Bra Types

Table of Contents

30 Bra Types for Women 

Choosing the best bra type for you is an intimate decision to make. 

There are many different questions you should ask yourself, such as: Will this type of bra compliment my breast type? 

Will it support my cup size? Will it work with my outfit? Once you ask yourself these important questions, you will better understand your bra needs and how to solve them. 

To help you differentiate the types of bras, we have made a comprehensive overview of 30 different bra types. 

1. Underwire Bra

An underwire bra is one of the most popular bra types. It is a traditional bar with a thin piece of structural material woven into the brassiere to give support and shape to breasts. 

The wire in underwire bras can be made of different materials, including metal or plastic. There are many kinds of underwire bras. 

When to wear it:

An underwire bra is perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable, supportive bra that will contour your breasts. 

Breast Type: 

This bra works with all breast types, but it is specifically recommended for larger breasts that may need more structure. 

Available in sizes: 

All

2. Push Up Bra

A pushup bra is an underwire bra that has extra padding at the bottom of the bra cup. 

The extra padding lifts the breasts so that they appear rounder and fuller. 

These bras make your breasts look a size or two bigger. 

When to wear it: 

Push-up bras are the perfect bra to wear with a low-cut shirt or dress so that you fill out the top and have a bit more cleavage. 

Breast Type: 

Push-up bras are perfect for smaller and larger breasts. 

If you have smaller breasts, a push-up bra will make it look like your breasts are larger. 

If you have larger breasts, a push-up bra will keep them from hanging too low. 

Available in sizes: 

All

3. Maternity Bra

A maternity bra is a bra meant to be worn during pregnancy. 

These bras are extra comfortable and have wider straps, soft material, and extra hooks. 

When to wear it: 

This bra is specifically meant to be worn during pregnancy. 

You can also wear this bra post-pregnancy for comfort and support while nursing. 

Breast Type: 

Best for breasts that are continuously growing during pregnancy. 

Available in sizes: 

Maternity bras are adjustable with extra hooks for growing sizes during pregnancy. All cup sizes are available. 

4. Padded Bra

Padded Bras are often confused with push-up bras, but padded bras are lined all around the cups instead of just at the bottom. 

These bras are padded for comfort and give a more subtle lift to the breasts. 

When to wear it: 

Padded bras can be worn as an everyday bra or when you feel like you need more support than a regular underwire bra. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All

5. Strapless Bra

A strapless bra is a bra that does not have any shoulder straps and instead has a rubber or silicone lining to help the bra stay in place. 

Strapless bras are typically not as comfortable as regular bras with straps. 

When to wear it: 

Strapless bras are meant to be worn with a tube top, tank top, off-the-shoulder shirt, or sleeveless dress.

These bras will provide proper support while allowing your outfit to remain entirely strapless.

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

While strapless bras come in all sizes, it is best for people with larger breasts since the strapless bras will stay in place better. 

Always shop a cup size and band size smaller than your regular size so that the bra will stay up. 

6. Lace Bra

A lace bra is a bra that is made mainly of lace material. Lace bras are softer and more flexible than traditional bras. 

When to wear it: 

You can wear lace bras every day since they are made of soft and breathable fabric. 

Breast Type: 

Best for smaller breasts since they provide less support than a cupped bra. 

Available in sizes: 

All 

7. Halter Bra

A halter bra does not have regular shoulder straps. Instead, it has straps that wrap around the neck. 

Halter bras are made, so your bra straps do not show when wearing revealing outfits. 

When to wear it: 

Wear a halter bra with a halter top, halter dress, or a backless dress. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All

8. T-Shirt Bra

A t-shirt bra is a smooth bra that can be worn under tight-fitted t-shirts. These bras are comfortable and easy to wear. 

When to wear it: 

A T-shirt bra can be worn every day. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All

9. Soft Padded Bra

A soft padded bra is a bra that has cups, seams, and padding, but it does not have an underwire. 

These bras are considered to be one of the most comfortable types of bras because of their soft structure. 

When to wear it: 

Soft padded bras can be worn every day. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All 

10. Stick On Bra

Stick-on bras are bras that do not have a band or a strap, and they stick on your bust. 

These bras can be made out of silicone, and the inside of the cup is made of a sticky adhesive. 

When to wear it: 

Wear stick-on bras with spaghetti straps, tube tops, or backless dresses to hide your bra. 

Breast Type: 

Stick-on bras best fit people who have smaller breasts that do not need much support. 

Available in sizes: 

Available to all sizes but works best with smaller breasts that don’t need much support. 

11. Bandeau Bra

Bandeau bras are similar to tube tops. They do not have hooks or shoulder straps, so they should be put on over the head. 

When to wear it: 

Bandeau bras can be worn as a top with a jacket over it, or they can be worn under strapless tops and dresses. 

Breast Type: 

These bras offer very little support, so they are best suited for those with smaller breasts. 

Available in sizes: 

All

12. Demi Bra

A demi bra is a classic bra that has a lower cut cup. These bras allow your cleavage to show more than a t-shirt bra.

When to wear it: 

Wear a demi bra when you are wearing a v-neck shirt or low-cut dress. 

Breast Type: 

Demi-bra will help accentuate your breast, so if you have smaller breasts, you may want to consider a demi bra. 

Available in sizes: 

All

13. Shelf Bra

A shelf bra can be a bra built into a swimsuit or tank top, or it can also be a very low bra and only covers a quarter of a typical cup. 

When to wear it: 

Built-in shelf bras provide additional support in swimsuits or tank tops, while a platform shelf bra should be worn to give a sexier, boosted look. 

Breast Type: 

Best for cup sizes under a C that may not need as much support. 

Available in sizes: 

All

14. Balconette Bra

A balconette bra is a bra that has a horizontal cut with less coverage. 

