We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Athleisure & Loungewear The 12 Best Minimizer Bras We Tested for Smoothing, Comfortable Support Our top pick is the expert-approved Playtex Women's 18 Hour Smoothing Minimizer Bra By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines and Kate Watson Kate Watson Kate Watson is a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE, focusing on fashion and beauty content. With an eye for detail and a love for deep-dive research, Kate strives to deliver engaging stories that make shopping for what you need (or just want) easier. Her words have also been featured in Bridal Guide magazine and NeimanMarcus.com. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 21, 2024 11:40AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People Minimizer bras are like shapewear for your chest. Similar to some bras made for large breasts, minimizer bras create an illusion of smaller breasts when worn under tight-fitting clothing. Experts Say “A minimizer bra is meant to reduce the bust circumference and volume. 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.”—Kimmay Caldwell, Undergarment Educator and Coach We tested 20 minimizer bras and consulted experts to find the best wired and wireless designs in different materials and styles. From everyday styles to gorgeous lingerie-worthy designs, discover which of these 12 best minimizer bras best create the illusion of a smaller bust while providing comfort and support. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Wirefree Bra at Amazon $39 $18 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Bare The Absolute Minimizer at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Strapless: Wacoal Minimizer Bra at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best Shape: Soma Unbelievable Minimizer at Soma.com Jump to Review Best Investment: Chantelle Minimizer Bra at Amazon $78 Jump to Review Best Wireless: ZeroBound Women's Minimizer Bra at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Design: Victoria's Secret Invisible Lift Full-Coverage Minimizer Bra at Victoriassecret.com Jump to Review Best Coverage: Thirdlove 24/7 Unlined Minimizer Bra at QVC $64 Jump to Review Best Lace: Lilyette By Bali Minimizer Underwire Bra at Balibras.com Jump to Review Best Durable: Le Mystère Smooth Shape Wireless Minimizer at Lemystere.com Jump to Review Best Overall Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Wirefree Bra PHOTO: Amazon $39 $18 at Amazon $32 at Kohls.com View on Jcpenney.com Star Qualities Effectively minimizes up to 1.5 inches Budget-friendly Full-coverage, stay-put wireless support that’s comfortable Stretchy, breathable material and adjustable straps Red Flags Straps could be thicker but are still very comfortable and supportive Our top pick is the Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Bra, which noticeably reduced our tester’s 38DDD bust while maintaining a natural shape and full coverage under fitted tops. It earned a perfect score for its all-day wireless comfort and top-notch support. Our tester loved it so much they quickly bought more! Another standout feature is the stretchy, breathable material that moves with you. The adjustable straps offer a stay-put, customizable fit — though we wouldn’t mind them being a bit wider for extra comfort. Priced under $40 and often available on sale, this is a reliable, stylish, everyday minimizer bra you’ll reach for again and again. Band Range: 36-44 | Cup Range: C-DDD | Colors: Black, white, taupe | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Experts Say According to Mia Mays, a bra-fitting specialist and founder of the Ultimate Bra Guide, the Playtex Smoothing Minimizer Bra’s sweetheart neckline “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.” Best Overall, Runner-Up Bare The Absolute Minimizer PHOTO: Bare Necessities $48 at Amazon View on Barenecessities.com Star Qualities Excellent comfort, support, and lift with non-irritating underwire Soft, breathable fabric and adjustable straps Inclusive band sizing and skin tone colors Red Flags Higher price Not ideal for those seeking a wireless design Like the Playtex Women's 18 Hour Smoothing Minimizer Bra, this Bare Necessities option comfortably supports and minimizes the bust for all-day wear but comes in a broader size and color range. It minimized our tester’s 38D bust by up to an inch, and they loved its soft, breathable fabric and adjustable stay-put straps — which never caused bulging or spillage. The price tag may be too steep for some, but we think the quality, fit, comfort, and support make it worth the investment — especially when select colors go on sale. Band Range: 30-42 | Cup Range: D-I | Colors: 13 | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Experts Say Although this bra style could technically work for most bust sizes, Melissa Franchi, founder of Navaeh Intimates, says that minimizer bras are ideal for “women with fuller breasts and softer breast tissue who want comfort, function, and to reduce the appearance of their cup size.” Best Strapless Wacoal Minimizer Bra PHOTO: Wacoal $70 at Amazon $72 at Nordstrom $72 at Zappos Star Qualities Highly effective bust minimizing for a strapless bra Good coverage and support Stays put with reinforcements and a four-hook band Comfortable, durable mesh fabric Red Flags Fabric doesn’t lay smoothly under clothes Best for D-DD bust sizes (may not be as effective past DD) It’s hard to imagine a strapless bra that both minimizes and supports, but it does exist: the Wacoal Visual Effects Strapless Minimizer Bra. Our tester praised it as “very effective” in reducing their 