Bras are an inevitable part of every woman’s life. Though women prefer going bra less during leisure time, they need to wear different types of bras due to their everyday clothing styles which may vary from backless dresses to full coverage formal wear or sleep time and leisurewear. It is for this reason that today we have brought forth this Ultimate Bra Guide for you that lists 46 types of Bras which every woman should know about. Here it goes:
- Plunge Bra
- Push-Up Bra
- Nursing Bra
- Maternity Bra
- Adhesive/Stick-On Bra
- Balconette or Demi-Cup Bra
- Triangle Bra
- Strappy Bra
- Bandeau Bra
- Built-in Bra
- High Neck Bra
- Binder Bra
- Corset Bra
- Mastectomy Bra
- Halter Neck Bra
- Padded Bra
- Cupless or Shelf Bra
- Belly Dance Bra
- Leisure or Sleep Bra
- Convertible or Multi-Way Bra
- Full Support Bra
- Front Closure Bra
- Compression Bra
- Bullet Bra
- Minimizer Bra
- Peephole Bra
- Novelty Bra
- Sports Bra
- Strapless Bra
- Sheer Bra
- Soft Cup Bra
- Low Back Bra
- Trainer Bra
- Underwire Bra
- Wire-free Bra
- Full Cup Bra
- Vintage Bra
- Bustier Bra
- Bralette
- Longline Bra
- Cami Bra
- Racerback Bra
- Cage Bra
- T-shirt Bra
- Moulded Cup Bra
- U Plunge Bra
Plunge Bra
The cups of this bra are designed to be distant from each other and joining at a lower point in the centerpiece. These can be worn for lower necklines.
Suggested for: Women with well-toned busts.
To Wear Beneath: Low Neckline Dresses and Tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Georgette, Polyester, Silk, and Satin
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Push-Up Bra
These bras use foam or gel to provide a lift up to the breasts, so as to make them look bigger without the addition of volume, creating the perfect cleavage.
Suggested for: Women having subtle breasts;
To Wear Beneath: Deep or low neckline dresses and tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Nursing Bra
These are the bras that have been specially designed for women in their nursing phase as the cups of these bras are covered with fabric flaps that can be unclasped from the straps at the time of breastfeeding. Unlike maternity bras, these have an underwire to provide support to the breasts and prevent sagging.
Suggested for: Nursing Mothers
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, Georgette, and Satin
Maternity Bra
As the name suggests, these bras are specially designed for pregnant women who may have varying breast sizes. These do not have an underwire which helps maintain the comfort during maternity while the breasts are growing or may grow in size. While these help during breast growth, these provide full support and coverage as they have a seamless stretchable design.
Suggested for: Pregnant Women;
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
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Adhesive/Stick-On Bra
As the name suggests, these bras are made of disposable material like silicone which sticks on to the breast because of the adhesive lining on the inside of the cups and is strapless. While they help you wear your favorite dresses one should also keep in mind that these have two drawbacks: firstly, they have a shorter life when compared to traditional bras; and secondly, these may leave the skin while sweating because of the inactivity of the adhesive.
Suggested for: Women with self-supported breasts (as these are strapless);
To Wear Beneath: Strapless and Backless Outfits.
Availability in Fabrics: Silicone and Elastene
Balconette or Demi-Cup Bra
These ones create a square cut shape with the straps and the low-cut cups in order to make space for the cleavage for wearing low cut tops.
Suggested for: Women with either a small or a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: Low cut tops and dresses.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Triangle Bra
Common in bikini styles, these bras have cups designed in triangular shapes which do not provide support but only coverage.
Suggested for: Women with a small bust;
To Wear as Bikinis and Beach Wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Strappy Bra
The strappy bras are all about flaunting that sexy back lined with the bra back designed in the most sensual styles with bra straps. And to top it all, these bra straps are adjustable making it all the more comfortable a fit for you.
