The A To Z Guide To Bra Types
Bras come in all shapes and sizes. They are often some of the most varied types of clothing around, and the most different in their form factor. So deciphering the different types can often be difficult and a bit of a head scratcher. That is why we have written a very handy guide for you to refer to. This is a list of some of the most important types of bras and bra styles. Our guide to bra types is sorted in an A to Z list. So it should be easy to navigate.
Balconette Bras/Balcony Bras
The name is pretty suggestive of what you are in for here. Balcony bras have a slightly flatter and horizontal front, rather than a traditional v-neck or plunge. Balconette bras are designed to offer plenty of lift and support, but not as much coverage. Designers create bras like this to basically give you a shelf for your breasts. They allow your boobs to sit on a platform. This offers enough coverage to hold everything where it should be and little more. These bras are perfect for ladies with a bigger bust, as it accentuates your assets beautifully.
Bralettes
Bralettes are essentially unstructured bras. This bra type is often made with no wiring or internal structure of any kind. This makes them almost as unstructured as the briefs that they are meant to accompany. They are almost certainly going to be the very lightest bras you have ever worn. They will be without any rigidity too, so they are likely to be the most comfortable bras also. This is really important for those that do not like underwires or moulding or anything of the sort. If you want a natural fit, almost like a camisole, then a bralette is perfect for you.
Full Cup Bras, The Highest Coverage Of Bra Types
These bras have the greatest coverage of any bra style. They are the bra type that comes up as far as they can to encompass all your bust. This design is all about security and a comfy fit. As such, you will have little to no movement in your bust as you walk or move. It is also the bra style of choice for the woman with a bigger bust. And helps to contain and position everything precisely where it should be. As an interesting side effect, because there is so much material, often full cup bras are the most decorative ones. With room to really go wild with a pattern, they are home to many a floral flourish.
Half Cup Bras
Imagine that full cup bra, now cut it across the middle, and leach only the lower half. That is a half cup bra. A shelf of material that still gives you all the underside support, but something that stays plenty revealing. A half cup bra can be a balcony bra too, but that entirely depends on how horizontal they are. If they are a more traditional shape that simply doesn’t come high up, then it’s a half cup bra. If you want something very revealing, this is the one for you. And if you want something low cut to show off your assets, no other type of bra will do.
Longline Bras
Longline Bras are those whose gore goes far below the underwire. The gore is the material between and under the cups that connects the left and right halves of the bra. It essentially looks like a basque, but with the lower half removed. It is essentially only the upper half of that wonderfully sexy garment. This is one of the rarer bra types in the world of lingerie. These types of bras are great for added complexity and more lacy trim. Perfect for the woman who loves a baroque bra.
Mastectomy Bras, Are Bra Types Ever This Well Engineered?
Probably the most technical type of bra. Mastectomy bras are made for those who have had surgery to remove a portion of the breast. This is usually a part of cancer treatments, but can be for other medical reasons. And mastectomies are custom operations, and as such, no one bra fits all wearers. As such, they are a pretty complex endeavour to design. This is why you should always go with a brand that specialises in mastectomy bras. Or just a big designer with a dedicated team.
Maternity Bras
Also a very technically demanding type of bra. Maternity bras really need to be bought from a specialist in bras, and technical bras at that. And they not only need to support you. They also need to have easy access so that you can feed your new born. This is often in the form of a fabric fold that hides or reveals a portion of your breast. Many maternity bras also have a lot of stretch in them. This is so they expand with the progress of your pregnancy as your breasts change in size.
Minimiser Bras
This is often a strange one to some people, but it might be for you. Minimiser bras are bras meant to make your boobs look smaller. They can reduce your appearance by up to one cup size. Some may find that odd as most bra types seem to have an enhancing element. But some women feel their bust is too big or at least too big for their frame. For those a little self-conscious about their figure, a minimiser bra can be ideal.
Moulded Bras
This bra type is one of the most popular. Moulded bras are a simple type of lingerie. They are constructed to imitate the shape of a breast, and keeps its shape when unworn. This means they sit more rigidly and collect up your boobs and keep them where they need to be. Moulded bras are among the best for flattering your figure. They keep your breasts shaped and positioned beautifully. And what is more, almost always they come with an underwire. We will address what that means at the end of this post.
Multiway Bras/Convertible Bras
Multiway bras are a tricky one to define. They can be many different things. Multiway or convertible bras are often ones that can be strapless or have regular straps. Sometimes, they have the ability to alter their strap placement for a cross back or a halterneck. There are as many combos as there are designers to make these bras. Check each one carefully for its stats and specs. You might find the most versatile bra you have ever worn.
