Different Types of Bras That You Should Know 

Sure, bra shopping can be a total minefield, even though there are tons of awesome stores out there. With a crazy amount of styles, fits, and fabrics to choose from, it’s all about finding the perfect match for you. That means picking a design that totally caters to your individual body and needs – the ultimate bra BFF. 

A well-rounded bra collection isn’t just about supporting your size and shape, it’s about having options for different activities, clothing styles, and of course, your own personal preferences. Keep reading to explore the different types of bras, so you can find the most flattering fit for both your body and your life. 

T-Shirt Bra 

Alright, let’s dive into the first bra: the T-shirt bra. Lingerie guru Jené Luciani Sena calls it the “workhorse” of bra styles for a reason. “It’s got your back (literally!),” she says. “Full cups and an underwire provide great support, while the smooth, often foam cups disappear under clothes. Plus, it works with pretty much everything except wide necklines and strapless styles. Basically, the perfect everyday hero for most women.” 

Styling tip: Stick with everyday colors like nude, white, or black. These will vanish under your favorite tees and go-to tops. 

Best for: Everyday wear, all breast types, T-shirts, bodycon dresses, anything that needs a smooth, supportive fit. 

Padded Bra 

Sena says added bras are your friend if you’re craving a little extra lift. “The good news? Padding comes in all shapes and sizes these days,” she explains. “Want a natural look? Opt for bump-up pads nestled under the cup, perfect for those who’ve lost some volume on the bottom. Just remember, keep it real! Too much padding can weigh you (and your bra!) down.” 

Style tip: Stick to a two cup size increase for a believable boost. Best for: All occasions, all breast types, outfits that could use a little extra oomph.

Wireless Bra 

Ready to ditch those underwire jabs? Look no further than the wireless bra! These comfy options come in both padded and unlined styles, and even without the wire, they offer surprising support thanks to wide, sturdy underbands. 

Style Tip: Check the label for padding info. Worried about enough lift? Take the bra for a test run – jump around and see if it keeps things in place. 

Best For: Everyday wear, smaller to medium chests, and layering under any top or dress that screams for comfort. 

Push-up Bra 

Push-up bras are your comrades in cleavage creation, similar to padded bras, says Sena. “They use padding to nudge the girls upwards,” she explains, “and sometimes even have a plunge cut for extra oomph. But listen up – some styles, like balconette bras, can achieve that lifted look without padding. Still, most push-up bras come with some built-in boost.” 

Style Tip: Hack any bra into a push-up with secret weapon silicone gel inserts. Many bras even come with removable pads for customizable cleavage control. 

Best For: Cocktail dresses, evening wear, smaller to medium chests, low-cut tops or dresses – basically, anytime you want to bring on the lift. 

Balconette Bra 

Sena is a huge fan of the balconette bra, calling it a hidden gem. “The cups sit horizontally across your chest, creating a straight-across neckline,” she explains. “It’s not your go-to for cleavage, but it offers amazing support and a flattering silhouette for all cup sizes, from petite to full-figured.” 

Style tip: You can select a lace pattern that looks more like lingerie. Go for solid satin and cotton fabrics if you want more coverage for tight-fitting tops. 

Best for: Everyday wear, weddings, and parties. 

Strapless Bra 

Sena admits strapless bras can be a tricky customer. “Even with that silicone lining, some just refuse to stay put!” she exclaims. “The key is a snug fit – try going down a band size for better hold. And for our fuller-figured friends, look for wider bands and underwires for extra support.”

Style Tip: When backless, sideless, or peek-a-boo cutouts call for a strapless solution, explore sticky bras for a little extra confidence. 

Best For: Casual wear, parties, weddings – basically, any occasion where straps are a no-go. Ideal for small to medium breast sizes, works well under strapless styles, tube tops, and racerback dresses. 

Halter Bra 

Halter tops? Halter bras are your BFFs! But their versatility goes beyond just that one neckline, thanks to the material. Depending on the style, you can totally rock a halter bra under a jacket or blazer for a peek-a-boo surprise. Plus, the low-cut design make them perfect companions for deep V-neckline shirts too. 

Style tip: You can wear lacy halter bralette under a blazer with high-rise pants as an alternative to a traditional blouse. 

Best for: Everyday wear, nights out, ; all breast types; under anything halter cut. 

Convertible Bra 

Calling all bra chameleons! The convertible bra is a must-have for your lingerie arsenal. It’s basically a T-shirt bra with detachable straps that transform to suit various necklines, as Sena explains. “Think of it as a super adaptable friend – swap those straps for a strapless option, or go one-strap for halter and one-shoulder styles. 

Style tip: Swap out your strapless for a one-strap convertible bra for added support when wearing halter styles. 

Best for: Everyday wear, all breast types, under tanks, halter, racerback 

Stick-On Bra 

Calling all backless dress lovers! Stick-on bras are your secret weapon for achieving that strapless, seamless look. These self-adhesive wonders stick directly to your skin, offering some lift and support. However, Sena warns, they might not be the best fit for our fuller-figured friends. 

Style Tip: Backless doesn’t have to mean supportless! Prep your skin for maximum stickage by skipping lotions and oils before applying the bra.

Best For: Parties, weddings, cocktail nights, basically any time you want to rock a backless dress or top. Ideal for smaller breast types. 

Minimizer Bra 

For our well-endowed friends, the minimizer bra is a popular choice, offering a reduction in breast projection by up to an inch in some cases, as Sena explains. “The goal is a streamlined silhouette,” she says. “But beware – some minimizers have a bridge that won’t lay flat, creating an unflattering uni-boob effect.” 

