The Best Strapless Bras for Small Busts, Tested By Fashion Editors

The Pepper Strapless Bra is our go-to.

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Perhaps one of the most challenging feats women face in the world of fashion is finding a well-fitting strapless bra. A good strapless bra is hard to come by since it requires a very precise combination of support, fit, and comfort, which can be difficult to achieve without the help of straps. And, while finding a great strapless bra for a smaller bust may seem like it should be easier—after all, less support is needed compared to strapless bras for large breasts—that’s not actually the case. Strapless bras for small busts often fall short, either by lacking enough structure to stay in place (the worst) or by having gaps that leave you with the opposite of a smooth, flattering fit. Without straps, finding a style that actually fits small breasts, stays secure, and feels comfortable can feel next to impossible.

And, couple that with a small bust, and you’ve got a tall order. Luckily, we found five strapless bras that won’t let you–or your girls–down.

Whether you’re looking for a seamless option to pair with a strapless dress or simply want a bra that stays put, a good strapless bra is a must-have in any wardrobe. To find the right one for your needs, we spoke with fashion experts to learn more about the best features of a reliable strapless bra for small busts. The verdict? The sizing and fit matter (hello, support) as well as the materials and shape. Plus, we found brands that specifically cater to small busts, meaning you can find a perfect fit.

But, before you dive into our fave picks that are comfortable, supportive, and affordable, here's the lowdown on what to look for when shopping for a strapless bra for small busts.

“When you’re small-busted and shopping for a strapless bra, the first thing you want to make sure of is that the band of the bra is snug and fitting horizontally around the rib cage (i.e. not higher or lower in the front or back than the opposite side),” explains wardrobe stylist Chellie Carlson. That’s because, unlike regular bras, a strapless option relies entirely on the band for support. The next thing to keep in mind is that over time, the band will give, and when you purchase the bra it should be fitting you comfortably on the loosest hook-and-eye option, says Carlson. This will allow you to tighten it and use the smaller hook-and-eye options if it does stretch over time.

“When selecting your size, often women need to size down in the band of their strapless compared to their regular bra to give enough support to hold itself up without straps–even if you have a small bust, it’s something to consider,” Carlson notes. It's also important to consider cup size—if the cups are too big, they may gap, while too small a cup can cause spillage. When trying on a strapless bra, make sure to move around and check that it stays in place without needing constant adjustment, as this is the best indicator of a good fit.

The materials and fabric used to make strapless bras play a big role in both their comfort and functionality. “When buying a strapless bra for small busts, look for fabrics made of materials that are lightweight and breathable,” says Lindsey Bernay, fashion stylist and author of You Can't Leave the House Naked. Cotton, microfiber, or modal is comfortable, soft, and won’t add bulk, she says, noting that these fabrics are also perfect for smaller busts when you want a barely-there feel. It’s also smart to look for stretchy materials like spandex or elastane, which help the bra conform to your body. Many strapless bras also have silicone or rubberized grips along the band that help it stay in place, which is especially important to prevent slipping.

A good strapless bra should give your girls lift and definition without flattening or exaggerating them. Light padding or molded cups can compliment their shape, making them look fuller and rounder under clothes. For smaller busts, bras with demi or balconette styles can create a nice lift and curve, while not being too bulky. The shape of the cups also matters—cups that mold well to your chest prevent gaping, giving you a seamless fit.

Ever heard the terms “lined” and “unlined”? In terms of bras, the main difference is that lined bras have padding or foam in the cups, while unlined bras don’t. We’ll break it down: Thanks to the extra layer of fabric or light padding in the cups, lined bras provide more shape and have a smoother appearance under clothing. Unlined bras, on the other hand, have a more natural look and feel. They don’t have additional padding, which gives them a closer fit to the skin (some might say they have a barely-there feel). As for whether to choose lined or unlined? The choice depends on personal preference and how much coverage you want.

We carefully selected the best bras for small busts in two different ways. First, we chatted with two fashion and bra experts to learn about their picks when it comes to the best strapless bras and what to consider when shopping for the best strapless bras for small busts. On top of that, as writers who have been putting all types of bras through their paces for years, we used our own knowledge to narrow down a list of the five best strapless bras we would wear and recommend to anyone with a smaller chest. Below, we’ve noted how each bra fits, rated its comfort level, and broken down how each one looks under clothing.

Keep reading to find out which ones made the cut as the best strapless bras on the market.

For a strapless bra that can do it all, let us introduce you to this Pepper favorite. Unlike other bras that cater to a wider range of sizes, Pepper focuses on AA, A, and B cups only. Because of this, each bra is made to fit small busts like a glove. In terms of this particular strapless bra, it features lightly molded cups that create a natural lift, contouring the bust to enhance its natural shape without adding too much bulk or heaviness. This makes it the perfect pick for women who want a subtle pick-me-up rather than a major push-up effect.

