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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Bras for Short Torsos That Won't Dig Into Your Stomach or Fall Off Your Shoulders

Chantelle Amazone Underwire Bra 2101 42C/Ivory
Having a short torso often means that bra straps are too long for you.  It can also mean that the bands on many bras dig into your stomach. Ouch! It's no fun constantly fiddling with slipping, sliding straps, or having to pull, tug, or fuss with your bra all day.  There are, fortunately, some ways to avoid these problems.

There are two things that can make a bra uncomfortable when you are short (particularly if you are short from your shoulders to your bustline). The first is those dratted too-long straps.  The second is the band under the cups.

How to fix this?

There are three ways to solve these problems.  The first is to get a bra with straps that are fully adjustable.  Then you can move the little slider as far up or down (depending on the construction) as you like.

The second is to look for bras without bands (and definitely no long-line bras, they will be even more uncomfortable). No band means there's nothing to dig into your stomach.

A third option is a bra with an arched center panel.  That pulls the center of the bra up and away from your stomach, so it won't rub against your skin.

I have grouped these bras by figure type, so scroll to find the style/combination that suits your body best.

If your problem (like Beth and Cass in the comments) is that the wires dig into your arms, try these bras with short underwires that won't stab under your arms.


Bras for Women with Short Torsos and Full Busts


Chantelle Amazone Underwire Bra 2101 42C/Ivory

An excellent choice if you're petite and full figured (or full busted, meaning small band, large cup).  Horizontal seams give you lift and side panels push you forward (no more side bulge).

Plus, the short underwires and arched center are perfect for women with short torsos. The styling ensures the bra won't dig in under your arms, or push into your stomach.

And, it's pretty too! The tops of the cups are sheer lace, edged with scalloped trim. The lower half is solid, for modesty, and improved support.

EU sizes 32B to 44F. Available in black and ivory.

If you'd rather skip the wires altogether, it also comes in a soft cup style

OnGossamer Next to Nothing Micro T-Shirt Bra G4170 Champagne 34DDD

A super-light, extra comfortable bra you'll hardly know you're wearing.  The plunging neckline won't show under low-cut tops, and there are no lumps or bumps to peek through under your clothing. It's edged with elastic, so it will adjust better to your shape. 

It's bandless and has an arched center, so it's more comfortable if you have a short torso or a large stomach.  

Comes in rouge, champagne, and black, plus some fashion colors like emerald and beet in US sizes 32A-DDD, 34A-DDD, and 36A-DD.


Panache Womens Porcelain Elan Seamless Molded T-Shirt (7321) T Shirt Bra, Black, 28DD US

Super sleek, smooth, and polished, with plenty of lift and support for sagging breasts.

There's just enough padding to stop show-through, and it still manages to be lightweight and comfortable. No bows, no lace, just slightly shimmery straps and a sweetheart neckline that creates a lovely shape.

It is a full cup bra, so it's best for rounder, fuller shapes (skip this if you are shallow). As the cups are running large, you may want to size down.

The straps are fully adjustable and there's no band, so it's great if you have a short torso. The sides and back have control top material to keep you looking smooth. It can be worn the standard way, or criss-cross. Comes in black, pink, wine, sage, or beige, UK sizes 28DD-H; 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 D-H.

Wacoal Women's Perfect Primer Contour Bra, Chambray Blue, 32D

A delightfully soft and comfortable bra that still delivers plenty of support. The cups are molded (so they will bend and stretch) and give you a better, more customized fit.  It's also got slings for better lift, and support, and to help push your tissue forward. The back is convertible, so you can wear it as a racerback style.

There's a little bit of lace trim on the cups, but the rest is seamless and smooth so it won't show under thin shirts. Plus, there's a light lining for modesty.

The bandless styling and high center is great for short-waisted women or if you have a larger stomach (it keeps the bra from rubbing into your ribs).

