Bras with Fully Adjustable or Short Straps for Petite and Shorter Women
If you have a short upper body, you'll need a bra with short straps. The trouble with most standard bras is that the straps are too long for you. Not only will that make it hard to adjust them properly, it also means the straps are likely to slide off your shoulders.
First, make sure you're wearing the right band size. Larger band bras tend to have longer straps. Sometimes a smaller band can help fix the problem. Just make sure it's not too small; you don't want to get squeezed!
Another trick is to try a bra with a J-hook in the back. That will effectively shorten the straps as they are pulled closer together.
If that isn't enough, here are some bras made with short or fully adjustable straps.
I have grouped them so you can find the right style to fit your bust size and body shape (average bust, small bust, full bust, and full figure).
These are best if you are short between your shoulders and the top of your bustline.
If you are truly petite, then you'll need bras designed to fit petite women. Depending on your size, check out bras for small busted petite women or these bras for full-figured petite women.
Vanity Fair Wire Free Beauty Back Bra
This style is completely smooth and has no wires to irritate you (or cut into your skin). The straps are inset, to reduce slippage, and can be adjusted along their entire length. This helps you get the right fit for your shape and height.
There's no lace or embroidery; the only decoration is a tiny ornament between the cups. The back is constructed to reduce the appearance of back fat (so no wires and no bulges either). Best for wide-set breasts, as the center panel is wide.
Comes in white, champagne, beige, and black in US sizes 34B-C; and 36, 39, 40 B, C, D.
Wacoal Embrace Lace Bra
This bra is both practical and glamorous. There's no padding, but the inner slings help lift and support your bust. The straps slide all the way down the front and back so you can get the right length.
The center panel is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. Comes in white, dark tan, beige, ivory, lilac, navy, iris, and black with contrasting lace on the cups and along the band (both front and back). US sizes 32 B-DD; 34, 36, 38 B-DDD, and 40 D and DD.
Calvin Klein Invisibles
No seams, no stitches along the band bottom, no itching! Note that this has high sides to control bulges. Great if you have them, but be aware that while the wire stops well short of the underarm, that extra fabric they may hit under your arms if you also have a short torso. It is bandless, so that's more comfortable if you have a bigger stomach.
Comes in black, cappuccino, beige, and red. US sizes 34, 36, 38 C, D, and DD (runs small).
Maidenform Comfort Devotion Bra
The foam in this bra helps it keep its shape and mold to fit your body. It's entirely seamless and smooth (except for a lace inset on the cups).
There's also no band, so it is a good option if you have a larger stomach.
Comes in US sizes 32, 34, 36A-DD, and 38B-DD. I realize that DD isn't really small, but since Maidenform runs small (in both bands and cups) I've put this in the small bust section. You may need to size up. Available in navy and latte.
Natori Womens Pure Luxe Bra
This is both contoured and padded (so you'll get a size increase). Since the cups are far apart, it's best if you are wide-set. The cups and sides are seamless and the elastic is covered, so it won't irritate your skin.
Comes in beige or black, US sizes 32A-DD, 34A-DD, 36A-DD. The sizing situation is similar to the Maidenform (though Natori is not as small). Natori isn't as small as Calvin Klein or Maidenform, but you may need to size up in this one, particularly in the cup size.
Panache Envy Balconnet Bra
This bra has fully adjustable straps (up to a G cup), which are ironically, good for both tall and short women. You just move the slider wherever you like to get the right length. The underwires are short, so they won't dig in under your arms.
There's also plenty of support on the sides (to push you forward and minimize bulges) and in the back to minimize back fat.
With all that, it's pretty too. That peacock blue is just gorgeous.
Comes in ivory, beige, coral, navy blue, red, and black in UK sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 D-K. Note that the straps for cup sizes above a G do not fully adjust.
Panache Porcelain Elan T-Shirt Bra
If you prefer a smoother look, try this Panache style. It's contoured. which means it's thicker for less chance of show through.
The cups are slightly stretchy, so it's a good choice if you are a bit uneven. It is designed to flatter fuller, rounder shapes so it may not fit as well if you are shallow.
Another bonus for shorter women is that there's no band and the center is arched. This will make it more comfortable, as banded bras can dig into your stomach (especially if you're short).
The straps are fully adjustable so you can get just the right length. They can also be worn criss-cross in back.
Comes in beige, wine, slate blue, and black, UK sizes 28DD-H, 30-38 D-H.
Chantelle Velvet Touch Multi-part Bra
Thanks to the velvety leaf pattern on this bra, you'll feel like you're wearing a party dress. Even if it's just an ordinary Tuesday.
