Finding a bra that fits can be especially tough if you have a large band and a small cup size. The tricky part is, that doesn't necessarily mean your bust is actually small (remember the cup volume of a 40A is the same as a 34D).
It just means your breast size is smaller in proportion to your body size.
Many brands have the right band size, but the cup sizes are so big you end up with material up to your neck. Or, the cup sizes are OK, but you put the bra on and you can't breathe because the band is too tight.
Luckily, if you need a bra for a plus size and a smaller cup, you are not entirely out of options. Here's a list of choices that are pretty and come in your size. Some are even wire-free.
It just means your breast size is smaller in proportion to your body size.
Many brands have the right band size, but the cup sizes are so big you end up with material up to your neck. Or, the cup sizes are OK, but you put the bra on and you can't breathe because the band is too tight.
Luckily, if you need a bra for a plus size and a smaller cup, you are not entirely out of options. Here's a list of choices that are pretty and come in your size. Some are even wire-free.
Wirefree Bras with Large Bands and Small Cups
This style has no lace, just a smooth, comfortable bra. The only decoration is a tiny bow between the cups and a bit of satin trim. There's just enough padding to stop show through (without being bulky). Wirefree, so you won't spend all day pulling on your bra.
It's also versatile, since the straps can be criss-crossed in back to wear under a tank top. The back is designed for coverage and control (to minimize back fat).
US sizes 32B-C, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40B-DD, and 42B-D. And it comes in beige, white, ivory, black, walnut, peach, pale blue, lavender, wisteria, teal, and navy blue.
This bra will keep everything in its place, all day. First, there are side panels to help push you forward and make you look smoother. Next, the sides and back are high, which keeps lumps under control and contains back fat.
The idea is to keep you looking sleek and polished. Floral tone-on-tone print with a mesh insert on the top and between the cups add some good looks without clutter.
The center is narrow, so it's best if you are close set.
It comes in white, beige, black, toffee, pink, latte, plum, blush pink, gray, navy blue, steel, sky blue, berry, and red. That's right, you don't have to get beige (unless you want to).
Sizes 34D-DDD; 36 B-DD; 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 B, C, D, DDD; 50, 52, 54 C-DDD.
Supportive, and so comfy you may fall asleep wearing it (and not realize it). Shaped cups (with a bit of padding) give you a smooth look under clingy tops. The back and sides are high to control bulges and stop underarm bumps. Inset straps and a leotard back keep the straps on your shoulders where they belong.
There's a bit of elastic on the edges so it will adjust to fit your body better.
The band on the bottom helps give you more support (without wires digging into your armpits). However, that and the tall sides/back make it best if you are average height or tall.
Comes in 36C; 38 C-DDD; 40, 42, 44B, C, D, DD, and DDD.
Colors include frost, white, ivory, damask, walnut, pink, navy, lavender, and black.
Seamless cups get a bit of shine and glamour from satin trim which goes between the cups and up the straps.
The high sides and back help smooth out unwanted bulges and back fat. The straps are wide, padded, and lined so that they are more comfortable and less likely to slip.
Comes in sizes 36B-D; 38, 40, 42, 44, B, C, D, DD, and DD; and 46C. Colors are gray, beige, white, and dotted beige.
Designed for post-surgical use (so it has pockets for forms). However, if that doesn’t bother you, it will also work for larger bands/smaller cups.
It’s a wireless style and has just a little padding in the cups so nothing shows through (without a form). There’s no seams or lace, so it will be completely smooth under your clothes.
It goes from 34AA-40AA, 32A-C, 36A-D, 38A-D, and 40A-D in black, beige, and ivory.
Another option is the Amoena Ruth Cotton Bra. This is also wire-free and made with pockets (to allow for forms). It comes in a wide range of smaller cup sizes, including 32-46AA. It’s made from cotton for comfort.
It does tend to run a bit shallow, and the band is a little small, so you may want to adjust sizing. The body of the bra is entirely cotton, but there is some elastic in the straps, so keep that in mind if you have a problem with latex.
Comes in beige or white in sizes 32AA-46AA, 32-40 A-DDD, 42A-DD, 44A-C and 46A-B.
Rather have an underwire, and a bit of lace? There's no lining or padding on this bra, so it's just smooth against your body (and under your clothing). There are no seams to show through, and the back is a leotard style to minimize falling straps. The center panel is tall and narrow, so it's best if your breasts are close-set.
It does have a minimizing effect, which can help if you are popping out of your button-down shirts. It may sound a bit odd, but small cup size doesn't necessarily translate to small volume. A 38C is the same volume as a 32DDD, just attached to a larger body.
Sizes 30, 32, 34, 36 A-G; 38, 40, 42, 44 B-G. Available in navy, beige, pink, wine, chocolate, gray, and black with a pretty floral detail on the straps. And yes, there are colors other than beige and black in the larger sizes!
