The best minimiser bras are designed to support and gently flatten the chest, resulting in a less prominent appearance, with many claiming to reduce your bust by a cup size or two. I love my natural shape, but I admit there are times when I find my larger bust annoying and uncomfortable. Certain clothes don't hang well, and buttons often gape. Wearing a minimising style can boost your confidence by creating a smooth silhouette underneath clothes, but what are the best brands for minimiser bras?
Shopping for the best bras can be an overwhelming experience as there are so many different types to choose from, and if you're blessed with big boobs, the search can be even more challenging. I'm a size 32FF, and alongside my work as a fashion stylist, I am also a trained bra fitter. I've been testing the best bras for large busts and wanted to delve further into minimiser styles to see how they differ from normal bras and determine how well they worked in reducing the size of my bust.
Today's top deals
The quick list: my top 6
Here's a quick synopsis of the 6 best minimiser bras for large breasts. If you want to find out more about each style, I go into further detail below, plus you'll find links to each review in full.
This takes the top spot, because it significantly minimised the appearance of my boobs by one inch, whilst holding them securely in place. It’s comfortable to wear all day and, thanks to clever panelling, looks smooth under tops. You can’t spend your money any better.
If you're looking for the best bras for back fat, this is perfect. The seam-free, smooth panels offer more coverage than average T-shirt styles, whilst also feeling super soft and supportive. I love that it has a good range of skin tones.
This two-pack of minimiser bras offers great value for money. The panelled design smooths over-spill and bulges, offering coverage up to sizes 44K. It’s an everyday wear bra that suits curvy women in particular, and really helped to minimise the appearance of my boobs.
With pretty lace, semi-sheer fabrics, and delicate bows, this is easily the most elegant bra I tested. It’s not quite as supportive as the M&S bra, but it still made my boobs look smaller. The sheer range of colour options is enough to win me over, nonetheless.
With smooth and seam-free cups, this full-cup T-shirt bra will be perfect for wearing under tight or clingy tops. It's non-padded, so it won't add any extra volume. The cotton-rich cups provided full support without any over spill or bulging. My bust looked smaller, and my size decreased by an inch compared to wearing a lightly padded plunge bra. For less than £20, this bra is great value for money.
An extremely supportive bra that's engineered to keep your breasts firmly in place during high-impact exercise, making it one of the best sports bras for bigger boobs. This offered the most compression, reducing my size by nearly two inches, but that made it less comfortable over longer periods, and it’s quite an investment.
Best minimiser bras: Tried and tested
I've been a fashion stylist for over 30 years and have dressed hundreds of women of all shapes and sizes. One of the most important things that I consider when I'm choosing clothes is the underwear that will go underneath. Selecting the right bra can make or break a great outfit. If you have big boobs and want to embrace them, there are plunge and balconette bras that will enhance your natural shape. If, however, you want to reduce the appearance of your boobs or want a more streamlined look under your clothes, a minimiser bra will provide the solution.
Whether you are in your twenties or looking for bras for more mature women, these minimiser styles will give you great support. I tested 21 different styles from a range of stockists and wore each style for at least 4 days, making note of how it fitted, how supportive and comfortable it felt, what it looked like under a variety of clothes, and finally how it looked after washing. Here's everything you need to know about the 6 bras I felt offered the best minimising effect.
Best minimiser bra overall
I tried and tested this bra in a size 32G in white
From the outside, the M&S Flexifit bra looks like a cross between a bralette and a T-shirt bra. The centre gore of the bra is wider than the average full-cup style, and the cups completely encompass the entire breast, which is perfect if you want a bra that offers fuller coverage with just a tiny amount of cleavage on show. The cups are moulded, seam-free, and made from two layers of fabric. Paired with the soft, flat straps, it’s a really comfortable bra. You can choose to wear the stretchy elastic straps as a cross-back style for a little more support. Although if you have reduced mobility, you may find it tricky to adjust the straps at the back.