Multiple part cups mean great support, and help keep you centered and pushed forward. The fabric is soft microfiber so it won't scratch your skin either.
If you want, you can wear it racerback (there's a J-hook in the back).
Wide center panel is best if you're wide-set.
EU sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 D-I; 42 D-F, and 42B-G in black, white, and dark tan.
Elomi Bijou Bra
This has super-soft fabric for comfort and a bit of elastic along the cups for a better fit. It's got super strong mesh on the sides and back to control unsightly bulges and minimize back fat.
The sides are cut low, so it shouldn't dig in under your arms. There's a J-hook in the back so you can wear it as a racerback under sleeveless tops.
Since the straps are inset (closer together), they are less likely to slide off.
Comes in black and beige in UK sizes 34 G-H; 36, 38, 40, 42 E-H; 44E-G
Elomi Raquel Bra
This bra provides great support, with seams going both across and vertically on the cups. Side slings push you forward and control fabric minimizes back and side bulges.
US sizes 34G, GG, H, HH, J, and JJ; 36E-JJ; 38, 40, 42 DD-JJ; 44DD-G in taupe, sapphire, and black floral lace with sheer insets. It does have a band, but the center is arched. If you have a big stomach this may (or may not) work for you depending on your shape.
Elila Embroidered Bra
This bra is a support and lift superstar. There's seaming for support, plus slings inside the cups.
If that's not enough, it also has boning in the sides (to keep everything smooth and controlled).
The center panel is arched, so it won't dig into your stomach.
Comes in sky blue and black, EU sized 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 D, E, F, G, H, and I (check the chart).
Wacoal Visual Effects Bra
Get a lifted, natural-looking shape without any weird bulges. You'll get the minimizing effect you need to button your blouses, without being squished.
The cups are seamless and have a pretty mixed floral and geometric pattern. There's elastic along the tops of the cups and the top of the band, so it will mold to fit your shape better.
It's bandless, and the center is arched, to stay up and away from your stomach. The middle panel is narrow, so it's best if you are close-set.
Comes in black, sand, white, gray, and dark taupe. US sizes 30G, H; 32, 34, 36, 38 C, D, DD, DDD, G, and H, and 40 C-G.
First, make sure you're wearing the right band size. Larger band bras tend to have longer straps. Sometimes a smaller band can help fix the problem. Just make sure it's not too small; you don't want to get squeezed!
Another trick is to try a bra with a J-hook in the back. That will effectively shorten the straps as they are pulled closer together.
If that isn't enough, here are some bras made with short or fully adjustable straps.
I have grouped them so you can find the right style to fit your bust size and body shape (average bust, small bust, full bust, and full figure).
These are best if you are short between your shoulders and the top of your bustline.
If you are truly petite, then you'll need bras designed to fit petite women. Depending on your size, check out bras for small busted petite women or these bras for full-figured petite women.
Fit Note
Bras with fully adjustable straps allow you to move the slider anywhere you like along the length of the strap, for the perfect fit.Bras with Fully Adjustable or Short Straps (Average Bust)
Vanity Fair Wire Free Beauty Back Bra
This style is completely smooth and has no wires to irritate you (or cut into your skin). The straps are inset, to reduce slippage, and can be adjusted along their entire length. This helps you get the right fit for your shape and height.
There's no lace or embroidery; the only decoration is a tiny ornament between the cups. The back is constructed to reduce the appearance of back fat (so no wires and no bulges either). Best for wide-set breasts, as the center panel is wide.
Comes in white, champagne, beige, and black in US sizes 34B-C; and 36, 39, 40 B, C, D.
Wacoal Embrace Lace Bra
This bra is both practical and glamorous. There's no padding, but the inner slings help lift and support your bust. The straps slide all the way down the front and back so you can get the right length.
The center panel is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. Comes in white, dark tan, beige, ivory, lilac, navy, iris, and black with contrasting lace on the cups and along the band (both front and back). US sizes 32 B-DD; 34, 36, 38 B-DDD, and 40 D and DD.
Calvin Klein Invisibles
No seams, no stitches along the band bottom, no itching! Note that this has high sides to control bulges. Great if you have them, but be aware that while the wire stops well short of the underarm, that extra fabric they may hit under your arms if you also have a short torso. It is bandless, so that's more comfortable if you have a bigger stomach.
Comes in black, cappuccino, beige, and red. US sizes 34, 36, 38 C, D, and DD (runs small).
Bras with Short/Fully Adjustable Straps (Small Bust)
Maidenform Comfort Devotion Bra
The foam in this bra helps it keep its shape and mold to fit your body. It's entirely seamless and smooth (except for a lace inset on the cups).