Available in 11 colors, including, chambray, sand, black, white, deep taupe, and pink in US sizes 32D-DD, 34-40 C-H, 42C-DD, 44D.

Full Figure Bras for a Short Torso



 
Wacoal Women's Plus Size Perfect Primer Underwire Bra, Sand, 40I

The full figure version of the bra just above, this hits the short torso trifecta: fully adjustable straps, no band, and an arched center panel.  If you have splayed or sagging breasts, the side panels, inner support slings inside the cups, and firm underwires will push you forward and out and give you great lift and support.

It's also super soft, light and so comfortable you'll hardly know you're wearing it.  Plus, the underwire is wrapped in fabric so it won't rub against your body. The back and sides are high, so it will also nicely minimize and control back bulges and underarm spillage.

Available in 22 colors including deep taupe, white, beige, graphite, pale blue, navy, and black  in US sizes 32D-DDD, 34 through 40 C-I, 40C-G, 44C-DDD and 46 C-DDD



Elomi Women's Plus Size Lydia Bandless Plunge Bra with Racer Back Conversion, Black, 42JJ

This new style is based on the Elomi Etta. Like the Etta (and the Nina) it has shorter underwires and a lower neckline, so it's less likely to dig in under your arms or come up too close to your neck. Perfect if you need a plus size and you're short. The other nice thing, it comes in a larger range of sizes than the Nina does.

It's cut and sewn, with the same seaming combination as Nina (arched and vertical). There's also extra woven material at the bottom of the cups, for additional side support.


The bandless styling is more comfortable for larger size women and the leotard back helps keep straps in place.

With all of that, it's also pretty. The cups are topped with sheer geometric lace and a contrasting mesh lining (for better support and modesty).

Comes in beige or black in UK sizes 32GG-JJ, 34G-JJ, 36-40E-JJ, 42E-JJ, and 44E-J (cup size range is  E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, and JJ).



Bali Designs Women's Cool Conceal Minimizer Non-Foam Underwire, Champagne Shimmer, 34DDD

This Bali bra features both a bandless design and an arched, wide center panel. The design means better comfort if you have a short torso or a larger stomach.

You won't overheat in hot weather because the bra is  made with moisture-wicking material.  No summer sweating!

Plus,  it's a minimizer, so it will be easier to button your shirts.  And, there's enough padding to reduce show-through, without being heavy or stiff.


Comes in pearl, champagne, rum raisin (dark brown), lilac, and black and sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 D, DD, and DDD.


Vanity Fair Women's Plus Size Full Figure Beauty Back Smoothing Bra with Lace (36C-42DD), Underwire-Black, 36C

Since this bra has completely adjustable straps you can shorten (or lengthen) them to  get the perfect fit.

And, it's comfortable. The fabric is super-soft, and the straps feature extra cushioning underneath so they won't rub against your shoulders (a properly fitting bra shouldn't hurt).  They are wide-set, so it's best if you have broader shoulders.

An arched, wide center panel is ideal for larger stomachs, short torsos, and wide-set breasts.

The sides and back are tall and made with special fabric designed to cut down the look of fat on your back and sides and eliminate lumps and bulges.


It's completely smooth except for a pretty lace detail along the bottom of, and between, the cups. Comes in white, champagne, toast, and plum, lilac, red, ivory, frost blue, fuchsia, and black in US sizes 36, 38, 40, 42 C, D, and DD.


Average Bust Bras for Women with Short Torsos


Calvin Klein Women's Perfectly Fit Lightly Lined T-Shirt Bra with Memory Touch, Bare, 34C

The fabric on this bra is exceptionally soft, smooth, and comfortable. There's nothing to rub against your skin or show through clothing. Because it's made of memory foam, it will adjust to your shape for a better fit. There's no band, and the center is arched, so it's more comfortable for shorter bodies and women with larger stomachs.  Keep in mind that the cups are also set far apart (it's a plunge style), so it's better if you are wide set.