My boobs felt slightly squashed and flattened into place, rather than the uplifting effect that you get with a full-cup or balcony bra, which meant that I felt well supported throughout the day. I also configured the straps into a cross-back and wore the bra to a yoga class. I didn't feel as supported as when wearing the Triumph bra, but it was generally more comfortable. The washing instructions on this bra state that it can be machine-washed on a gentle 40 degrees. For the purpose of this test, I washed the bra once, and I didn't see any change in the size or quality.
This bra felt extremely comfortable to wear, and I think I looked slimmer when wearing it.
You can find out more in my full M&S Flexifit Wired Minimiser Bra Review
Best Minimiser bra for Smoothest Silhouette
I tried and tested this bra in a 34F in Light Oatmeal
When shopping for bras, I usually like to go into a store and try before I buy. However, Amazon is now stocking a wide range of affordable bras that I felt should be included in this review, as it's so convenient to shop online. Delimira is one of Amazon's own brand labels, and I chose 2 minimiser bras to review.
I usually wear a 32FF, but as this size wasn't available, I ordered the sister size 34F, which was a perfect fit. The first thing that impressed me was the luxurious feel of the bra, it's made from a silky and stretchy fabric that felt cool and smooth. The outer layer is thin, and the lining is slightly thicker and less stretchy. The cups extend upwards and join the straps with one (almost invisible) seam. Compared to the M&S bra in the top spot, these cups cut a little lower, and you get more of a medium coverage. If you’re happier with more cleavage, you might prefer the Delimira, especially because it offers easy, medium support for everyday wear. The biggest bonus was how well this fitted: without any overspill or digging in around the band.
Although this bra appears very light and delicate, the fabric is quite robust and it has kept its shape after 3 hand washes. When I wore this bra under a clingy lightweight top, it was completely invisible and created a smooth line.
This is a comfortable bra that's great for women who want to create a smooth line under tight tops. It won't drastically reduce the appearance of your bust, but it does streamline your natural shape, providing sleek, seam-free support.
You can find out more in my full Delimira Minimiser Bra Review
Best Minimiser bra for Plus Sizes
I tried and tested this bra in a size 32FF
The majority of the bras designed for plus sizes have a high price tag, and I wanted to investigate a cheaper alternative to see if I could find the same level of support and comfort at a more affordable price. Next has a reputation for affordable clothes and accessories, so I ordered 3 different minimiser bras to see if their lingerie was up to my expectations. I was surprised to find the bras were not only great value-for-money but their size offering was one of the largest on the high street. I chose this 2-pack of bras as they are available up to a size 44K, which fits approximately a UK dress size 20/22. The added feature of an underarm smoothing panel made these bras stand out from the others I tested.
The bra felt comfortable to wear for long periods, although the under band fitted firmly, and I was aware of it throughout the day. I felt that the bra offered me more support than other T-shirt bras with the additional underarm panels to increase coverage. I was able to easily adjust the straps to make them the correct length, but I felt they were slightly flimsy and made from thinner elastic than I'm used to on more expensive bras.
The smoothing underarm panels were an added bonus and increased my confidence when wearing tight tops. These bras are a great everyday option, and I felt supported, and my boobs looked slightly less prominent. Having a black/white 2-pack gave me the option of light and dark alternatives, and they have recently introduced a pink/khaki combo. The bras can be machine-washed, and I gave each one a couple of washes without any significant changes; however, I would recommend hand washing to retain the shape.
Find out more in my full Next Underarm Smoothing Minimiser Bra Review
Best Minimiser Bra For Style
I tried and tested this bra in a size 34F in Burgundy
When researching the best minimiser bras, the majority of options available were practical, problem-solving bras that looked very plain and functional. I wanted to find some more glamorous (dare I say even sexy!) options.
