The Complete Bra Style Guide with 26 Types of Bra

Most women share a love-hate relationship with bras. No matter how much you hate their pokes and stabs, you just can’t do without their lift and support. Well, the good part is that, once you get to know what style, size and type complement your body, it can significantly transform the quality of life. The right bra types can magically enhance the appearance of your outfit whereas the wrong one can spoil your entire look. That’s why women should be well versed with the different types of bra styles available in the market and the outfits they go with. 

Coming to the parameters of bras, they can be divided into 4 types based on construction – padded, non-padded, wired, and non-wired. Based on coverage, bras are of two types – those with demi cups and those offering full coverage. Talking about the neckline shape, bras can be categorized into sweetheart neckline, plunge, or balconette style.

Based on the above parameters, let us take a look at the best bra types available at Clovia. Here, we have enlisted 26 types of bras for women that you can find at Clovia. We have also mentioned some styling tips for each bra for the best pairing.


 

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1 Padded Bras

 Padded Bra

A padded bra is crafted with padded cups or has pockets to insert pads (also called cookies). This style works best when your main concern is to hide visible nipples. It also adds volume to your breasts and gives them a rounder and fuller shape. Padded bras are available in both underwired & non-wired styles. Underwired padded bras give you a gentle lift while non-padded ones are great for everyday wear.

Style Guide: Padded Bra

Breast Type

All

Occasion

Everyday

Outfit

All

 


2 T-shirt Bra

T-shirt Bra

A T-shirt bra is quite similar to a padded bra. It has smooth and seamless cups that don’t leave any impression when worn under body-hugging outfits. This style works best with fitted outfits for a clean & smooth silhouette.

Style Guide: T-shirt Bra

Breast Type    

   All

Occasion

   Everyday

Outfit

   T-Shirts, Body Hugging Dresses

3 Push-Up Bra

Push-Up Bra

A push-up bra lifts your breasts and pushes them closer while giving you a very prominent cleavage. Push-up bras usually have underwired cups for a gentle lift. They have angular padding that drastically changes the shape and look of your breasts. Starting from level 1 push up, which is a gentle push to a level 3, which is a heavy lift, you can pick the amount of drama you need!

Style Guide: Push-Up Bra

Breast Type

     Mostly for Small, Saggy

Occasion

     Parties

Outfit

     Low cut blouses, Plunge Neck Outfits

Level 1

     For small breasts

Level 2

     For semi full or small breasts

Level 3

     For full or semi full breasts

 

4 Underwired Bras

Underwired Bra

As the name suggests, these bras have wired cups, although the cups may or may not be padded. The underwires provide a gentle lift to breast making them look perkier. This style works best for women who feel they have saggy breasts and need that extra lift.

Style Guide: Underwired Bra

Breast Type

Large

Occasion

All

Outfit

All

5 Convertible/ Multiway Bra

Convertible-Multiway-Bra

This style is the master of all bras. With detachable straps, it allows multiway styling including one strap, two straps, cross-shoulder, halter, criss-cross and even strapless. This one bra solves the purpose of many bras combined.

Style Guide: Convertible/ Multiway Bra

Breast Type        

  All

Occasion

  Everyday, Gym

Outfit

  Tank Tops, Racerback Dresses

6 Bralette

Bralette

Bralette is a bra style that lies somewhere between a bra and a crop top. These easy-to-wear bras are usually non-padded non-wired and have a slip-on style. With less of support and construction, this style focuses more on style and comfort factor. They can be styled as a fashionable outwear too!

Style Guide: Bralette

Breast Type        

Small, Medium

Occasion

Parties

Outfit

Transparent, Backless outfits or like crop tops

7 Strapless Bras

Strapless Bra

A strapless bra is pretty much self-explanatory. This style can be worn without the straps. Its main support is offered by underwired cups and an inner silicon lining along the edges that prevent the bra from slipping down. Such styles sometimes have side boning for extra support. They work best under tube, strapless and off-shoulder outfits.

