The best minimiser bras - 6 supportive styles that will streamline your look

I love to celebrate and embrace my natural shape but there are times when I find my big boobs annoying and uncomfortable. The best minimiser bras are designed to support and redistribute breast tissue, creating a smaller and less prominent appearance, without actually reducing the size of your bust. Wearing a minimiser bra can boost your confidence and ensure a smoother silhouette under your clothes.

Shopping for the best bras can be an overwhelming experience as there are so many different bra 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 a wide variety of styles to find 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.

When choosing a new bra, the most important thing is to recognise how a bra should fit to ensure you are wearing the right size. A correctly fitting minimiser bra will feel comfortable, provide the support you need and, much like the best shapewear, help to make you look slimmer too. There isn't a huge range of minimiser bras on the market but after some online research I tried and tested 15 different styles and considered the level of visible size reduction, the overall look of the bra, how well it fits, how comfortable it feels, how easy it is to care for and the price tag too. I have selected my top 6 best-performing styles.

The quick list: my top 6

I have summarised and condensed my findings, and here follows 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 will find links to each review in full.

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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 got 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 simply 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 15 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 is everything you need to know about the 6 bras that I felt offered the best minimising effect.

Best minimiser bra overall

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 remove or wear the stretchy elastic straps as a cross-back style for a little more support, although 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. However this 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 machine-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

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Best Minimiser Bra for Sports

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

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Best Minimiser bra for Smoothest Silhouette

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

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Best Minimiser Bra For Style

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 their 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 didn'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 started to dig in and the lace trim on the straps begun 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

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Best Minimiser bra for Plus Sizes

The majority of the bras designed for bigger boobs have a high price tag and I wanted to investigate a cheaper brand 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 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 under 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, but it would be great to see other colour options. 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

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Best Non-Wired Minimiser Bra

Most minimiser bras are wired styles, but I was keen to review a non-wired option as many women find under wiring unsuitable or uncomfortable. I have worn various styles from Bravissimo in the past, because they specialise in bras in D+ cups. Their Cici Non Wired Bra was listed as a minimising style and I decided to give it a try.

The pinstripe pattern gives this bra a sleek and modern feel. It's a clean and simple design without any additional embellishments. The cups fully encompass the breasts and are constructed from 4 parts, including a side sling panel that pushes the breast slightly forwards, while still lightly compressing into shape. The straps were also easy to adjust. However, although the bra was a good fit it didn't feel supportive enough to wear for a long period of time or to do anything too active in it.

I loved how comfortable this bra felt to wear, the cotton lining was a big plus point. It provided enough support to keep my boobs in place while relaxing or going for a stroll and created a natural shape, with minimal uplift. I don't think it had a significant minimising effect on the size, but it did keep my boobs in place.

Find out more in my full Bravissimo CiCi Non-Wired Bra review

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How we tested the best minimiser bras

After extensively researching minimiser bras, both online and on the high street I selected 15 styles to put to the test. I ensured that I had the correct size (see below for tips on getting the right fit). I wore each of these styles for at least 4 days before eliminating my least favourites, based on the criteria below. 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. I then washed them to test their staying power, too.

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.
• 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 fastening that were used, and if they were sturdy enough to keep the bra in place. I then washed each bra 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 diminishes the quality.
• Comfort and support: Once I had noted the minimising effect of the bra I then 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 bra, from practical and functional to more glamorous options.

You can also learn more about how we test bras in this detailed guide.

Ones that just missed the list

Along with my final top six minimiser bras there were four styles that deserve a special mention. Here are the ones that nearly made the list...

Two great runners up in the Best Overall category were the Back Appeal Minimiser Bra by Wacoal and the Amourette Minimiser Bra by Triumph, both really great bras that were incredibly supportive and had good minimising effect, however, the M&S bra was ultimately more comfortable to wear over a longer period of time.

The B by Boutique Cleo lace wired minimiser bra from M&S was great value for money at £14, and perfect if you are looking for a young and fun style, I particularly loved the Bright Aqua colourway. This bra came a strong second in my Most Stylish category, but didn't feel as supportive as the Berlei Beauty Lace Bra.

Another sports bra that I tested was the High Octane Sports Bra by Freya Lingerie. Although not technically sold as a minimiser bra, this super supportive style gave me a great shape, looked good under my clothes and was comfy enough to wear for everyday.

How to choose minimiser bras

How you choose which is the best minimiser bra for you will depend on your size and shape. It's essential to wear the correct size in order for the minimising technology to work. I wouldn't advise wearing a bra that's too tight in order to feel more contained. 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 life 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 etc. 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. Much like shopping for the best jeans for your body type 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 if you have zero difference in inches you will be a AA cup size, one inch = A cup, two inches = B cup, 3 inches a C cup, 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 lay flat against the breast bone without sitting on any breast tissue. This is a sign 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 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.

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FAQs

How do minimiser bras work?

They will 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, there are plenty of options to suit different body shapes and preferred styles – so whether you’re looking for pretty lacy details or something simple, you’ll find a minimiser bra that works for you.

What are the benefits of a minimiser bra?

A well-fitting minimiser bra will support your bust and give you a streamlined look and make your bust look visually 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.

Do minimiser bras really work?

A minimiser bra won't actually reduce the size of your bust but will 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.

Jo West

Wacoal Europe are specialists in designing and manufacturing high quality, fashion conscious lingerie and bra-sized swimwear in a wealth of contemporary designs. The brand launched in 1949 in Japan and has since grown across international markets to provide lingerie to women in sizes 30 - 44 AA - FF.