Bras come in all different shapes and sizes. Part of finding the right fit is making sure the bra shape and style is the right type and shape for your breast shape. In this blogpost we will talk about the different types of bras available and which bras may be best suited to your body shape.
Different Types Of Bras Explained
Our bra specialists have explain the different bra shapes to help you find the right bra shape and style for your body so you can confidently look and feel your best whatever the occasion.
Underwired Bra
An underwired bra is a bra with a covered wire under the cups. This style helps to lift and support the bust and the wires can be either padded or un-padded.
Different bra styles can have different shaped wires which will lift and support in a slightly different way, giving a different shape to your breasts.
Some wired bras also have a shorter wire which are recommended for a shorter torso so the wires don't dig in under the arms.
An underwire bra is suitable for all breast shapes so please give us a call on 01439 798388 if you would like to know more about the wires in a particular bra and about the different types of underwire. Our bra specialists have picked out some of our best everyday underwired bras, so have a read of the blogpost today.
Soft cup bra / non wired bra
A soft cup bra has no underwiring to the cups. Non wired bras tend to have a deeper support underband offering gentle support. Wire free bras naturally shape and comfort the breasts, making this bra style extremely comfortable for any breast shape. A wire free bra is recommended for close set breast which are narrow or have no space between the breasts for comfort. Have a read of our ultimate guide to non wired bras and our recommended everyday soft cup bras.
T-shirt bra
A t-shirt bra is a seamless or flat seamed bra. They can have slightly padded cups to ensure the nipples don’t show through when a tight top or dress is worn. T-shirt bras are often underwired.
Smooth bra / Seam-free bra / Seamless bra
A smooth bra has no seams in the cups. Smooth cups allow this type of bra to be worn under close fitting tops without unsightly seams showing. They give a good shape and are comfortable to wear all day. Have a read of our best seamless bras blogpost recommended by our bra specialists.
Wide Strap Bras
Bras with wider bra straps help to relieve shoulder discomfort and pressure, support the breasts and prevent strap slippage. A good choice if you have problems with bra straps slipping.
Many of our bras also feature comfortable, padded straps and cushioned straps for added comfort. Wide strap bras are a feature of different bra styles.
Sometimes the straps are wide all along the the strap, just at the front or wider at the back so please call on 01439 798388 if you would like help finding the bra right strap for you. Our bra specialists have picked out some of our most comfortable wide strap bras so have a browse today.
Balcony bra / Lower cup bra / Balconette bra
A balcony bra has less fabric to the cups and is also known as a half cup or demi bra. A good choice for wearing with lower cut tops.
A balcony (or half-cup) bra creates a boosting effect and rounded support of the breasts. With less coverage than a full-cup style, a low necked bra gives maximum uplift, to lift your cleavage from underneath whilst also offering maximum comfort.
A balconette bra can help lift from the side to give a non-padded boost to shallow or slender shaped breasts that are slimmer at the top and fuller at the bottom. If you have wide set breasts with a wide space between the breasts then a balcony bra will help to provide uplift and a rounded shape.
Full Coverage Bra
A full coverage bra gives greater coverage and support. Full height centre at the front. A fuller cup bra encapsulates the whole breast and will avoid cutting across the fullest part of the bust. This bra style is recommended if you have a full breast.
Nursing bra / Maternity bra
A bra with drop cups, designed to make feeding baby easy. This style is supportive and comfortable. Nursing bras can be soft cup non wired or some have underwired to the cups.
Front fastening bra / front close bra
Bras which fasten to the front with hook and eye, poppers, magnets or clips.
A practical bra for ladies who suffer with frozen shoulder, have restrictive movement or struggle to fasten a back fastening bra. A front-fastening bra has a hook between the cups making it easier to get on and off and perfect for low-cut tops. Bras with front closure fastenings will give you great support and shape with maximum comfort. Have a read our our recommended front fastening bras blogpost.
Sports bra / Active bra / Exercise bra
A sports bra is a bra that gives support to help control the breasts so that they do not move about too much during sport.
Most provide motion control as well as the ability to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. It is particularly important to get the right support and fit from your bra when you are exercising.
Sports bras are usually firm support bras, offering full coverage for total support whilst exercising. Read our ultimate guide to sports bras.
Minimiser bra / Minimizer bra
Minimiser bras are designed to make your breast look smaller, help stop the breasts protruding and prevent your clothing from gaping.
Minimising underwear is perfect for those looking to smooth their silhouette and look smaller. The cups in minimiser bras are specially created to reduce the bust size and give you a more rounded shape. Minimiser bras work by either compressing the bust or redistributing the breast tissue within the cup or a combination of both.
Plunge bra
Plunge bras have a lower centre front and can have a deep v neck so provide less coverage.
A plunge bra works perfectly under low cut tops, dresses or blouses . The plunge bra helps create a beautiful cleavage. A side support plunge bra as the narrow set wires and low centre fronts make plunge frames more comfortable for close set breasts. Our bra specialists have picked out 6 of the best plunge bras.
