Bras for Short Torsos That Won't Dig Into Your Stomach or Fall Off Your Shoulders
Having a short torso often means that bra straps are too long for you. It can also mean that the bands on many bras dig into your stomach. Ouch! It's no fun constantly fiddling with slipping, sliding straps, or having to pull, tug, or fuss with your bra all day. There are, fortunately, some ways to avoid these problems.
There are two things that can make a bra uncomfortable when you are short (particularly if you are short from your shoulders to your bustline). The first is those dratted too-long straps. The second is the band under the cups.
How to fix this?
There are three ways to solve these problems. The first is to get a bra with straps that are fully adjustable. Then you can move the little slider as far up or down (depending on the construction) as you like.
The second is to look for bras without bands (and definitely no long-line bras, they will be even more uncomfortable). No band means there's nothing to dig into your stomach.
A third option is a bra with an arched center panel. That pulls the center of the bra up and away from your stomach, so it won't irritate your skin.
I have grouped these bras by figure type, so scroll to find the style/combination that suits your body best.
Chantelle Amazone Underwire Bra
An excellent choice if you're petite and full figured (or full busted). Horizontal seams give you lift and side panels push you forward (no more side bulge).
Plus, the short underwires and arched center are perfect for women with short torsos. The styling ensures the bra won't dig in under your arms, or push into your stomach.
And, it's pretty too! The tops of the cups are sheer lace, edged with scalloped trim.
This is a classic style that Chantelle has been making for years (so it's not likely to be discontinued).
Sizes 32B to 44F. Available in black and ivory.
If you'd rather skip the wires altogether, it also comes in a soft cup style.
Fantasie Women's Smoothing Seamless Balcony Bra
Completely streamlined, with no lace, so there's no bumps or lumps under your shirts and blouses. This style has short underwires, so they won't rub your underarms; perfect if you're short or your height is in your legs.
This bra is molded, not contoured. That means it's shaped, but not padded. Contoured bras are thicker and stiffer. If you want a t-shirt bra, scroll down to the next style.
The bands are running slightly larger than normal, so you might try going down a band size and up a cup size to get the right fit.
UK sizes 30-38 D to G 40 D-F comes in white, beige, and black.
Fantasie Women's Smoothing T-Shirt Bra
Worried about "headlights"? Try the contoured Fantasie 4510. It's thicker and heavier than a molded bra to stop show through. Otherwise, the styling is to the balcony bra (there's no frills or lace, just two tiny bows on the straps and one in the center). This has a narrow center, so it's best if you are close-set. It's also got fuller coverage than the balcony style above.
This one runs a bit big in the cup, so adjust your sizing accordingly. Comes in beige or black, UK sizes 30C-H, 32C-H, 35, C-H, 36C-GG, 38C-G, 40D-F.
Panache Women's Porcelain Elan Plunge Bra
Super sleek, smooth, and polished, with plenty of lift and support for sagging breasts.
There's just enough padding to stop show-through, and it still manages to be lightweight and comfortable. No bows, no lace, just slightly shimmery straps.
The straps are fully adjustable and there's no band, so it's great if you have a short torso. The sides and back have control top material to keep you looking smooth. It can be worn the standard way, or criss-cross. Comes in black or beige, UK sizes 28DD-H; 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 D-H.
Elomi Women's Nina Underwire Bandless Bra
The bandless styling on this bra is great if you have a short torso (no extra fabric to dig in to your stomach). The arched center will also help keep the bottom of the bra from digging into your stomach.
This is cut-and-sewn, with both arched horizontal and vertical seams to give you plenty of lift, support, and a more rounded shape.
It's best if you're wide set, since the center panel is a wide triangle. There are slings on the sides to help push you forward, and give you a round shape. Oh, and it's pretty!
Beige, red or black leaf print in UK sizes 34G-JJ; 36, 38, 40, 42 E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J and JJ; and 44E-G.
Elomi Etta Underwire Convertible Bra
As Wendy pointed out in the comments, this style is particularly good for shorter, full-figured women. It has both short underwires and extra short sides. Shorter sides are less likely to dig in under your arms, and shorter wires are more comfortable if you are petite.