Calvin Klein bras are generally "average bust", but this one has a greater than usual size range. Their bras do run small, in both the band and the cup, so you may want to size up.

Comes in sizes 30C-DD, 32A-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DDD, and 38B-DD and in pale toast, leopard, black, white, aqua, pale leopard, lupine blue, dark brown, and lavender.



Maidenform Women's Comfort Devotion Demi Bra, Latte/Black,38C US


No band and an arched center help short women stay comfortable.

It's got a foam lining, but just enough for modesty, rather than bulk.  The cups are soft and flexible so they will move with you as you bend or walk.

There's also pretty lace between the cups and around the back of the band (this either matches or contrasts with the rest of the bra, depending on the color).

The straps are inset to keep them from sliding down your shoulders.

Comes in white, fog, black, shell, latte, black/beige, ivory/shell, navy/white dots, peach, bright pink, fuchsia/lilac, lilac/gray, red/beige, latte/ivory, peach/ivory, red, white/pink, and gray.

Sizes 32-38A, B, C, D, and DD. Maidenform tends to run small, and this is a plunge/demi-cup, so keep that in mind.


Warner's Women's Cloud 9 Super Soft Underwire Lift Comfort Bra RD0771A, Butterscotch, 34B

This is super-soft both inside and out. There's a soft lining against your skin so it won't itch or scratch. It has padding, and a bit of lift, but not so much that you feel as if your bust is in your face.

The straps are cushioned too, so they won't dig in to your shoulders. It's got an arched center and a bandless design, both of which are more comfortable if you are short or your stomach is larger.

And, as a bonus, it's back and side smoothing, so it will minimize back bulges and bumps.

Comes in butterscotch, red, fig, black, pink, almond, white, and washed denim blue. Sizes 34-38B,C,D and 40C.


Small Bust Bras for Short Torsos


OnGossamer Women's Beautifully Basic Lace Back Plunge Bra, Champagne, 32C

A great bra for low-cut summer or holiday tops.  The cups are a bit padded for better shaping.

There's also lace around the back for a bit of charm.  And, it comes in bands as small as 30.

It's bandless, so it won't cut into your tummy. The racerback option (the J-hook in back) will effectively shorten the straps a bit more and give your bust a boost.

Comes in bright pink, champagne, poppy, fuchsia iris, violet, deep blue, plum, pomegranate, and riviera (blue green). Sizes are 30B-C, 32A-D, 34-36A-D, and 38B-C.



Natori Understated Contour Underwire Bra 132025 Café 34B

A pared down bra with no frills or lace.  It's made with a special lightweight fabric that breathes and dries quickly.  You'll be cooler in hot weather and you won't have to wait all day for your bra to dry after you wash it.

There's a little bit of padding, mostly for shaping and modesty (rather than adding size or bulk).

The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. The arch and the bandless bottom will make it more comfortable if you are short. Natori runs a bit small (not as small as Maidenform or Calvin Klein though).

Comes in beige, pink, pale grape, and black. Sizes 30A-D, 32, 34, 36 A-DDD, and 38B-DD.


Petite Small Bust Bras for a Short Torso


If you have a small bust, and you're truly petite, Little Bra Company bras are perfect for you. The straps are shorter, the cups are more shallow and closer together, and the entire bra has been engineered specifically for shorter women.


The Little Bra Company Women’s Yvonne Convertible T-Shirt Bra for Petite Women | Contoured Light Push Up Padding | Lace Detail | Great for Wide Set Breast (28B, Vanilla)

Designed just for petite women, with close-set cups and a shallower shape. The bra is padded (more generously at the bottom of the cups, lighter at the top) for better lift. The cups are comparatively wide set (for a petite bra) so it's better if you are too.

The straps are convertible, and can be worn standard, criss-crossed, or halter style.


Comes in beige/mocha lace, beige/vanilla or black, US sizes 28-34 A, B, C; 36 A, B and 38A.