38D bust. They credited its stay-put fit to the four-hook back clasp and silicone straps along the top and bottom, which provide strong support to keep everything in place. The mesh fabric feels soft, comfortable, and durable, though it’s not ideal under smooth materials like silk or satin since it doesn’t lay flat. This is one of our highest-scoring minimizing bras, offering reliable, discreet support. We recommend it for those with a D to DD bust size, as we’re unsure if it would be as effective for sizes past that range. Band Range: 32-44 | Cup Range: C-I | Colors: 6 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Shape Soma Unbelievable Minimizer PHOTO: Soma View on Soma.com Star Qualities Effectively minimizes bust Creates a natural shape Great coverage and support Soft and comfortable Red Flags Fabric is very thin and see-through Not suitable under thin clothing Excess fabric at the top of cups Runs a bit big If you love the look and feel of a T-shirt bra but want minimization benefits, consider the Soma Unbelievable Minimizer bra. Thanks to its thinner underwire, it reduced our tester’s breast size by several inches, offering a more natural shape and comfortable fit than the ThirdLove Unlined Minimizer Bra, which they also tried. While it provided full-coverage support without spillage, there were some fit issues with excess fabric gathering at the top of the cups. The bra also lacked adjustability compared to others. Though the fabric is soft and durable, its thinness made it less reliable under equally thin shirts. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a comfortable, natural-looking option, particularly suited for colder months when worn under thicker clothing. Band Range: 34-44 | Cup Range: C-H | Colors: Black, pale sand | Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra elastane, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Experts Say 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. Best Investment Chantelle Minimizer Bra PHOTO: Nordstrom $78 at Amazon $50 at Nordstrom $78 at Zappos Star Qualities Excellent minimizing without flattening Superior support with its wide band with a three-hook clasp Reduces bouncing and appearance of back fat Snug comfortable fit and soft fabric Red Flags Most expensive on our list Decorative charm can be visible through thin clothes Feels tight after 12+ hour wear At $78, the Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizer Bra is the most expensive bra on our list but we feel it justifies the cost. It received a near-perfect overall score from our tester for its high quality, next-level support, and ability to minimize their chest by an inch without flattening. Its snug yet comfortable fit and full-coverage cups secured their bust without bounce or spillage, and the wide stay-put band smooths without creating any bulge. That said, the underwire felt tight after 12+ hours. Its V-neckline and slender straps make it suitable under most clothes, though the decorative center charm is visible through sheer fabrics and seems mildly adolescent. If you’re willing to splurge, we recommend this bra as a flattering, supportive, and comfortable choice. Band Range: 32-44 | Cup Range: C-I | Colors: 7 | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Wireless ZeroBound Women's Minimizer Bra PHOTO: Amazon $32 $29 at Amazon Star Qualities Snug yet comfortable fit Smooth and durable Discrete inner seams Great support without underwire Red Flags Bulky structure took away from any noticeable minimizing effect Wireless bras are known for their comfort and natural shape, and the ZeroBound minimizer offers that and underwire-level support — a pleasant surprise to our tester, who typically opts for wired styles. They appreciated its comfortable stay-put band, lengthy adjustable straps, and smooth interior fabric and seams, which felt especially comfortable on hot days. Despite our tester’s 38DD bust decreasing by an inch, they didn’t have a noticeable minimizing effect, likely due to the bra’s bulky structure and lace texture; it actually seemed to make their shirt fit tighter. While it may not deliver the desired bust reduction, it’s a well-constructed option for those seeking both wireless comfort and wire-like support. Band Range: 36–50 | Cup Range: B-I | Colors: 13 | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Design Victoria's Secret Invisible Lift Full-Coverage Minimizer Bra PHOTO: Victoria's Secret View on Victoriassecret.com Star Qualities Effective bust minimizing while maintaining a natural shape Soft, comfortable, breathable material Lace isn’t noticeable under clothing Red Flags Adjustable straps are on the thinner side Occasional spillage One of the most effective bra minimizers we tested was this Victoria’s Secret pick. Made of unique elastic fibers, it reduced our tester’s 36DDD bust appearance by 1.5 inches while maintaining a natural shape. It provided enough lift and support for daily wear without feeling restrictive, and the soft, breathable lace was surprisingly discreet under clothing. We’re big fans of adjustable straps, but we wished they were more substantial to avoid end-of-day shoulder discomfort, especially for those with larger busts. Our tester also noticed occasional top-cup spillage that required some adjusting. Overall, this bra is great for anyone who wants a stylish, non-restrictive minimizer bra for daily wear. Band Range: 32–44 | Cup Range: C-G | Colors: 10 | Material: Recycled Polyamide, polyamide, elastane, recycled elastane | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Coverage Thirdlove 24/7 Unlined Minimizer Bra PHOTO: Thirdlove $64 at QVC $76 at