Types Of Bras: What Style Suits You?
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- By BraBar
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Even once you’ve found the right cup and band size for your body, there’s still another question to answer: what style of bra should you look for?
Each style of bra offers unique advantages and disadvantages; depending on what you have planned for the day, you might choose one over another.
The bra you wear can affect your body in many ways. For example:
- Straps that are too small may dig into your skin.
- Cups that don’t fit can lead to spillage and discomfort.
- A bra that’s the wrong size may lead to posture issues or back pain.
- If you exercise without wearing the proper bra, it may strain the tissues and ligaments in your breasts.
We’re going to take a closer look at the differences between each style of bra. Once you know more about each bra type, you can decide which ones will work best for you.
Full-Cup Bras
With this style, it’s all about comfort and coverage; these bras are perfect for everyday wear. A full-coverage bra often features 3-piece construction with side panels to create a figure flattering forward shape. Look for straps that are positioned close together so they don’t slip off your shoulders.
With full-coverage cups, your breast tissue is lifted and shaped in a way that won’t cause spills or bumps around the tops/edges. You can wear full-cup bras under almost any type of clothing.
The main advantages of these bras are the lift, support, and shaping they provide. You’ll feel secure knowing your breasts have full coverage all day long.
Balcony Bras
Looking to create more of a revealing, sultry look? You might be interested in a balcony bra (or a balconette bra). Since the cups sit lower on the breasts, you can wear these bras with low-cut tops and dresses.
The main difference between a balcony bra and a full-cup bra is that a balcony bra covers less of your breast tissue. But even with less coverage on the cups, these bras still offer all the support you need. They feature side set straps, and cups that are less full; which can be great for women with less fullness on top. The Marie Jo Avero balcony bra features a retro checked print and daisy-shaped shoulder straps.
T-Shirt Bras
You’re looking for a bra to wear every day that won’t show through clothes. A t-shirt bra is just what you need to create a smooth, uniform, and rounded shape. The seamless cups and straps look invisible even under tight-fitting clothes. Some t-shirt bras feature moulded foam cups to add nipple coverage while others are unlined. Unlined bras can often provide a better fit than moulded cups as they confirm to your unique shape better. If you like the fit of an unlined T-shirt bra but are worried about your nipples showing, we have you covered. We offer two styles of nipple covers that can be used in unlined bras.
T-shirt bras come in all sorts of playful and feminine designs, although many women prefer to stick to neutral blacks or nudes. The Elomi Smooth bra is a popular item at our store; it features a great size range, ultra-light fabric, and a j-hook that allows you to convert the bra into a racerback.
Deep-Plunge Bras (Low Cut)
When you want to wear a top with a deep V neckline, a low-cut bra is just what you need. A plunge bra is perfect for any revealing look. The underwire and angeled cups help push the breasts toward the center to create flattering cleavage.
If you’re looking for a deep-plunge bra, we recommend the Elomi Matilda bra. While it features the low-cut cups, it also has 3-part cups with side panel support; this creates a flattering and natural shape.
Bralettes
The traditional bra isn’t for everyone—for some, underwire bras and moulded cups may cause discomfort. If you’re looking for something casual and comfortable, consider trying a bralette. These bra types have:
- No underwires
- Minimal padding
- Soft, flexible fabric
Rather than using cup sizes like traditional bras, bralettes are often sized from small to Xlarge. The Freya Erin bralette combines a stunning black lace look with maximum comfort. You can let the lace peek through shirts for a fashion-forward look.
Wireless Bras
These pieces are designed to provide more comfort than a traditional wired bra. Some wireless bras have moulded cups, while others are unlined/seamless.
One of the main differences between a wired and a wireless bra is the way they separate the breasts. With a wireless bra, you do not get the same lift, shaping, and separation of the breasts. Wireless bras also come in a different size range than traditional bras.
Instead of relying on a wire construction, these bras use structured cups to support and shape the breasts. While you won’t get the same level of lift and shaping as you would with a wired bra, a wireless bra offers maximum comfort.
However, a wired bra that’s properly fitted should be comfortable, too. It all depends on your preferences; we recommend trying both to find what you prefer.
Even with larger breasts, you can still rock a wireless bra. The Rosa Faia Eve is a stunning non-wire bra. It features a sheer mesh design over the structured pink cups for a light, airy feel.
Strapless Bras / Convertible Bras
If you’re wearing a strapless shirt or dress, you may not want your bra straps to be visible on your shoulders. Strapless bras have no straps at all, so they’re perfect for these types of outfits. Convertible bras allow you to add or remove the straps as needed.
A strapless bra relies 100% on the band for support and therefore it’s important it fits snugly around. The Fantasie Aura strapless bra is one of our favourites and is available in natural beige or black.
Sports Bras
Exercising without a sports bra is more than uncomfortable—it’s also not healthy for your breast tissue. Excessive movement may cause stretching and tearing. Keep your breasts comfortable and protected during exercise with a sports bra.
The Anita Extreme Control Plus Sports Bra offers extra support for high-impact activities. The non-wire design and padded straps allow you to work out without any discomfort. In addition, it has ventilation zones and airy fabric to keep you cool and comfortable.
Mastectomy Bras
Mastectomy bras are often wireless and have pockets in the cup for you to insert breast forms. These bras are designed to provide comfort post-surgery and keep your breast prosthesis in place. The Amoena Karolina has an intricate Navy Blue lace design, with microfiber pockets to hold breast forms.
Nursing & Maternity Bras
Maternity bras are designed to be flexible so that they can accommodate changing breast sizes. Nursing bras have clasps that allow easy and convenient access for breastfeeding.
These bras often have a wireless design to avoid putting additional pressure on your ribs and to accommodate breast changes. Try the Bravado Original Nursing Bra; you’ll adore the cozy cotton fabric and comfortable wire-free design.
Now that you have a clearer picture of all your options, you might want to try a few new bras. At The BraBar & Panterie, we offer personalized bra fittings. To learn more, contact us today.