Minimizer bras - do they work? - YouLookFab Forum

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Minimizer bras - do they work?

Tanya

Veteran

This is a pretty unusual question coming from a relatively small-chested person, but here it goes.

I have just finished a big wardrobe edit, and have a group of button down cotton shirts/silk blouses that are just a little bit tight across the chest, one or two buttons are pulling. I have gained some weight during the pandemic, which also resulted in my bra size going up to my largest ever of 32D. I have zero experience with minimizer bras, and was wondering if a good one might take care of the issue described above and allow me to wear those tops. I don't really know how they work and if this is even possible or they just redistribute the tissue around and change the shape but overall fit of the top is the same. I am also not interested in putting lots of effort in this endeavor - if it can help and forum members can recommend a good bra, I would like to try a couple, but I don't wont to order, try and return dozens of minimizer bras.

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Vildy

LJP

Veteran

As a rule , minimizers start at a D cup . I like them for exactly the reason you describe - I’m a 34DD or a 36D. The idea is that they reduce “ projection” which again works for me . The usual dept store brands like Olga and Warners make them and are a less expensive way to see if they work for you . I just bought one from Spanx that I really love - it was $100 Cdn and more than unusually spend on a bra but here we are - shrugs .

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you Lisa, that is super useful info! I would prefer to stay away from the $100 price tag here as this would not be a bra that is regularly worn, so typical department store brands sound like a good solution.

Irina

Veteran

I can spend money on clothes, bags, shoes but can’t bring myself to pay $100 for a bra. And I know it’s wrong! I’m 32DD and struggle to find anything decent in $50 range. I tried so many sport bras and bralettes to get a minimizing effect but without any real success.

LJP

Veteran

Irina - I'm with you. Lingerie prices just kill me. I'm a little at my wit's end though and decided to pull the plug on a better one. I think it's worth it .

RobinF

Veteran

I think they work pretty well, they kind of pull you in a little bit. I always like feeling a bit more compressed and they do that. Not a huge amount but might be enough to make your shirts wearable. I used to find Lilyette made a nice minimizer for a reasonable price, before I needed more heavy duty ones

Chris987

Veteran

I too have wanted to try a minimizer bra, not because I want to minimize the overall silhouette but because they claim to to a better job of "managing" underarm body fat. I'm a 34C and find that most of the sizing starts at a 36D so I've stopped looking. For example the one ljp mentioned starts at 36D. So you may find limited options but that should not stop you from looking

Runcarla

Veteran

A few years back my favourite bra was a Warner’s minimizer bra (since discontinued). I liked it for the very reason you are considering one, Tanya. My back/shoulders take up a lot of space and ‘reducing projection’ manages the fit of button downs so buttons don’t pull over the bust. Reducing projection helps the drape of oversized sweaters as well.

I’ve always believed a woman needs a bra wardrobe with some variety, since different styles and cuts do different things. I’ve never discovered one bra style that does it all. My current collection of bras ranges from $98 Wacoal to $15 George!

Toban

Veteran

It’s worth trying in person to see if you feel comfortable and like the effect. I’ve had very limited success with them as I’ve not like how they redistribute my chest… while it reduces outward projection, it often spreads vertically (which makes me look even more short torso than I am) or wider. I’ve generally found them less flattering than working closer to natural shape. It’s highly personal and chest- and body shape-specific.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I find they *can* work but I’m not wild about the shape they create on me — they smush everything in and to the side a bit, which is not to my liking. But I currently wear a 32G so the struggle is really real over here. I am better off sometimes simply choosing a thinner, seamed bra rather than the thicker unseamed ones that often employ a little padding. I’ve gotten pickier about gaping buttons and will either add a snap or fashion tape, or size up and alter if possible.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sweet Tanya, every one of my clients who is in a minimizer bra swears by them! I think it's worth a try. It does take a while to find a good fit - like most bras though

I'm in the opposite campy when it comes to bra and knickers shopping - I will pay what it takes to be comfortable, and feel good in my clothing. I also want the bra to look pretty with a bit of bace! It makes a huge difference to my quality of life! $100 to $120 price tag for a bra is what I pay, and I wish it was different. My bras never go on sale. It is what it is....

Roberta

Veteran

I have two of the Chantelle C Magnifique minimizers and like them a lot. They don't have extra padding, they don't overly squeeze me, but they definitely flatten me out a bit (38G here). You can sometimes find them on sale, but are normally priced at $78. Very high quality, and since I own a lot of bras and rotate wears, they last several years.

DonnaF

Veteran

So I was wondering. . .would a sports bra work? Never tried it but just read an article that wearing a sports bra all the time with a lot of compression can interfere with lymph drainage so 24/7 is not the way to go with them.

Sloper

Veteran

I'm willing and glad to "pay up" for a good bra - it really does make a difference in comfort and how clothes look.

It's all relative of course. Good suggestions above for various brands. I'd also suggest taking the shirts to the best lingerie shop/department in town and invest some time in trying on different bras, if you can.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you all so much for the input!

On the price point, I actually am in Angie's camp and generally don't mind spending money on bras. I had to get all new ones once my size changed 1.5 years ago, and the majority are Chantelle and Simone Perele, which are in ~$100 range.

