Bra solutions for petite sizes

A smaller chest, without the need of scaffolding support and the resulting back pain, may be the envy of ladies with an ample bosom, but there is nothing funny about being almost flat-chested.

A boyish figure may fade in and out of fashion, but many women struggle to feel feminine without much up top, so here are our top tips to help you make the most of your petite assets.

Padded bra

A padded bra does exactly what it says on the tin: it has padding in the bra to make your breasts look bigger. This is primarily a visual trick to increase the appearance of your bust under clothing, rather than by pushing your breasts together to create a cleavage. Padding in this case is usually foam and, like a moulded cup, can help to give a symmetrical appearance to uneven boobs.

We recommend Debenhams Black Smoothing Balcony Bra.

Push-up bra

In a push-up bra, the padding is strategically placed both under and to the side of the boob, to encourage a cleavage out of even the smallest of breasts. Foam pads give gentle curves, gel pads offer a more pronounced lift with a natural feel, while air pads give you the option to inflate or deflate according to your mood!

We recommend Lepel Padded Plunge Bra.

Bra inserts

Push-up bras can feel a little awkward and uncomfortable, but you can achieve a similar effect by using silicone inserts, or “chicken fillets”, in any bra. You can adjust these removable pads to sit under your breast in the most suitable position to subtly enhance the size of your bust in your normal underwear.

We recommend By Perfection Clear Cleavage Boosters.

Plunge bra

The plunge bra does not artificially create a cleavage like a push-up bra, but the front of the band is cut very low so that you can wear a daring v-neck to tease with your décolleté. Many fashion icons with smaller breasts – Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow – have made the low plunge look very sexy.

We recommend Wonderbra Natural Full Effect Push-Up Plunge Bra.

Sports bra

Don’t forget that even though your boobs may be small, you should still support your breast tissue during any sporting activity. Made from breathable material, a good sports bra will draw sweat away from your body as well as minimising breast movement and reducing the dreaded jogger’s nipple.

We recommend Nike Pro Sports Bra.

Moulded bra

Sadly, just because you have smaller breasts, it does not always mean that they are perky. Therefore, like your larger-chested friends, you too can benefit from the gentle shaping of a moulded cup. These styles do not necessarily increase your bust size, but will certainly help give you a more feminine shape.

We recommend Lepel T-Shirt Bra.

Demi or half cup bra

This is a better style for smaller-chested ladies to wear with a low cut outfit than the balcony bra, but as only part of the boob is covered, it is usually more suited for those with firmer breasts, as they are required to hold themselves up to some extent.

We recommend Chantelle Rive Gauche Half Cup Bra.

Halterneck bra

A great way of giving the appearance of a larger bust and cleavage is to wear a halterneck; not only will the bra naturally bring your boobs together, but the line of the top or dress will also maximise the effect. Bare shoulders and back only add to the sex appeal.

We recommend John Lewis Underwired Multiway Bra.

Triangle bra

It’s not all about giving the illusion of a bust, try celebrating your frame instead of disguising it. The triangle bra is not very supportive, but can be super sexy for small or firm breasts as they are often sheer and lacy.

We recommend H&M Non-Wired Lace Triangle Bra.

Front-fastening bra

Front-fastening bras aren’t as supportive as the traditional type, but they have the advantage of a smooth back under tight-fitting clothes. Petite ladies often choose this style as the bra clasp being tucked neatly between the boobs draws attention to the area.

We recommend M&S Lace Non-Padded Front Fastening Bra.

Bralets

Also known as bandeau bras, bralets offer minimal support with the advantages of being less bulky under clothes and more comfortable to wear. Forget about the unattractive training bras of years gone by, nowadays this is a stylish alternate to clunky conventional bras.

We recommend b.tempt’d Lace Kiss Bralette.

Camisoles

If you can get away without wearing a bra for support, then a whole world of sexy camisoles is open to you. These silky numbers feel sensuous against the skin and you can tease with a little lace peeping out from under an open-necked top. Throw on a pair of French knickers and you have one hot outfit.

What not to wear

Balcony bras are difficult for both large and small-chested women alike, and really only suit the few women with a pert B-C cup. Although it may be a tempting style to wear under a low cut top, women with petite boobs should avoid this as it can be deeply unflattering. A full cup bra is not only not necessary with smaller breasts, but the quantity of material will only highlight what you don’t have.