We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Lingerie & Hosiery The 12 Best Bras for Small Busts of 2024 Select from a variety of bralettes, pushups, and more. By Alicia Geigel Alicia Geigel With 400+ published articles and over six years of experience writing about lifestyle topics, beauty brands, and product reviews, Alicia Geigel is a shopping writer who has demonstrated her expertise by covering a wide range of lifestyle content, such as flower subscriptions and wedding websites. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 01, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness within the lifestyle space. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski If you have a small bust, there’s a good chance that you’ve had your fair share of frustrating experiences with bras. Many standard bras have a one-size-fits-all approach to sizing that isn’t inclusive of all breast shapes and sizes, posing measurement issues for those with smaller breasts. To find the best bras for small busts, we researched and compared top-rated options on the market, while weighing factors like cup and band size range, materials, return policy, and overall value. We also spoke to Jerry Hung, founder of women’s intimate apparel brand Floatley, and Amelia Newman, intimates technical designer at Adore Me, for expert tips on how to shop for a bra that fits properly. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Pepper All You Bra at Wearpepper.com Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Warner's Comfort Bra at Amazon $44 $25 Jump to Review Best Wireless: Pepper Limitless Wirefree Scoop Bra at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best T-Shirt: Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra at Harperwilde.com Jump to Review Best Push Up: SALE Aerie Smoothez Pull On Push-Up Bra at Ae.com $55 $22 Jump to Review Best Balconette: Parade Dream Balconette Bra at Yourparade.com $12 Jump to Review Best Plunge: Thirdlove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra at Thirdlove.com $72 Jump to Review Best Strapless: Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Convertible: The Little Bra Company Lucia Fashion Bra at Thelittlebracompany.com Jump to Review Best Unlined: Cuup The Plunge Bra at Shopcuup.com Jump to Review Best Overall Pepper All You Bra PHOTO: Pepper View on Wearpepper.com What Stands Out The bra has shallow, demi-style cups that give the small breasts a natural fit and look. What Could Be Improved The lined mesh edge of the cup and neckline may show on form-fitting or low-cut clothing pieces. The Pepper Classic All You Bra is a fan favorite among customers, even earning a spot in our most comfortable bra roundup. Made exclusively for small busts, the bra features a shallow cup that hugged our breasts naturally without gapping, which is a common problem many of us with small chests experience. Despite having underwire, the bra sat snug around our rib cage and back without digging into our skin after extended wear. In fact, the bra was so comfortable that we often forgot we were wearing it. This versatile, everyday bra is made of buttery-smooth polyamide and elastane and is lightly lined with mesh fabric that provides extra coverage with a nice lift. The cups felt soft on our skin, comparable to a silky-smooth swimsuit material. We found the mesh detailing to be stylish and breathable, as well, though the texture was visible beneath some tight-fitting clothes and low-cut tops. After washing the bra, it looked the same as it had when we took it out of the box. It accommodates busts in 30AA to 42B sizes and is available in 11 neutral, nude, and pink shades, including a flirty pink and black polka dot pattern if you prefer a more playful design. Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cups Size Range: AA–B | Material: 75% polyamide, 25% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days Best Budget Warner's Comfort Bra PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon View on Herroom.com $44 at Kohls.com What Stands Out Its smooth, cloud-like material provides a luxuriously soft and comfortable feel at an accessible price. What Could Be Improved Its cup and band sizing tends to run small. Warner’s Cloud 9 Wireless Comfort Bra offers the comfort and support of high-end options for a fraction of the price. Unlike some wire-free bras that go by general S/M/L sizing, the bra is offered in standard bra sizes in the 32A to 40C range, though customers say the sizing does run on the small side. Constructed with a blend of polyester and elastane, it has a silky smooth texture that feels weightless and cloud-like on the skin. In addition to the premium feel of the fabric, the bra features adjustable front straps and a hook and eye back closure to fit the bra to your liking. The bra’s detailed comfort band adds a touch of flair while providing a smooth, seamless look under the bust and around the back. It comes in 17 neutral, nude, and colorful styles, making it an excellent choice to wear under see-through garments or to simply spice up your wardrobe. Band Size Range: 32–40 | Cups Size Range: A–C | Material: 88% polyester, 12% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days via Amazon Best Wireless Pepper Limitless Wirefree Scoop Bra PHOTO: Pepper $45 at Amazon View on Wearpepper.com What Stands Out Its stretchy, flexible fabric makes it suitable for everyday wear and exercise. What Could Be Improved It isn't very durable. For those