Your choice of bra can make a huge impact on the outfit you’re wearing. Here’s a breakdown of different bra types that are worth adding to your closet. Based on construction, the bras can be divided into 4 types – i.e. padded, non-padded, wired, and non-wired. Based on coverage, bras are of two types – Demi cups and full cups. Based on the neckline shape, bras can be categorized into a plunge, sweetheart, or balconette neckline style. Here are the common bra types based on various parameters, such as construction, coverage, necklines, etc.
Beginner’s Bra
Beginner’s bras have a slip-on style to make it a happy ‘first bra’ experience for young girls. It is quite similar to a tube bra with a slip style that has no hooks, pads, or wiring.
T-shirt Bra
A T-shirt bra is the most familiar, it has smooth, seamless, molded cups that don’t leave an impression even under the thinnest fabrics. This style works best with fitted outfits for a clean & smooth silhouette. When buying, choose a shade that matches your skin tone so it won’t be visible through light-colored outfits.
Seamless Bra
Like a T-shirt bra, the seamless bra is also designed to help you in hiding underneath. It is ultra-smooth and is specifically crafted to provide you a seamless silhouette underneath your body-hugging clothes, even under the tightest ones. The cups are beautifully moulded to enhance the curves while giving them a fit and firm look.
Strapless Bra
A strapless bra is pretty much self-explanatory that can be worn without the straps. This style is a must-have for formal dresses or tops that are strapless, off-shoulder, spaghetti strap, or have transparent embellishments at the shoulders. These typically feature molded cups and a silicone grip on the band so it doesn’t slip. Such styles sometimes have side boning for extra support.
Full-coverage Bra
Those with larger breasts might desire fuller coverage, which prevents “spillage” and provides maximum support. These are typically constructed from a more durable material, often with some stretch, for ultimate support and comfort.
Convertible Bra
The convertible bra is the master of all bras that solves the purpose of many bras combined. Strategically designed with detachable straps, this bra allows you multiway styling including one strap, two straps, cross-shoulder, halter, criss-cross, racerback, and even strapless. Invest in a convertible bra for a multi-style undergarment that is almost convertible to all.
Sports Bra
Whether your exercise of choice is an advanced Pilates session or a breezy walk around the neighborhood, it’s important to have at least one sports bra in your arsenal. These bras support the breasts and minimize bounce. They’re also a comfy option for lounging around the house. Sports bras are a must-have for any physical exercise.
Bralette Bra
Bralette is a bra style that lies somewhere between a bra and a crop top. Free of wires and molds, the bralette is perfect for low-key moments when maximum coverage or support isn’t a priority. Bralettes can also be styled as fashionable outwear. People love letting these cuties peek out from beneath sundresses and button-downs.
Push-up Bra
A push-up bra lifts the breasts and pushes them closer which gives a very prominent cleavage. This style can benefit all breast sizes by lifting cleavage with padding—usually a molded gel or foam—in the lower and outer portions of the cups. They have angular padding that drastically changes the shape and look of your breasts. Push-up bras usually have underwired cups for a gentle lift.
Racerback Bra
Racerback bras are the ones that have a tank top-like back with two straps that cross each other in a Y or V shape. Racerbacks are often preferred by those with narrow or sloped shoulders and struggling with slipping straps. It’s also, of course, a good option for racerback shirts and dresses. A lot of women claim that these bras are very comfortable and feel light on the back.
Plunge Bra
A plunge bra comes in handy for any garment with a particularly deep neckline. They work best under outfits that have a low neckline and ensure no embarrassing bra peeks. Plunge bras have demi-coverage cups that cover one-third of the breasts and have a deep neckline all the way to the center gore.
Balconette Bra
A balconette is a popular shape as it offers a rounded look and great support with less coverage than a full cup style. With cups that only cover the breasts partially, the Balconette bra offers much less coverage than a T-shirt or a push-up bra. The straps tend to be a little wider-set and join at the side of the cup rather than the center. The name has been derived from the word ‘balcony’ that pretty much resembles the neckline that is created by wide-set straps. A balconette bra can be identified by its wide-set straps. This bra style works best for broad necklines.
Demi Bra
Demi bra means half bra in which the cups are half or smaller in size in comparison to a full cup bra. Demi bra covers much less area of breasts while ensuring the nipples are fully concealed. The demi has a partial cup that leaves the top of the breast uncovered. Because of their unique design and shape, demi bras are ideal for low-cut garments and often designed with a tilt that pushes breasts together to enhance cleavage. It is mostly ideal for smaller breast sizes.