Non-Padded Bras
This one is simple. It is a bra without any padding. This is a bit of a cheat, as it isn’t its own type of lingerie. Any bra can be a non-padded bra, really. Padding in your bra adds a little volume and often fills out your shape better. This makes it perfect for those that need extra volume and it works especially well in a moulded cup bra. But you may prefer less padding too. Why might you want a little less padding exactly? A more natural shape and figure for example. If you want to look very natural, the best way to do so is not adding padding and shaping.
Non-Wired Bras
A similar situation, a type of bra that isn’t really a type at all. It is any bra type you can name that doesn’t have any underwiring. Or wiring of any kind, for that matter. It means that they are often less structured and rigid than other types of bra. They are slightly less supportive than wired ones, typically. But some women prefer something a little more natural in its fit. If you want something that is easy to wear, then non-wired bras are the only thing to go for.
Padded Bras
The very opposite of what we mentioned a few entries above. These are bras that have a little extra filler in the material. They add a slight layer of volume to your bust and can create a fuller look. If they are padded below the boobs themselves, they also add a touch more lift and positioning too. Padded bras are ideal for not just volume but comfort too. They are stunning and beautiful and comfy and every woman should have one or two.
Plunge Bras
The front of a plunge bra is exactly that, plunging. It is an exciting type of bra that accentuates your assets and brings attention to your chest. It allows you to wear revealing and plunging clothes and show off your cleavage. If you want a dramatic bra, then few others have this type beat.
Push Up Bras
It is all about lift with push up bras. They push you up. We mentioned elsewhere that underwires participate in the lifting process. That is true, but really they are about initially keeping things where they should be. Push up bras go that extra step further. They lift and point and rearrange to make the very most of every inch of flesh on your person. At least the part around your bust, of course.
Soft Cup Bras
These are the unstructured cups themselves. This is instead of bras without wiring in the other parts of their construction. Superficially, soft cup bras are simply movable fabric around the cup. They can be underwired, but the cup must be unstructured and non-moulded. They are among the comfiest bras and are easy to wear, giving you a natural fit.
Sports Bras, The Most Practical Of The Bra Types
Sports bras are probably the most identifiable bra type at a glance. They are usually very dynamic and focused looking, with no frills or ornamentation. They are all about ease of movement, so they have to be fitted perfectly for you to remain agile in. This is vital and as such you should get a designer that specialises in amazing sports bras.
Strapless Bras/Bandeau Bras
Bandeau bras, or strapless bras, are super popular right now. This is especially the case with the emergent popularity of one shoulder or no shoulder dresses. They are super versatile as you can have a totally uncovered shoulder for certain off the shoulder dresses. Or you can opt for more support with the added straps.
T-Shirt Bras/Seamless Bras
Seamless bras are pretty invisible at first glance. They are often totally invisible under t-shirts, which cling closer to the body than a button down blouse. That is, of course, the origin of the name t-shirt bra. This bra type is all about giving you something that won’t cling to your shirts. That means it is often without any lace or other clingy embellishments. It is a plain and smooth fabric bra and is very stealthy.
Triangle Cup Bras
Rounded cups are much better for support, but if you want something more natural, go for this. Triangle bras are great for those who want something a little less snug and hugging. They aren’t moulded and they don’t wrap around your breast, so it will leave your breasts to sit more naturally. They can often be more revealing because of this too.
Underwired Bras, The Most Popular Of All The Bra Types?
This is the final word in bras, the one everyone knows and loves. Underwired bras are those that include a metal or plastic wire under the cup and around the breast. They are the thing that helps to shelf your boobs and keeps them up and front facing. They are the single best addition to a bra for shaping and support. If you have big boobs or small ones, this bra type can help you shape your figure. But if you have a bigger bust, it is essentially a non-negotiable feature.
What Bra Types Are Best For Me?
As you may be able to tell, there are so many bra types out there. That means that there is no one answer to this question. You have to decide what is right for you. It can be anything on the list and some niche types that we haven’t mentioned either. If you have a bigger bust, start with full cups, moulded cups, and underwired bras. If you have a more petite bust, try unstructured bralettes, triangle cups, and maybe strapless bras and bandeau bras. Whatever you choose, ask for advise from a trained professional, and make sure you get something that fits well. Once you have comfort and a supportive fit, you can experiment with different bra types to your heart’s content. Or maybe we should say your boob’s content?
