Small bust, big heart

The classic Valentine’s Day gift is lingerie. Not everyday stuff that ticks the “practical” and “comfy” boxes, but lingerie that inspires romance and stimulates under-the-covers assignations. But finding titillating lingerie when you’re an AAA-cup or AA-cup bra size isn’t easy — which makes it all the more difficult for your other half to come up trumps when searching for a Valentine’s gift.

To make it easier, I’ve tracked down some of the AAA-cup and AA-cup lingerie that I love — the pieces that surpass the “everyday” and could add a frisson to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Send your lover the link now, with the subject line: Valentine’s Day Hint… Subtlety is never a virtue when it comes to getting the gifts you really want.

The AAA-cup thrillers:

Sheer Lace: Like a delicious hot chocolate topped with pink marshmallows

The Sheer Lace padded non-wired bra, £28.95, at Little Women, is a lacy little number in scrumptious pale pink and chocolate. Soft ruching to the cups and double rouleaux straps enhance its luxurious appeal, while the soft cotton cup lining maxes out comfort. Sizes start at 34AAA. Team with Sheer Lace shorts, £15.95, for a truly sophisticated look.

Upfront sexuality for small-busted women

The Desiree demi-cup bra, $54, at Lula Lu Petites, ramps up the heat. AAA-cups can feel every inch a sensual woman in this eye catching blend of black guipure lace with fuschia mesh. Sizes start in 32AAA. The matching Desiree thong, $28, is the icing on a very tempting cake.

Knockout AA-cups:

This Itty Bitty Bra is purrrfect

Itty Bitty Bra’s Couture Bra in Leopard, $55, is bang on the animal print trend — and sure to add some feline fun to Valentine’s celebrations. With the superior AA-cup fit that’s a feature of Itty Bitty Bras, this style has a hidden underwire, lightly padded cups and rhinestone detail. Sizes start at 32AA. Wear with boy shorts in black, $24.

A picture in lavender lace, Lula Lu's Azaria bralette

Lula Lu Petite’s Azaria Bralette, $48, in periwinkle lace is fresh and sensual without skimping on comfort. The flattering triangle cups feature scalloped edges and intricate lace detail. Available in sizes S,M and L to fit AAA, AA and A cups (see size guide), this bralette looks the business worn with the matching sheer lace thong, $30.

What a Midnight feast, from Irresistible Lingerie

Irresistible Lingerie’s Midnight Garden padded bra, £34, available at Perfectly Petite Lingerie, is something of a rare breed: a piece of sexy, designer lingerie made exclusively for small-busted women. With intricate leaf detailing on the lace, set over teal satin, and finishing touches like the teal satin trim and a drop jewel between the cups, this is a real treat. Sizes start at 30AA. Matching shorts, £20, complete the look.

And if you’re an A-cup…

La Senza's bra knocks spots off plainer styles

You’ll be dotty about this peach and black Spotty Lotty balconette bra, £25, from La Senza. Featuring an all-over spot print, velvet and lace trimmings and a cute velvet bow at the centre front, this bra smacks of girlie glamour. Sizes start at 32A. Team with matching short, £14.

Tags: 34AAA, A-cup bra, AA-cup bra, AAA-cup bra, balconette bra, bralette, demi-cup bra, non-wired bra, padded bra, padded non-wired bra

Petite stone frill skirted mac, £65, Miss Selfridge

We’re an eclectic bunch, we small-busted women. Tall, short, podgy, athletic, pear-shaped, apple-shaped, broad-shouldered… there’s not a pair of us the same. We all have things to be thankful of — and probably bits we wish were different. Whatever our hang-ups, there’s lots of confidence to be gained from dressing to flatter.

For me, it’s my petite size that takes some thought. A lot of clothes are designed for women that are altogether longer. On me, this means darts in the wrong places, waistbands set too low and about a foot of excess fabric in trouser legs. The generous proportions of clothes for “normal” women drown my little figure and do nothing to celebrate my best bits.

For anyone that shares my problem, I want to offer the benefit of my experience trawling the shops for clothes that play up the positives of my 5′ 3″ frame — no alterations necessary.

Petite coral two-tone blouse, £32, Miss Selfridge

So I’ve compiled this list of the best places to shop for petite-size clothing:

Asos: The Asos Petite collection is a gem for fashion-forward finds, perfectly cut to fit women of 5’3″ and under. This season, choose from chunky knit cardigans, sixties-inspired shift dresses and chic skinny jeans.

Macy’s: This department store has a wide range of petites clothing, including designer brands, made to fit women who are 5’4″ and under. Ideal if you’re looking for jeans, suits and tailored shirts that fit off-the-peg.

Nordstrom: With a good range of petite sizes, this is a great place to find classic dresses, pants, skirts and coats – all perfectly proportioned for shorter women. There are a few designer names as well.

New York & Company: Offering trend conscious fashion at attractive prices, this retailer caters for petites from 5′ to 5’4″ on the lookout for tailored pants, denim and loungewear.

Banana Republic: This high street staple has an extensive collection of petite clothing, including cosy knits, sleek denim and smart dresses — the full range is available online and in selected stores.

Petite black & camel bow dress, £32, Dorothy Perkins

Gap: Exclusively sold online, Gap Petite celebrates smaller frames, treating them to sexy jeans and loungewear, as well as smarter styles. The fit is effortless, with no need for nips and tucks.

Miss Selfridge: This fashion haunt has a petite clothing range is for women 5′ 3″ and under,  available in sizes 4-14, which includes sweet dresses, affordable jeans and on-trend coats.

Topshop: A godsend for fashionable girls and women of diminutive proportions, this petite collection includes a large choice of Topshop’s key seasonal pieces, cut especially to fit women 5’ 3” and under.

Wallis: This store takes pride in its pretty and powerful petite clothing, as worn by Louise Redknapp in a recent campaign. Designed to flatter women 5’3″ (sized 8-18), the collection includes dresses, knitwear, trousers, skirts and tops.

Dorothy Perkins: For the height-challenged, Dotty P is a haven of trend aware petite clothes, including pretty dresses, fitted tops, knitwear, coats, jackets and jeans. The collection is aimed at women 5’3″ and under.

Minuet Petite herringbone dress, £110, House of Fraser

Next: Brilliant for dresses, jeans, workwear and nightwear, Next has an extensive petites shop online and in selected stores. All styles are available in sizes 6-16 and perfectly proportion for ladies who are 5′ 3″ and under.

Minuet Petite: This label exclusively offers clothing designed to fit and flatter the petite figure. The timeless collection, in sizes 8-20, is worth a look if you love classic sophistication and you’re 5’3’’ or under. Also available at House of Fraser.

Tags: petite clothing, petite fashion, petite size clothing, petites