Wacoal Petite Embrace Lace Push-Up Bra 75891 Natural Nude/Ivory 34AA

Designed just for smaller women with small bust sizes, including the rare AA bra designed for an adult (not a tween).  It's decorated with lace along the sides, back, and center for an elegant, sophisticated look.

The cups are closer together and shallower than "average" figure bras, so it's a better fit for petites.  It's bandless too, which is more comfortable (when you're short, banded bras tend to dig into your ribs)

It does have padding, but you can remove it if you want to.

Comes in beige with contrasting vanilla lace in US sizes 32-36A-C.


The Little Bra Company Women's Lucia Lace Push-Up Bra Red 28A

A truly beautiful bra lavished with lace across the cups and up the straps.  It's designed just for petite figures too. No annoying band, and the cups are closer together than average. It's also versatile, as the straps can be worn standard, halter, or criss-crossed (kind of like three bras in one).

There is padding, but it's just enough to make you look a bit bigger and perkier, rather than as if you've stuffed socks in your bra.

The bands are a bit small in this style, so you may want to adjust your size upwards.

Comes in US sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 A-C; 36 A, B; 38 A in black, red, and beige.


25 comments:

  1. Speaking from experience, the Vanity Fair Beauty Back bra is everything you say it is. The only downside is the length of its underwire. I'm 5'2", 36DD, with a short torso, and I feel the wire dig into my side boob/armpit daily. However, it's the best fitting bra I've found to date, so I deal with it.

    Thank you so much for this terrific list! I can't wait to try some of these!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janal,

      I'm glad you like the Vanity Fair, but ouch on the digging in wires! You might try the Olga Luxury Lift 35063 or the Bali Live It Up 3353. They both have shorter wires, which are also wrapped so they are more comfortable. Both styles are bandless, so they won't rub against your stomach. The Olga has better back smoothing than the Bali does, if that's important to you.

      I have a post especially for fuller figured, short women you might want to check out too.

      http://findabrathatfits.blogspot.com/2015/02/bras-for-full-figured-petite-women.html

      Delete
  2. Interesting. Unfortunately, most of what you listed do not come in my size. The one that did (Elomi), has a side seam measurement of 4" (and that's on the D cup). At 5'2" tall, the best fitting bra - the one that doesn't poke up into my armpits - is the Elomi Etta. Since I need to order another, I've been doing some research, and I may have found another with short side seams, Freya "Francis." The Etta has a side seam measurement of 2-1/2", but on my size (36H/36J or D8 universal cup) it's around 3-1/4". The Freya advertises 3" side seams on a D cup, so we'll see. Anyway, yours is the best article so far that I've read about larger busts on petite women, even though I can't wear most of them. Thanks! Wendy, Akron, Ohio (and I've been wearing bras for almost 40 years, and yes, they are my own!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Hi Wendy,

      You're welcome! Yes, the Etta would be a good choice for you because the sides are shorter, and the wires are short.

      Freya wires tend to be shorter too. You may have an issue with the Fancies because it has a scalloped underband (which might dig into your stomach, if you have weight there). That bright blue color is kind of fun though.

      If you can grab one before they disappear, Elomi has a few other options that might work too. The Aquila, Tara, and Anushka all have 3 1/4 inch sides (in the 36E). They are "half cup" bras which means the wires are shorter by default, since the cup is a smaller style and doesn't come up as high on your body.

      Delete
  3. I wear size 32E Anita 5490 and have been wearing this bra for years and years. (Yes, I do get sized periodically to ensure it is the correct size.) The one thing I do not like is that the straps fall off my shoulders. I will make them as tight as they go but even then, they will slide and fall off. Can you make another recommendation for me?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie,

      The Anita has a leotard back, which should help keep the straps from slipping. However, if that’s not enough, look for either a bra with kicked-in straps or a J-hook.

