Types of Bras

Brassieres
There are so many different types of bras available today that it is hard to keep track of them all.
From pretty and fashion forward
first bras
and
teen lingerie
to luxurious silk bridal bras and bustiers and virtually everything in between, there are various everyday and specialty bra styles and
bra sizes
to fit every beautiful figure and occasion.
First you need to know your correct bra size. If you don't know, then go ahead and have yourself measured in the lingerie section of any department store, or specialty lingerie shop. You can also check out our easy 3 step
bra size calculator.
So, without further ado here is a comprehensive guide of today's most popular types of bras.
Adhesive Bra
- This unique brassiere is the perfect choice for backless and strapless dresses and tops. Adhesive bras do not have traditional bra straps or bands and derive their support from two adjustable adhesive cups that mold to the breasts. Some adhesive styles are attached with a front hook. Look for styles with a silicone adhesive and follow the directions carefully for a comfortable bra fit.
Backless Bras
- This low back brassiere is designed to be worn under low back, backless, strapless, halter dresses and clothing styles with a plunging neckline. The best backless bra styles feature light weight molded seamless foam cups for a smooth finish, together with a thin inner line of silicone adhesive to prevent any slippage. Basic styles with a low or backless bra offer the support of a bustier in both form and fit, as most offer a built in push up bra.
Balconette Bras - A popular brassiere style, the balconette bra, also known as a balcony bra is an exotic lingerie style and a wonderful choice for lower cut necklines on blouses, tops, sweaters, and dresses.
Balcony bras are more risque and provide less breast coverage than demi bras. They are similar in design to push up bras because of their cleavage enhancing effects, though they do not offer as much of a lift and like demi cup bras they have wider set bra straps.
Bridal Bustier
- The classic lace and satin bustier is one of the most popular types of bras for today's brides. An ideal choice for strapless and low cut wedding dresses, bridal bustiers are a form fitted one piece bridal undergarment bodice that extends from the bust to the waist. The strapless bustier provides enhanced cleavage and gently narrows the waist. For wedding gowns that are clingy or lightweight, look for bridal bustiers that are absolutely smooth with minimal or hidden seams.
Cupless bras
- The ultimate in sexy lingerie, this brassiere is more for visual pleasure and special occasions rather than everyday practicality.
A cupless bra is considered an exotic bra and belongs to the family of exotic lingerie. Also known as an open cup bra or open shelf bra, this popular brassiere is designed to completely expose the breasts. It provides minimal support.
Demi Bra -
Demi cup bras,
also known as half cup bras are one of the most popular types of bras available. These versatile underwire bras look wonderful under a variety of low cut, square necklines, and outfits. A low cut brassiere, the
half cup bra
is designed to expose the top, or demi half of the breast while providing a gentle lift to the bustline. An alluring demi cup bra provides more coverage than a balconette bra or balcony bra, and less breast coverage than classic full bras.
Front Closure Sports Bra - For many women the best sports bra is one that fastens in the front. A major advantage to this brassiere is the ease and comfort of wear, and the absence of a cumbersome back closure which many women dislike. Look for sports bras with a solid and soft bra band and supportive wider straps.
Full Figured Bras
- Full figure bras tend to have fuller bra cups that accommodate and cover more breast tissue than regular brassieres that have shallower cups and offer less coverage. Goddess bras, Wacoal bras, Chantelle bras and Vanity Fair bras are all excellent full figured types of bras.
Half Bra
- The half bra, sometimes known as a demi bra offers half the coverage of traditional full bras, while exposing the top part of the breast. Favored for their seductive look,
half bras
offer a fair bit of support, though obviously not as much as a full bra.
Half cup bras
are ideal for low cut blouses, tops, sweaters and dresses with a plunging neckline.
Long Line Bra - An excellent choice when a smooth shape is needed. A longline bra is a one piece long brassiere that extends from the breasts to just above the belly button. Longline bras are designed to slim the midriff for a smooth polished silhouette, and also offer very good back support. They are available in both traditional and strapless bra styles.
Open Cup Bra
- Open cup bras are the ultimate in sexy exotic lingerie. There are several types of bras in the open lingerie group to suit different tastes and function. While ultra sexy cupless bras and open shelf bras are two types of bras that expose the entire breast, the more demure open nipple bra or open tip bras cover most of the breast and show just a glimpse of the nipple.
Preteen Bras
- A preteen bra, also called a first bra is a petite bra usually made of cotton with a touch of lycra that caters to smaller sizes and is intended as lingerie for young teens.
Push Up Bra
- Pushup bras are popular cleavage enhancing types of bras that lift and push the breasts together, adding up to a cup size.
Padded push up bras
are designed with padded molded foam, gel or water inserts that, depending on the
push up bra
style, the inserts can be removable.
Racerback Bras - A lingerie drawer must have for summer tank tops and sleeveless shirts. The racerback bra features back bra straps that curve away from the shoulder blades and remain hidden from view. This brassiere is also a good choice for women with sloped or narrow shoulders and is very comfortable.
Shelf Bra
- Shelf bras, also called cupless bras, or open bras are a bra style with a supportive shelf, and no bra cups. This exotic lingerie style gently lifts and provides minimal support, while exposing the breasts.
Sports Bras - The sports bra is designed for low, medium and high impact exercise and physical activities from tennis and cycling to walking and running, etc. Though there are several different types of bras, there are two basic styles. Compression bras minimize breast movement by holding the breasts close to the chest. Encapsulation bras tend to separate the breasts while providing more support.
Strapless Bra - Strapless bras are brassieres without bra straps that are designed for dresses with spaghetti straps, plunging necklines, backless and strapless tops and dresses. Look for styles with a fine line of silicone or rubber on the inner lining for smooth adhesion and a better bra fit. If wearing tighter fitting clothing, opt for smooth, seamless
strapless push up bra
styles and fabrics that offer a finished look.
Training Bra
- Training bras for young girls are known by a variety of different names including preteen bras, starter bras, bralets and first bras. These brassieres are designed in very small cup sizes for young girls that you may find in the womens lingerie department.
T Shirt Bras - A t-shirt bra is one of the most popular types of bras available today. It is designed to be virtually invisible under your tight fitting blouses, tops, sweaters, dresses and of course t shirts. The best bra is a seamless bra that has a stretch or molded cup for a smooth fitted shape and look. A must have for your lingerie drawer.
Bra Extenders
- are great must have bra accessories that can extend the life of your favorite bras!
Cheap Push Up Bra
- Getting a great deal on push up bras is easy with these tips.
Full Figure Push Up Bra
- Also known as a plus size push up bra, this bra style is designed to enhance the appearance of increased cleavage.
Goddess Sports Bra
- With bra sizes that range from 34D to 48G a Goddess bra offers a great range of sizing options for fuller figured women.
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