Amanda

Amanda is an experienced fashion writer, editor and consultant. She is the author of The Itty Bitty Bra Guide and administrator of 32aabra.com, a blog for petite small-busted women.

Assumed to be Lucrezia Borgia.

Veneto's portrait celebrates small breasts.


Next time you get thoroughly sick of not seeing any bodies that look remotely like yours in fashion magazines or on television, look to fine art for a reality check. I know next to nothing about the visual arts, but to me this image looks more real than any photograph I’ve ever seen on the cover of a women’s magazine.

"Fleur" bikini by Panache

Here are a few great links to visit for the latest in lingerie: news, deals and more.

Starting tomorrow (April 19), Figleaves is offering free shipping on all orders. Enter code: SHIPPING at checkout. This promotion lasts through April 23.

Figleaves is one of my favorite places to shop for bras online. They carry lots of brands you can’t find in stores, and the sizes start at 28AA. Check out the Double Boost gel bra by After Eden — available sizes include 30 – 36 AA, A and B. This is a very pretty, well-made push-up bra with smooth cups. I love the fact that it looks natural and doesn’t show through my clothes, even while providing a substantial boost in size (in the 32A, I look like a full 32B).

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Stephanie BallardSmall-breasted sisters, there is someone you really must meet. Her name is Stephanie Ballard, and she’s the CEO of a brand new company called Bella Petite Lingerie.

Stephanie (photo at left), a size 32A herself, shares our frustration with the lack of bras available in petite and small-cup sizes. She plans to remedy this with a selection of beautiful, stylish lingerie that fits well on women like us.

I had the opportunity to ask Stephanie a few questions about her new business, and I’m pleased to be able to share her answers with you here.


AS: When did you first realize that your bust size was unusual, and how did it make you feel?

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Aerie Mia lace trim braThe lovely Mallory K. is with us once again to review the latest bra from American Eagle Aerie: the Mia, a convertible push-up style. Those of you who have been looking for a strapless bra with some padding should certainly give Mia a try. If you wear a size AA, you may need to order it from the company website, as many Aerie stores don’t carry anything under an A cup. Fortunately, the Mia is currently 40% off with free shipping! Have fun. And now, over to Mallory.

I am very excited to tell you a bit about Aerie’s new bra from firsthand experience.

The Mia is a multi-way push-up bra that mixes all the best elements of the Emma and Abigail. Mia features convertible straps that can go 8 different ways: classic, strapless, racer back, halter, v-front halter, v-front classic, 1 cross-strap, and 1 shoulder. Like the Emma, Mia also has removable air pads which give you a “Whoa” level of push (the second-heaviest level of padding that Aerie offers).

My previous favorite bra at Aerie – and the only one I used to be able to wear – was the Abigail. Then we launched the Mia a couple weeks ago. I didn’t think I was going to like it because of the air pads. But I tried it on so I would be able to give customers a good idea of how it fits. This bra fits snug. When I tried on the 32AA (the sister size to my ideal 30A), I actually got that dreaded double-bubble I constantly warn customers about! I don’t think I can accurately convey the ecstasy I felt. I haven’t spilled out of a cup my entire life!

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Kira push-up bra by Lula Lu PetitesFor the month of April 2012, we have a beautiful new bra by Lula Lu Petites to give away to one lucky 32AA Bra reader. This bra is available in size AAA, AA and A cups only. Band sizes: 32, 34, and 36.

The Kira push-up style comes in dark purple (shown at left) and black. It has delicate lace trim and pretty embroidery details. The lace is smooth enough that it doesn’t look lumpy under clothing.

The cups have removable push-up pads, and it closes in back with two rows and three columns of hooks. Kira has double stretch spaghetti straps that adjust in back. The straps are fairly wide-set, but the twinned elastic style helps them stay put.

I wear a 32A in this style. It runs a bit wider across the front than Lula Lu’s petite racerback bra, which has a front clasp; in that bra, I find the 34AA fits well on me. It’s only a slight difference, and for the most part I have found that Lula Lu bras run true to size. Check out their bra fitting page to find your best fit.

The giveaway entry period will end on April 30. Here’s how to enter:

  1. Follow Lula Lu Petites on Facebook.
  2. Post on the 32aa Bra Facebook page to say you want to enter the contest.
  3. Email me via the contact page and let me know you have completed the above steps.