Berlei is a well-respected bra brand, and its designs are considered to be innovative and of high quality. They sell a selection of minimiser styles, including non-wired versions, and I chose the Beauty Lace Minimiser bra because I was attracted by the great choice of colours and pretty lace fabric. With an RRP of £45, this bra is at the top end of my budget, so the results had to prove it was worth the extra spend.
The cups are constructed in two parts - the main section is made from a single-layer lace fabric with a bonded smooth lining, and the upper part of the cups is made from a sheer stretchy fabric with a lace edge. The front of the straps are wide, trimmed and lightly padded with tiny ribbon bows adorning the front of each strap and centre. Although made from a lace fabric, this bra is smooth and doesn't show under a tight top. This bra fitted well, completely covering my boobs without any overspill. The extra stretchy sheer panel at the top of the cups will work well if you have uneven breasts.
The cups were supportive and compressed my boobs into place, which made them appear smaller when compared to wearing a plunge or balconette bra. It was comfortable to wear for approx 5 hours, after that time I could feel the underwiring start to dig in and the lace trim on the straps began to irritate slightly on my shoulders. I would definitely choose this bra to wear on a night out or for a special occasion.
Find out more in my full Berlei Beauty Minimiser Bra Review
Best Budget Minimiser Bra
I tried and tested this bra in a size 34F in black
On average I would normally expect to pay approximately £30 on a D+ full-cup bra, but I was keen to see if I could find a minimising bra that worked for less than £20. This bra gave me a great shape under a tight T-shirt. The cups fully supported my bust without any over spill or bulging. My bust appeared smaller and actually measured one inch less than when I was wearing a lightly padded plunge bra. At only £18, it's great value for money.
This non-padded bra has smooth, seam-free cups that are generously cut to completely contain the entire breast, providing full coverage and revealing just a tiny amount of cleavage. The metal underwires are encased within the lining and feel rigid and firm. The elastic straps are 1.5cm wide and are adjustable at the back. The bra has generous stretch-lace back panels, making it a great option if you are looking for bras to banish back fat.
The bra is made from 65% Supima® cotton, and the cups feel lighter but less stretchy than other T-shirt bras I own; however, I loved the feel of the fabric, the high cotton content increased the breathability, and it felt cool to wear. I felt very secure and supported in this bra; it firmly held my boobs in place, squashing them slightly to redistribute the weight, which made them appear smaller.
The underwires lay flat and didn't cause any discomfort. However, after approximately 4-5 hours of wear, I did notice the straps start to dig in a little. The straps are the one area that could be improved on this bra, as the elastic feels thinner than you find on more expensive designs.
Find out more in my full M&S Cool Comfort™ Cotton Rich Minimiser Bra Review
Best Minimiser Bra for Sports
I tried and tested this bra in size 34F
The majority of the best sports bras work by tightly compressing the breast tissue in order to keep your boobs very firmly in one place, thereby making them appear flatter and smaller. Including one in my minimiser round-up felt like the right thing to do, even though many women would find a sports bra uncomfortable for everyday wear.
I have previously worn Triumph's Essential Minimiser Bra and find it comfortable and supportive, so when I discovered their minimising sports bra, I decided to put it to the test. I wore the bra for a variety of exercise and dance classes, including a high-impact Tap class, but also wore it throughout the day to test how comfortable it felt over a longer period of time.
From the outside, this bra looks like a non-wired bralette, but hidden inside is a traditional underwired bra that's attached to the lower band and side panels. Together, they completely encompass the breast tissue, offering compressed coverage and support. The straps are lightly padded at the top of the shoulder and adjustable at both the front and back, making it really easy to get a perfect fit. When it comes to support, this bra is excellent. And you don’t just have to take my word for it. There are lots of happy customers online praising the “fit and control [which is] brilliant for all my activities, including horse riding, yoga and reformer pilates”
Although I wouldn't say this bra is uncomfortable to wear, I was aware of how tightly it fitted throughout the day and relieved to take it off at bedtime. I machine-washed it a total of 3 times for the purpose of this review and couldn't see any change in appearance or feel any reduction in support.