There's still plenty of support though. Side panels push you in from the sides and center your breast tissue, and the seaming helps give you lift and shaping. There's no band and the center is arched, so the bottom of the bra won't dig into your stomach.
The bottom is lined for modesty and support, and the top is mesh, with a bit of embroidery for looks.
It's also convertible, so you can wear the straps criss-crossed under tank tops.
Comes in beige and black, UK sizes 34G-JJ, 36-42 E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J and JJ and 44E-G.
Bali Cool Conceal Minimizer Bra
This Bali bra features both a bandless design and an arched, wide center panel. The design means better comfort if you have a short torso or a larger stomach.
You won't overheat in hot weather because the bra is made with moisture-wicking material. No summer sweating!
Plus, it's a minimizer, so it will be easier to button your shirts. And, there's enough padding to reduce show-through, without being heavy or stiff.
Comes in pearl, champagne, rum raisin (dark brown), lilac, and black and sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 D, DD, and DDD.
Vanity Fair Beauty Back Bra
Since this bra has completely adjustable straps you can shorten (or lengthen) them to get the perfect fit.
And, it's comfortable. The fabric is super-soft, and the straps feature extra cushioning underneath so they won't rub against your shoulders (a properly fitting bra shouldn't hurt). They are wide-set, so it's best if you have broader shoulders.
An arched, wide center panel is ideal for larger stomachs, short torsos, and wide-set breasts.
The sides and back are tall and made with special fabric designed to cut down the look of fat on your back and sides and eliminate lumps and bulges.
It's completely smooth except for a pretty lace detail along the bottom of, and between, the cups. Comes in white, champagne, toast, and black in sizes 36, 38, 40, 42 C, D, and DD.
Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Memory Touch T-Shirt Bra
The fabric on this bra is exceptionally soft, smooth, and comfortable. There's nothing to rub against your skin or show through clothing. Because it's made of memory foam, it will adjust to your shape for a better fit. There's no band, and the center is arched, so it's more comfortable for shorter bodies and women with larger stomachs. Keep in mind that the cups are also set far apart (it's a plunge style), so it's better if you are wide set.
Calvin Klein bras are generally "average bust", but this one has a greater than usual size range. Their bras do run small, in both the band and the cup, so you may want to size up.
Comes in sizes 30C-DD, 32A-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DDD, and 38B-DD and in pale toast, leopard, black, white, aqua, pale leopard, lupine blue, dark brown, and lavender.
Maidenform Comfort Devotion Embellished Demi Bra
No band and an arched center help short women stay comfortable.
It's got a foam lining, but just enough for modesty, rather than bulk. The cups are soft and flexible so they will move with you as you bend or walk.
There's also pretty lace between the cups and around the back of the band (this either matches or contrasts with the rest of the bra, depending on the color).
The straps are inset to keep them from sliding down your shoulders.
Comes in white, fog, black, shell, latte, black/beige, ivory/shell, navy/white dots, peach, bright pink, fuchsia/lilac, lilac/gray, red/beige, latte/ivory, peach/ivory, red, white/pink, and gray.
Sizes 32-38A, B, C, D, and DD. Maidenform tends to run small, and this is a plunge/demi-cup, so keep that in mind.
Warner's Cloud 9 Underwire Bra
This is super-soft both inside and out. There's a soft lining against your skin so it won't itch or scratch. It has padding, and a bit of lift, but not so much that you feel as if your bust is in your face. The straps are cushioned too, so they won't dig in to your shoulders.
And, as a bonus, it's back and side smoothing, so it will minimize back fat or bumps.
Comes in butterscotch, red, fig, black, pink, almond, white, and washed denim blue. Sizes 34-38B,C,D and 40C.
OnGossamer Beautifully Basic Lace Plunge Bra
A great bra for low-cut summer or holiday tops. The cups are a bit padded for better shaping.
There's also lace around the back for a bit of charm. And, it comes in bands as small as 30.
It's bandless, so it won't cut into your tummy. The racerback option (the J-hook in back) will effectively shorten the straps a bit more and give your bust a boost.
Comes in bright pink, champagne, poppy, fuchsia iris, violet, deep blue, plum, pomegranate, and riviera (blue green). Sizes are 30B-C, 32A-D, 34-36A-D, and 38B-C.
