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Apr 15, 2024

The 15 Best Minimizer Bras of 2023

We love the Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizer Bra for its excellent size range, color options, and approachable price point Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all recommended products and

We love the Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizer Bra for its excellent size range, color options, and approachable price point

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People / Madison Woiten

One of the best things about bra shopping is that you can find a variety of styles for different purposes, making the undergarment less of a necessity and more of a tool to create the look and feel you want to achieve. Minimizer bras are a good example of this, as they’re sort of like the shapewear of bra types, allowing you to create an illusion with your undergarments when wearing tight-fitting clothing.

“A minimizer bra is a bra that is meant to reduce the bust circumference and volume,” Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and coach, tells PEOPLE. “This style is usually full coverage and disperses the breast tissue from the middle of the body out toward the side and from a forward projection closer to the body.”

Although this bra style could technically work for most bust sizes, Melissa Franchi, the founder of Navaeh Intimates, says that they are most ideal for “women with fuller breasts and softer breast tissue who want comfort, function, and to reduce the appearance of their cup size.” Additionally, Caldwell notes that a minimizer bra is the best bra for blouses and dress shirts since the distribution of tissue toward the sides can make it easier to button the blouse without any puckering.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got your bra shopping covered with our top picks for the best minimizer bras ahead, including T-shirt styles, sports bras, and gorgeous lingerie-worthy designs.

Bare Necessities

This is a great everyday minimizer bra with lots of color options, an excellent size range, and a V-neckline.

Some shoppers may need an everyday minimizer bra with more coverage, as this one is designed as a V-neck style.

The Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizer Bra has an excellent size offering with a band range of 32 through 44 and a cup range of C through I, making it easier to find that just right fit (which is essential for a bra). Made from a comfortable yet supportive blend of polyamide and elastane, this bra can minimize the bust line by up to 1 inch while also keeping bulge at bay and smoothing under the armpits thanks to its wing construction.

With its V-neckline and more slender straps, the bra works well under most garments, making it a fantastic choice for everyday wear. Plus, it comes in a range of fun colors, including several skin tone shades plus classic black, pink, and a beautiful (and trendy) misty light blue shade.

Price at time of publish: $49.99 (orig. $78)

Band Range: 32-44 | Cup Range: C-I | Colors: Black, blushing pink, hazelnut, ivory, tomboy pink, ultra nude, desert, mist, myrtle | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Adjustable: Yes

Walmart

This budget-friendly minimizer bra features a full coverage and wireless, pad-free design.

Some may a minimizer bra built with an underwire for that extra support.

For a budget-friendly option, consider the Exclare Women’s Comfort Full Coverage Double Support Unpadded Wirefree Plus Size Minimizer Bra. This minimizer bra costs less than $25 and is constructed without a wire or extra padding for a more lightweight and comfortable feel.

Available in C through G cups with band sizes ranging from 34 to 38, it's made from breathable and soft cotton material and features wide cushioned straps for added comfort — so you don’t have to worry about those bra straps digging into your shoulders. Fit-wise, the minimizer bra has a full coverage style that actually supports large busts without the need for a wire or padding. While many will appreciate the lack of underwire in terms of comfort, some may be in need of underwire for added support.

Price at time of publish: $21.99

Band Range: 34-38 | Cup Range: C-G | Colors: Beige, black, blue, brown, gray, peacock tail beige, peacock tail black, pink, purple, white | Material: Cotton | Adjustable: Yes

Amazon

This minimizer bra on Amazon not only costs less than $25, it also has an excellent size range, comes in multiple color options (including two-packs), and doubles as shapewear to smooth the back area.

While the size range is good, some may need a cup size beyond H.

With its expansive size range and comfortable design, the Vanity Fair Women’s Beauty Back Smoothing Minimizer Bra is the best minimizer bra on Amazon. Constructed from stretchy and breathable nylon material with a functional and comfortable underwire design for extra support, this bra can minimize breast size by up to 1.5 inches.

Additionally, the bra has four-way stretch, providing a better fit and more flexibility. And it even has a shapewear component since the wings are compressive enough to smooth out the back. We love it because it has the look and feel of a classic T-shirt bra with a minimizing touch. Plus, it comes in so many colors and two-packs, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.

Price at time of publish: $22.50

Band Range: 32-46 | Cup Range: C-H | Colors: Damask neutral, ghost navy, midnight black, sheer quartz, star white, cappuccino, totally tan, softest jade, and more | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Wacoal

This option is great for anyone seeking full coverage minimizer bra that is still gorgeously designed and doesn’t sacrifice style.

Some may prefer a minimizer bra with a smoother fabric design instead of the lace material, especially if planning to wear under tight clothing.

