By Cora Harrington, Vogue
When it comes to lingerie advice, most of it seems to have larger breasts
in mind. The language around bras and bra sizing is often couched in
the implicit assumption that "your cup size is actually bigger than you
think," and while this is undoubtedly true for thousands of people, it's
equally true that smaller cup sizes exist and are in need of beautiful, well-made, supportive bras too.
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Though
the small bust lingerie market is, unfortunately, rather limited
compared to both the straight size (B-D cups) and fuller bust (DD+ cups)
markets, there are a number brands making gorgeous bras for the A and B
cup section. You don't have to feel limited to bralettes or the preteen
section when these companies have you covered.
The Small Bust Specialists: These brands focus on a more petite bust.
Lula Lu Petites
As the only lingerie company on this list making AAA and AA
cups in addition to the usual A, B, and C cup sizes, Lula Lu Petites is
an ideal brand for people with very little breast tissue or those who
are new to bra wearing. There's a myth in the in the lingerie world that
AA and AAA cups are made-up sizes because no one really "needs" them,
but if your bust isn't quite large enough for an A or B cup, give Lula
Lu a look.
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The Little Bra Company
One
of the first brands I tried when I started my lingerie blog, The Little
Bra Company offers lacy, sophisticated styles in cup sizes A-C. Many of
their everyday bra styles have push-up padding, but they also offer
small bust chemises and sports bras if you're looking to expand your
lingerie wardrobe beyond the basics.
Ariette Petite for Target
Timpa
Though Timpa a bit of an under-the-radar brand
in the fashion industry, it's famous in the lingerie world. Their
unpadded, unlined lace demi bra is a small bust staple, and is available
in a wide range of seasonal fashion colors. Even better, it retails for
under $40. Speaking from personal experience, this bra is very
comfortable, and if you're new to small bust lingerie, Timpa is a great
starter brand.
Elma Shop
Ysé Lingerie
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Aikyou Intimates
A German brand, Aikyou works in wirefree bralettes and other unstructured silhouettes. Their aesthetic is almost androgynous - no frills, no padding, no lace, no bows. However, what I love most about Aikyou is their post-mastectomy range. Smaller-busted women are breast cancer survivors too, and this collection answers a need most people are unaware of.
Larger Bra Brands That Also Make Smaller Cup Sizes: These brands make bras in a range of sizes, but also include smaller bust sizes.
Aerie
Aerie is a fashion industry darling, and may be Victoria's Secret's only real competitor in the United States. Their 145 or so brick and mortar locations make them an important nationwide retailer for small bust bras, especially since many of the specialty brands on this list are only available online.
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Natori
As one of the most popular lingerie brands in the United States, Natori is sold in most every major department store. While the brand itself doesn't focus exclusively on smaller bust sizing, many of their most popular styles (including the famous 'Feathers' contour plunge) are available in A and B cups.
Huit
One of the oldest brands on this list, Huit was founded in France in the 1960's but is now owned by Wacoal, the Japanese lingerie conglomerate. Huit still retains their original French aesthetic, however, and their intricately luxurious fabrics (search Google for "A Fleur de Peau longline") are second to none.
Journelle
Though Journelle has been in business for years (and is a favorite destination for online lingerie shoppers), they've only recently debuted their own fully-fledged lingerie collection — and it was worth the wait. Journelle's demi, plunge, and balconette bras in particular are absolutely gorgeous. Sizes begin at an A cup.
Mimi Holliday
Mimi Holliday is famous in the UK as one of the original high-end British brands, but they've become very popular in the United States. This is another label that's ideal for those special occasions, but also comfortable enough to wear everyday if you prefer a fit of daily luxury. If you're really wanting to splurge, take a look at the brand's ultra-luxe big sister: Damaris.
Chantelle
A
world-famous French brand, Chantelle is known for quality basics and
consistent fit - unsurprising since they've been in business since the
1800's. As a mid-priced lingerie company that's also available in many
department stores, this label is a good one for teaching yourself how a
well-fitting bra is supposed to feel before branching into more
adventurous shapes or silhouettes.
Goddess
As
underserved as the straight size small bust market is, the plus sized
small bust customer is even moreso. As one of the few brands making
small cup/large band bras, I absolutely had to include Goddess here. If
you fall into this size range (around 38 to 40 band or above), look for
Goddess' lace longline bra (marketed as bridal, but gorgeous no matter
the occasion), as well as the Yvette, Hannah, and Sport styles.
The
wonderful thing about buying lingerie nowadays is that there's
something for almost everyone. While you'll still have to do a bit of
trial and error to find the bra that's perfect for you, this list is
full of options that weren't available even a decade ago. The bra of
your dreams is out there. Happy Shopping!