Styling tip: Don’t wear the designs that force breasts to spread out, it can flatten breasts and make you appear wider. 

Best for: Suitable for everyday wear and fuller breast types. 

Racerback Bra 

The racerback bra might be a familiar sight in the world of sports bras, but it’s a versatile friend that goes beyond the gym. As the name suggests, the straps resemble a halter top, looping up around the neck and meeting mid-back before splitting again to connect to the band. You can wear this style under a regular tank top for a sporty vibe, or choose a racerback top where the bra seamlessly disappears underneath. 

Style Tip: The racerback’s design keeps everything in place. Its a lifesaver for you if you constantly battles with straps falling down. 

Best For: Everyday wear, athletic wear, suitable for all breast types, and offers support under racerback tanks, dresses, and a top where you want to ditch the traditional bra strap look. 

Nipple Covers 

Nip covers, also known as “pasties,” are those little round silicone lifesavers with sticky backs that stick right onto your nipples. They’re a total go-to for anyone rocking backless or strapless tops and dresses, working just as well (if not better!) than a strapless bra. 

Styling tip: Nip covers aren’t just about keeping things undercover under sheer tops. They can also be your comfy BFF between your nipples and your bra. This is a lifesaver (pun intended) for those experiencing sore nipples, especially during pregnancy. They’ll keep things smooth and irritation-free.

Best for: Think cocktail parties, nights out on the town, weddings – basically anywhere you want to feel confident and supported. They’re perfect for smaller to medium chests and anything body-hugging or strapless. 

Bandeau Bra 

Bandeau bras? Think of them as comfy, stretchy fabric tubes with no cups or pesky wires digging in, says Sena. They’re all about the freedom factor, which is why they’re a dream come true for smaller chested women. Since they offer minimal lift and coverage, they might not be the best choice for everyone. 

Styling tip: Bandeau bras are your secret weapon for rocking those sideless and cut-out tops that normal bras just can’t handle. Plus, because they’re so unstructured, they work great under looser-fitting clothes too. 

Best for: Well, pretty much anything! They’re comfy and versatile, so wear them wherever you want. Breast size? Doesn’t matter – as long as you feel confident, that’s all that counts. Necklines? Bandeau bras don’t discriminate – wear them with any style you love. 

Sports Bra 

Sports bras got your back (and, well, your chest) during those sweat sessions and high-energy moments. Two styles to choose from: Compression (squeezes everything in, pullover style) and encapsulation (cups each breast like a regular bra, usually clasps in front). Both should keep things secure and minimize movement. 

Picking the perfect fit: Check the label for support levels. Do the bounce test too: jump around and see if your girls stay put! 

Best for: Athletes of all kinds, any breast size, wear it under anything – tops, dresses, you name it! 

Demi Bra 

This bra, named after the French word for “half,” features cups that are smaller than a full-coverage bra. Think of it like a balconette style – offering a peek-a-boo cut that sits right across your middle. 

Styling tip: Demis were made for plunging necklines! Their low-cut design complements your outfit without sacrificing coverage.

Best for: Everyday wear, special occasions (parties, weddings, cocktails!), anyone who wants to highlight their décolletage, and works well under anything with a lower neckline. 

Underwire Bra 

The OG: The Underwire Bra. This classic holds the crown for maximum support, making it a lifesaver for backaches. The secret weapon? An underwire that snuggles under your breasts, not just shaping them but giving you that supportive lift. 

Styling tip: Fit is key with underwires! A bad fit can turn this dream bra into a nightmare. Find a bra specialist who can work their magic and ensure you’re strapped in (comfortably!) for the ultimate lift and support. 

Best for: Everyday wear, well-endowed ladies, and works under anything in your wardrobe, tops or dresses, you name it! 

Full-Figure Bras 

Maximum coverage, maximum comfort: The Full-Figure Bra. Forget feeling restricted – full-figure bras are designed with generous ladies in mind, offering the most coverage of any bra style. Whether you prefer the support of an underwire or the comfort of wireless, full-figure bras have got you covered (literally!). They boast extra material on the sides and cups to keep everything smooth and supported. 

Styling tip: Shapewear just got an upgrade! Many styles now incorporate full-figure bras for a one-stop-shop solution. For ultimate smoothing and a little extra lift, consider a shapewear bodysuit with a built-in full-figure bra. It’s the ultimate combo of support and a touch of va-va-voom! 

Best for: Everyday wear, fuller figures, works wonders under any dress or top in your closet. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to make sure my bra fits properly? 

Getting a professional fitting is key! The associates of any lingerie shop are trained to measure you and recommend the perfect bra. Here’s what a good fit feels like: the band sits snug and flat all the way around, the center rests comfortably against your breastbone, the underwire doesn’t dig, and the sides are smooth without pinching or bulging. 

How often should I wash my bra?

Surprise! Most people don’t wash their bras enough. Since they trap sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria, washing them every two to four wears (or more if you sweat a lot) is ideal. Keep an eye out for rashes or irritation – those are signs you need to wash more frequently. 

What’s the most versatile bra? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as Sena says: “Every body is different! What works for someone might not work for another. Breast shape plays a big role too.” The most versatile bra is ultimately the one you find most comfortable. 

Generally, T-shirt bras are popular for their comfort and versatility under different tops. But if you want something adaptable, a convertible bra with removable straps is a great option.