who prefer a bra that feels more natural and molds to the body, the Pepper Limitless Wirefree Scoop Bra fits the bill. Crafted from polyamide and elastane, we found this wireless bra to be buttery soft, breathable, and supportive. It’s designed to hug your bust in the same way yoga pants closely mold to the shape of your body, making it especially great for exercise and outdoor activities. In fact, it was comfortable enough for us to wear during a two-week travel excursion with zero pain whatsoever. The bra has thick, adjustable straps and a hook and eye closure, which we found incredibly easy to adjust on a day-to-day basis. Just keep in mind that due to the cups' thick elastic lining, the bra may be visible under tighter shirts, It also has removable pads to provide extra flexibility, though this feature can make it challenging to reshape and adjust the pads after washing or extended wear. Our main qualm with this bra is it's lack of durability. While it maintained its soft, stretchy feel, we noticed some tarnishing and pilling after two weeks of consistent use. That said, we don't expect this to be the longest-lasting choice, nor do we recommend wearing it as your primary bra. Still, if you're looking for a comfortable wireless option to incorporate into your rotation, this is a great choice. Band Size Range: 30–40 | Cups Size Range: AA–B | Material: 77% polyamide, 23% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days Best T-Shirt Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra PHOTO: Harper Wilde View on Harperwilde.com What Stands Out It’s designed with a signature X-bridge in the front, which allows for a closer, molded fit. What Could Be Improved The underwire can be uncomfortable for those in between sizes or with small band measurements. Whether you need something suitable to wear under form-fitting clothes or want a comfortable, everyday bra equipped for work and other activities, the Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra has you covered. Our favorite feature of this bra has to be the soft, pillowy material. Constructed with a blend of nylon and elastane, the microfiber fabric proved to be durable, breathable, and comfortable for extended wear. The cups are actually soft and well molded that we would even go as far as to call this bra the Birkenstock for breasts. In addition to its comfortable design, the bra is engineered so you can seamlessly adjust the fit to your liking, with convenient front adjusting straps and a J hook that converts to a racerback style. We found the straps extremely easy to adjust, never digging into our back or shoulders. Plus, it retained its shape throughout two weeks of use. The light lining adds coverage and security, while the wiring gives a structured fit. We love that it offers full coverage and support without looking frumpy. Some of us between sizes did found the underwire and band to be uncomfortable throughout long durations of wear. However, we think the size inclusivity (32A to 44DDD/F) and the color variety make this an especially versatile pick. Band Size Range: 32–44 | Cups Size Range: A–DDD/F | Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Return Policy: 90 days Best Push Up Aerie Smoothez Pull On Push-Up Bra PHOTO: Aerie $22 at Ae.com What Stands Out It has floating cups and flexible underwire that moves with your body while enhancing your bust. What Could Be Improved The backing may lose its elasticity over time. Push-up bras can be tricky for people of all size busts, especially those with small ones, but the Aerie Smoothez Push-Up Bra enhances the bust without gapping. While many push-up bras have excessive padding, this bra has flexible floating cups and medium-level padding that gives your breasts a lifted appearance, minus the bulk. It features a pull-on style without the traditional hook and eye back closure for convenient accessibility, but keep in mind that the backing can lose its elasticity with extended wear and washing. Made from a smooth and breathable combination of nylon and elastane with flexible underwire, the bra is built to move with your body and provide comfort as you wear it throughout the day. It accommodates sizes 30AA to 42H, making it great for busts of all sizes. Plus, it comes in 12 nude and vibrant colors. Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cups Size Range: AA–H | Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane | Return Policy: Accepted with no time limit Best Balconette Parade Dream Balconette Bra PHOTO: Parade $12 at Yourparade.com What Stands Out It features a classic, vintage style along with eye-catching two-tone details. What Could Be Improved The band has a looser fit, which may not be as supportive. Made popular by stars like Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, the balconette bra style is designed to flaunt your cleavage and show off your bust. The Parade Dream Balconette Bra features low-cut cups and wide-set straps that give the appearance of a square neckline to enhance your chest. With two-tone colors and sexy mesh detailing, the bra draws attention to the shape and curves of your bust and gives you that bombshell confidence without sacrificing comfort. Speaking of comfort, it has thick, adjustable straps for gentle lift and support, while the CloudLift wire technology adds structure without digging or poking. The bra is unlined and meant to have a more natural feel on the bust. It ranges from 32A to 46G, and is available in eight