The Wacoal Visual Effects Minimizer Bra is our top pick for the full coverage category because it not only provides full coverage — and tons of support as a result of that — but it also doesn’t sacrifice style. This lacey bra features comfortable and functional underwire support with seamless lace cups designed to reduce breast size by up to 1 inch.

A fantastic pick for everyday wear, the bra also has some elastic built into the neckline so that it stays in place and features a leotard back for added comfort and to help keep the straps in the right spot. While the bra has slightly thicker straps, we love it because they’re still slim enough to work under many different garments, including some tank top styles. While we love the gorgeous lace design, some shoppers may prefer a smoother material, especially if they're planning to wear it under tight clothing.

Price at time of publish: $39.99 (orig. $68)

Band Range: 32-44 | Cup Range: C-I | Colors: Italian plum, sand, black, white, raindrops, bluestone, Sedona sage | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Lively

We love this bra for its super comfortable straps and lots of adjustability features.

Some may need a more expansive size range or want more than two color options.

Lively is one of our favorite places to shop for bras, and their minimizer style is one of the most comfortable bras around. With thicker straps designed to provide support without digging and a soft, unpadded stretch fabric in the cups, this bra has a fits-like-a-glove feel while also providing plenty of support.

Designed with lots of adjustability in the band and straps — including a J hook that allows you to transform it into a racerback bra — this bra is made to fit well, support, and minimize by up to 1.5 inches. Additionally, the full coverage style helps reduce bounce and provides additional shaping, too.

Price at time of publish: $48

Band Range: 32-40 | Cup Range: C-G | Colors: Toasted almond, black | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Amazon

This bandeau-style strapless bra features underwire support and removable straps at a super approachable price point.

Someone looking for a strapless bra with a lower neckline or those shopping for a strapless bra in cup sizes larger than G.

Great strapless bras that are also minimizers do exist, and the best one is the Delmira Women’s Jacquard Bandeau Underwire Minimizer Strapless Bra, which you can even find on Amazon. With its bandeau silhouette and ultra-smooth fabric, this bra is designed to minimize bust size while also providing plenty of support and comfort.

We love it because it actually has a convertible design and features removable straps so that you can wear it in several different ways, including racerback, too. Additionally, the bra comes in over a dozen different colors, including several skin tone shades, classic black, and some fun patterns, too.

Price at time of publish: $25.99

Band Range: 32-46 | Cup Range: B-G | Colors: Blush beige, cashew, coconut white, rose white, taupe, black, rose smoked, white, beige, natural, oatmeal, and more | Material: Polyamide, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Amazon

Someone shopping for a super soft and comfortable seamless bra with a more casual everyday design.

Not everyone will find their cup size here, as it only extends from B to G.

The best seamless minimizer bra could also easily be a runner-up for the most comfortable. Featuring an ultra-soft and breathable fabric, the Delimira Seamless Plus Size Minimizer Bra provides lots of shaping and support while also minimizing bust size and preventing spillage.

We love it because it fits snugly to the body without feeling too tight and the cups and wings help create a smoothing effect, sort of like a piece of shapewear. Plus, it comes in lots of different colors, including some neutrals as well as some beautiful greens, pinks, and blues.

Price at time of publish: $25.99

Band Range: 34-46 | Cup Range: B-G | Colors: Cameo heather, light green heather, oatmeal heather, sapphire heather, chanterelle, black marl, and more | Material: Polyamide, polyester, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Soma

Anyone wanting a comfortable and classic T-shirt bra with a minimizing design and underwire support will find their match with this one by Soma.

Someone shopping for a wireless bra will need to look at other options, as this one is made with an underwire.

If you love the look and feel of a T-shirt bra but want something with some minimization benefits, consider the Soma Unbelievable Minimizer bra. With a full-coverage underwire cup style and smoothing wings, this bra smooths, lifts, and supports while also minimizing breast size. We love it because it has a more breathable construction, thanks to the mesh material on the wings and the stretchy polyester cups. Plus, the V-neckline allows you to wear it under lots of different tops and dress styles.

Price at time of publish: $64

Band Range: 34-44 | Cup Range: C-H | Colors: Black, pale sand | Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra elastane, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Spanx

This minimizer bra features an impressive full-coverage cup style and thick, comfortable straps — as well as quick-drying fabric.

Anyone needing a full coverage minimizer bra with a more expansive cup size range, as this one is only offered in cups DD to G.

The Spanx Low Profile Minimizer Bra features a high-coverage cup design that shapes and smooths the breast while also minimizing by up to 1 inch. Made with comfort in mind, this bra features comfortable and smooth straps with a thicker design so that they don’t ever dig, pinch, or pull on the shoulders and instead allow for more ideal posture and plenty of support.