Out of the six bras in this review, this bra made the greatest reduction in the appearance of size, but it didn't feel as comfortable to wear as the M&S bra and with an RRP of £58, it is much more expensive. For this reason, it ranked a close second to the overall winner.
Find out more in my full Triumph Triaction Control Lite Minimiser Bra Review
How we tested the best minimiser bras
After extensively researching minimiser bras, both online and on the high street, I selected 20 styles to put to the test. I ensured that I had the correct size (see below for tips on getting the right fit). Each style was then subjected to the following tests:
Duration Test - I wore each of the styles for a minimum of 5 hours over a period of 4 days.
Garment Test - Over the testing period, I wore each bra under a variety of tops that included a tightly fitting T-shirt, a silky clingy blouse and a lightweight knitted jumper.
Movement Test - I tested each style while performing a variety of everyday activities that included walking, running, reaching and stretching. The final 6 bras were more rigorously tested. I wore each one for 5 additional days, going about my everyday busy life as well as exercising in the sports bra.
Durability test - I washed each bra according to its care instructions.
At each step of the testing process, I eliminated any that fell short of my expectations, based on the criteria below.
These are the main factors I considered for this trial:
- How well it minimised the bust: This was my main priority for this particular feature, as I felt it would be the primary reason a woman would choose to buy a minimiser bra. I tested each bra under a variety of tops made of various fabrics and noted the difference in comparison to wearing a plunge bra. The actual bra I wore for comparison was the Fantasie Fusion Lace Padded Plunge Bra. I noted how well the bras compressed and altered the shape of my boobs and measured the difference in actual size.
- Quality of materials: I considered the fabric and how it felt against my skin. I looked at the construction of the bra and made note of how well it was made, paying particular attention to the seams and how the underwires were concealed. I looked at the clasp and compared the number of hook and eye fastenings that were used, and if they were sturdy enough to keep the bra in place. I then washed each bra at least once, following the manufacturer's instructions, and checked for any changes in the quality, fit or comfort. I will continue to wear the final six styles and ensure this feature is updated if I feel that further wear and washing diminish the quality.
- Comfort and support: Once I had noted the minimising effect of the bra, I then considered exactly how the bra fitted. I made note of how supported I felt by the cups - was there any over-spill or bulging? Did the under wiring feel comfortable, or did it start to dig in after a few hours? Did the straps stay in place, and were they easy to adjust? Was the clasp easy to use, and in general, how comfortable did it feel throughout the day?
- RRP: I wanted to test a range of prices and see if it was necessary to spend more money for a minimiser bra, compared to a regular bra.
- Style: I tried to find different types of minimiser bras, from practical and functional to more glamorous options.
You can also learn more about how we test bras in this detailed guide.
One that just missed the list
I was keen to review a non-wired option as many women find underwiring uncomfortable. This was a good fit, but it didn't feel supportive enough to make my top 6. It was a very comfortable bra, but it had little minimising effect on the size of my bust.
Find out more in my full Bravissimo CiCi Non-Wired Bra review
How to choose minimiser bras
It's essential to wear the correct size in order for a minimiser bra to work. Wacoal Lingerie Design Director Jo West agrees. "When purchasing any bra, it is essential to have a professional fitting to ensure you are wearing the right size. Our breasts change size throughout our lives, and it is recommended to check your bra size ideally every six months. The right size is imperative to providing support, lift and comfort." West also suggests that "making sure you are wearing the right size could even eliminate the need for a minimising bra", so it's a really important first step.
Here is a quick checklist to remind you of the key criteria to look out for when shopping that will help you decipher if a bra is going to work for you.
- Fit: Getting the perfect fit is the key to lasting comfort. It's best to get professionally measured if you can, and always opt for bra styles that are measured by cup and band size rather than S, M, L. If you're unsure of the fit or size you're after, we always recommend ordering a few sizes to find the one that works best for you.
