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Updated Mar 06, 202520 Wedding Dresses for Small Busts and What to Look for While Shopping
Halter, cowl neck and plunging Vs are top choices.
Photos, left to right: Anthropologie, Danielle Frankel Studios, Alexandra Grecco
We're the first to admit: Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming. It may seem like there are too many choices, that the variations are minor but important and that trends don't resonate. So, hone in on what you're looking for—if you're reading this, that's likely wedding dresses for small busts—then start by shopping your own closet (because, spoiler, you know your body best.) What styles, cuts and silhouettes do you gravitate toward in your everyday life? Do you like to accentuate your bust to make it appear bigger, detract attention from the area or lean into the look? Next, start your Pinterest board, focusing on wedding dresses with those same qualities and elements. Search The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find bridal salons that carry the designers you are gravitating toward.
The good news? Expert consultants at each salon are highly trained to help brides find wedding dresses that fit perfectly and flatter the areas they want to focus on. We spoke with one of them: Michaela Garner is the showroom manager at designer Jenny Yoo's flagship store in Chicago. Here, Garner shares her top shopping tips and what to look for in wedding dresses for small breasts. We rounded up 20 styles that fit the bill.
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What to Look for in Wedding Dresses for Small Busts
While you're building out your Pinterest board and pulling inspiration photos, consider this: Are you hoping to accentuate your chest and make it appear fuller or detract attention from the area? With that in mind, you'll be better able to hone in on what fits your vibe best. As for those bridal appointments, "I would recommend not wearing a bra during the try-on process," Garner says, adding that you likely won't be wearing a wedding dress bra the day of, either. "For your wedding day, your seamstress should be putting the necessary structure and lift you are looking for directly into the dress. Additionally, your makeup artist can use glow makeup or contour techniques to enhance your décolletage." Here, she weighs in on what to look for in wedding dresses for small breasts.
Necklines
The best neckline for a small bust depends on what look you are trying to achieve. "If you want to accentuate your bust, opt for a sweetheart, cowl or an off-the-shoulder neckline," Garner says. "If you want to lean into the smaller chest look—which I find so chic—go for halter necklines, mock neck or a plunging V-neckline. Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot wear a V-neck!"
Bodices
Corset bodices are trending and can create the illusion of a bigger bust by snatching the waist, but structurally, they may not be necessary in terms of support. "If you want to enhance your bust line, a ruched bodice can give you that extra volume and add interest to a simpler gown," Garner suggests. Look for draped or pleated bodices as other options.
Embellishment
Again, this depends on your goals. "If embellishment is found all over your dress, this can give you a more well-rounded look and can detract from a simpler neckline," Garner says. "If the embellishment is only found at the bust or neckline, this can enhance!" An embellished top above a clean skirt draws the eye upward.
Cups—or Not
Built-in cups are perfected through alterations and dress fittings; keep that in mind while trying dresses on. "Many standard cups found in dresses are smaller and can be perfect matches for smaller busts," Garner says. "However, many times brides will have these removed entirely, or have another 'push-up' cup put in to give them more lift than the standard cup." Communicate your goals clearly to both your bridal consultant and seamstress.
Ask for Accurate Sample Sizes
Calling your bridal salon in advance to ask what wedding dress size you will be trying on can be helpful for small-busted brides. "Using your imagination can be very hard when trying on larger sample sizes," Garner says. "Always ask your boutique if they foresee carrying a smaller size, or even reach out to the designer [to see] if they can track down a smaller sample size for you." More likely than not, the sample dresses will be large in the bust. "Some samples you try on may be in a larger size, and proportionally, the bodice could fit larger than it should," Garner adds. "Don't be afraid to express to your stylist if you are confused by the sample fit! Some designer-specific shops may have more than one sample size to try on. At Jenny Yoo Chicago, we have sample sizes in petite, mid and plus sizes to give you the best idea." If you fall in love with a style, check out real wedding photos from the designer. "These can be extremely helpful in seeing your dress on a frame similar to yours."
The Best Wedding Dresses for Small Busts
The best wedding dresses for a small chest aren't universal, as different necklines and details will draw attention toward or away from the area. The good news? Brides with small busts have a lot of options. Strapless is always a good starting point, as it's known to be universally flattering, but deep plunging V-necks, halters, mock necks and off-the-shoulder can also look great. Here are 20 styles that especially complement a small bust.
Jenny Yoo Harlyn Dress
Photo: Jenny Yoo
In wedding dresses for small-chested brides, slinky can be especially chic. Here, a high mock neck and lustrous silk satin fabrication lean into the less-is-more look and give just enough peeks of skin—there's a low back and high slit—to keep it elevated. Keep accessories off the wrists to avoid snags; pair this with chandelier earrings instead.
Size range: 0–18
Pronovias Filante Gown
Photo: The Knot
"Silhouette is not, in my opinion, bust-specific," Garner says. "Take into account your venue, time of year, height, and the overall shape you want to achieve." For black-tie wedding dresses for a small chest, go big with a ball gown silhouette and find a neckline that flatters, like this plunging V, mirrored with a V-back.
Size Range: 0–32
Alyssa Kristin Celine Dress
Photo: Alyssa Kristin
Ruched bodices are a great option for small-busted brides as they add a bit of volume to the area. The style is prevalent in wedding dresses—but this particular version offers a more unique take with a one-shoulder silhouette. The dress is made with a stunning stretch crepe and features a long train for added drama.
Size Range: custom sizing
Christian Siriano for Azazie Hand-Beaded Mermaid Gown
Photo: Azazie
When shopping for a wedding dress for a small bust, brides have two options: visually detract from the chest area or play it up. This dress does the latter with a stunningly sculptural, layered bodice that immediately draws attention. And the price is right: Designer Christian Siriano's collection for Azazie includes a range of day-of bridal gowns for less than $500.