While the bra doesn’t have the best cup range, those with DD to G cups will absolutely love this bra for its smooth and soft material, supportive and shaping capabilities, and its quick-drying fabric, which makes it a nice choice for hot summer weather, too.

Price at time of publish: $47.99 (orig. $72)

Band Range: 32-42 | Cup Range: DD-G | Colors: Very black, champagne beige, vintage rose, cafe au lait | Material: Nylon, elastane | Adjustable: Yes

Lorna Jane

This comfortable and supportive sports bra for large breasts also minimizes without squishing.

The size range only extends to 2XL, which may not be inclusive enough for everyone that needs minimizer bras.

With its supportive design and compressive features, the Lorna Jane Compress & Compact Sports Bra is our top pick for the best-minimizing sports bra. Designed with a hook and eye band and adjustable straps, the sports bra form fits to the body while offering plenty of support thanks to thicker straps and a wide band.

Since it’s designed to help you move through a workout while also compressing the busts to minimize size, the bra has a comfortable four-way stretch for added flexibility, and it’s made from sweat-wicking and breathable materials, too. The only minor drawback is the size range: We wish it was offered in a few more sizes to include more people with larger busts.

Price at time of publish: $75

Size Range: 2XS-2XL | Colors: Almond, biscuit, black, cream, dark safari, white, chocolate, abstract floral print, blushed pink, fierce print, French navy, wisteria, and more | Material: Polyester, elastane | Adjustable: Yes

Bare Necessities

Someone shopping for a minimizer bra with the best band range, lots of different skin tone colors, and plenty of adjustability factors will love The Absolute Minimizer.

This is made with an underwire, and some may prefer a wireless bra instead.

When it comes to bras, size is everything. However, not every bra — including some of the best ones — comes in an inclusive band range. For the best band sizes, we recommend Bare Necessities The Absolute Minimizer Bra, which comes in bands 30 through 42 and cups D through I.

This size-inclusive minimizer bra also features unlined molded cups and an underwire for additional support and shaping while also minimizing breast size by up to one inch. Plus, the bra features a soft microfiber material that is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a good choice for daily wear.

Price at time of publish: $29.99 (orig. $58)

Band Range: 30-42 | Cup Range: D-I | Colors: Black, coco, delicacy, hazel, lagoon, lavender, bluestone | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Adjustable: Yes

Victoria's Secret

This lacey lingerie-style bra can minimize busts up to 1 inch and is super comfortable.

Someone looking for a lace minimizer bra with larger cup sizes, as this one is only offered from C to G.

While most minimizer bras feature solid fabrics and simple designs, you can still find some that moonlight as lingerie. Our top pick for this category is the Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Lace Balconette Minimizer Bra, which features a gorgeous layered mesh and lace look to provide shaping and smoothing while minimizing the bust by up to one inch.

Available in band sizes 34 through 44 and cup sizes C through G with adjustable straps, the lace minimizer bra is designed to give you a comfortable form fit while offering plenty of support and style, too.

Price at time of publish: $64.95

Band Range: 34-44 | Cup Range: C-G | Colors: Black, gray | Material: Polyester | Adjustable: Yes

Amazon

Someone shopping for an affordable minimizer bra in lots of colors will be happy with the options the Hsia bra offers.

Because of the lace design, it may not look as smooth under tight clothing as other bras on this list.

The Hsia Minimizer Bra doesn’t come in a super expansive color range, but it has some of the best colors available, including all of the basics like nude, cream, and black, plus some really fun hues, including several shades of purple, blues, and a gorgeous avocado green “oasis” color.

In addition to its colors, this minimizer bra features a stunning design made for heavy breasts and features non-stretchable lace, so the shape and support never give out. The bra also incorporates mesh fabric throughout the bra design, including on the wings, where it provides a smoothing effect.

Price at time of publish: $24.99

Band Range: 32-46 | Cup Range: C-H | Colors: Black, black and apricot, dark pink, dusty peach, white, light purple, light gray, light yellow, and more | Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester | Adjustable: Yes

Bare Necessities

Those looking for a minimizer bra with subtle lace detailing, a comfortable and breathable band, and smooth cups.

Those looking for a lace minimizer bra with lace cups, or those looking for more skin tone options.

After researching several options, we found that the Dominique Lena Minimizer Bra is the best lace option. We love it because instead of all-over lace — which could show through some materials, especially on the cups — this bra features a subtle lace band with comfortable scalloped edges and plenty of stretch. The bra is designed to decrease bust size by about 1 inch and features smooth and nearly seamless cups with underwire for extra support and adjustable straps for a better fit.

Price at time of publish: $49.50 (orig. $66)

Band Range: 30-42 | Cup Range: B-G | Colors: Black, nude | Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Amazon

Anyone shopping for a wireless minimizer bra with a mesh design and long-lasting comfort will appreciate this budget-friendly option.