Tube Bra
These are pretty basic in tube shape with no wiring, no padding, and no straps. Tube bras are also called Bandeau bras. Few tube bras also come with inbuilt pockets to insert pads. This bra style works best under tube tops or racerback tops. A great option for times when you don’t want your straps to be visible.
Padded Bra
Though often confused with a push-up bra, these feature padding throughout the entire cup or have pockets to insert pads (also called cookies). It adds volume to the breasts and gives them a rounder and fuller shape. This can help fill out certain garments or simply create a curvier silhouette. This style works best when your main concern is to hide visible nipples.
Non-padded Bra
A non-padded bra is best suited for women with larger breast sizes who don’t want any additional volume with the padding. It enhances the natural shape of the breasts without making them look out of shape. They’re so light that you’ll not even feel like you’re wearing a bra. And since they’re double-layered, they don’t result in any nipple show either. They provide you just the right amount of comfort, so you can feel free all day long. Many people consider non-padded bras as a great home option to simply relax and lounge around.
Underwired Bra
Underwired bras have wired cups, they may or may not be padded. This style works best for women who feel they have saggy breasts and need that extra lift. The underwires provide a gentle lift to breasts making them look perkier.
Wireless Bra
If you’ve always been irritated by the poking of underwires, this one’s for you. The wireless bra is utterly comfortable and sits perfectly under your busts. These bras come with sturdy under bands to provide breasts the necessary support and lift, especially for those with smaller to mid-sized breasts.
Longline Bra
In this style, the band below the cups extends down your rib cage, offering anything from a sultry lingerie aesthetic to shapewear.
Halter Bra
As the name suggests, This style is a great fit with a Halter dress and tank tops. Halter bras have a single strap that either goes around the neck or back and can be found in both padded and non-padded options. Most of the convertible bras give you an option of converting them into a halter style too. Halter bras also relieve pain from the shoulders.
Cage Bra
A cage bra features multiple straps on the front or back adding a sexy look. Cage bras can be styled with trendy & fashionable outfits or can be just worn alone with a jacket. In other words, this bra serves both innerwear and outerwear. This style is such that no woman can resist showing off.
Maternity Bra
Maternity bras are also called nursing bras which is a blessing for new mothers. This bra style is designed for women who are nursing, these have convenient flaps that allow for quick and easy access to the nipple. These flaps are usually secured with a clasp that can be unhooked by a single handle making it easy to feed the baby. As with any other bra, you can find colorful styles ornamented with lace and other details. These are crafted with breathable cotton fabric and are non-padded and non-wired to keep the mother at utmost ease during the time of changing breast shape and size.
Bridal Bra
Bridal bras are the fanciest bra type of all that uses premium fabrics like lace and satin to add the bridal charm. The designs are super-sexy and functional to make a perfect addition to your bridal trousseau.
Lace Bra
Like a bridal bra, it makes the perfect pick for a honeymoon or those special nights. As the name suggests, the lace bra is crafted with exquisite lace fabric, this bra lets you channel your inner diva in full swing. This is probably the sexiest bra style available on the market.
Transparent Bra
This bra features transparent back straps and shoulder straps. These straps go invisible under backless and strapless clothes and give a clean and smooth look. These are quite invisible straps that are not noticeable and aren’t in colors, unlike the other bras. The transparent bra for women is similar to the multi-way multi-purpose bras which come with transparent cups or straps.
Mastectomy Bra
These adapt to the many stages of post-surgical bodies, made from ultra-soft material that’s sensitive to healing skin. They also usually have pockets that allow for the insertion of prosthetics or symmetry shapers.
Minimizer Bra
This features technology that compresses breasts against the body to reduce their fullness. The design essentially redistributes breast tissue and can reduce overall projection by several inches.
Front-closure Bra
Front closure bras (or front open bras) feature a hook at the center gore. Securing between the cups, this style is preferred by those who can’t or prefer not to reach around. This can be considered the most convenient bra to wear. It’s also useful when wearing thinner fabrics since it allows for a smoother line down the back.
Adhesive Bra
Adhesive bras are also known as stick-on bras that have no back straps or shoulder straps. There are many options to choose from; from backless bras to pasties or nipple covers to the flesh-tone body tape. They have an adhesive on the inner side of the cups that stick to the body and stays put. This sticky-style bra may not work the best with heavy-breasted women.
Moisture-wicking Bra
Moisture-wicking bras are great for absorbing sweat during workouts and on particularly balmy days and are also favored by those with hyperhidrosis. Performance fabrics are being used more and more for both sports and everyday bras.