      The kicked-in straps are set closer together in the back of the bra. If you have narrow shoulders, or if they are rounded, this design will help keep the straps from sliding. Another option is a bra with a J-hook, which is a hook on the back of the straps that essentially allows you to convert the bra to a racerback. Since the straps are hooked together, they won’t fall off.

      You might try the Wacoal Basic Beauty 855192. It’s smooth and lined, with similar styling to the Anita you have been wearing. There are side slings for better support and it’s made of super-soft material. The bandless design and arched center should be more comfortable for a short torso. The straps are inset and the back has a V-shape, which will help prevent slipping. In this bra, you’ll need a 32DD.

      It also comes in a spacer fabric version (style 853192) which is lightweight and more breathable than a standard fabric bra. And this version also comes in lots of colors.


      Or, you can get both spacer fabric (lightweight) and memory foam (remembers its shape and good for packing) in the Chantelle 1951 C Ideal Plunge Bra. The straps are especially close-set, which means they are less likely to slip off your shoulders. It’s bandless too (more comfortable when you are short). The band can run a bit small so you might want to size up in the band and down in the cup.

      For something a bit more funky, try the Freya Deco Vibe AA1704. It has stripey straps that are fully adjustable, so they can be made much smaller than straps that only adjust in back or front. It’s also got a J-hook in the back, to give a racerback effect and help fight sliding straps. It may gap if you are shallow.

      Another option is the Chantelle Velvet Touch 2755 which has a lovely leaf pattern and looks and feels like, well velvet. It has both a leotard back and a J-hook (you might have to lengthen the straps to use that). The straps are completely adjustable, which should also help you get the right length.

      Hope this helps!


      Delete
  4. Good morning. I have an extremely difficult time finding a bra that I can wear. I am a 54 year women who has a short torso, short waisted, sagging and large breasts. I can not wear any lace. I have been wearing the wrong size bra all my life and really need to find one that fits. I recently tried an underwire bra, but it was really, really uncomfortable (it hurt)! Can you please provide me suggestions? Thank you so much! Nadine

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      It's difficult to give specific suggestions without knowing your size. If you are full figure, Glamorise has lots of styles that may work. No lace, and no wire. The 1005 is a light impact sports bra, with an arched center, wonderful lift and support, and no wire. But it looks like a regular bra.

      Goddess Keira Soft Cup Bra GD6093 is also a soft cup, no lace, just some sheer inserts on the tops of the cups. It's got an arched center and multi-seamed cups for better lift and shaping.

      If you're more full bust (large cup, small band) you might try Le Mystere Sheer Illusion Wireless Bra 5584. No wire, an arched center panel, and sheer mesh (but no lace). And the cups are slightly stretchy for a better fit.

      Delete
  5. What recommendations do you have for sports bras?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi AZ,

      If you let me know what size you need, I'll be better able to help. I do have two sports bra posts here: https://findabrathatfits.blogspot.com/2015/02/best-sports-bras-with-d-and-dd-cups.html

      and here:

      https://findabrathatfits.blogspot.com/2019/06/sports-bras-for-side-fat-and-back-fat.html

      If you need something for a short torso, you'll want an arched center and a bandless style. I can recommend two in full figure sizes: the Elomi Energise ELO-EL8040 and the Vanity Fair Sport Full Figure 76500.

      Delete
  6. Hi there. Any recommendation for a molded/lined cup with shorter underwires and a band on the narrower side? I’ve bought numerous bras and nothing is comfortable, with the biggest issue the underwire digging into my armpit and cups coming up so high that they show from under the armholes of my shirts. I also want a band around 3 inches or so, not too wide.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, I somehow missed replying to Cass's comment! If you let me know what size you need, I'll see what I can do to help you out.

      Delete
  7. How about a long line bra for short torsos?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really wouldn't recommend that. It will dig into your stomach and you'll be uncomfortable.