One of our favorite features of this strapless bra is its secure band. And get this: It has silicone grips, which gives the band non-slip support and allows it to stay in place throughout the day (major ups!). The band is also designed to fit snugly without digging into the skin, meaning it won’t leave behind any uncomfortable marks (IYKYK). Plus, you won’t have to constantly readjust it, which we find to be a major game-changer. Basically, this is the bra you need if you’re always wanting to rip your bulky, tight bra off at the end of the night.

This do-it-all bra also has an adjustable hook-and-eye closure, giving you a customized fit and making it ideal if your breast size fluctuates throughout the month. We also really like that the fabric is light and breathable, which means the girls won’t get too warm or sweaty. Plus, the soft cups are almost invisible under clothing (!!), meaning you can pair this bra with any plain white tee. Our one note? Be sure to hand wash this bra with cold water so it doesn’t lose its shape over time.

Read More: Best Strapless Bras For Large Breasts

This Maidenform bra easily earns its title as the best budget option. Designed with a focus on comfort and support, this bra features a smart, gripping technology that keeps it comfortably in place, no matter what you might be doing. Plus, due to the stretchy fabric (hello, nylon and spandex), the cups are able to mold to the body, meaning they’ll adapt to your natural breast shape.

“Fit is crucial with strapless bras and the important key here is the band,” explains Bernay. “Make sure it’s snug but comfortable because that’s where most of the support comes from.” This bra, in particular, has a snug fit that’s not too tight, meaning it’ll keep your girls up for hours on end without discomfort.

Another tip? Steer clear of cups that gape or pucker—lightly lined or unlined bras tend to give a more natural shape for small busts, says Bernay. And, these cups do exactly that. They offer a smooth finish and give a flattering silhouette that looks good under a variety of outfits. As for its one downfall? It doesn’t come in a 32-band size.

“My go-to strapless bra for small busts is the OnGossamer Beautifully Basic Strapless Multi-Way Bra,” says Carlson. She loves this bra because it has small push-up pads at the base of the cups to give more shape and balance to a small bust. It also has silicone elastics that give it a no-slip fit, so you won’t have to hike it up. Additionally, this bra has a super-soft fabric that makes it feel almost weightless against the skin. This soft material minimizes irritation and gives a nice, smooth appearance under clothing–even tight pieces. And, we’ve got to admit, the lace detailing is one of our favorite features since it’s tasteful but also subtly sexy. The only quam we have is that it only comes in two colors (nude and black).

Want a comfortable, wireless option that still provides excellent support? Try this wireless and super comfortable option from Soma. This bra is made of soft, stretchy nylon and spandex that conforms to your body without the restriction of an underwire. This means you can enjoy a natural fit that feels as comfortable as a second skin, making it perfect for all-day wear. What’s more, this bra has a cushioned hook-and-eye back closure that allows it to comfortably sit on your back (you won’t have to deal with anything poking you or pressing against your skin). It also has full-coverage contour cups that give breasts a natural shape. Whether you're wearing a strapless dress or a casual top, this bra will support and shape the girls, all while giving you a seamless look that’s perfect for any occasion.

While we love most of the features of this bra, know that is tends to run small. We recommend ordering a size up if you're in between sizes or don’t want a fit that's too snug.

Leave it to Skims to have one of the best bras on the market. This Unlined Strapless Bra features a sleek design that effortlessly conforms to your body, meaning it’s great for small busts since it’ll stay in place while securing the girls. The seamless construction gives it a smooth appearance under clothing, meaning lines and bulges are a thing of the past (you can thank the ultra-wide band for that). Due to its smoothing effect, this bra is a great choice to pair with form-fitting dresses (hello, the iconic Skims Slip Dress) and tops, letting you feel polished and sophisticated. As for the best feature for small busts? The cups are unlined (aka they don’t have additional padding), meaning they are able to comfortably and effortlessly conform to small breasts.

We also love that it comes in so many sizes and colors (including skin colors), meaning you can find the right one to fit your needs. The only thing we’ll note is that the band sits a bit low on the back, so you might have to readjust it occasionally. Other than that? Kim knows what she’s doing.

Lauren Harano is a New York-based writer, editor, and journalist covering commerce, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle topics. She has been in the industry for over 7 years, and her work can be found in various publications including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Hotels Above Par, Editorialist, Esquire, and InStyle. When she’s not writing or interviewing sources, Lauren can be found testing the latest beauty products, planning her next vacation, and buying clothes she definitely does not need.

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Read More: Best Strapless Bras For Large Breasts