Natori Understated Contour Bra
A pared down bra with no frills or lace. It's made with a special lightweight fabric that breathes and dries quickly. You'll be cooler in hot weather and you won't have to wait all day for your bra to dry after you wash it.
There's a little bit of padding, mostly for shaping and modesty (rather than adding size or bulk).
The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. The arch and the bandless bottom will make it more comfortable if you are short. Natori runs a bit small (not as small as Maidenform or Calvin Klein though).
Comes in dark brown, black, cafe, raspberry, pale pink, bright pink (radish), camellia (warm pink), fiesta (orange), slate blue, violet, and yellow. Sizes 30A-D, 32, 34, 36 A-DDD, and 38B-DD.
If you have a small bust, and you're truly petite, Little Bra Company bras are perfect for you. The straps are shorter, the cups are more shallow and closer together, and the entire bra has been engineered specifically for shorter women.
Little Bra Company Julia Petite Bra
The Julia bra has some padding built-in at the bottom for more lift, plus extra pads which you can leave in or remove.
This style is also bandless (so it won't cut into your tummy).
It's convertible so you can wear it the usual way, criss-crossed, or strapless. That's OK in this case, since the bra is engineered specifically for shorter bodies.
Comes in beige/black in sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 A-C; 36 A-B. and 38A. You may want to sister size, as the bands are running large (so 32B should get 34A).
Little Bra Company Angela Bra
Designed just for petite women, with close-set cups and a shallower shape. The bra is padded (more generously at the bottom of the cups, lighter at the top) for better lift. The cups are especially close-set, so it's best if you are too. If you have wide set breasts, try the Yvonne instead.
Angela is bandless and has a plunging neckline for low-cut tops.
Comes in black or beige, sizes 28-34 A,B, C; 36 A, B and 38A.
Little Bra Company Lucie Deep Plunge Lace Bra
A truly beautiful bra lavished with lace across the cups and up the straps. It's designed just for petite figures too. No annoying band, and the cups are closer together than average.
The bands are a bit small in this style, so you may want to adjust your size upwards.
Comes in sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 A-C; 36 A, B; 38 A in black, red, beige, pale pink, bright pink, pink/black, and burgundy/gray.
There are two things that can make a bra uncomfortable when you are short (particularly if you are short from your shoulders to your bustline). The first is those dratted too-long straps. The second is the band under the cups.
How to fix this?
There are three ways to solve these problems. The first is to get a bra with straps that are fully adjustable. Then you can move the little slider as far up or down (depending on the construction) as you like.
The second is to look for bras without bands (and definitely no long-line bras, they will be even more uncomfortable). No band means there's nothing to dig into your stomach.
A third option is a bra with an arched center panel. That pulls the center of the bra up and away from your stomach, so it won't irritate your skin.
I have grouped these bras by figure type, so scroll to find the style/combination that suits your body best.
Bras for Women with Short Torsos and Full Busts
Chantelle Amazone Underwire Bra
An excellent choice if you're petite and full figured (or full busted). Horizontal seams give you lift and side panels push you forward (no more side bulge).
Plus, the short underwires and arched center are perfect for women with short torsos. The styling ensures the bra won't dig in under your arms, or push into your stomach.
And, it's pretty too! The tops of the cups are sheer lace, edged with scalloped trim.
This is a classic style that Chantelle has been making for years (so it's not likely to be discontinued).
Sizes 32B to 44F. Available in black and ivory.
If you'd rather skip the wires altogether, it also comes in a soft cup style.
Fantasie Women's Smoothing Seamless Balcony Bra
Completely streamlined, with no lace, so there's no bumps or lumps under your shirts and blouses. This style has short underwires, so they won't rub your underarms; perfect if you're short or your height is in your legs.
This bra is molded, not contoured. That means it's shaped, but not padded. Contoured bras are thicker and stiffer. If you want a t-shirt bra, scroll down to the next style.
The bands are running slightly larger than normal, so you might try going down a band size and up a cup size to get the right fit.
UK sizes 30-38 D to G 40 D-F comes in white, beige, and black.