Some may be looking for a minimizer bra in more skin tone colors or an option with an underwire.

According to Mia Mays, a bra fitting specialist and the founder of the Ultimate Bra Guide, the Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Bra is an excellent minimizer bra — and it costs less than $25. “This sweetheart bra minimizes your profile by up to 1.5 inches, making it great for those form-fitting tops,” she explains. “It’s also got this TruSupport system that means less bulge and no spillage.”

Additionally, the Playtex bra features wider straps which Mays says is nicer on the shoulders and doesn’t dig in or pinch, and it has a wireless design for added comfort.

Price at time of publish: $15.99 (orig. $39)

Band Range: 36-44 | Cup Range: C-DDD | Colors: Black, nude, white | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes

Similar to other bra types, you can find minimizer bras in both wired and wireless styles. Wireless bras are usually a go-to for additional comfort, while bras with underwire typically offer a little more support (though, not always).

The type of bra you choose can depend fully on personal preference — especially when the best wireless bras have equivalent support — but if you do choose an underwire option, Caldwell, says the underwire should fit all the way around the breast tissue and sit against the body, never on the breast.

For a comfortable and supportive wireless minimizer bra, consider the Delimira Seamless Plus Size Minimizer Bra, which features plenty of support and a super comfy design. If you need a little extra oomph, the Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizer Bra is designed with an underwire that sides directly under the breast to offer support without getting in the way.

For the best-fitting minimizer bra, Mays says to look for a wide band that fits snug without feeling too tight. “A wider band helps with support and keeps everything in place,” she explains. Mays adds that the straps also play a key role in fit and should always feel comfortable and have adjustability since they carry some of the breast weight and you don’t want them to dig into the shoulders.

All of the bras on our list feature thick bands and adjustable straps. However, if you want straps with some thickness to them — this adds to the comfort factor — consider the Exclare Comfort Wirefree Plus Size Minimizer Bra or the Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Bra.

According to mays, the cup design also matters a lot, especially when looking at a bra specifically for its minimizing benefits. “Full coverage cups help distribute your bust evenly, giving you that minimized look,” she explains. For added minimization, Mays also recommends looking at more seamless styles — such as the Delimira Seamless Plus Size Minimizer Bra — which can create a smoother look under clothing.

In addition to design features, the material also matters. “Look for something soft and breathable,” says Mays. She notes that high-quality minimizer bras are usually made from a cotton or synthetic material blend with good stretch and support. “This mix can offer a nice balance of comfort, flexibility, and durability,” she notes.

All bras on our list feature a button or synthetic material blend (such as nylon) with plenty of stretch. If you’re looking for a bra with lots of flexibility to withstand exercise, consider our top pick for the best sports bra, the Lorna Jane Compress & Compact Sports Bra.

If your goal is to reduce the appearance of your natural breasts by 1 to 2 sizes, then minimizer bras are definitely worth trying, as they can help you achieve this look. “Rather than lifting and centering, minimizer bras redistribute your breast tissue, creating a more spread-out and less protrusive profile,” Mays explains. “It’s like pushing your bust to the sides and flattening it a bit without squishing or causing discomfort.”

With that said, Mays says minimizer bras aren’t for making your bust physically smaller and instead about creating an illusion, sort of like shapewear. “Minimizer bras are all about reshaping, redistributing, and creating a different silhouette.”

“When it comes to comfort, minimizer bras are pretty much on par with other bras, but—as always—it all boils down to the fit,” says Mays. “If it’s the right size for you, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.”

To ensure a proper fit, make sure to order a minimizer bra in your true bra size (don’t size down) and look for features like adjustable straps and bands. If the bra features an underwire, make sure that the underwire sits below the breast and also has some padding around it so that it doesn’t end up poking your breast tissue or sides.

Minimizer bras might manipulate breast tissue toward the body, however, they are not a binder or corset, says Caldwell. Keeping that into consideration, you want your bra to fit snugly against the skin and breast without feeling too restrictive, pinching, poking, or pulling. “Bras are often like leggings and should fit close to the body without being painful,” Caldwell notes.

When trying on for size, make sure the bra band fits well on the first hook. Since bras are constructed from stretchy materials, they start to loosen over time, and when that occurs, you can adjust the band by moving up to the next hook over time.

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. To find the best minimizer bras, Jessie researched dozens of options, carefully considering the cup coverage, adjustability, comfort, design, and purpose. She also considered the underwire (or lack of) to find styles with the best support and durability, too. Additionally, Jessie reached out to bra experts Mia Mays, Kimmay Caldwell, and Melissa Franchi to learn more about what to look for in a minimizer bra and how to find the best one. As a result, she curated this list of top picks to make shopping for this shapewear-inspired bra style a bit easier.