Nowadays there’s an unprecedented array of bra types, styles and models. This tiny, seemingly inconsequential thing can either be a woman’s best friend or worst enemy. Just like with real friends, you have to be careful in choosing the right ones to keep close to your heart (one pun down). The wrong type of bra for your outfit can alter your whole day by spoiling not only your look, but in turn your mood. And really, who wants to give an inanimate object that much power over your day? This is why every woman’s closet should have at least 5 different bra types for any life scenario. So here’s a list of the most popular bra types to help you find the right ones to include in your wardrobe!
Designed to enhance your cleavage, push-up bras do exactly as they say- they lift your breasts up towards each other to give that sexy look. Push-up bra is hands down one of the most popular and famous bra types there is. This bra is suitable for all types of breasts contrary to some myths that women with bigger breasts can’t wear them. The added padding helps your breasts appear a couple of cup sizes larger or more symmetrical, and owners of bigger busts can choose to take the padding out. They come in every size from A to E and may have different push-up levels, so be sure to check that when in store. Find out more about push-up bras...
Halter bra
This bra type goes perfectly with your halter tops, dresses or racerback T-shirts. The best benefit of a halter bra is that it keeps the straps off your back, making way for a wider range of clothing styles. Plus you can camouflage even these straps by choosing clear ones. Make sure, however, that the straps are comfortable, because if something is going to be wrapped around your neck it better be comfortable.
T-Shirt bra
Again, pretty self-explanatory, but these bras are meant for everyday comfort either when wearing with T-shirts or any other tight-fitting outfits. These thinly padded bras are cut like a demi bra and are also easily mistaken for them, the only difference is the seamless and smooth cups. T-shirt bras give gentle support, are comfortable and many women go-to, due to their availability for all shapes and sizes.
Convertible bra
Convertible bra is a must have in any women’s closet. Why you may ask? Because it is probably the most practical bra, and due to its versatility will serve you as a couple of different bras for the price of one. The straps can either be completely removed, converted into halter straps, racerback or criss-crossed to your heart’s desire. Why buy 3 or 4 different bras when you can have one for a variety of outfits. To get your money’s worth, always check how many and which strap configurations the bra you have in mind can do, because not all of them can convert into all aforementioned forms and styles.
Strapless bra
These are by far one the most controversial bras out there. Some hate them with passion while others couldn’t image their lives without them. As you may already know these bras come without any straps and are mostly worn with strapless dresses and tops. Most of these bras have either a very strong band to prevent it from falling off or areas of silicone to help it grip better to the skin. Contrary to the T-shirt bra fake myth, strapless bras really aren’t the best friends with bigger breasts. The good news is there’s plenty to choose from and nowadays the adhesive silicone is sturdy enough even for bigger bosoms. Read more about strapless bras here.
Adhesive / Stick-on bra
These bras come to your rescue when no other bra seems to work. Meant for strapless, backless, sheer back and just complicated outfits, stick-on bras are the IT item right now. Usually made of silicone, these bras use medical grade adhesive and fit you like second skin. Some are provided with a center clasp to adjust your cleavage and also have special cut outs for your nipples. Considering this is a strap free bra, like any strapless or backless bra you should expect less support than that of a regular bra. However, taking that in consideration, it still does its job perfectly and provides considerable support for your breasts. Read about TOP 3 adhesive bras.
Balconette bra
Similar to push-up bra, balconette bra gives you a sultry, demure look. One of the demi bra cousins, balconette is an underwire bra with a more horizontal line along the top part of the cups, designed to reveal the top half of your breasts. The thick straps and underwire give a minimal push-up effect and a rounded look for the bust. Because of its low cups, this bra goes well with low cut and wide neckline outfits.