color varieties including black and dual-toned styles in purple, pink, and blue hues. Band Size Range: 32–46 | Cups Size Range: A–G | Material: Recycled yarn | Return Policy: 30 days Best Plunge Thirdlove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra PHOTO: ThirdLove $72 at Thirdlove.com What Stands Out Its deep plunge neckline suits a number of clothing styles and outfits. What Could Be Improved It has minimal coverage, which may not be supportive for certain busts. The ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra is designed to be unnoticeable under a variety of clothing pieces and outfits with its deep V-neck and thin yet sturdy straps. Made with petite busts and small frames in mind, the bra is equipped with ultra-thin foam cups that minimize gaping and provide minimal coverage around your cleavage. While those of us with smaller busts found this to be comfortable, the design may not be as supportive for larger busts. The bra is especially noteworthy due to its availability in a wide range of sizes (32AA to 44H), including exclusive half cup sizes (like A ½ ) to accommodate breasts that fall in between standard cup sizes. To provide the best fit for your bust, the plunge bra has removable pads to balance and customize the cup to the specific shape and size of your breasts. For security and stability, it has adjustable straps and a double layer hook and eye back closure that doesn’t show under form-fitting pieces. The bra is made from a nylon and spandex blend for a weightless, natural feel, and comes in six smooth and lace styles. Band Size Range: 32–44 | Cups Size Range: AA–H | Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex | Return Policy: 60 days Best Strapless Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra PHOTO: Pepper $60 at Amazon View on Wearpepper.com What Stands Out The thick band and non-slip grip keeps everything in place, eliminating the need to tug and lift throughout the day. What Could Be Improved There is little padding, which may make the bust appear flatter, and the wide band limits outfit flexibility. Often worn for special occasions, strapless bras don't typically offer much support, structure, or comfort. The Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra, however, delivers in all of the aforementioned areas with an extra twist: It features a thick band that has a non-slip strip that holds your breasts in place as you move, so you won't have to worry about it slipping or bunching as you wear it. Unfortunately, this thick band has pros and cons—while it keeps the bra secure, it also limits outfit flexibility, as it may be too wide to wear with certain cropped shirts. This strapless bra is great by itself, but what makes it a standout undergarment are the multiway straps that come with it. These straps allow you to turn the bra into a standard adjustable bra or a racerback bra, making it suitable to wear beneath a wide range of shirts and dresses. The lightly lined cups mold to your bust and leave zero room for gaps or bulk, though during testing, some of us found that this feature gave the appearance of a flatter chest. It comes in nine different colors and like other Pepper bras, is available in sizes 30AA to 42B. Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cups Size Range: AA–B | Material: 75% polyester, 25% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days Best Convertible The Little Bra Company Lucia Fashion Bra PHOTO: The Little Bra Company View on Thelittlebracompany.com What Stands Out It has beautiful lace accents, plus convertible straps that transform it into different styles. What Could Be Improved It is only available in one nude color. While some smaller bust bras tend to be on the simplistic side, the Lucia Fashion Bra is just as stylish and flattering as it is functional. True to its name, the Little Bra Company makes bras exclusively for petite frames, so you can rest assured that there will be no gaping or discomfort. Crafted from a blend of polyamide and elastane, this bra's material is comfortable and smooth on the skin. Its deep plunge neckline enhances the natural shape of the breast, while the medium-level, contoured padding gives your bust a gentle lift without gaping. Plus, it features lace mesh accents that lay flat to your bust and are invisible under a wide range of fabrics. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the bra has convertible straps that transform it from a standard, adjustable bra to a racerback bra in a matter of seconds thanks to the convenient back loops. The bra’s size range is 28A to 34C, and while it is available in six dual-toned colors, there is only one light nude shade available, which may be limiting for those you prefer something that matches their skin tone. Band Size Range: 28–34 | Cups Size Range: A–C | Material: 88% polyamide, 12% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days Best Unlined Cuup The Plunge Bra PHOTO: CUUP View on Shopcuup.com What Stands Out It’s sheer, and provides a sleek look with the support from lightweight underwire. What Could Be Improved Due to its mesh material, it may be prone to stretching over time. For those that want zero padding and a bra that looks and feels natural, the CUUP The Plunge Mesh Bra is an excellent choice. Made from nylon and spandex, the bra’s cups and band are constructed with a breathable Power Mesh material that not only gives your body the freedom to move freely without bunching, digging, or slipping, but