Fantasie Women's Smoothing T-Shirt Bra
Worried about "headlights"? Try the contoured Fantasie 4510. It's thicker and heavier than a molded bra to stop show through. Otherwise, the styling is to the balcony bra (there's no frills or lace, just two tiny bows on the straps and one in the center). This has a narrow center, so it's best if you are close-set. It's also got fuller coverage than the balcony style above.
This one runs a bit big in the cup, so adjust your sizing accordingly. Comes in beige or black, UK sizes 30C-H, 32C-H, 35, C-H, 36C-GG, 38C-G, 40D-F.
Panache Women's Porcelain Elan Plunge Bra
Super sleek, smooth, and polished, with plenty of lift and support for sagging breasts.
There's just enough padding to stop show-through, and it still manages to be lightweight and comfortable. No bows, no lace, just slightly shimmery straps.
The straps are fully adjustable and there's no band, so it's great if you have a short torso. The sides and back have control top material to keep you looking smooth. It can be worn the standard way, or criss-cross. Comes in black or beige, UK sizes 28DD-H; 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 D-H.
Full Figure Bras for a Short Torso
Elomi Women's Nina Underwire Bandless Bra
The bandless styling on this bra is great if you have a short torso (no extra fabric to dig in to your stomach). The arched center will also help keep the bottom of the bra from digging into your stomach.
This is cut-and-sewn, with both arched horizontal and vertical seams to give you plenty of lift, support, and a more rounded shape.
It's best if you're wide set, since the center panel is a wide triangle. There are slings on the sides to help push you forward, and give you a round shape. Oh, and it's pretty!
Beige, red or black leaf print in UK sizes 34G-JJ; 36, 38, 40, 42 E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J and JJ; and 44E-G.
Elomi Etta Underwire Convertible Bra
As Wendy pointed out in the comments, this style is particularly good for shorter, full-figured women. It has both short underwires and extra short sides. Shorter sides are less likely to dig in under your arms, and shorter wires are more comfortable if you are petite.
There's still plenty of support though. Side panels push you in from the sides and center your breast tissue, and the seaming helps give you lift and shaping. There's no band and the center is arched, so the bottom of the bra won't dig into your stomach.
The bottom is lined for modesty and support, and the top is mesh, with a bit of embroidery for looks.
It's also convertible, so you can wear the straps criss-crossed under tank tops.
Comes in beige and black, UK sizes 34G-JJ, 36-42 E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J and JJ and 44E-G.
Bali Cool Conceal Minimizer BraThis Bali bra features both a bandless design and an arched, wide center panel. The design means better comfort if you have a short torso or a larger stomach.
You won't overheat in hot weather because the bra is made with moisture-wicking material. No summer sweating!
Plus, it's a minimizer, so it will be easier to button your shirts. And, there's enough padding to reduce show-through, without being heavy or stiff.
Comes in pearl, champagne, rum raisin (dark brown), lilac, and black and sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 D, DD, and DDD.
Vanity Fair Beauty Back Bra
Since this bra has completely adjustable straps you can shorten (or lengthen) them to get the perfect fit.
And, it's comfortable. The fabric is super-soft, and the straps feature extra cushioning underneath so they won't rub against your shoulders (a properly fitting bra shouldn't hurt). They are wide-set, so it's best if you have broader shoulders.
An arched, wide center panel is ideal for larger stomachs, short torsos, and wide-set breasts.
The sides and back are tall and made with special fabric designed to cut down the look of fat on your back and sides and eliminate lumps and bulges.
It's completely smooth except for a pretty lace detail along the bottom of, and between, the cups. Comes in white, champagne, toast, and black in sizes 36, 38, 40, 42 C, D, and DD.
Average Bust Bras for Women with Short Torsos
Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Memory Touch T-Shirt Bra
The fabric on this bra is exceptionally soft, smooth, and comfortable. There's nothing to rub against your skin or show through clothing. Because it's made of memory foam, it will adjust to your shape for a better fit. There's no band, and the center is arched, so it's more comfortable for shorter bodies and women with larger stomachs. Keep in mind that the cups are also set far apart (it's a plunge style), so it's better if you are wide set.
Calvin Klein bras are generally "average bust", but this one has a greater than usual size range. Their bras do run small, in both the band and the cup, so you may want to size up.
