Here’s the thing about boobs: The grass is always, always greener. Some small-busted women wish they had a fuller bust to fill out their dresses and tops, while those who have larger breasts wish they could magically shrink them. Having a full bust definitely comes with its perks. But at the same time, it poses some challenges when it comes to shopping for the right bra or bikini style, and it can be a nuisance while you’re running. Not to mention, some women with very large breasts experience back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Your breast size depends on a multitude of factors — not just genetics. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can both affect your breast size, as can certain prescription medications. In fact, it’s pretty much a guarantee that your size will fluctuate at least a little throughout your lifetime. So, if your full bust is bothering you, what can you do about it? Of course, surgery is one option — but a costly one with some risks involved.

Luckily, there are ways to shrink the appearance of your bust line without going under the knife.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to take into account:

Get fitted

Many women mistakenly think that wearing a smaller bra will make their breasts look smaller. In fact, a bra that’s too tight can end up making your breasts look larger, by causing unnecessary unsightly bulges. A bra that fits perfectly will be far more flattering, which is why it’s so important to regularly get fitted. If you haven’t gotten a professional bra fitting in the last six months to a year, there’s a chance that your bra size has changed. And if you’re wearing a bra that’s too small, finding out your true size may prove more helpful than you think.

You can get a fitting done at many department stores as well as independent lingerie boutiques. Once you know your size, you can invest in bras that actually fit properly and provide adequate coverage and support — and those bras can actually make your breasts look smaller.

Try a minimizer bra

Once you get fitted and you know your true bra size, it’s time to invest in some new bras. One style that should be at the top of your list is a minimizer bra — true to its name, this type of bra is specifically designed to make your boobs look smaller. Here’s how it works: A minimizer bra distributes your breast tissue across more of your chest. By spreading the tissue out more, it can make your boobs project outward far less. In fact, some minimize bras can take 1 to 2 inches off your bust line! Try to look for one that has three-part cups, which will help with shaping and lift for the most flattering look. You’ll definitely be grateful to have a minimizer bra in your arsenal when you’re wearing a button-down shirt and looking to avoid any pesky gaping between buttons.

Related: How Do Minimizer Bras Work?

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry

Work out

There are multiple ways in which exercise can make a difference if you’re seeking smaller looking breasts.

First of all, fat makes up a large portion of the breasts. Therefore, when you reduce your body fat overall, your breasts inherently become smaller. Cardio exercise, like running, spinning, dancing, and aerobics, is known to burn fat, and strength training builds muscle, which in turn contributes to the fat-burning process. So, it’s safe to say that working out regularly can potentially help you to shrink your bust line. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise three days a week.

Not only that, but strength training that specifically targets your chest muscles — like pushups, dumbbell flyes, and chest presses — can prove helpful as well. While these moves won’t necessarily make your boobs smaller, they can strengthen and tone the pectoral muscles, thus making your boobs look perkier.

Clean up your diet

You may know that what you eat can play a role in your body fat. In turn, that can affect your breast size. That’s why it’s just as important to maintain a healthy diet as it is to exercise. This means avoiding processed foods high in saturated and trans fats and focusing on consuming high-quality protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as heart-healthy fats (like those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts) in moderation. According to Healthline, foods like eggs, chili peppers, fatty fish, and full-fat Greek yogurt can have fat-burning potential, as can beverages like green tea and coffee.

Veggies, legumes, and whole grains are all examples of foods that are high in fiber. Fiber is key to a healthy diet because it makes you feel full. In fact, one study found that increasing fiber intake was associated with a 10 percent decrease in calorie intake. Not only that, but participants lost nearly 4.4 pounds over a four-month period.

You may also want to consider a probiotic supplement. One 2018 review of 15 studies revealed that people who took probiotics saw significantly more weight and body fat loss compared to those who took a placebo.

It’s important to note that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having large breasts. In fact, many women consider them an asset. We’re all about embracing what you’ve got, and if you’ve got a full bust, then there are lots of perks about your feminine figure that you shouldn’t overlook. That said, if your bust is so large that it’s causing you frustration, discomfort, or insecurities, then you should know that there are things you can do (other than surgery) to reduce the size of your breasts — or at least the appearance of them. Here’s to feeling comfortable and confident, and remember: The grass is always greener when it comes to breast size.

Related: Is A Minimizer Bra Right For You? 6 Questions To Ask First

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Enora Minimizer Bra | Enora Bikini in Raspberry