless balconette bra
- Price on publish: $108
What we like:
- The silky fabric is soft and gentle against the skin
- The smaller cups of a balconette style are great for petite busts
What we don't Like:
- Hand wash only
- The higher price point won’t appeal to everyone
The bottom line:
Nothing whispers quiet luxury quite like a silk bra, and this dainty undergarment is worth the splurge.
Get it here: Fleur du Mal Seamless Luxe Balconette Bra
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.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.