Sleep Bra
A sleep bra is a very soft, gentle support bra designed for ultimate comfort whilst sleeping. Uusually a pull on bra without a fastening at the back or front which could potentially dig in when you are laid in bed and move about at night.
Wearing a bra in bed can provide extra comfort particularly if you have larger breasts, as they can feel supported by a comfortable bra. A bra will support the breasts so that the breasts are positioned correctly during sleep and the skin tissue isn’t strained. In pregnancy your breasts can be sensitive so a sleep bra can help to provide comfort and support.
Our bra specialists have picked out some of our best sleep bras, so have a read today.
Racer Back Bra
Racer back bras have cross over straps at the back. It frees the shoulders up and prevents straps slipping. Sports bras have this feature.
Longline Bra
A longline bra extends below the usual bust band and has panels along the midriff to help smooth the waist. With a deep underband, these bras with back support can be everyday or bridal depending on the design.
Strapless bra
A bra without straps or removable straps, usually occasion wear. A strapless bra is designed to be worn under strapless tops and dresses. Strapless bras often have added design features to prevent slipping and add support. These bras feature silicone strips or another grippy material which keeps the clothing in place, so you don’t lose any support and they often come with detachable straps. Strapless bras are especially popular under dresses, off the shoulder tops and other tops which have a strapless neckline.
Listening to our customers we know what a struggle it can be to find a strapless bra in larger cup sizes so please give us a call on 01439 798388 if you would like help finding a strapless bra. Our bra specialists have picked out some of our best strapless bras.
Pull on bra/ Crop top bra / Over head bra
Comfortable bras without any fastenings that pull on over the head. These are stretch bras usually rich in cotton and can be worn as sleep bras or sometimes light sports activities.
Multi-way Bra
Bras which have multi functional uses. Detachable straps allow these bras to be worn in many ways.The versatile straps can be detached for a strapless, worn as a halter neck or crossed over at the back.
A full cup bra fully encases the whole bust giving full coverage to support the whole bust.
A full-cup bra offers full coverage of the breast and creates a smooth outline under clothes. This type of bra offers great support and suits every body shape and size. This bra shape is recommended if you have a full breast.
Post mastectomy bra / post operative bra
Post mastectomy and post surgery bras are made of very soft fabrics for comfort. They are pocketed bras to hold a prosthesis after breast surgery.
Bandless bra
A bandless bra has little fabric under the cup. A bandless bra usually doesn't have a band under the cups. The bandless bra can be either wired or non wired, but usually wired. A perfect bra for shorter waisted women and a recommended bra for petite ladies.
Moulded Bra
A moulded bra provides seamless cups from a single piece of fabric. Either padded or non-padded, the bra gives a smoother look under t-shirts. An ideal choice for a tear drop shaped breasts and asymmetric breasts as a moulded style bra can conceal the difference in size between breasts by providing an even rounded profile.
Padded bra / padded half cup bra
Padded bras have padding in the cup. They are recommended for shallow, slender breasts that tend to be longer than they are wide as a padded bra or padded half cup bra will help make the bust look more rounded. If you have a tear drop shaped breasts that are rounded breasts and a little less full at the top then a padded half cup bra can lift and reshape. They are also recommended for asymmetric breasts.
Side Support Bra
A side support bra has a panel at the side that helps to support the breasts and sometimes there is side bones in the side support panel for extra support. The added side support in a side support bra helps give great forward projection to wide set breasts. Side support can be found a wide range of bras.
Styles Of Bra For Ultimate Comfort
There are lots of different styles of bras and everyone will have their own personal preference. Some bra styles are extremely comfortable to wear. You could consider trying any of the following:
- non wired soft cup bra with no wires can offer comfort,
- sports bra can offer support and comfort for all day wear with fabrics that are kind to the skin and wick away moisture for extra comfort,
- full cup bra can fully and comfortably cover the breasts,
- pull on crop top style bra can be comfortable as it doesn’t have hook fastenings and is a perfect choice as a sleep bra,
- cotton bra – a cotton fabric is a good choice for sensitive skin,
- front fastening bra offers comfort and support at the back and ease of fastening to the front,
- wide strap bra can have wide, soft, padded straps that stay in place and help support the breasts,
- corselette – can offer comfort as support is over the whole body and not just at the breasts and there is no band or hook fastening to dig in.
Have a look at our bra style guide for a full list of bra styles and shapes to consider. Whichever bra style you choose, your bra should fit well and be comfortable.
Bras At AmpleBosom
We have an extensive collection of bras, lingerie and shapewear ranging from 28-58 back size and AA-N cup size. Click on the shop now button to view our bra collection.
The AmpleBosom team are very knowledgeable about our bra collection and will be able to offer bra recommendations to suit your shape and size.
If you would like any help finding a well fitting and comfortable bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
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