There's also no band, so it is a good option if you have a larger stomach.
Comes in US sizes 32, 34, 36A-DD, and 38B-DD. I realize that DD isn't really small, but since Maidenform runs small (in both bands and cups) I've put this in the small bust section. You may need to size up. Available in navy and latte.
Natori Womens Pure Luxe Bra
This is both contoured and padded (so you'll get a size increase). Since the cups are far apart, it's best if you are wide-set. The cups and sides are seamless and the elastic is covered, so it won't irritate your skin.
Comes in beige or black, US sizes 32A-DD, 34A-DD, 36A-DD. The sizing situation is similar to the Maidenform (though Natori is not as small). Natori isn't as small as Calvin Klein or Maidenform, but you may need to size up in this one, particularly in the cup size.
Bras with Short/Fully Adjustable Straps (Full Bust)
Panache Envy Balconnet Bra
This bra has fully adjustable straps (up to a G cup), which are ironically, good for both tall and short women. You just move the slider wherever you like to get the right length. The underwires are short, so they won't dig in under your arms.
There's also plenty of support on the sides (to push you forward and minimize bulges) and in the back to minimize back fat.
With all that, it's pretty too. That peacock blue is just gorgeous.
Comes in ivory, beige, coral, navy blue, red, and black in UK sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 D-K. Note that the straps for cup sizes above a G do not fully adjust.
Fit Note
Avoid bras with criss-cross straps. The straps are longer than average, and will be too long for you.Panache Porcelain Elan T-Shirt Bra
If you prefer a smoother look, try this Panache style. It's contoured. which means it's thicker for less chance of show through.
The cups are slightly stretchy, so it's a good choice if you are a bit uneven. It is designed to flatter fuller, rounder shapes so it may not fit as well if you are shallow.
Another bonus for shorter women is that there's no band and the center is arched. This will make it more comfortable, as banded bras can dig into your stomach (especially if you're short).
The straps are fully adjustable so you can get just the right length. They can also be worn criss-cross in back.
Comes in beige, wine, slate blue, and black, UK sizes 28DD-H, 30-38 D-H.
Chantelle Velvet Touch Multi-part Bra
Thanks to the velvety leaf pattern on this bra, you'll feel like you're wearing a party dress. Even if it's just an ordinary Tuesday.
Multiple part cups mean great support, and help keep you centered and pushed forward. The fabric is soft microfiber so it won't scratch your skin either.
If you want, you can wear it racerback (there's a J-hook in the back).
Wide center panel is best if you're wide-set.
EU sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 D-I; 42 D-F, and 42B-G in black, white, and dark tan.
Full Figure Bras with Fully Adjustable Straps
Elomi Bijou Bra
This has super-soft fabric for comfort and a bit of elastic along the cups for a better fit. It's got super strong mesh on the sides and back to control unsightly bulges and minimize back fat.
The sides are cut low, so it shouldn't dig in under your arms. There's a J-hook in the back so you can wear it as a racerback under sleeveless tops.
Since the straps are inset (closer together), they are less likely to slide off.
Comes in black and beige in UK sizes 34 G-H; 36, 38, 40, 42 E-H; 44E-G
This bra provides great support, with seams going both across and vertically on the cups. Side slings push you forward and control fabric minimizes back and side bulges.
US sizes 34G, GG, H, HH, J, and JJ; 36E-JJ; 38, 40, 42 DD-JJ; 44DD-G in taupe, sapphire, and black floral lace with sheer insets. It does have a band, but the center is arched. If you have a big stomach this may (or may not) work for you depending on your shape.
This bra is a support and lift superstar. There's seaming for support, plus slings inside the cups.
If that's not enough, it also has boning in the sides (to keep everything smooth and controlled).
The center panel is arched, so it won't dig into your stomach.
Comes in sky blue and black, EU sized 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 D, E, F, G, H, and I (check the chart).
Wacoal Visual Effects Bra
Get a lifted, natural-looking shape without any weird bulges. You'll get the minimizing effect you need to button your blouses, without being squished.
The cups are seamless and have a pretty mixed floral and geometric pattern. There's elastic along the tops of the cups and the top of the band, so it will mold to fit your shape better.
It's bandless, and the center is arched, to stay up and away from your stomach. The middle panel is narrow, so it's best if you are close-set.
Comes in black, sand, white, gray, and dark taupe. US sizes 30G, H; 32, 34, 36, 38 C, D, DD, DDD, G, and H, and 40 C-G.
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