No frills, no lace, just a tiny bow in the center. You'll get great shape and cleavage without a lot of heavy padding.
The plunge center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set.
If you have issues with "back fat", or side spillage under your arms this style will help smooth that out and make your 'muffin top' disappear. The leotard back keeps your straps up on your shoulders too.
And, it comes in lots and lots of colors in most of the sizes.
Sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42 , B, C, D, and 38 DD. Comes in damask, champagne, black, white, steel (violet gray), brown leopard, navy/white dot, walnut, berry, white leopard, black/white dot, bright pink, pale blue, floral print, mauve, and deep blue green.
Get a smooth look, with the option of a pop of color!
Racerback styling keeps the straps on your shoulders and hides under sleeveless tops. The back has a mesh lining, which will also be cooler on hot summer days.
The front closure is easier to put on (especially if you have trouble reaching behind your back). It does start out a bit small, but will stretch over time (which is good, since you can't change hooks in a front closure bra).
There's some padding, but for headlight-hiding, rather than adding size. It's bandless and has a arched center, both of which are more comfortable if you have a larger stomach. It won't dig into your belly and ribs as you move or sit.
US sizes 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 A-G, 43 C-DDD, and 48 C-DDD in white, ivory, plum, and black, plus a cherry print.
If you prefer a standard back closure, try this contour style. It comes in an even greater range of sizes, up to 54G (and all sizes, from 36-54, come in A, B, and C cups). There are solid colors, as well as some pretty prints, like cherry blossom and red floral.
The cups have built-in stretch for a better, closer fit. It's a contour style, meaning it has foam padding and will retain its shape. The cups are full, and run big, so you may need to adjust your sizing.
Side boning adds support and makes the bra more stable as you move. It's less likely to start to roll over under your arms.
It goes from 36-54 in cup sizes A through G. White, beige, blue, amethyst, black, and some fun fashion colors and floral prints.
It's also versatile, since the straps can be criss-crossed in back to wear under a tank top. The back is designed for coverage and control (to minimize back fat).
US sizes 32B-C, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40B-DD, and 42B-D. And it comes in beige, white, ivory, black, walnut, peach, pale blue, lavender, wisteria, teal, and navy blue.
This bra will keep everything in its place, all day. First, there are side panels to help push you forward and make you look smoother. Next, the sides and back are high, which keeps lumps under control and contains back fat.
The idea is to keep you looking sleek and polished. Floral tone-on-tone print with a mesh insert on the top and between the cups add some good looks without clutter.
The center is narrow, so it's best if you are close set.
It comes in white, beige, black, toffee, pink, latte, plum, blush pink, gray, navy blue, steel, sky blue, berry, and red. That's right, you don't have to get beige (unless you want to).
Sizes 34D-DDD; 36 B-DD; 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 B, C, D, DDD; 50, 52, 54 C-DDD.
Supportive, and so comfy you may fall asleep wearing it (and not realize it). Shaped cups (with a bit of padding) give you a smooth look under clingy tops. The back and sides are high to control bulges and stop underarm bumps. Inset straps and a leotard back keep the straps on your shoulders where they belong.
There's a bit of elastic on the edges so it will adjust to fit your body better.
The band on the bottom helps give you more support (without wires digging into your armpits). However, that and the tall sides/back make it best if you are average height or tall.
Comes in 36C; 38 C-DDD; 40, 42, 44B, C, D, DD, and DDD.
Colors include frost, white, ivory, damask, walnut, pink, navy, lavender, and black.
Seamless cups get a bit of shine and glamour from satin trim which goes between the cups and up the straps.
The high sides and back help smooth out unwanted bulges and back fat. The straps are wide, padded, and lined so that they are more comfortable and less likely to slip.
Comes in sizes 36B-D; 38, 40, 42, 44, B, C, D, DD, and DD; and 46C. Colors are gray, beige, white, and dotted beige.
It’s a wireless style and has just a little padding in the cups so nothing shows through (without a form). There’s no seams or lace, so it will be completely smooth under your clothes.
It goes from 34AA-40AA, 32A-C, 36A-D, 38A-D, and 40A-D in black, beige, and ivory.
Another option is the Amoena Ruth Cotton Bra. This is also wire-free and made with pockets (to allow for forms). It comes in a wide range of smaller cup sizes, including 32-46AA. It’s made from cotton for comfort.
It does tend to run a bit shallow, and the band is a little small, so you may want to adjust sizing. The body of the bra is entirely cotton, but there is some elastic in the straps, so keep that in mind if you have a problem with latex.
Comes in beige or white in sizes 32AA-46AA, 32-40 A-DDD, 42A-DD, 44A-C and 46A-B.