Suggested for: Casual wear or workout sessions;
To Wear Beneath: Tank tops and Low back dresses or tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton Spandex, Polyester, and Nylon
Bandeau Bra
Bandeau Bras are simple cloth fitting bras which are very less supportive and work best for those who have just started wearing one.
Suggested for: Teenagers who have just started wearing bras;
To Wear Beneath: Strapless tube tops, Night-wear, Casual-Home Wear.
They Work Worst For: Women with a heavy bust.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Laces, and Satin
Built-in Bra
Built-in bras are, as the name suggests, supportive bra cups that are stitched inside tank tops or dresses to provide the best support without the need of wearing any other bra with the outfit.
Suggested for: Women who can’t handle the bra hassle;
To Wear Beneath: Tank tops, Bulky Dresses, and Lounge Wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
High Neck Bra
This one is a stunning amalgamation of a supportive traditional bra and a Cami providing full coverage. This is a perfect pick for the ladies who choose to go the no-cleavage way. Made from easy-going fabrics these can be worn as regular wear bras.
Suggested for: avoiding cleavage show, workouts;
To Wear Beneath: Sheer tops and shirts.
Availability in Fabrics: Nylon Blend and Polyester Blend
See Also: Sexy Bikini and Resort Wear For Your Honeymoon
Binder Bra
The binder bra is what holds all of your breast’s shape together without having for you to worry if they will bounce while you run around or practice for sports. These are made of stretchable fabrics which also let your skin breathe.
Suggested for: Flatter appearance, preventing bounce;
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton Spandex, Nylon Blend
Corset Bra
Corset Bra is more than just a bra, as it provides full coverage to the entire upper body of a woman by decreasing the volume and making it easy for her to get the perfect shape while she puts on her wedding dress or for that matter any tight fitted dress.
To Wear Beneath: Wedding Dresses or any, body fit dress.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Mastectomy Bra
These bras are specially designed for women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. These hold the prosthesis at a place.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Halter Neck Bra
Meant for giving you perfect support while you play your favorite sport or relax your body while exercising by its straps designed in a halter neck shape.
Suggested for: Gym Wear;
To Wear Beneath: Low back dresses or tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Padded Bra
These are the bras that are padded to provide an impression of an increase in volume to the breasts of women who have a smaller bust. Unlike push-up bras, these do not lift the breasts up but only give them an increase in their volume.
Suggested for: Women with smaller breasts;
To Wear Beneath: T-shirts, dresses, thin fabric.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Georgette, Polyester, and Satin
See Also: The Ultimate Beach-Wear Collection To Make Your Next Vacation, Your Best One!
Cup less or Shelf Bra
Popular in Western Countries, this one comes under erotic lingerie having no cups but only the bra frame which provides for visibility of the breasts through the outfit.
Suggested for: Erotic Wear;
To Wear Beneath: Night Dresses and Night Gowns.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Belly Dance Bra
Specially designed for belly dancers, these provide the best support to their breasts even when they practice. These give a better coverage to them than other bras and are, therefore, designed in a larger size. So, when buying one, go for a size smaller than yours.
Suggested for: Women with larger breasts;
To Wear Beneath: Belly Dance Costumes.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Leisure or Sleep Bra
These are the most comfortable alternatives for going braless while acquiring that necessary zone of sleep leisure time. These are usually made of a breathable material which helps your skin breath through these even when you’ve not chosen to go braless for sleeping. And thus, act as a blessing for women with a heavy bust who feel more comfortable with their bras on.
Suggested for: Sleepwear at night;
To Wear Beneath: Lounge wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton Spandex, Cotton, and Nylon
Convertible or Multi-Way Bra
Convertible or Multi-Way Bra is a multi-purpose wear bra that has detachable straps because of which it can be rearranged to make a crossover, halter-neck, strapless, one-shoulder and traditional bras.
Suggested for: All-purpose wear;
To Wear Beneath: Any of your dresses.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Full Support Bra
Now this one’s definitely your wonder bra, giving you full coverage and support on a regular wear basis. It also hides the cleavage to keep your rest assured.
