The Perfect Bra for Small Chests

TL;DR

This post is for women with small chests who are tired of gaping cups, padding, and uncomfortable bras that don’t fit their bodies. It explains why a seamless, wire-free bralette works better for small busts and how breathable fabric and nipple concealment create real comfort. The takeaway: the right bralette can eliminate gaping, provide modest coverage, and feel good all day without padding or wires.

Itty Bitty Titty Committe Members - We Got You! 

If you’re a member of the itty bitty titty committee, you’re no stranger to bra frustration: Gaping cups, too much padding, and overall discomfort that you’re forced to put up with because that’s as good as it gets. 

We can relate, and girl, we got you. 

While the Elli Bralette was initially designed as an innovative solution for nipple concealment, another great feature isn’t talked about enough: it’s the perfect bra for small chests. 

Why is the Elli Bralette the best bralette for small breasts? 

Simply put: There is no padding, no wires, and, thanks to the design and soft, stretchy material, there’s no gaping.

The Elli Bralette is the anti-foam bralette for many reasons, the main one being that it’s unnecessary (and annoying) unless you’re looking for volume. We wanted our bralette to be as breathable as possible, so it’s comfortable to wear on the hottest days or even as a sports bralette. Foam is not breathable. 

Making a bralette that would be comfortable 24/7 also meant omitting wires – easiest choice ever – and using a material that would move with the body instead of feeling restrictive.   

The Elli Bralette is made of a whisper thin, breathable nylon fabric that is completely seamless. Each bralette is knitted as one piece by our manufacturer and made right here in the USA. The nylon is blended with 8% spandex, so it moves with you throughout the day rather than pinching into your skin. The low percentage of spandex also makes it comfortable to pull on in the morning and easy to pull off at the end of the day, all while still holding its shape. 

Moreover, since the fabric content helps provide gap-free coverage, if you have small boobs, you can FINALLY bend over without worrying about flashing anyone nearby. And with built-in nipple concealing petals, you’re always guaranteed complete modesty. 

We also recognized that smaller cup sizes don’t require the additional support that thicker straps and wider bands provide. The smaller sizes (Jr, Small, Medium) of our Elli Bralette are designed with thin straps for a trendy look that stays put and a narrow band for comfort. 

Okay, but how do I know my small bust cup size? 

That’s a great question – the Elli Bralette isn’t sized by cups, although we provide a reference by cups. Our Junior, Small, and Medium sizes fit a range of 30A – 34B/36A. Because the Elli Bralette is made of a soft, stretchy material, if you’re in-between sizes, you can wear either the smaller or larger size, depending on your preference. For example, a medium in the Elli Bralette will comfortably fit a 34A/B cup and a 32C/D cup. 

To find your best fit, follow these steps: 

1. Find a soft tape measure.

2. Take your under bust measurement. Without wearing a bra, measure around your ribcage just below your bust. Keep the tape measure level around your ribs (doing this in front of a mirror is helpful), pull it snug, and exhale. Note the measurement and round down to the nearest even number.

3. To take your over bust measurement, measure around the fullest part of your bust (generally about where your nipples are), and keep the tape measure level and comfortable. You don’t want to pull the tape measure too tight or leave it too loose. Note this measurement.

4. Use both your under bust and over bust measurements in comparison to our size chart to determine the best size for you. 

The Elli Bralette comes in a range of neutrals as well as bright pops of color. It’s designed to be so comfortable you don’t even notice you’re wearing it. Browse our entire collection here and find your perfect fitting bra for a small chest today!

FAQs

What is the best bra for small chests?
The best bra for small chests is one without padding or underwires that fits snugly without gaping. Seamless, wireless bralettes are often the most comfortable and flattering option.

Why do padded bras gape on small boobs?
Padding is designed to add volume, not improve fit. On small chests, it often creates empty space in the cup, leading to gaping and an unnatural shape.

Do small breasts need underwire for support?
No. Small breasts typically don’t require the structure underwires provide. Gentle support from fabric, band fit, and stretch is usually more comfortable and effective.

How can I get nipple coverage without padding?
A bralette with built-in nipple concealing petals provides targeted coverage without foam, bulk, or heat, while maintaining a natural silhouette.

How do I know which bralette size to choose for a small bust?
Use your underbust and overbust measurements and compare them to the size chart. If you’re between sizes, you can often choose based on how snug or relaxed you prefer the fit.