also provides a sexy look with its completely sheer design. However, it is important to note that due to its delicate nature, the mesh material may be prone to stretching over time. The plunge-style bra has a deep neckline, which can be easily hidden under most outfits, while the plunging V-neck silhouette enhances the natural shape of your bust for a feminine flair. It also has lightweight underwire to offer flexible support, along with thick and sturdy adjustable straps to stay secure on your shoulders. With sizes that range from 30A to 44H and a whopping 38 colors and patterns to choose from, this bra will likely serve a variety of needs and preferences. Band Size Range: 30–44 | Cups Size Range: A–H | Material: 79% nylon, 21% spandex | Return Policy: 60 days Best Bralette Skims Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette PHOTO: Skims $34 at Nordstrom View on Skims.com $18 at Saks Fifth Avenue What Stands Out Its crossover style and maximum stretch fabric provides a snug fit without gaps. What Could Be Improved The deep plunge can cause nip slips in some cases. Skims is known for its line of products that feel like a second skin, and the Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette is no exception. Made with a buttery smooth blend of polyamide and elastane, the bralette is lightweight, breathable, and stretches with the natural shape of your bust. Like most bralettes, it does not have any type of closure, and instead is a pull-over style garment that allows you to take it on and off with ease. The encased elastic, crossover front seam leaves no room for gaping or bulging while giving your bust a snug, close fit. Plus, the straps are adjustable to ensure you get the right amount of support and lift. Due to its deep V-neck plunge style, some customers experienced nip slips, which is something to keep in mind if you want something with more coverage. It accommodates a wide range of sizes from XXS to 4X, and is available in 10 nude shades and five limited edition colors. Band Size Range: 30–44 | Cups Size Range: A–H | Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Return Policy: 30 days; $6 shipping fee applies for refund to original payment method Best Backless Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Strapless Bra PHOTO: Victoria's Secret View on Victoriassecret.com What Stands Out It’s totally backless, and its adhesive cups are wearable after multiple uses. What Could Be Improved Since there is no underwire, band, or straps, the bra provides little to no lift or support. For when you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder, strapless, or open-back outfit, a strapless and backless bra is fit for supporting the bust while being discreet. The Victoria’s Secret Backless Strapless Bra has a low plunge front that is invisible in nearly all tops and dresses, but the cups are where it truly shines. The adhesive, silicone-like cups perfectly mold to your breast without leaving a sticky residue after use. During testing, we were impressed by the strength of the adhesive, which lasted after multiple wears and several washes. The bra did not make us sweat—even while dancing—and the sticky side didn't cause any irritation. At the end of the two-week testing period, the bra looked good as new. We noticed no signs of wear and tear on the band, the cups, or the adhesive side. We also appreciate the painless peel-off process. While the bra is perfect for wearing under specific outfits, it doesn't provide much lift or support due to the fact that it lacks underwire, a band, or straps. However, if you want something that just covers the front of your breasts, it fits the bill. The bra is vailable in three shades—ganache, praline, and black—and comes in sizes AA/A, B/C, and D/DD. Band Size Range: None | Cups Size Range: AA–DD | Material: Silicone | Return Policy: Accepted with no time limit Final Verdict Our best overall pick is the Pepper Classic All You Bra. Designed exclusively for small busts, this bra proved to be versatile and comfortable enough for everyday wear. For those looking for a comparable alternative bra at a modest price, the Warner's Cloud 9 Wireless Comfort Bra has a similar smooth, airy feel with a premium design that works well to support and enhance small busts. How to Shop for Bras for Small Busts Like a Pro Size & Fit Bra size and fit is determined by cup and band size. Bra cups should cover the breasts without spilling over or leaving a gap between the skin and the bra, while a bra band should support the bust and keep the bra in place from the front, sides, and back. If you don't feel comfortable getting your bra size measured at a retailer or have the time to do so, you can easily measure your bra size at home. The measurements you ultimately end up with can translate into different sizes across various brands, so Newman recommends that you compare your measurements to the brand’s size guide as you shop around. Materials One of the most important components of a bra’s composition is its material, which impacts how it fits and functions. Bra bands are typically constructed with combinations of spandex and other materials such as nylon, polyester, and cotton that have good stretch and recovery, but are strong enough to support straps and cups. Cups, on the other hand, are usually molded out of polyurethane foam designed to provide shape and support for the bust, Hung says. If you’re looking for a comfortable but secure fit, consider opting for