      Delete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have rolling on the sides of my bras. I have a very large tummy and I believe I have a short torso. I am not sure about the torso height but I am judging it by my sister whose bras lay flat on her body. She doesn’t have the large tummy to deal with. I am currently wearing a 42 C or D. Please give me some ideas and bras to try. I am almost 70 and would love to have my remaining years living a very comfortable bra. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're going to want a bra with side boning to stabilize everything, and/or a wider band and powermesh fabric (think control top pantyhose, but in a bra).

      You might try Cortland Intimates Full Figure Underwire Seamed Cup Bra 7101 which has the boning, an arched center, and pretty colors (like red). The band has extra support so it should be more comfortable and stay put. It's pretty too. The cups have a floral design, topped with mesh.

      There's also Curvy Couture Diamond Net High Apex Bra 1336 which is bandless (even better) and also has boning to keep everything in place. It has light padding (not to add size), but just enough for modesty.

      Delete
  10. hi! im looking for help. im size 34C/32D 5'2" 120 pound female and looking for a bar that will provide decent coverage witout spillage, smooth under shirts, dont allow boune, thinner straps, and not a long band. ive looked up the bras listed above but most start at cup size of DD or more.... thank you. [please dont use my full name in the post?]

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi there!

    The first two bras on the list (the Felina Paramour and the Panache Elan) both fit your needs and come in your sizes. The Panache tends to run a bit fuller than the Felina, so keep that in mind. The Felina is now in limited supply, so strike fast. Ahhh fashion!

    Since the Felina is on the way out, I've just added the OnGossamer Next to Nothing (which has all the features you need, and in your size), as well as the Wacoal Perfect Primer 855313 which is bandless, and has an arched center. It’s entirely smooth, except for some narrow lace trim on the edges of the cups, so it won't show through your clothing.

    There's also the Natori Conform Memory 711165. It's been discontinued, but Herroom seems to have a few left in your size. It's a memory style, so it will mold to your shape. And, no band, an arched center, plus fully adjustable convertible straps, will make it more comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What recommendations do you have in a 42C or D that is wireless for someone that has narrow shoulders, high tummy, short torso and sides that always roll up both sides, back and front. Pleas help. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Peg,

      If the band is rolling in both front and back, it may be too big. You might try going down a band size and up a cup to a 40D or 40DD instead of the 42C or D. The important thing is to get the band fit right and then turn your attention to the cup size. Also, bras with side boning will help keep the band stable and reduce rolling and movement.

      Here are some options:

      1) Elomi Cate Side Support EL4033

      This comes in both 40D and DD. It’s got an arched center panel, which will be more comfortable with your stomach. There are panels on the sides, which will both help keep the band in place and push your breasts forward. The sides and back are also smoothing so it will minimize back and side bulges. The leotard back will help with the strap slipping problem.


      2) Goddess Keira Soft Cup Bra GD6093

      Satin and sheer mesh make this bra both pretty and elegant. It doesn’t skimp on support either (despite not having wires). There’s power mesh for better hold, and side support panels to keep everything in place. This is the solid version, there’s also a print. It too has a leotard back and an arched center, which will prevent the bra from digging in to your stomach and help stop the straps from sliding.

      3) Vanity Fair Beauty Back Side Smoother Wirefree Bra 72267

      This one is seamless (unlike the others). It won’t shape and support as well, but it will be entirely smooth under clothing. It also has the leotard back and an arched center, with a minimal underhand.

      Delete
  13. Hi, do you recommend an underwire for short torso women. I'm 5'4" and have a short torso. I gained weight and feel the underwire digs into my stomach

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Mary,

    It's really personal preference. If you have a larger bust, the underwire will provide better support than a wireless bra. The key things to look for are bandless styling (no strip of fabric under the cups), and a design with an arched center panel. Those two things will reduce the chance that the bra digs into your ribs and stomach.

    ReplyDelete

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