Busty Petites: How To Find The Perfect Bra

Busty Petites…..hello, we do exist.  So funny when you start looking for bras for petites all you find is information about small cup sizes.  Yes, there are those of us out there that are bigger than a B, C, or D cup.  Some naturally and some enhanced.  Either way, we need and want pretty bras too.

Bra shopping can be so frustrating for petites because stores rarely stock band widths under 32.  I know this from years of personal experience. Doesn’t matter if it is a big department store or a specialty boutique. For that reason alone, online shopping is the way to go.  I understand that this fit is not for the average person; however, petites deserve the right to wear pretty undergarments as much as the next person.  Does anyone else feel this?  I’m sure petites with large cup sizes are not the only people that have issues finding pretty bras that fit.

Before I talk about how to find the bra of your dream here are some other petite fashion-related posts I have written that you might want to check out.

• Best Strapless Bras For Petites: Big Or Small Chest
• Busty Petites: The Best Fitting And Supportive Sports Bras
• Petite Clothing Tips When You Can’t Buy Petite Clothing
• 7 Ways To Look Taller Without Heels When Petite

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for shopping thru my links.  Beth

Importance of Proper Fit For Busty Petites

We have all been told and read that having the correct size and fit of bra can make us not only look slimmer but also younger.  The girls need to be up where they belong.  Yes, we can all go and get “fitted” or here is a guide to do it at home if you feel more comfortable with that.  This is something that is so easy to do so we have no excuses for not having the right bra size in our drawers.

Fit Issues And Answers

Most Common Fit Issues For Petites

Here are some of the most common problems that busty petites have when trying to find a comfortable, well-fitted bra.

• Bras with large cup sizes have wider set straps which don’t work with small frames.
• Larger cups sized bras usually fit high under the arm for more side coverage which makes petites feel like their bra is in their armpit.
• Most manufacturers don’t even make 28 and 30 bandwidth.

Let’s Solve Our Fit Issues – Details To Look For In A Bra

So how do we find a comfortable, well-fitted bra?

• Look for bras where the straps are sewn in the middle of the cup.  Easy way to figure it out.  When you put it on, does the strap line up with your nipple?
• Look for a lower rise on the sides so that it doesn’t dig into you or show if you have on a sleeveless top.
• Keep looking until you find the right size.  They are out there.  Just like blue jeans, you have to keep trying until you find the right brand and style.

Balconette, demi, and plunge styles tend to work the best so try, try, and try again until you find the right one.  Make sure that when you are trying them on and think you have found  “the one” you put on a great-fitting sweater or t-shirt so that you know how it looks under clothing.  Remember, that’s how most people are going to see you.

Where To Shop For Busty Petites Sizing

Ok, I have been wearing a 30DD for years now and recently my size has gone down to a 28DD so I am pretty well-versed at this.  Trust me the 30DD was much easier than the 28DD.  Honestly, even if I go to a store they rarely have my size.  If they do, the selection is very limited and they are very boring bras.  So here are some of my favorite brands and place to find beautiful bras that make you look good and feel great.

My Favorite Brands

• Simone Perele
• Marie Jo
• Prima Donna
• Freya
• Panache

Good-fitting bras for busty petites do not come cheap.  What I have learned to do is find the styles that fit me the best and then I look for them to go on sale.  That, my friend, is the secret to my beautiful selection of bras.  Just so you know I try to add a new color every season because that’s what tends to go on sale.  You usually have to buy nude, white, and black at full price.  Who wants to wear boring bras anyways?

My Favorite Bras By Style

Different types of tops and dresses do call for different styles of bras. Over the years I have found favorites in each of the styles that work great on a busty petite figure.

Balconette

The Jane has been a favorite of mine for many years. It offers great support and good coverage. I started wearing this style when I wore a 30DD and have had mine taken in. This style looks so nice and smooth under various types of necklines.

Plunge

A plunge bra comes in handy when you are wearing low cut tops. It will subtly accentuate your girls without any extra padding. Most likely you will be wearing this style in the evening so it is always good to have one in nude or black. Also, I like this particular plunge bra because it is plain. That works well if the fabric you are wearing is sheer or clingy.

Tshirt/Demi

Every woman needs a t-shirt bra that fits like a glove. Not only are they good under fitted t-shirts, but in sweater season they are also a must for a very smooth look. I have been wearing this style for years and it looks great under any type of fitted top that I wear. The fact that it is also a demi gives you a little extra lift if you are wearing something that is lower cut.

Every once in a while I can find them in a 28, but usually they start at 30. I have just realized that I have to have them taken in.

Strapless

A good strapless bra is a summertime and special occasion necessity. When you need one, you need a comfortable one. I have worn this style for years and had it taken in. If you are looking for a good plain, strapless bra that will look good under all fabric types, I would try this bra which starts at a 28.

Wire-Free

A wire-free bra is nice to have on those days that you are lounging around the house. I also find one to be very comfortable when traveling. Long flights, especially international flights, call for comfort. However, you still want to have the girls looking their best.

Sports Bras

A MUST HAVE in my wardrobe.  In my experience buying my sports bras by cup size is the way to go.  Others just don’t work for this busty petite.  Pulling those things over your head and getting things adjusted just doesn’t work for me.  Plus I prefer to wear a medium or high-intensity bra.  Very important if you are doing any kind of cardio especially if it involves jumping or very fast movement.

My Go-To Brands Are:

• Anita
• Freya
• Panache

Anita

This bra by Anita is a favorite in the summer. They have a really soft cotton lining that really helps to absorb sweat. I also like this bra that is for medium-impact activities. The shoulder straps always stay in place and don’t dig in which is important.

Panache

For days that I know I am going to be doing plyometrics or running I really like this underwire bra. Their wirefree bra is also very comfortable for days when you don’t need as much support. They always have a good color selection and I find fun patterns on sale from time to time.

Freya

This brand makes a great high-impact underwire bra. That is really the only style that they make for busty petites. Again, this style is always available in fun colors and patterns. If you are comfortable in working out or running in just your sports bran, then this is one to give a try.

My Alterations Solution For Fit

First of all, I don’t know what I would do without my amazing seamstress.  She is the woman responsible for helping me realize that the measuring tape is my BFF and that shopping by my measurements is the way to go.  Svetlana is the magician behind making everything I own look amazing on me.  Yes, she alters many things that come into my wardrobe and when I told her about my latest bra fit issues her answer was “no problem, bring them in and we will make them work”.  Now that is what you love to hear. 

I took my 30DDs that were not fitting properly anymore and we took them up 1/2″ – 1″ in the back so that they are tight and fitting just the way that they should.  NEVER underestimate the importance of a really good seamstress. So if you have some bras that are a little loose around your body, take them to a good seamstress and have them fit your body the way they are supposed to.

Thanks

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post about this pesky problem for busty petites.  After seeing the pictures of some of my bras now I will have you wondering what color I am wearing when you see me.  Remember, life is too short to wear a plain bra that doesn’t fit well, no matter your bra size.

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Updated July 2023.