bras that have straps made from soft brushed, stretchy elastics. Padding According to Newman, the main purpose of bra padding is to provide a uniform rounded shape and/or create a push-up or larger breast appearance. Bra padding is typically molded in standard shapes and does not fit all busts—with front neckline gaping being a common problem for those with softer breast tissue. Different bras styles have varying levels of padding, which each serve specific purposes. T-shirt bras, for example, are lightly lined with minimal padding, and give the breasts a more natural shape. On the opposite end of the padding spectrum, push-up bras have maximum padding to lift the breasts and create the appearance of a larger bust. Depending on what kind of appearance you want, you’ll want to consider trying different bra paddings to see which type works best for you. Straps & Wiring Bra straps and wiring are essential to providing the bust adequate lift and support. Whether you have small, large, or mid-size breasts, Hung says that you should not actively feel the straps of your bra as you wear it, and your straps should never dig into or slide off of your shoulders. Newman explains that women with smaller bust sizes typically don't need as much strap support, adding that a petite frame will look flattered with a narrow strap. Essentially, a smaller strap will give a more natural, relaxed feel, while a wider strap gives more support. The most common bra straps are adjustable straps, racerback straps, convertible straps, and halter straps. Adjustable straps provide flexibility, while Newman says racerback straps, which join at one center point on the back, typically create a little more of a cleavage effect due to the angle of the straps at the front. Convertible bras usually have a strapless style cup that consists of multiple tabs along the neckline and top edge of the wing, with hooked straps that you can attach in any way you can imagine, she adds. Halter straps go around the neck and leave the back bare, making them ideal for backless tops and dresses. Like straps, wiring provides support and structure to the bust. A bra’s underwire is a U-shaped wire that is sewn into the bottom edge of the bra cup. “Wires work in conjunction with the bra pads to lift the bust and to hold it securely in place,” Hung says. While underwired bras have been the go-to choice amongst most shoppers for years, underwire is not necessary, especially for those with smaller busts. “Bra pad technology and construction have elevated the simple wireless bra to a sophisticated everyday essential for a lot of women,” Hung says. Closure Most bras, with the exception of typical bralettes, have either a hook and eye back closure, or a front closure that secures them in place. The hook and eye closure is the most common, and this specific closure is positioned at the center back of the bra and has three columns of "eyes" for adjustability. A front closure, on the other hand, is a clasp or a single hook placed at the front of the bra. Questions You Might Ask What type of bra is best for small busts? The best bras for small busts should provide comfort, support, and structure, without painful pokes from underwire or large gaps in the cups. For small busts, bras with less cup coverage tend to be more flattering. “Gapping is a common issue with smaller busts, as it’s hard to find bras with cups that conform seamlessly to a smaller bust,” Hung says. She adds that wireless bras and bralettes are especially comfortable, as they allow smaller busts to sit better in the cups for greater support with reduced cup gapping. Overall, the best bra should ultimately be one that is supportive, comfortable, and makes you feel confident. How can you tell if a bra fits correctly? To determine if a bra fits correctly, consider how the band, cups, and straps feel on your body. “The bra band should fit comfortably but snugly,” Hung says. If the band rides up your back, size down, and if you have any kind of harsh marks left behind after you take off the bra, size up. Additionally, a well-fitted bra has cups that conform to your breasts. If you experience gapping, you should size down, and if you notice spillage, size up. Lastly, the bra straps shouldn’t dig in or slide off your shoulders, and you shouldn't be able to slip more than a finger under the straps, Newman says. How often should you replace your bra? There isn’t a specific time frame for when you should replace your bra. The longevity of a bra depends on the material it's made of, how often it's worn, and how it's cleaned. “If you start noticing that the bra feels looser on the tightest hook, the wire is poking, the straps aren’t recovering, or the cups are stretched out, it’s time to replace it,” Hung says. Delicately washing and line drying can extend the life of your bra, as “frequent exposure to high temperatures can degrade elastics over time and cause them to lose their shape." Take Our Word for It This article was written by Alicia Geigel, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, she weighed factors like band and cup size range, material, return policy, and overall cost to find the best bras for small busts. She also researched the most popular bras on the market based on brand, customer reviews, and ratings. For expert tips, Alicia spoke to Jerry Hung, founder of Floatley, a women’s intimate apparel brand, and Amelia Newman, intimates technical designer at Adore Me, a women's intimate apparel brand.