The Best Minimizer Bras That Actually Work
You can reduce your bust size by up to 1, 2, or even 3 inches with these bras.
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While you can squish your boobs into a tight sports bra (which isn't recommended for all-day wear), a minimizer bra can be a better solution if you aesthetically want a slightly smaller chest. The best minimizer bras will reduce bust-size volume by up to 1, 2, or 3 inches, depending on the bra, yet they'll prevent the dreaded uniboob that sports bras can create, plus they're safe to wear all day long.
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested and evaluated more than 200 different bras in our Lab with over 500 consumer testers over the years. We chose minimizer bras from top-performing bra brands and considered their style and design, including coverage, underwire, adjustability, and more. Some minimizer bras are even designed to make it easier to button blouses and prevent gaps between the buttons (which is a common frustration my friends and I complain about!). Ahead, find the best minimizer bras to add to your bra collection, whether you're a 32C or a 44I.
Best Deal
Pros
- Tons of color options
- Reviewers said it's comfortable
- 15 color options
- Full coverage without padding in the cups
Cons
- Some reviewers said the band size runs small
Providing full coverage and available in 15 colors, this minimizer bra from Wacoal is one of our pros' favorite bras for large busts. The brand claims this bra can reduce your bust size by up to an inch. Plus, the cups are free from padding but have a mesh lining, so the thinner feel of the fabric doesn't contribute to a larger-looking chest like some padded bras do.
While the price is a bit high, plenty of online reviewers shared that this feels much more comfortable than other minimizers they have tried and said they repurchased it in multiple colors. "It keeps me lifted without any spillage and stays in place without tugging and adjusting throughout the day," said one reviewer. Another customer wrote—in all caps—"This is the best and most comfortable bra I have ever put on in my life!" Note: Some reviewers shared that the band ran smaller than their other bras, so you may want to size up in the band.
A GH analyst who wears a 32DD bra size shared that bras from Wacoal are her favorite by far. Her personal favorite is Wacoal's Shape Revelation Shallow Top Bra, which isn't a minimizer, but five-star Amazon reviews attest to this bra's comfort, support, and minimizing effect.
RELATED: The Best Bras for Large Busts
| Band sizes | 32–44 |
| Cup sizes | C–J |
| Materials | Nylon and spandex blend |
| Stlye notes | Underwire, hook-eye closure, adjustable straps |
| Colors | 15 |
Pros
- Smoothing side panels in the band
- Thick, sturdy straps
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Unattractive, according to some testers
Minimizer bras don't have to break the bank—this Vanity Fair bra has been consistently on sale for under $35 and is our budget-friendly recommendation for bras for larger busts. The brand claims to reduce chest size by up to 1.5 inches, which is on par with pricier competitors. The two-ply cups are ideal for anyone who wants some padding without being too thick on their chest, and the band's side panels provide smoothing.
With thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, this bra is a favorite among customers who appreciate that the thick straps stay in place all day. One GH tester who wears a 38C bra size said she experienced no bounce running down a flight of stairs and that "the bra is super comfortable and very supportive." Some testers were not a fan of the bra's matronly appearance, but there are 15 color options to choose from, some of which include a lace design, which may make for a more pleasant appearance.
| Band sizes | 34–46 |
| Cup sizes | B–H |
| Materials | Nylon and spandex blend cups with polyester and spandex blend back |
| Style notes | Underwire, hook-eye closure, two-ply cups |
| Colors | 15 |
Pros
- Free quiz that helps you find the right size
- Half-cup sizes for the perfect fit
- Convertible straps can make an x-back
- 60-day trial period with free shipping
Cons
- Only two color options
ThirdLove is a favorite brand for bras among our testers and experts. The brand stands out for its Fitting Room Quiz that helps you find a style and the right size that suits you best. Not only is the size range extensive, but ThirdLove's bras also come in half-cup sizes to truly find your perfect fit. And if you try on the bra and dislike it? No worries at all—the brand offers a 60-day return period and free shipping.
This minimizer bra from ThirdLove claims to reduce cup size up to 2 inches, which is on the higher end for the bras that we recommend. Online reviewers said the no-foam cups were comfortable and kept everything snug and secure. "Before this bra, I would bust out of button-down shirts and this has saved me from embarrassment. A nice little minimizer until I can get breast reduction surgery," one online reviewer wrote.
