The Itty Bitty Bra Guide

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Small bras, bra tops and bralettes for adult women in sizes 32AA - B, 34AA - B, 36AA - B and XS / S.

My bra size is 32AA or A, depending on weight fluctuations. When I'm a 32A, it's easy enough to fit into the smallest bras from mainstream underwear and lingerie brands. Any smaller than that, and it becomes quite a challenge! I'm not anorexic and my hormone levels are perfectly normal, thank you very much. This is just the way I'm built, and I'm fine with it. I've never considered breast enhancement surgery, as I am committed to loving my body the way it is.

I don't want foreign, false-feeling lumps in my chest, and my boyfriend is no fan of fake boobs either. Both of us are perfectly happy with my perky little rack... so why can't stores regularly carry AA and nearly A cup bra sizes for adult women? We want flattering, comfortable, sexy bras in a variety of colors and styles. Is that really so much to ask? If you're saying "amen, sister!" right now, then the Itty Bitty Bra Guide is for you. Do me a favor and try a couple of my selections before you have any kind of painful, unnecessary surgical procedure, all right? You're gorgeous the way you are.

How to Find Your Bra Size 

A guide to small bra sizes.

The first step in finding the best-fitting bra is to make sure you know your correct bra size. Grab a tape measure and follow along with this guide to determine your band and cup size. If you already know your size, you can skip straight to the bras.

Band Size
Position the tape measure right underneath your breasts, where the base of the bra will sit, and measure all the way around your rib cage. The tape measure should lie flat against your skin all the way around, so it is snug but not stretched.

Round this measurement up or down to the nearest inch. If the result is an even number, this is your band size. If it's an odd number, add 1 to get your band size.

Cup Size
Position the tape measure over the fullest part of your breasts, at or just above the nipples. Measure across your breasts and all the way around your body at this point. The tape measure should just touch your breasts in front and lie flat against your sides and back.

Round this measurement up or down to the nearest inch. This number is your fullest bust. Subtract your band measurement (the even or odd number you first came up with) from your fullest bust measurement. Look up your result in the key below to find out your cup size.

Here is the formula:
fullest bust - band measurement = bra cup size in inches.

0" = AA
1" = A
2" = B
3" = C

Itty Bitty Bras for Petites 

Bra size AA, A, or B.

These selections are all from brands known for making lingerie that has been designed to fit the smaller body proportions of petite women. The best petite bras are scaled down not only in band and cup size, but also in total height and width. The cups are set closer together and the sides don't come up as high, so you don't end up with wires poking into your armpits.

Except where noted, I have bought or tried on each of these bras myself. I can tell you from personal experience that they are comfortable, made from quality materials, and fit well.

Great brassieres can be expensive, but if you take care of them, they will last much longer than cheap ones.

Itty Bitty Bra Company Signature Bra

The company's name says it all! This petite bra is designed especially for cup sizes AA, A and B and has received rave reviews for its revolutionary fit. A must-have.

Minimal padding (just enough so your nipples won't show), demi cup style with plunge front.

Bra Sizes: 32AA, 32A, 32B. 34AA, 34A, 34B. 36AA, 36A, 36B.

The Little Bra Company Angela Deep Plunge Push-Up Bra (E005)

If you want something with more padding and lift, try the Angela or the Isis (below) from the Little Bra Company.

Bra Sizes: 32B, 34B, 36A, 36B (may fit 38A). More sizes (32A, 34A) are back-ordered and expected to be in stock by 11/28/09. Size A also fits AA cups; B cup also fits size nearly B.

The Little Bra Company Isis Contoured Push-Up Bra (E007)

The Isis is The Little Bra Company's most heavily padded style for dramatic enhancement. It has convertible straps that can be worn as shown here, crossed over in back (that's how I prefer to wear it), or halter-style.

Bra Sizes: 32A, 32B, 34A, 36A, 36B. A cup also fits size AA. B cup fits size nearly B.

Your Favorite Bra 

A teeny weeny poll on bra preferences.

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My Favorite AA Bra 

A padded bra for cup size AA or above.

I love the petite T-back bra from Wacoal. The straps don't slip off my shoulders, the underwire doesn't dig into my ribs, and the cups don't ride up. This simple, elegant front-clasp bra looks great under anything... it has become an absolute wardrobe staple for me.