Suggested for: Women having a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: Work and Casual Wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Front Closure Bra
These bras are designed to give you better support than traditional bras as their hooks are at the front and not the back. And so, they also give you a seamless back.
Suggested for: Women who have a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: Body Fit Dresses.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Compression Bra
These bras have been specially designed for people who have undergone breast surgery like reconstructions, augmentation and breast reduction. These are highly comfortable and provide full coverage and support to those droopy breasts. These come with detachable straps and a cushioned front zipper.
Suggested for: Minimising breast bounce, great coverage, and support;
To Wear Beneath: Sports T-shirts.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester Spandex, and Polyester
Bullet Bra
Bullet Bras are what serve for maximum breast projection and a pointy look by adding a cup size through seamlessly padded pre-formed cups, as have been a retro trend.
Suggested for: Maximum Projection;
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Satin, Polyester
Minimizer Bra
These, as the name suggests, are the bras that help create an impression of a minimized bust size and are apt for women with a heavy bust, that is, for sizes 34C and above.
Suggested for: Women with a heavy bust;
Available in Cup Sizes: 34C and above.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Peephole Bra
These come under the category of sensual lingerie as these have a peephole design to let the nipples protrude out or be visible through the dress.
Suggested for: Sensual Wear;
To Wear Beneath: Nightwear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Georgette, Polyester, and Satin
Novelty Bra
These are bras that are specially designed to show them off and are therefore categorized as sensual bras. Thus, these are worn just as an outfit piece rather than wearing one underneath an outfit.
Suggested for: Sensual wear;
To Wear: The Beach and Pool Parties.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, Georgette, and Satin
Sports Bra
These are perfectly designed for the women who play sports as they provide better support, making the shoulder movements and other physical activity comfortably easier.
Suggested for: Women who work out or play any sport;
To Wear Beneath: T-shirts.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Strapless Bra
These bras are devoid of straps and thus, supported by an under band which closes either at the back or front. Being devoid of straps, they can serve to be uncomfortable and really less supportive.
Suggested for: Subtle bust sizes;
To Wear Beneath: Halter Tops, Deep or low neckline dresses, and tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Sheer Bra
As the name suggests, these are erotic lingerie wear made from sheer fabrics like Satin, lace, and nets to create a see-through design for the breasts.
Suggested for: Erotic Wear;
To Wear Beneath: Night Gowns.
Availability in Fabrics: Lace, Net, and Satin
Soft Cup Bra
Soft cup bras have cups that are slightly padded with soft foam making them an easy regular wear bra. It doesn’t have an underwire rather it relies on the under-band for support. All these features make it extremely comfortable and apt for regular wear.
Suggested for: Daily Wear;
To Wear Beneath: Any outfit.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
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Low Back Bra
These are strapless low back bras which ensure full coverage and support on the frontal zone with wide frontal flaps. These help you explore the zone of wearing favorite low back dresses without any worries or hassles.
To Wear Beneath: Low back tops and dresses.
Availability in Fabrics: Nylon Blend
Trainer Bra
These are the bras which are designed for teenagers who have just hit puberty and have started to develop their breasts. These give them the perfect support ensuring comfort for perfect breast development.
Suggested for: Women with developing breasts;
To Wear Beneath: Any outfit.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Amazon: Click Here
Underwire Bra
Underwire bras are meant to provide better support and endurance than regular bras because these have an underwire that is stitched on the inside of the fabric below the cups ensuring to keep the breasts in place.
Suggested for: Women having a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: Any outfit.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, and Satin
Amazon: Click Here
Wire-free Bra
Wire-free bras are the ones that provide exceptional support and coverage instead of being free from underwires which makes them all the more comfortable. Bras like sports, maternity, teenage and plus size ones are usually wire-free.