I especially love that this bra's straps can be unhooked from the band to criss-cross the straps and create an x-back. That way, you can adjust the straps for more support or to hide them under racerback tank tops. The limited color options is a bit of a letdown, but this bra is otherwise an excellent pick.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Are ThirdLove Bras Worth It? We Put Them to the Test
| Band sizes | 32–44 |
| Cup sizes | C–H |
| Materials | Nylon and spandex |
| Style notes | Underwire, hook-eye closure, convertible back straps, no foam cups |
| Colors | 2 |
Pros
- Bra design helps smooth bulging
- Wireless cups and cushioned underwire provide extra comfort
- Spanx is our experts' favorite brand for body sculpting
Cons
- Limited size range
Our pros ranked Spanx as the best shapewear brand for its impressive smoothing and sculpting capabilities, so it's only natural we recommend the brand's minimizer bra. Featuring side slings and a thick band to help smooth bulging in the back, this bra provides full coverage and claims to minimize bust size by up to 1 inch. If you're not a fan of underwire, you'll love the unlined, wireless cups and cushioned underwire in this bra that provide full coverage while still offering a soft, comfortable fit.
Many online customers wrote that this bra made it easier to button blouses and was comfortable to wear. One reviewer said, "It does exactly what it claims to do! I can now wear the button-down shirts without them gaping. They are also super comfortable and worth every penny. I’m impressed." Unfortunately, the cup and band size range is smaller than other minimizer bras, but it's a quality bra for anyone who wears a DD, DDD, or G cup.
RELATED: The Best Shapewear
| Band sizes | 32–42 |
| Cup sizes | DD–G |
| Materials | Nylon and elastane |
| Style notes | Unlined, wireless, side sling, adjustable back straps |
| Colors | 4 |
Pros
- Seam-free design
- Minimizes while maintaining a natural shape, per online reviews
- Bali bras hold up well over time
Cons
- Runs small, according to reviewers
Boasting thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, this minimizer claims to reduce bust size by 1.5 inches. This bra is constructed with hidden underwire and seam-free cups for extra comfort. Many online reviewers noted that the full-coverage design prevents any spillage and that the bra looks seamless under clothes without any bulging. "This bra does an excellent job of minimizing, while maintaining a natural shape," one reviewer wrote. "It reduces the bust profile subtly and effectively without flattening, which is a common issue with some minimizer bras."
Our experts and testers loved multiple styles of bras from Bali, and noted that the bra held up well over time with laundering. One GH tester called their Bali bra "undeniably comfortable," while another said the fabric was "silky and smooth." Plus, it comes at a reasonable price point and is available in eight colors, although the largest cup size is a G. Note that some online reviewers recommended sizing up, reporting that the band and cup ran small.
RELATED: The Best Bras on Amazon
| Band sizes | 32–44 |
| Cup sizes | C–G |
| Materials | Nylon and spandex |
| Style notes | Underwire, seam-free cups, hook-eye closure |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Extensive cup-size range
- The prominent gore provides better separation
- Wireless design
Cons
- Band size runs small, according to some online reviews
Available in C to I cup sizes, we were extremely impressed by the extensive size range this bra offers. The prominent gore (the piece of fabric in the middle of the cups) in this bra offer better separation, which can help with buttoning blouses and creating a more lifted appearance than a sports bra can do. To make it even comfier, this bra is wireless and has adjustable straps for a criss-cross or standard back. It only promises to reduce bust size up to 1 inch, but many online reviews reported the bra is very supportive for a wireless design and a comfortable bra to wear, though some said the band size runs small.
Our GH testers gave this brand's bras nearly perfect scores across the board, including high ratings for comfort, durability, support and overall fit. We also love that Bare Necessities provides fitting experts so that you can find your perfect fit while shopping online. Tracy Freno, the bra fit expert at Bare Necessities, says fitting experts are "trained to help answer any questions you may have regarding fit, style, or even suggestions of what to buy."
RELATED: The Best Wireless Bras
| Band sizes | 30–42 |
| Cup sizes | C–I |
| Materials | Polyamide and elastane |
| Style notes | Wireless, adjustable straps, hook-eye closure |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Cute appearance
- Made with some reycled materials
Cons
- May not be enough coverage for some
Just because it's a minimizer bra, it doesn't have to look boring nor matronly. Instead, this bra from Victoria's Secret has a lacy outer layer and a mini bow with a heart charm in the center. The bra is available in four lace colors and five additional colors in a smooth finish with a lacy trim. While the cups do not provide as full coverage as our other recommendations (one online reviewer said there is some cleavage with this bra), the cut is more suitable for lower-cut tops, but with a claimed reduction of up to an inch in the bust. Overall, it looks the most like a regular bra while still being a supportive minimizer bra.