Underwire Large Band Small Cup Bras
Rather have an underwire, and a bit of lace? There's no lining or padding on this bra, so it's just smooth against your body (and under your clothing). There are no seams to show through, and the back is a leotard style to minimize falling straps. The center panel is tall and narrow, so it's best if your breasts are close-set.
It does have a minimizing effect, which can help if you are popping out of your button-down shirts. It may sound a bit odd, but small cup size doesn't necessarily translate to small volume. A 38C is the same volume as a 32DDD, just attached to a larger body.
Sizes 30, 32, 34, 36 A-G; 38, 40, 42, 44 B-G. Available in navy, beige, pink, wine, chocolate, gray, and black with a pretty floral detail on the straps. And yes, there are colors other than beige and black in the larger sizes!
No frills, no lace, just a tiny bow in the center. You'll get great shape and cleavage without a lot of heavy padding.
The plunge center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set.
If you have issues with "back fat", or side spillage under your arms this style will help smooth that out and make your 'muffin top' disappear. The leotard back keeps your straps up on your shoulders too.
And, it comes in lots and lots of colors in most of the sizes.
Sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42 , B, C, D, and 38 DD. Comes in damask, champagne, black, white, steel (violet gray), brown leopard, navy/white dot, walnut, berry, white leopard, black/white dot, bright pink, pale blue, floral print, mauve, and deep blue green.
If you want a more elegant, lacy bra, this one is an excellent choice. There's a little bit of padding on the lower portion of the cups (just enough so nothing peeps through).
The rest of it is lavished with lace, including the bottom of the band. That lacy band has a little secret: it has elastic so that it will adjust to fit your body better.
The straps are a leotard back (no sliding), and close together so there's less pressure on your shoulders.
Comes in white, beige, plum, lavender, and black and it's embellished with beautiful lace.
Sizes 34-48A-D.
The rest of it is lavished with lace, including the bottom of the band. That lacy band has a little secret: it has elastic so that it will adjust to fit your body better.
The straps are a leotard back (no sliding), and close together so there's less pressure on your shoulders.
Comes in white, beige, plum, lavender, and black and it's embellished with beautiful lace.
Sizes 34-48A-D.
Get a smooth look, with the option of a pop of color!
Racerback styling keeps the straps on your shoulders and hides under sleeveless tops. The back has a mesh lining, which will also be cooler on hot summer days.
The front closure is easier to put on (especially if you have trouble reaching behind your back). It does start out a bit small, but will stretch over time (which is good, since you can't change hooks in a front closure bra).
There's some padding, but for headlight-hiding, rather than adding size. It's bandless and has a arched center, both of which are more comfortable if you have a larger stomach. It won't dig into your belly and ribs as you move or sit.
US sizes 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 A-G, 43 C-DDD, and 48 C-DDD in white, ivory, plum, and black, plus a cherry print.
If you prefer a standard back closure, try this contour style. It comes in an even greater range of sizes, up to 54G (and all sizes, from 36-54, come in A, B, and C cups). There are solid colors, as well as some pretty prints, like cherry blossom and red floral.
The cups have built-in stretch for a better, closer fit. It's a contour style, meaning it has foam padding and will retain its shape. The cups are full, and run big, so you may need to adjust your sizing.
Side boning adds support and makes the bra more stable as you move. It's less likely to start to roll over under your arms.
It goes from 36-54 in cup sizes A through G. White, beige, blue, amethyst, black, and some fun fashion colors and floral prints.
Without AA's, this isn't exactly about "small cups." :(
ReplyDeleteNV, you know what, you're right! They are pretty scarce, for some reason, but I did find a few and just added them to the post. The Lula Lu Petites Delilah and T-shirt bra both come in AA cups, as does the Amoena Ruth and Lara. The Ruth comes in the largest range of sizes. I hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteHow about us with very large band size >50?
ReplyDeleteThere are two bras on this page that include band sizes over 50: the Playtex Comfort Strap and the Leading Lady Contour Underwire bra.
DeleteIf you tell me what size you need, I can see what else might work for you.
I need a 50 A bra, does that exist b bras stay empty an dont look right.
ReplyDeleteIt does! There's Leading Lady 5028 and 5042 (underwire or soft cup), which comes in lots of fun colors and prints (like florals and leopard). Both are t-shirt style, meaning no lace and the cups are smooth so they won't show under thin shirts.
DeleteGlamorise The Perfect A Full Figure Seamless Soft Cup Bra 3010 has graduated padding (if you want to look fuller) and a pretty floral branch design. If you want something a bit fancier, the Glamorise Perfect A Shape Enhancing Padded Bra 3015 has a lace overlay over beige mesh with a plunge neckline. Quite pretty.
What about the UK ???
ReplyDeleteThe Amazon links on this page will automatically default to Amazon UK's site if that is where you are.
Delete