I have this bra in two colors: one black and one nude. They're both size 32AA. I wear them with everything, from t-shirts to sheer silk blouses. I've even worn the black one swimming. The black bra is basic enough to look like a halter bikini top when paired with matching bottoms, and it survives chlorinated water just fine.

It has some padding (great for helping you fill out tailored jackets properly), but is not a push-up. The enhancement you get from the bra cups is subtle and natural-looking. Best of all, it's comfortable!

Wacoal Women's Petite Padded T-Back Bra #75317

The Wacoal T-back bra is perfect for women who are petite in the shoulders, bust, arms and rib cage. When it comes to bra sizing, it doesn't matter how tall you are or how you're built below the waist.

One of the best ways to tell if you're petite on top is to try on a classic structured suit jacket in the regular women's/misses size you normally wear. If the jacket gaps or puckers anywhere or if the shoulders are too wide, you should probably be looking for bras made for petites.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Bras to Fit the "Nearly A" Cup Size 

If you see a bra labeled NA for the cup size, it's a Nearly A.

Did you ever see "NA" on a bra and wonder if it meant "not applicable?" Actually it's a size between AA and A. There are also Nearly B and Nearly C cup sizes.

If the sizing guide above says your cup size is A but you don't quite fill out most A cup bras, you may be a "Nearly A." For a bra sized especially for NA cups, check out the ones from Playtex featured below.

Most of the other bras on this page are made for petite frames, which means their sizing runs a bit smaller than average. If your cup size is NA and you want to order the Itty Bitty Signature Bra or any bra from Wacoal's petite line, go with your usual band size and an A cup for the best fit. The AA cup size in these bras may be too small on you.

Playtex. Thank Goodness It Fits super soft underwire bra

This is a pretty and feminine underwire bra with lightly padded cups, a lace band, and small ribbon detailing where the cups meet in the center.

Bra Sizing: band sizes 34 and 36 come in Nearly A and A cup sizes. No 32 band size.

Colors: black, white, soft taupe.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $30.00

Playtex Women's Thank Goodness It Fits Seamless Daisy Jacquard Wire Free Bra #4606

Sleek nylon bra featuring pretty floral detailing, stay-put straps and stretch foam cups.

Bra Sizing: band sizes 32, 34, 36 are available in Nearly A and A cup sizes.

Colors: white, soft taupe.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $29.00

Playtex Thank Goodness It Fits Women's Passion-Net Wirefree Bra # 4024

If you're looking for a more supportive wirefree bra, this one has nylon/spandex double straps. The stretch in the straps means they help keep everything in place without digging into your shoulders.

Bra Sizing: band sizes 32, 34, 36 are available in Nearly A, A, and Nearly B cups.

Colors: black, white, soft taupe, body blush (light pink).

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $30.00

Playtex Women's Soft and Sleek Wirefree Bra

This comfy no-underwire bra is made from stretch jersey fabric, with lightly padded foam cups.

Bra Sizing: band sizes 32, 34, 36 are available in Nearly A, A, and Nearly B cups.

Colors: bare (light nude), nude (darker), white.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $30.00

Small Bra Size & Fit FAQ 

Common concerns of the itty bitty bra committee.

What's your biggest bra fitting problem? I've started the list with three that are common for bra sizes AA, nearly A, A, nearly B, and B. Submit your own and I'll post an answer here within the next few days.

Bra straps won't stay up.

Bra Fitting Solution:
Try a smaller band size, or more...0 points

Bra cups have gaps at the top.

Bra Fitting Solution:
You may need a smaller cup s more...0 points

Can't find an AA bra for larger body types (size 36AA or 38AA).

Bra Fitting Solution:
If you wear size 36AA, a 34A more...0 points

Bookmark the Itty Bitty Bra Guide 

Share a bit of bra wisdom with your friends.

I update this page regularly with new AA, A, nearly A, nearly B and B bras. You'll also find new bra size and fit tips, fresh links and my answers to your comments and questions. If the Itty Bitty Bra Guide has been helpful to you, make sure to bookmark it or subscribe to the RSS feed so you can keep track of my latest updates.

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Got any itty bitty bra questions or comments? 

Post an itty bitty piece of bra feedback here.

There are more A and AA cup bras farther down the page, so make sure you don't miss them. Thanks for visiting the Itty Bitty Bra Guide!

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Find a Bra that Really Fits 

Your perfect fit is out there somewhere.

