Push-up, shapewear, balconette… Do you get lost every time you go into a lingerie store just looking at the different models available? With this guide you will no longer have any doubts about the types of bras that exist and what each one is for.
How to choose a bra
When we hear about bras, we usually mention these characteristics: with or without underwire, with padding, without padding. The option of having an underwire or not is, in turn, combinable with the presence or absence of padding. And we already think that it is a complex subject when… there is even more! That is why here I bring you a very complete guide on the types of bras that exist . Post by post I will unravel the tricks and secrets to really feel so comfortable that you want to live in lingerie.
Before starting, I want to clarify that this list has been made based on the structure of the bra without taking into account the aesthetic or ornamental elements that we can find in many models. As they do not affect the frame of the bra, we can also include them in one of the following categories. On the other hand, it should be said that although bras with underwire are still the most popular, we are increasingly finding more models that do not have it; thus, we find strapless and underwire-free bras, or push-up bras without underwire, for example.
1. Classic bra
This is undoubtedly the most popular model. It is made up of foam-filled cups with a ring that maintains, supports and enhances the shape of the breast in a natural way.
2. Non-wired bra
With or without padding, they are similar to the previous model but are more comfortable to wear. As they do not have a wire, they adapt more easily to any size or shape of breast.
3. Multi-position bra
The straps of this bra are removable and allow for longer ones that can be fastened in different ways so that they cannot be seen if, for example, we are wearing a bare back.
4. Halter bra
They either fasten at the back of the neck or are pulled through the neck like a T-shirt. Either way, these types of bras are ideal for wearing a halter top without the bra showing.
5. Plunge bra
This type of bra has cups cut out in a “V” shape that makes it easier to wear low-cut garments without the bra being visible.
6. Triangle bra / bralette
As the name suggests, the cups are triangular shaped and filled with light foam.
If it is only the triangle made of lace or fabric (without padding) we are talking about the well-known bralette .
7. Sports bra
Stronger than everyday bras, sports bras are designed to support your breasts during workouts. They are designed to prevent bouncing and keep your bust firm during vigorous movements to avoid injury. There are many types of sports bras: padded, compression or encapsulation, with or without closure.
8. Minimizing bra
They usually have wide straps and very wide cups both at the top and in the area closest to the armpit in order to accommodate the most generous breasts. Their cut helps to shape and reduce, in appearance, the volume of the chest.
9. Push-up bra
These bras do exactly what their name suggests: they gently push your breasts up and closer together to give you a sexy cleavage.
10. Heart bra
They enhance the neckline and make small breasts look more voluminous. They are called this because the curve of the cup from the centre towards the straps resembles the outline of a heart.
11. Balconette bra
This type of bra provides a very delicate aesthetic and gives a rounded appearance to the bust. With wide straps and cups that form an almost horizontal neckline (very similar in appearance to a balcony), this bra can remain hidden under the widest neck.
12. Bandeau bra
A bandeau bra is simply a band or strip of stretchy fabric that can be placed over your bust. It has no straps, cups or closures (you put it on over your neck, like a T-shirt). A bandeau is more of a casual bra to wear around the house or to sleep in, as it provides minimal support but maximum comfort. It can also be used to cover a bra and hide cleavage.
13. Strapless bra
The straps of these bras are either removable (which is the most common, allowing for more wear) or non-existent. Unlike the bandeau, this type of bra does provide support. There are versions of this bra with a wider band to accommodate generous breasts.
14. Bustier bra
A mix between a bra and a corset. It supports the bust and can cover the torso down to the waist. As the band is wider than a bra, the hook closure is wider, but it is not as good as a corset’s closure system.
15. Adhesive bra
They are two cups joined in the centre, without a band, which adhere to the skin. In the beginning, silicone cups were common, which in addition to covering the nipple helped to give more volume. Today, you can find models made of fabric with seams in the middle that help to achieve a push-up effect, or with an adhesive silicone on the side for greater support.
16. Mastectomy bra
These bras are wire-free, but are well constructed to support the entire torso and back. They are seamless to prevent chafing or marks on the skin. The closure is usually in the front to avoid discomfort that can arise from moving the arms too much. Inside there are covers where the prostheses can be placed.
17. Maternity or nursing bra
Each cup has an opening system that allows the breast to be exposed so that the baby can access the nipple without having to remove the bra. They can be worn during pregnancy, once regular bras become too small.