- Style: What do you need your bra to do? Are you looking for an everyday style that will work under the majority of your outfits? Do you need extra support, or is comfort your priority? Has the bra got to work with a tricky neckline?
- Price: What's your budget? Larger-sized bras do not have to be expensive, and once you know your size and preferred style, you can get some great bargains in the sales or on Amazon. You can spend a fortune on expensive designer lingerie if you desire, but I don't believe the bras will be any more supportive or effective than the six minimising styles that topped our list.
How to get the right fit
The most sensible way to find your bra size is to be fitted by a professional bra fitter at a department store or lingerie specialist. Many companies offer virtual fittings too, via their websites. If you prefer to work out your own size, follow our 3-step guide below.
Step 1 - Start by wearing a bra that you feel most comfortable in and measure in inches directly under your bust, keeping the tape tight and level around your body. If this number is odd, you will have to add or subtract an inch to find your size.
Step 2 - Measure around the fullest part of your bust (usually the nipple line), keeping the tape level all the way around your back.
Step 3 - Subtract your band size (from step 1) from your bust size (from step 2) and use the difference to calculate your cup size. For example, zero difference in inches = AA, one inch = A, two inches = B, 3 inches = C, and so on.
But beware! Bra sizes are not standardised; each brand will fit differently, and it's impossible to find the right fit based on size alone. You need to pay close attention to the look and feel of the bra. Here are the signs to look out for...
1. Your bra rides up at the back - This is a sign that the band size is too big. The band should fit firmly and provide 80% of the support.
2. Underwires digging in - The underwire should not rest on the actual breast tissue or cut in under the arms. Go up a cup size.
3. Bulging cups - The top of the breast should fit smoothly into the cups without overspill. If in doubt, go up a cup size.
4. Gaping at the front - The centre front of the bra must lie flat against the breast bone without sitting on any breast tissue. This is a sign that your cup size is too small.
5. Uncomfortable straps - You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the straps. If they dig in, consider going up a cup size and down a band size.
Tip: When trying on a bra for the first time, fasten it on the loosest hook. Over time, your bra will stretch as you wash and wear it; this will allow you to fasten it tighter as this happens.
FAQs
How do minimiser bras work?
They use compression to redistribute the breast tissue to create a slightly flatter shape, while providing lots of support. The level of compression will vary from style to style.
A minimiser bra will reduce the size of your bust and give the appearance of a flatter chest by reducing forward projection and redistributing the volume of the breast tissue. The effectiveness will totally depend on your personal shape and size, and how you like to look in your clothes. The best minimiser bras are incredibly supportive, which is vitally important if you've got big boobs.
What are the benefits of a minimiser bra?
A well-fitting minimiser bra will support your bust, giving you a streamlined look and making your bust look less prominent. This may improve the way you look when wearing certain types of clothes. "Minimising bras can be useful to women with fuller busts", says West. "They can help to smooth, flatten and spread the breast, offering extra coverage. Minimising bras can be useful under button-up shirts and figure-hugging clothing," she adds.
How will a minimiser bra improve the way I look in my clothes?
All of our top six minimising bras created a smooth line under tightly-fitting tops and completely encased the breast tissue without any overspill or bulging. This created a more streamlined silhouette. The minimising effect was also beneficial when wearing button-up shirts and blouses, eliminating any gaping.
What should I consider when transitioning from regular bras to minimiser bras?
In order to have a minimising effect and reduce the size of your bust a minimiser bra has to fit tightly. You may feel more constricted than when wearing a regular bra and the bra may feel more uncomfortable when worn over a long period of time.
Jo West has worked in the lingerie industry for over 35 years and has been the Design and Product Development Director at Wacoal Lingerie since 2015. Before embarking on her career she completed a degree in Contour Design at De Montfort University. She uses her creative and technical skills to design and manufacture high-quality, fashion-conscious lingerie and bra-sized swimwear for five specialist brands, working across international markets to provide lingerie to women in sizes 30 - 44 AA - FF.