Whenever you shop for small bras online, make sure the merchant accepts returns; that way you can return any style or fit that isn't right for you. Once you find a petite bra you love, order one or two more in different colors. Usually I'm all about bargain shopping, but when it comes to bras, quality and fit matter more to me than price.

Trust me, it's worth the money for two or three colors of a bra that fits perfectly and flatters your figure. You'll look and feel better in your clothes. Best of all, you won't have to worry anymore about slipping bra straps, wrinkled cups, bands that ride up halfway to your neck, and all the other annoyances of ill-fitting bras.

Barely There Women's Flawless Fit Comfy Support Wirefree Bra #4285

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $24.00

I had to try this bra because of all the rave reviews. It's the pajama top of bras: soft, comfortable and practical. And at such a reasonable price, every small-busted woman should have at least one of this style.

Bra Sizes: 32, 34, 36 A/B. Runs small to fit petites; also fits AA cups.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

High-Fashion Bralettes 

The designer bralette is a lightweight, comfortable and sexy option for small breasts.

One great thing about having itty bitty breasts is that you can wear the tiniest designer bralettes, stretch bra tops and camis.

Pictured here: the Delicious soft cup bralette with lace from Only Hearts, a designer lingerie label known for its sublime fusion of beauty and comfort.

Sexy designer bralettes are made to look beautiful on high-fashion runway models. When's the last time you saw a runway model with a giant rack? Right... never. I'm not saying women should starve themselves in order to fit into designer lingerie, but if you're already small enough then for heaven's sake please flaunt it!

 

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Bralette Bra (112)

The Signature Lace Bralette is the most popular bra in the Hanky Panky lace collection. It's a great introduction to the brand.

Hanky Panky bralette styles are available in sizes XS (bra band size 32), S (bra band size 34) and M (bra band size 36). All will fit AA, nearly A, A, nearly B, and B cups.

Hanky Panky Bohemian Bralette

This is the bralette I ended up buying in two different colors, along with matching mesh lace panties. Enough said!

Sassybax Sassymax Add-A-Cup Bra Insert Accessory

Add a full cup size with these bra inserts. The best thing is, they're lightweight enough to wear inside a bralette or shelf bra cami. But whatever you plan to wear over these, it needs to have more coverage than most itty bitty bras -- otherwise the inserts won't fit under it.

For AA, nearly A, nearly B, and B cups only.

The small bra seekers have spoken. 

Here's your page on padded push-up bras.

The padded push-up is the clear favorite among my visitors in the poll above, so I've created a new page that focuses specifically on push-up and padded bras. Cup sizes range from AA to B.

The B-Smooth Seamless Bra Top 

A lightweight, wireless stretch bra. Fits cup sizes AA through B.

For times when you don't want any padding -- just a basic, simple wireless bra for nipple coverage and minimal support -- try Wacoal's B-Smooth seamless bra top. For band sizes 32-38, it comes without cup sizes and will stretch to fit up to a B cup.

I have this in a 32 and it accommodates my curves whether I am currently an AA, nearly A, or A cup. This is the bra I usually wear when I don't need padding or structure but still want a bit of coverage.

Wacoal B-Smooth seamless matte bra top

The straps are very thin, so you can wear this bra under sleeveless tops and dresses -- even spaghetti-strap tanks. It's lightweight and feels like you aren't wearing anything, which makes it the ideal bra for hot summer weather.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Gel Bra Inserts 

Like a boob job, only safer and less expensive.

What about when you want natural bust enhancement and can't have any straps showing? My recommendation is that you invest in a good quality pair of gel bra inserts, like Takeouts or Sassymax (above) to wear inside the cups of a strapless bra. As the weather gets colder, you can put your "better boob job" to work under traditional under-wire bras.

I wear mine under strapless dresses, silk tanks, and tailored shirts. I've found that the best kind of bra to wear with them is one that comes with removable cloth or foam padding, because you can take out the pads and slip the gel inserts into place underneath the lining where the pads were. If you prefer wire-free bras and bralettes to under-wire push-ups, the Sassymax inserts are your best choice.

Takeouts - the better boob job

You can wear these gel inserts inside any underwire bra -- just fit them into the bra cups and adjust the bra to fit. Takeouts also sells an adhesive tape you can use to fix the inserts in place against your skin. I haven't had any need for the tape, so I don't know how well it works or how comfortable it is.

by cjsysreform

Hello, itty bitty bra seekers! I'm Amanda Sage, the flat-chested fashion fiend. Check out my store for more bras like the ones you see here. (more)
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