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Wacoal petite contour push-up bra in nude.So, I felt the need to update my Wacoal Petites bra size and fit tips since I discovered that I and one of my recent small-busted clients can both wear a larger cup in these bras than we usually take.

I came to this realization after my client, Karen, measured at a 32B but felt that this size might fit too large in the cups on her. I sent her two styles from the Wacoal Petites line: one 32A and one 32B. It was a pleasant surprise for me to hear Karen was happy with the fit of both bras.

I couldn’t help noticing that Karen’s measurements and my own are quite similar, give or take half an inch. I had been wearing a 32A in one of my favorite Wacoal Petite bras, but it was feeling a little tight even without the removable push-up pads. I decided to go ahead and plunge into a B cup… and I’m glad I did.

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Enter to win a Panache Atlantis bra at 32aaBra.com!

March 2012 Giveaway: Panache Atlantis Bra

Here is our March 2012 giveaway item: the Panache Atlantis wire-free Enhance push-up bra. Wendy and I both tried this one, and we found it to run true to size in the band and a bit small in the cup. It has substantial push-up padding, but the look is still very sleek and streamlined. Side stays help to keep the band anchored in place, and the smooth cups work well under t-shirts. It has a back closure with two rows of hooks for a secure fit. If you are between cup sizes, we recommend ordering up. Available sizes: 30A, 30B, 32-34-36 AA/A/B/C/D, 38 B/C.

To enter, post a comment on our Facebook page and then email me at info@32aabra.com to make sure I record your entry. One winner will be selected at random on March 31, 2012.

IBB strapless sequin bra, black.

Haute couture for itty bitties.

For small-busted size AA and A-cup women, a truly glamorous bra is a rare find. There’s nothing wrong with sheer lace bralettes, but when you want to hide the headlights you need something with a bit more substance.

Fortunately, Itty Bitty Bra has come up with an ideal solution for the petite style-obsessed and curve-challenged among us: a stunning sequined strapless number, shown here in black.

This on-trend, high-style piece by Itty Bitty Bra designer Jane Hodgdon is built from the same prototype as her original strapless bra, which has been widely praised for its excellent fit. This innovative design features a U-shaped wire at the center gore. The contour cups are lightly padded for structure, coverage and support.

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Love... petite-style!

I heart you.

Valentine’s Day is almost as big a deal as Christmas when you sell (or market, or write about) bras and lingerie. I feel like it has been February 14, 2012 for the past two months. To be perfectly honest, I’m sick to death of it.

But please don’t think this means I don’t love you guys. Hence the impossibly cute picture of little animals cuddling. If this photo doesn’t make you feel all warm inside, you probably have no soul. (But please don’t think this means I… right. Let’s move on, shall we?)

Whether you celebrate the Hallmark holiday or not, have fun. Don’t forget to get yourself a present! Then, come see us over at 32aa Bra’s Facebook page and tell us what you got.

Can’t think of anything you want? Lame. (No, not really. I’m just jealous because I never have this problem.) Here’s an idea: Aerie bras are on sale for 40 percent off today. Take this opportunity to try the new Maddie, their latest push-up. You’ll find a quick review of the Aerie Maddie bra after the jump.

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"Chloe" bustier by Affinitas Intimates.

Affinitas Intimates "Chloe" bustier.

Hey ladies!

I know that many of you who need a size 30A or 30B bra are frustrated with the lack of lingerie available in band sizes under 32. Although this is not a problem I personally have to deal with, I can certainly sympathize.

That’s one of the reasons why I’m thrilled to be writing a review of the “Chloe” bustier and hipster set by Affinitas Intimates: this petite-friendly brand starts at a 30A.

Reason number two: this set is incredibly hot.

Men: if you’re looking for something to get your petite wife or girlfriend for V-Day (or any other occasion), I really do not think you can possibly go wrong with any piece in the Affinitas Chloe collection. Just make sure you know her size, and you’re all set.

There’s even a choice of colors: blue and black, or pink and black. I went with the blue in a size 32A… but honestly, if I’d gotten the pink I might have suddenly developed a taste for pink! That’s the level of gorgeous we are dealing with here.

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