Suggested for: Women having a small to medium bust and for eliminating an under-bust crease;
To Wear Beneath: Casual Wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester, Jacquard, Cotton Elastane
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Full Cup Bra
Full Cup Bras are, as the name suggests, made for full coverage of breasts because of their high coverage design inclusive of an underwire for ultimate support. These are perfect for women having a heavy bust. These ensure all-day comfort and maximum coverage.
Suggested for: Women having a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: T-shirts, formal wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton Spandex, Polyester Spandex, and Nylon
Amazon: Click Here
Vintage Bra
Vintage Bras have been here since the 1940s. These are full support bras that have an axis perpendicular to the breasts like a paraboloid.
Suggested for: Women having a heavy bust;
To Wear Beneath: Any outfit.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton
Bustier Bra
These are a redefined form of corset bras entailing all of its features along with that it adds a sense of push up to your breasts making them look bustier.
Suggested for: Creating a bustier look and cleavage for Short-waisted women;
Availability in Fabrics: Satin Elastane, Nylon Spandex, Polyester, Neoprene
Bralette
Bralette bras are just another version of underwire bras, just that these have a lot more erotic sense of an appeal attached to them with all that fancy lace and other kinds of designs.
Suggested for: Leisure and sleeping;
To Wear Beneath: Sheer Tops, Tailored Blazers. Can also be paired along with high waist jeans.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Lace, Linen
Amazon: Click Here
Longline Bra
Longline Bras are vintage style bras that provide just the right amount of support to your breasts with complete coverage. These create a smooth line under your breasts providing ultimate relief to your back.
Suggested for: Reducing stress on shoulders and back as well as for eliminating bumps from the under-bust;
To Wear Beneath: Evening and formal wear.
Availability in Fabrics: Blended
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Cami Bra
These are made from molded microfiber fabric ensuring an invisible run under the tightest of fits. This thus becomes the perfect bra for low cut tops and dresses.
Suggested for: Low Impact Sports and Regular wear;
To Wear Beneath: Sheer shirt, open cardigan.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton Spandex
Amazon: Click Here
Racerback Bra
Racerback bras have been specially designed for sports enthusiasts for whom loose and falling straps may cause a problem. These bras have a crossing straps design at the back enabling a tension free practice session for every sportswoman.
Suggested for: Women having Sloping and narrow shoulders as well as for hiding straps underneath tank tops;
To Wear Beneath: Sheer shirts, Tank tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton, Cotton Spandex, Nylon Spandex
Amazon: Click Here
Cage Bra
These are the bras that are thickly padded around the cups to ensure no nipple show. These have an overall cage-like design and pattern which can be shown off when these are worn beneath sheer tops or shirts.
To Wear Beneath: Open-Back tops, loose tank tops, low cut, and sheer tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Polyamide Blend and Nylon Spandex
T-shirt Bra
T-shirt bras are what will give your breasts the perfect shape due to their soft padding and wire-line shaping, giving you a seamless finish with full nipple coverage.
Suggested for: People with camouflaging erect nipples;
To Wear Beneath: Form-Fitting Clothes like T-shirts and Dresses.
They Work Best For Shallow, Thin, Conical and Uneven Breasts.
Moulded Cup Bra
This bra is made from a fabric that molds like the skin around the bust area into a cone shape that contours in line with your body curves, giving the feeling of a second skin. Thus, when you wear a molded cup bra, you can be rest assured while wearing low cut tops as these won’t show any extra straps.
Suggested for: Women having sensitive nipples;
To Wear Beneath: Form-fitting outfits and clingy fabrics.
Availability in Fabrics: Cotton blend, Polyester blend, Nylon Spandex
U Plunge Bra
These are the bras which admittedly do not provide complete support but can be worn underneath those plunging neckline outfits which you’ve been waiting to wear on some special occasion.
Suggested for: Some exotic cleavage show;
To Wear Beneath: Sexy plunging dresses and tops.
Availability in Fabrics: Spandex, Polyester, Elastane, and Nylon
These were forty-six types of bras that all women should be aware of. Hope you liked it!
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