Size Range: 0–30, custom sizing available
All Who Wander Kenedy Dress
Photo: The Knot
For brides who lean a little bit boho, look for design elements like tiers, ruffles and floaty layers; All Who Wander is a great wedding dress designer for all things bohemian. Here, tiers are combined with one of the best wedding dress necklines for small busts—a plunging V-neck—and a wide belt that serves to pull it all together.
Size Range: custom sizing
Jenny Yoo Beau Gown
Photo: Jenny Yoo
In wedding dresses for small boobs—especially ones with straight or sweetheart necklines—you can amp up the romance through the wedding gown fabric. Here, textural floral jacquard is the star of the show, and detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves offer the option to change up your look.
Size range: 0–18
La Perle Maeve Dress
Photo: The Knot
Wedding dress styles for small busts often have fully covered fronts with a high neckline; in that case, accentuate the back instead. This satin sheath has an understated (yet beautifully draped) facade, while the back brings the drama with an open circle and long trained skirt. Covered buttons add a sophisticated touch.
Size Range: 0–30
Danielle Frankel Drew Dress
Photo: Danielle Frankel
Strapless wedding dresses are known to be universally flattering for all body types, which is why they've remained popular through countless trend changes over the years. Adding ruching or draping to a strapless bodice especially flatters smaller chests, and no one does that better than Danielle Frankel. Here, she brings the mainstay style into the modern day with a bubble hem ballgown skirt and piqued waist.
Size Range: 0–12
Calla Blanche Trisha Dress
Photo: The Knot
If you are searching for wedding dresses for petite small bust figures, consider tea-length: The style balances and elongates the body. A high boat neck further lengthens by drawing attention toward the neck. We love this look for a courthouse wedding followed by a supper-club reception; pair it with a birdcage veil.
Size Range: 0–30
Allure Bridals Markee Dress
Photo: The Knot
Boning and corsetry, while practical and supportive for larger chests, can work to accentuate smaller ones. Here, the area is defined with an under-chest seam and a deep V-neck. This style has versatility, too: The sleek satin and unique detailing work equally well on the beach as in a ballroom.
Size Range: 0–30
Watters Belle Scalloped Halter Wedding Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
The best wedding dress for a small bust isn't either-or—it can attract attention with embellishment and detract with a high neckline. This Watters halter is a true beauty with beading and lace (check out the eyelash edges). We'd recommend having your seamstress completely remove the cups from this one if they aren't necessary for support; it will give it a less structural appearance up top.
Size Range: 0–18W
Pronovias Ceeylo Gown
Photo: The Knot
A top-only embellishment is ideal for accentuating the bust if that is the goal. For sophisticated black-tie affairs, a lace or embellished bodice pairs beautifully with a clean ballgown skirt, seen here by Pronovias. Channel your inner princess in this high-neck style.
Size Range: 0–32
Reformation Ecru Dress
Photo: Reformation
Choosing your wedding dress is a major decision, but don't forget about all the other wedding weekend looks; in modern weddings, the whole bridal wardrobe is curated. One of our favorite welcome party styles for small busts? This high boat neck mini from Reformation is in the perfect shade of off-white; the wispy shoulder detail gives veil vibes.
Size Range: 0–12
Alexandra Grecco Ava Gown
Photo: Alexandra Grecco
Cowl necklines are a great wedding dress style for a small bust; they grab attention in all the right ways. This gorgeous Alexandra Grecco has a cowl not just at the front but adorning the low back as well, and is available two ways: with a solid train or with a godet of French lace.
Size Range: custom sizing
Lillian West Crepe Fit-and-Flare Gown with Flower Detail
Photo: The Knot
Beach brides, embrace the beautiful location with a dress that nods to the theme or features cutouts and detailing ideal for tropical vibes. This Lillian West style does both, with a floral bikini-style top ideal for smaller chests.
Size Range: custom sizing
Olivia Bottega Glitter Mermaid Lovisa Dress
Photo: Olivia Bottega
Olivia Bottega takes a signature bridal style—sweetheart neckline, draped column skirt and off-the-shoulder sleeves—and gives it a sparkly twist with this allover glitter dress. (The ruched bodice is ultra-flattering for smaller chests.) With its high slit and disco-ball shimmer, this makes a stellar late-night look.
Size Range: custom sizing
Watters Hyde Wedding Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
A clean, classic crepe gown is a simple wedding dress that exudes beauty in any wedding setting. This trumpet style has a low V-back and high bateau neckline that beautifully flatters smaller-chested brides. Accessorize it with an embellished veil.
Size Range: 0–18W
Jenny Yoo Tricia Gown
Photo: Jenny Yoo
Another simple style that speaks volumes is Jenny Yoo's Tricia gown, a strapless stunner with a straight-across neckline and fit-and-flare skirt. It can be crafted with or without the organza floral applique; for smaller chests, we love the enhancing factor of embellishment.
Size range: 0–18
Carfelli Sensational Gown
Photo: The Knot
Brides can take advantage of the modesty a smaller chest naturally lends their look by opting for slightly more daring dresses, like this one with an illusion beaded bodice. If you love the style but don't want to go fully sheer, consider how wedding dress alterations can change up the look: A seamstress can add lining to the gown. (Check available options with the designer, too: This particular style comes with the option for a non-transparent skirt.)
Size Range: EU 34–50
Sau Lee Sabrina Tulle Gown
Photo: Sau Lee
A statement style that's still sophisticated, this tiered tulle dress has a plunging V-neck and back that flatters small chests. It exudes romance—and is also available in a pale pink if you're looking for a hint of color. (The designer has garnered a cult following and specializes in Chinese wedding bridal attire, too).
Size Range: 00–14