Thirdlove.com $76 at Neiman Marcus Star Qualities Full coverage with no spillage Effective minimizing Buttery soft fabric Thick adjustable straps and supportive design Red Flags Thin cups Not suitable for all-day wear due to uncomfortable underwire The ThirdLove Unlined Minimizer bra gave our tester more confidence to wear zip- and button-up shirts because it supported, gave a natural lift to, and evenly distributed their 38D bust with no spillover. “It doesn’t feel like my bust is as heavy,” they said, crediting the thick adjustable straps. It also reduced their chest appearance by three inches! Unfortunately, the cups are thin, and the thick underwire comes up high in between breasts and tends to ride up — a little uncomfortable for all-day wear. Aside from these drawbacks, our tester continues to wear it and suggests it for those seeking comfort, support, and confidence in fitted clothes. Band Range: 32–44 | Cup Range: B-H | Colors: Black, taupe | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Lace Lilyette By Bali Minimizer Underwire Bra PHOTO: Bali Bras View on Balibras.com $23 at Macy's View on Kohls.com Star Qualities Excellent coverage and support without spillage or bulging Fits true to size with wide adjustable straps Smooth, breathable fabric is durable Comfortable for all-day wear Red Flags Lace material can show through thin clothes Doesn’t significantly minimize Spreads breasts apart rather than centering Every bra collection needs a no-frills everyday style but also a beautifully designed one that feels sexy, even if just for yourself. This Lilyette by Bali Minimizer Underwire Bra combines both, providing smooth, comfortable support and lift beneath T-shirts with delicate, non-itchy lace along the top cups that lend a sweet touch and extra breathability. That said, finding the best silhouettes and fabrics to wear this under may require trial and error, as the high-coverage cups and lace details can peek out from V-necklines and through thinner clothes. We didn’t notice a huge difference in how it minimized our chest, but we saw it give our bust a somewhat 1950s-style cone shape that might not be for everyone. Band Range: 34–44 | Cup Range: C-G | Colors: 5 | Material: Lace, nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Durable Le Mystère Smooth Shape Wireless Minimizer PHOTO: Le Mystere View on Lemystere.com Star Qualities Very durable fabric with a cooling effect Effectively reduces bust by 1 to 2 sizes Good coverage and adjustable straps Red Flags Compression is a bit strong and uncomfortable Smushes chest rather than lifting Lacks support (more compression) We’re all about purchasing things made to last, and from our testing, we found that this Le Mystère bra looks as good as new after multiple wears, washes, and air dries. It was our tester’s first time trying a minimizer bra, and they were most impressed by the soft, cooling fabric that felt extra nice on hot days. It effectively reduced their bust by 2 inches but did so via a somewhat uncomfortable smushed compression, similar to some sports bras. The bra’s excess fabric can also be visible under lower-cut tops. Although it's ideal for those wanting to appear smaller without overheating, it's less suitable for those seeking more support. Size Range: S–XXL | Colors: Black, natural | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Most Comfortable Bali One Smooth U Ultra Light Minimizer Underwire Bra PHOTO: Bali View on Balibras.com $20 at Macy's View on Kohls.com Star Qualities Comfortable, buttery soft fabric that’s durable Breathable, non-restrictive band Slight reduction in breast size while maintaining natural shape Full coverage Red Flags No lift Lightly supportive (not enough structure for those seeking more support) The Bali One Smooth U Ultra Light Minimizer Underwire Bra’s buttery-soft fabric is breathable and “extremely comfortable” for all-day wear — so much so that our tester almost forgot they were wearing it! The full-coverage foam cups, non-restrictive wide band, and thick, adjustable straps (which stay put and can be crisscrossed) add to the barely-there feel, but it lacked the full bust minimization, support, and lift our tester hoped for. We’d suggest this to those with a larger chest who prioritize comfort over drastically reducing their bust appearance. Band Range: 34–42 | Cup Range: C-DDD | Colors: Black, white, taupe, sandshell | Material: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Experts Say “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.” For a proper fit, order a minimizer bra in your true size (don’t size down) and look for adjustable straps and bands. If it has an underwire, ensure it sits below the breast with padding to prevent poking. Most Supportive Honeylove CrossOver Bra PHOTO: Honeylove $69 at Nordstrom View on Honeylove.com $69 at Barenecessities.com Star Qualities Natural look with good support and coverage Seamless design, adjustable straps, and doesn’t dig into skin Really comfortable Strong construction lends support and durability Red Flags Constantly needed to adjust padding for best fit Higher price than most Another comfortable bra option is the viral HoneyLove Crossover Bra, which provides a similar natural shape to the Bali bra but with much more support despite being wireless. Its solid yet seamless construction works in secret to comfortably lift breasts without leaving an outline beneath clothes — something our tester was wowed by. They also appreciated the stay-put adjustable straps for a custom fit and the level of cup padding, though they found adjusting the padding before each wear to be an annoying, time-consuming drawback. This bra offers a just-right balance of support and comfort but wasn’t as effective as others at minimizing bust appearance. The padding issue and its higher price could be a deterrent for some, but we think it’s worth it. Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 15 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes PHOTO: People PHOTO: Byrdie PHOTO: People Others We Tried Vanity Fair Full Figure Underwire Minimizer: There’s a lot to like about this underwire bra from Vanity: It’s affordable, very comfortable, and offers great coverage and a natural bust shape. Unfortunately, it didn’t minimize our chest, but it separates the bust well and smooths under clothes, so we’d still recommend it as an everyday option for large busts. Simone Pérèle Andora Minimizer: This minimizer scored overall better than others on our shortlist for its quality, comfortable fit with adjustable straps, ample coverage, and somewhat minimizing abilities (about half an inch). However, the narrow band with two hooks highlights back fat, making it less effective under clothes. We also didn’t love the lace design, particularly the oversized bow in the center, and the considerable cost. Lively Minimizer Bra: This is a good option if you’re looking for a super soft, breathable everyday bra with thick straps and well-fitted cups; however, we didn’t have any bust minimization as advertised. We also recommend sizing up as it runs small, and the tight band with underwire felt restrictive and pokey. Hsia Minimizer Bra: This lightweight, budget-friendly bra provides good (but not full) coverage and a natural shape without spillage but has no noticeable minimizing effect. Though beautiful, the lace pattern is visible beneath clothing and doesn’t offer the softness we’d prefer for daily wear. People What to Know About Minimizer Bras Wired vs. Wireless Similar to other types, minimizer bras come 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 minimizer 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, fitting expert Kimmay 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 Playtex Women's 18 Hour Smoothing 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. Band and Straps For the best-fitting minimizer bra, Mia Mays of the Ultimate Bra Guide 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 the minimizer bras on our list feature thick bands and adjustable straps. However, if you want thick straps that add to the comfort factor, consider the Playtex Women's 18 Hour Smoothing Minimizer Bra. Cup Design According to Mays, 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. Material 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 the minimizer bras on our list feature a cotton or synthetic material blend (such as nylon) with plenty of stretch, including our pick for the most comfortable minimizer bra, the Bali One Smooth U Ultra Light Minimizer Underwire Bra. People Behind the Scenes We researched countless minimizing bras before narrowing our testing pool to 20 styles, which we wore for 640 hours to find the very best. We rated each on a five-point scale for the following attributes. Effectiveness: We each used measuring tape before and after trying on our minimizer bras to determine how much they reduced the appearance of our breasts, along with noting their shape, coverage, and any spillage or bulging. Fit: Then, we assessed whether it fit our usual size, had adjustable features, and stayed in place without riding up throughout wear. Comfort: The feel of a minimizing bra might deter one from wearing it, so we carefully noted how the fabric felt against our skin and its comfort level throughout the day. Support: Adequate support is essential for any bra, so we also noticed how well the cups, band, and straps maintained our chest, particularly if any underwire styles felt restrictive or pokey. Quality: During the testing period, we wore our minimizer bras at least four times and washed them at least one to two times to determine the fabric's durability and construction. Eight of the 20 minimizer bras we tested earned an average rating of 4.3 or higher, with the top spot going to the Playtex Women's 18 Hour Smoothing Minimizer Bra and the runner-up spot to Bare Necessities The Absolute Minimizer. Frequently Asked Questions Do minimizer bras actually work? If your goal is to reduce the appearance of your natural breasts by up to two 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.” That said, Mays says minimizer bras aren’t for making your bust physically smaller but rather for creating an illusion, sort of like shapewear. “Minimizer bras are all about reshaping, redistributing, and creating a different silhouette.” Is it better for minimizer bras to be tight or loose? Minimizer bras might manipulate breast tissue toward the body, however, they are not a binder or corset, says Caldwell. Keeping that in consideration, you want your bra to fit snugly against the skin and breasts 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. Why Trust PEOPLE? 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 it) to find styles with the best support and durability. 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. After further testing these and more minimizer bras, contributing commerce writer Kate Watson updated our findings with fresh insights to keep you informed on the latest and best. Our Expert Panel Mia Mays is a bra expert and editor of the Ultimate Bra Guide. Kimmay Caldwell is a bra expert and undergarment educator. Melissa Franchi is a bra expert and the owner/creative director at Nevaeh Intimates. What is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.