Best Bras for Small Breasts: The Brands You Need to Know

last updated 16 September 2020

We love chatting about bras. But recently we've focussed on the bigger-boob side of things. However, today, we're going to talk about the best bras for smaller breasts—and why they're just as tricky to find as the bigger cups. I spoke to Sandra Dyke, bra-fitting consultant for Chantelle, about how to get it right if your cup size doesn't runneth over.

First off, she points out that it's rare to see a true AA size. "Most women have a misconception about their cup size," she notes. "It's not to do with the fullness of the breast but the depth, so often I find someone who thinks they're a 36A is actually a 30D." This can be problematic, as if the back size is too big, your breasts won't be supported. Although you might not need as much support as a those with bigger busts, you still want to look like you've got some shape.

So what are the ideal bra types women with smaller breasts should look for? "Some women like bralettes, but most girls with a smaller bust will find they have less volume underneath, so a padded bra is a great option," Dyke notes. "There are some bras where you can even remove the padding in case you don't want it at your time of the month."

Her final tip? If you've got a small back (e.g., a size 30), Sandra says you can be a little pigeon-chested, meaning that you need a smaller bridge [the front bit). For this kind of shape, a push-up bra is recommended but if you don't have this issue, then you can go for a classic balconette.

Of course, nothing beats getting a proper bra fitting, although you can also check your own size at home with this bra-size calculator. Right, got that? Now you're ready to shop the best bras for smaller breasts.