Bandeau bra
Bandeau bra is like the lazier sister of a strapless bra. It is simply a piece of stretchable fabric that goes over your head and is worn like a tube top. It is perfect for wearing whilst lounging around at home, considering that is provides minimal support and downplays your curves a bit. They usually come in all the colors of the rainbow as well as plethora of materials like lace or satin. Probably because bandeau bras have no hooks or straps they are so comfortable which makes them a perfect homewear. Lately, however, it seems that girls are starting to favor it also as an outerwear. Instead of wearing actual tube top, just wear a bandeau bra.
Bralette
Bralettes in my unbiased opinion are a godsend. It is a non-wired or padded bra and comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and designs. They can serve at the same time as a beautiful undergarment or as of lately a stylish, sexy outerwear. There don’t seem to be any boundaries with how to wear this bra. Wear it with loose tank tops or a racerback top, wear it with a see-through outfit or a sundress, it doesn’t matter, just show that lace of in any way you want.
Demi bra
Demi bra is a partially cut off underwire bra that covers the lower side of breast and usually plunges low to show off your cleavage. Much like the push-up bra it uplifts smaller breasts front and center for a fuller and shapely look. It has a very beautiful and sensual cut however it doesn’t provide much support for the well-endowed. Because it accents your breasts so beautifully it is suitable and recommended (by me) for low-cut outer garments.
Sports bra
For anyone who exercises, scratch that, for anyone and everyone (you never know when it may come in handy) this is a necessity! It is important, when exercising, to wear a bra that gives you comfort whilst also supporting your breasts, and allowing you to fully concentrate on exercising that’s why exercising without a sports bra is a no go. No one wants to adjust their bra every 5 seconds whilst running, and the right sports bra also reduces the chances of breast damage from physical activity. Sports bras come in a huge variety, with or without hooks (usually the latter) and wide, comfortable, supportive straps. Designed to prevent your girls from bouncing all over the place, you can even go sans shirt and show it off without a worry in the world.
U-Plunge bra
Have you always struggled with bras for outfits with really low necklines? Well, struggle no more because this is the answer to your prayers. U-plunge bra dips at the front in a U-shape helping you show of your sexy cleavage with even more daring and risqué outfits. This is every woman’s lingerie drawer’s essential! Your breasts will be supported by cups that mold to and accent your cleavage in a very flattering way, and the bra itself will vanish under low necklines. So essentially you get the best of both worlds with this one.
Nursing bra
For new mothers comfort and efficiency is key, so if you are planning of nursing your baby, this bra is a must-have. Stretchy, elastane fabric accommodates your changing breasts whilst providing full coverage. The efficiency aspect comes in a form of easily opened flaps for a quick and easy access to your breasts while feeding your baby. As comfortable as it may be, it is paramount to choose the right nursing bra, not only because they are quite pricey, but also because the wrong size could increase the risk of a blocked milk.
Minimizer bra
Ah, finally a bra type for the sole purpose of pleasing the well-endowed ones. Quite simply, minimizer bras are designed for women who want their breasts to appear smaller. They do this by redistributing breast tissue and compressing your breasts which in turn visually reduces your bra size. This is a usual full-cup bra with underwires, meaning you will be provided with maximum coverage. Oh, the irony!
Full cup bra
The aforementioned full cup bra completely covers your breasts, however unlike the minimizer bra, it doesn’t change the size of your breasts. This is designed to provide excellent support and comfort through wider straps and fuller cups, and is probably the most supportive bra type there is. At times for bigger breasted woman it is difficult to find something comfortable without looking plain, and full cup bras nowadays come in all types of designs and materials. You will never have to feel plain whilst wearing a bra ever again!
I think after reading this article we can all agree that bras, just like women themselves, are a complex and varied entity. To think that only 100 years ago the first bras, like we know them today, started appearing seems a bit hard to believe. However seeing how far we’ve come to this day, that we now have 100 and 1000 of bra styles, is quite freeing but at times also confusing due to their excess amounts. Therefore, I hope this article helped you in your perfect and much needed bra search, and that your bra drawer will now be enriched with some new items. I wish you a good bra search and hope you find the breast bra for you.