Comes in sizes 30C-DD, 32A-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DDD, and 38B-DD and in pale toast, leopard, black, white, aqua, pale leopard, lupine blue, dark brown, and lavender.
Maidenform Comfort Devotion Embellished Demi Bra
No band and an arched center help short women stay comfortable.
It's got a foam lining, but just enough for modesty, rather than bulk. The cups are soft and flexible so they will move with you as you bend or walk.
There's also pretty lace between the cups and around the back of the band (this either matches or contrasts with the rest of the bra, depending on the color).
The straps are inset to keep them from sliding down your shoulders.
Comes in white, fog, black, shell, latte, black/beige, ivory/shell, navy/white dots, peach, bright pink, fuchsia/lilac, lilac/gray, red/beige, latte/ivory, peach/ivory, red, white/pink, and gray.
Sizes 32-38A, B, C, D, and DD. Maidenform tends to run small, and this is a plunge/demi-cup, so keep that in mind.
Warner's Cloud 9 Underwire Bra
This is super-soft both inside and out. There's a soft lining against your skin so it won't itch or scratch. It has padding, and a bit of lift, but not so much that you feel as if your bust is in your face. The straps are cushioned too, so they won't dig in to your shoulders.
And, as a bonus, it's back and side smoothing, so it will minimize back fat or bumps.
Comes in butterscotch, red, fig, black, pink, almond, white, and washed denim blue. Sizes 34-38B,C,D and 40C.
Small Bust Bras for Short Torsos
OnGossamer Beautifully Basic Lace Plunge Bra
A great bra for low-cut summer or holiday tops. The cups are a bit padded for better shaping.
There's also lace around the back for a bit of charm. And, it comes in bands as small as 30.
It's bandless, so it won't cut into your tummy. The racerback option (the J-hook in back) will effectively shorten the straps a bit more and give your bust a boost.
Comes in bright pink, champagne, poppy, fuchsia iris, violet, deep blue, plum, pomegranate, and riviera (blue green). Sizes are 30B-C, 32A-D, 34-36A-D, and 38B-C.
Natori Understated Contour Bra
A pared down bra with no frills or lace. It's made with a special lightweight fabric that breathes and dries quickly. You'll be cooler in hot weather and you won't have to wait all day for your bra to dry after you wash it.
There's a little bit of padding, mostly for shaping and modesty (rather than adding size or bulk).
The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. The arch and the bandless bottom will make it more comfortable if you are short. Natori runs a bit small (not as small as Maidenform or Calvin Klein though).
Comes in dark brown, black, cafe, raspberry, pale pink, bright pink (radish), camellia (warm pink), fiesta (orange), slate blue, violet, and yellow. Sizes 30A-D, 32, 34, 36 A-DDD, and 38B-DD.
Petite Small Bust Bras for a Short Torso
If you have a small bust, and you're truly petite, Little Bra Company bras are perfect for you. The straps are shorter, the cups are more shallow and closer together, and the entire bra has been engineered specifically for shorter women.
Little Bra Company Julia Petite Bra
The Julia bra has some padding built-in at the bottom for more lift, plus extra pads which you can leave in or remove.
This style is also bandless (so it won't cut into your tummy).
It's convertible so you can wear it the usual way, criss-crossed, or strapless. That's OK in this case, since the bra is engineered specifically for shorter bodies.
Comes in beige/black in sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 A-C; 36 A-B. and 38A. You may want to sister size, as the bands are running large (so 32B should get 34A).
Little Bra Company Angela Bra
Designed just for petite women, with close-set cups and a shallower shape. The bra is padded (more generously at the bottom of the cups, lighter at the top) for better lift. The cups are especially close-set, so it's best if you are too. If you have wide set breasts, try the Yvonne instead.
Angela is bandless and has a plunging neckline for low-cut tops.
Comes in black or beige, sizes 28-34 A,B, C; 36 A, B and 38A.
Little Bra Company Lucie Deep Plunge Lace Bra
A truly beautiful bra lavished with lace across the cups and up the straps. It's designed just for petite figures too. No annoying band, and the cups are closer together than average.
The bands are a bit small in this style, so you may want to adjust your size upwards.
Comes in sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 A-C; 36 A, B; 38 A in black, red, beige, pale pink, bright pink, pink/black, and burgundy/gray.
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