However, this minimizer bra wouldn't be worn that much, considering it is for very specific purpose, at most two dozens times a year. So If I can get away with $50 price range, I would be happy, but if not possible, then I'll pay the higher/usual price.

RobinF, I checked out Lilyette online, but as Chris987 warned me, it turns out they start from 34D so that is not going to work.

Roberta, that is a good suggestion and I will likely try that one, as Chantelle generally fits me well, and it comes in my size.

I will probably stop at my local Nordstrom first to see if any chance they have any minimizer bras in my size, and try some on if they do. I will bring the tightest fitting shirt from that group with me. If not, I will order the Chantelle one online and see how it works.

elpgal

Veteran

Like DonnaF recommends, I use a low-support sports bra to achieve the minimizing effect in some button-downs. It works well as do minimizer bras.

This is the bra one I use. It comes in B/C and D cup sizes.
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/w.....olor=55138

April

Veteran

No experience but I think the medical community has some concerns about applying this amount of constant pressure to the breast? Again, I do not know, I'm repeating something a friend told me decades ago. Also, it sounds like you're not planning to wear one all day every day, so unlikely to be an issue.

LJP

Veteran

I use my fav sports bra ( also from Lulu) under sweaters once in awhile for a hood minimizing effect . Of course I love it so much it’s been discontinued .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Lulu seems to make good bras, just unfortunately not in a size I can wear. I laugh at the idea of paying less than $75 for a bra — all the manufacturers who actually make my size seem expensive!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I agree that a sports bra would be a good easy test for this idea. I have yet to find a minimizer that does what I would want it to, but have not tried very hard.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I have never heard of this, but want to try it, as I have about a million shirts that bunch up across the chest.

ophelia

Veteran

Sorry to sidetrack, but Donna F if you pop back in here could you please share your source for sports bras interfering w/ lymph drainage? I’m trying to gather as much info as possible & everything is so contradictory. I now have lymphedema (question ALL your doctors say & do, ladies) & am getting conflicting answers—when I can get answers at all—& *** am SO frustrated.*** I was told to wear them—the miserable high impact ones then found info online that said don’t wear anything not professionally fitted (medical grade?) or condition will worsen.
Mmmm compression garments in a subtropical summer, sounds like a formula for madness…

DonnaF

Veteran

@ophelia: It was one of those articles I read while scrolling -- never to be found again. I could (and should) kick myself because I know quite a few pre top surgery trans male young adults who probably bind their breasts so are a much higher risk. IIRC, sports bras are not a problem if you wear them only for sports but this woman wore one 24/7 (so even to bed) and hers may have been tighter than most. I also wonder about tight underwire bras. . .Sorry I can't be more helpful. I read the article this month. I don't recall that it cited any scientific research since it wasn't that type of article but was merely anecdotal and said to check with your doctor.

Joy

Veteran

Have you tried going braless? I am a 30 DD according to the Nordstrom fitter. Like Angie, I pay a lot for bras because there is very little in my size. My smaller tops fit better if I do not wear a bra. It may be worth a try.

sarah

Veteran

I tried the Chantelle minimizer bra years ago, but ended up going back to my favorite Natori bra, which I like much better. Have you tried two-sided tape for taping up the placket where it gaps? That's been a game-changer for me.

Natori Zone Full Fit Smoothing Contour Underwire Bra

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Aquamarine

Veteran

I have a lot of bras but only 2 minimizers (department store brand). I’m a busty IT and I have some sleeveless summer dresses that just fit better when my breasts are squished

I think it’s useful to have at least one minimizer in your bra arsenal!

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you all for additional advice. I agree that it would be useful to have one minimizer in the bra wardrobe.

I think I will go for a proper minimizer, and not a sports bra. I own a single sports bra that it took me forever to find as I was looking for one that was supporting the natural shape and not flattening it, so that one is not going to work. If I am going to buy a new bra, I may as well get the real thing.

Joy, that is an interesting thought, but I am personally not comfortable going braless in public. I don't mind nor notice when other women do it, but not in my personal comfort zone.

Sarah, I have tried the two-sided tape, but it hasn't worked for me. I found that mid-way through the day the tape became less sticky and starting moving around and needing readjustment, so it was more fuss than it was worth.

Anonymous

Kinda concerned cause I often sleep in sports bras!
Personally I'd be fine to pay 100$ for a minimizer bra-but haven't felt like making the effort to try bras lately :p

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, I know this might sound distasteful, but have you considered replacing your shirts, instead?

I am a 34HH or 32HH-I in UK sizing, depending on the brand. I had completely given up on button ups other than ones I sewed for myself with the proper full bust adjustment. But recently got the universal standard shirt in denim and white cotton. They have snaps on either side of the button at the bust apex so the do not gape at all. The downside is that you can't leave it unbuttoned too far down or the top snap shoes.

Lily Anderson

Member

I love wearing these bras that I think are minimizers, or at least have really thin cups that separate well. They do a great job of making my boobs look smaller and make it so much easier to wear button-down shirts. I got them from HSIA for around 35 dollars or even less. You should totally give them a try! Oh, and Wacoal's minimizer bras are pretty good too.

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