While testing other bras from Victoria's Secret, our experts noted minimal changes in appearance after multiple washes and we like that the bra is made with some recycled materials. One online reviewer wrote, "This bra gives me the perfect coverage and shape. I'm never falling [or] spilling out, and no constant pulling and tugging."
| Band sizes | 32–44 |
| Cup sizes | C–G |
| Materials | Recycled polyamide, polyamide, elastane, recycled elastane, Lycra elastane |
| Style notes | Unlined, underwire, hook-eye closure |
| Colors | 9 |
Pros
- Claims to minimize bust by 3 inches
- Padded wings for a smooth, comfortable look
- Comfortable, according to online reviews
Cons
- Does not hold up well for too long, according to some reviewers
If you're looking for the most minimizing effect of them all, try giving this bra from Soma a shot. The brand claims this bra can minimize the bust up to 3 inches, while most other picks only promise to flatten by 1 to 2 inches. The unlined cups and smooth, padded wings are designed to help create an all-over seamless look under clothing without any bulging.
Some online reviewers reported that the bra did not hold up well after multiple washes, but many customers said they loved the coverage and how supportive and comfortable this bra is. Take note: there is limited inventory in all three colors, but you can sign up to be notified when your size is back in stock.
| Band sizes | 34–44 |
| Cup sizes | D–G |
| Materials | Polyester, nylon, spandex |
| Style notes | Underwire, unlined double-ply cups, padded wings, hook-eye-closure, adjustable straps |
| Colors | 3 |
How we choose the best minimizer bras
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing, reviewing, and evaluating bras for decades. After testing over 200 different bras in our Lab with over 500 GH testers (with cup sizes ranging from AA to H), we have narrowed down brands that perform well and we believe are worth recommending. When testing the best bras, we consider the following features of each style:
- Stretch recovery: To check if the elastic in a bra can maintain its shape, we stretch it to a standard measurement and clamp it in place for two hours. Then we evaluate how well it returns to its original shape.
- Washability: Following the care label, we launder each bra multiple times in the Lab. Our pros then assess whether there are any changes in appearance, feel of the fabric, or shrinkage.
- Consumer testers' feedback: We enlist real people to test and share their experience with the bras at home. This helps us get an idea of what people like and dislike in bras and certain brands when they wear them in their daily life.
What to look for when shopping for the best minimizer bra
✔️ Sizing: If you don't know your correct band and cup size, be sure to measure yourself before buying a bra. "While bra sizes tend to be pretty universal, it’s still a good idea to check each brand’s sizing chart and, if available, chat with the brand’s fit expert to find your best size," explains Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.
✔️ Underwire: The underwires in a bra are thin pieces of curved plastic or metal that lines the bottoms and sides of bra cups. "They provide structure and lift and lend some extra support, so many bras for larger breasts do utilize an underwire," Constantine explains. Most minimizer bras without underwires typically have molded or shaped cups to make up for the lack of structure, but can be more comfortable for those who dislike the feel of underwire.
✔️ Straps: Consider the thickness and adjustability of the straps on a bra. "Wider, thicker straps are ideal for minimizer bras because they’re comfortable and provide the optimum support for those with larger chests," Constantine says. While most straps are adjustable in terms of increasing or decreasing the length, some bra straps can even be rearranged to be criss-crossed into an x-shape on the back, which can help provide more support and be hidden under racerback tops.
What is the difference between a compression bra, a minimizer bra and a binder?
Minimizer bras, compression bras, and binders all reduce the bust size, but in various levels. Understanding the differences among the types can help you choose which is right for you:
✔️ Minimizer bras: These bras look similar to a standard bra, except they are designed with fuller, taller cups to “minimize” the visible volume of your chest if you prefer that aesthetically. "They help to flatten or separate your breasts so they don’t project out as much, which can help your clothes fit better in the chest area—especially helpful for gaping button-up tops," Constantine says.
✔️ Compression bras: "Compression bras often have some sort of front closure and offer high levels of compression to prevent swelling after medical procedures," Constantine says. Some compression bras can even correct your posture, such as the Forme Power Bra.
✔️ Binders: The greatest reduction in bust size can be achieved with a binder, which are designed to flatten the chest as much as possible. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community also use binders to flatten their bust, which can help with gender affirmation and self-confidence. Keep in mind that it is important to buy a binder from a reputable brand in the correct size to ensure it's safe to wear and will allow for proper breathing.
How should a minimizer bra fit?
When shopping for any bra, it's always a good step to review the brand's size chart, check your measurements and see if any reviews mention if the bra runs small or large. If it fits correctly, Constantine says it should feel comparable to your everyday bra when you wear a minimizer bra. "[But] rather than pushing your breasts forward or up and out, [a minimizer] bra redistributes the volume across your chest," Constantine says. "It might feel a bit different and snugger against your breasts than your other bras, but it shouldn’t be painful and shouldn’t dig in."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Cavallo writes and updates various shopping content for items including clothing, shoes, bedding, and more.
To write this round-up, Cavallo consulted Amanda Constantine, the home & apparel reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Constantine has experience testing and writing about intimate apparel of all kinds, including bras for large and small busts, bralettes, lingerie, and more. She used her knowledge of testing and reviewing bras to help recommend the best picks.
Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.
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