These bras are supportive and give breasts a rounded look. 

When to wear it: 

Wear this bra with low necklines. 

Breast Type: 

A balconette bra is perfect for anyone who has broader shoulders 

Available in sizes: 

All

15. Longline Bra

Longline bras are bras that have extra fabric that covers below the bust. 

A longline bra can be different lengths, and the additional support they provide can be beneficial to your posture. 

When to wear it: 

Longline bras can be worn under dresses such as bridal gowns since they are more supportive than a typical strapless bra. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All 

16. Sports Bra

A sports bra is a bra that is more breathable and has flexible fabric. 

They typically have insertable cups for extra support. 

When to wear it: 

Sports bras should be worn when exercising to provide extra support and comfort. 

Breast Type: 

All 

Available in sizes: 

All

17. Racerback Bra

Racerback bras have straps that join in the back to form an x shape. 

These bras are good for posture since they tend to pull your shoulders back and prevent you from slouching. 

When to wear it: 

Wear this bra with a racerback top to hide your bra strap. 

Breast Type: 

All

Available in sizes: 

All

18. Full Support Bra

A full support bra offers coverage for the entire breast while providing maximum support. 

These bras are comfortable to wear and will help shape your breasts. 

When to wear it: 

Full support bras can be worn at anytime. 

Breast Type: 

Full support bras are best for those who have a larger breast and are looking for more support and shaping. 

Available in sizes: 

All 

19. Front Open Bra

A front open bra has a clasp or clip that has to be fastened from the front. These bras are simple and easy to use. 

When to wear it: 

Front open bras can be used as a starter bra since they are easy to use. 

Breast Type: 

All 

Available in sizes: 

All

20. Convertible Bra

A convertible bra can do it all. These bras have straps that can be manipulated to be worn in different ways or even strapless. 

When to wear it: 

Convertible bras are handy since you never know what outfit may need a different bra strap. 

Breast Type: 

All 

Available in sizes: 

All

21. Bridal Bra

A bridal bra is a bra that is worn under a wedding gown. Bridal bras can be any type of bra that compliments the gown, and they can be either strapless or strapped. 

When to wear it: 

Wear a bridal bra on your wedding night. 

Breast Type: 

All 

Available in sizes: 

All 

22. Wireless Bra

Wireless bras support your breasts without wires under the cups. These are soft and prevent sagging since they allow natural movement. 

When to wear it: 

A wireless bra is an everyday bra that is perfect for lounging. 

Breast Type: 

Best for larger breasts that may start to sag. 

Available in sizes: 

All

23. Bralette

A bralette is a thin, unstructured bra that can sometimes be worn on its own as an outfit. 

Bralettes do not have padded cups but are instead lined. 

When to wear it: 

Wear a bralette under a sheer shirt, as an outfit, or as a training bra. 

Breast Type: 

Bralettes provide little to no support, so they fit best on those with small breasts. 

Available in sizes: 

All 

24. Sheer Bra

A sheer bra is made out of breathable material that can help to prevent sweating. Sheer bras are comfortable and lightweight. 

When to wear it: 

Sheer bras are a great everyday bra, and they can also be worn on a hot day to allow ventilation. 

Breast Type: 

All 

Available in sizes: 

All

25. Transparent Bra

A transparent bra is a bra with a transparent band and straps. You can feel the support from these bras, but you can’t see them. 

When to wear it: 

Transparent bras are perfect for dresses, tube tops, or spaghetti strap tops. 

Breast Type: 

These bras are great for women with larger breasts that need more support. The transparent bra is an excellent alternative to sticky bras. 

Available in sizes: 

All 

26. Silicone Bra

Silicone bras are strapless bras that have silicone inside the cup to help hold the bra up. 

When to wear it: 

Wear it for an event, but do not wear it for a long time since they are not very supportive and can cause rashes or skin irritations. 

Breast Type: 

Larger breasts that need more support from strapless bras. 

Available in sizes: 

All

27. Seamless Bra

A seamless bra is a smooth bra that has molded cups. Seamless bras can be push up, padded, or regular. 

The smooth finish of a seamless bra will help shape your breasts without the presence of harsh bra lines under your shirt. 

When to wear it: 

Seamless bras are very comfortable and can be worn on a daily. 

They can be worn with form-fitting shirts and dresses. 

Breast Type: 

Best for people with larger breasts and sensitive skin. 

Available in sizes: 

All

28. Built-In Bra

A built-in bra is typically found in a tank top or swimsuit. 

A built-in bra can have the cups built directly into the material. 

Alternatively, the cups can also be added into an additional layer like a shelf bra. 

When to wear it: 

Buy a swimsuit or tank top with a built-in bra if you are looking for additional support. 

Breast Type: 

These are typically needed by women with large breasts. 

Available in sizes: 

All

29. Plunge Bra

Plunge bras have a low-cut center, and the cups are angled up and out. 

Plunge bras provide support and structure and show a bit of cleavage with a natural look. 

When to wear it: 

Plunge bras should be worn with v-necks, dresses, and blouses with a low cut. 

Breast Type: 

Plunge bras are best for women with larger breasts from a D cup up since these bras simply reangle your breasts for a full, round look. 

Women with smaller breasts should look to push up bras instead. 

Available in sizes: 

All

30. Cupless Bra

A cupless bra, or a shelf, is a sexy bra with low coverage that pushes your breasts up with an underwire. This bra leaves the nipples uncovered. 

When to wear it: 

A cupless bra can be worn as lingerie or under regular clothing with clothes that can be worn without a bra. 

Breast Type: 

Cupless bras can be worn with any breast type, but they are best with bra sizes C and up since the breasts should be resting on the supportive wire. 

Available in sizes: 

All

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