Style Guide: Strapless Bra

Breast Type        

Small

Occasion

Casual outing, Parties

Outfit

Off shoulder Tops, Tube Tops, Racerback Dresses

8 Balconette Bra

Balconette Bra

A balconette bra can be identified by its wide set straps. The name has been derived from the word ‘balcony’ that pretty much resembles the neckline that is created by wide set straps. This bra style works best for broad necklines.

Style Guide: Balconette Bra

Breast Type        

Small, Medium

Occasion

Weddings, Parties

Outfit

Wide Neck Tops, Sarees, Salwar Suits

9 Front Open Bra

Front Open Bra

Front open bras feature a clasp or a hook at the centre gore. This can be considered as the most convenient bra to wear. This style is popular amongst women who find it difficult or annoying to hook the bra at the back.

Style Guide: Front Open Bra

Breast Type    

   Heavy breasted women

Solution

   Easy to tie front enclosures

10 Halter Bra

Halter Bra

Halter bras have a single strap that either goes around the neck or straps that can be tied at the back of the neck. This style works best under halter dresses and tank tops. Most of the convertible bras give you an option of converting them into a halter style too.

Style Guide: Halter Bra

Breast Type        

All

Occasion

Parties, Day Out

Outfit

Tube Tops, Strapless Dresses, Tank Tops, Racerback Dresses, Halter Neck Dresses

11 Bandeau Bra

Bandeau Bra

Bandeau bras are also called tube bras. These are pretty basic in structure with no wiring, no padding and no straps. But quite a few tube bras come with inbuilt pockets to insert pads. This bra style works best under tube tops or racerback tops. Great option for times when you don’t want your straps to be visible.

Style Guide: Bandeau Bra

Breast Type        

  Small

Occasion

  Parties

Outfit

  Off Shoulder Tops, Tube Tops, Deep Neck Dresses, Sheer Tops

12 Nursing Bra

Nursing Bra

Nursing bras are a blessing for new mothers. They feature a flap at the cups for easy feeding access. These flaps are usually secured with a clasp that can be unhooked by a single handle making it easy to feed the baby. These are crafted with breathable cotton fabric and are non-padded and non-wired to keep the mother at utmost ease during the time of changing breast shape and size. These are also called Maternity Bras.

Style Guide: Nursing Bra

Ideal time        

Pregnancy, Post pregnancy

Solution

Convenient feeding access

13 Racerback Bra

Racerback Bra

Racerback bras are the ones that have a tank top-like back. These work best under outfits that have a similar back style. It serves as a great option for women who often complain about bra straps slipping down the shoulders. A lot of women claim that these bras are very comfortable and feel light on the back.

Style Guide: Racerback Bra

Occasion        

Workout, Everyday

Outfit

Tank Tops, Racerback Dresses

14 Plunge Bra

Plunge Bra

Plunge bras have demi-coverage cups that cover one-third of the breasts and have a deep neckline all the way to the centre gore. They work best under outfits that have a low neckline and ensure no embarrassing bra peeks.

Style Guide: Plunge Bra

Breast Type        

Small, Medium

Occasion

Weddings, Parties

Outfit

V Neckline Dresses

15 Cage Bra

Cage Bra

A cage bra is a very sexy style that features multiple straps on the front or back. This style is such that no woman can resist showing off. Cage bras can be styled with trendy & fashionable outfits or can be just worn alone with a jacket. In other words, this bra serves both as an innerwear and an outerwear.

Style Guide: Cage Bra

Breast Type        

All

Occasion

Honeymoon, Parties

Outfit

Sheer Tops, Scoop Back Dresses

16 Sports Bras

Sports Bra

Sports bras are a must-have for any physical exercise. These bras support the breasts and minimise bounce. Depending on the nature of the activity, one can pick from a range of low impact, medium impact, and heavy impact bras.

Style Guide: Sports Bra

Low Impact Workout             

   Walking, Yoga, Pilates, Strength Training

Medium Impact Workout

   Dance, Ski, Zumba, Cycling

Heavy Impact Workout     

   Gym, Running, Aerobics, Hiking

 

17 Stick On Bra

Stick On Bra

Stick on bras have no back straps or shoulder straps. They have an adhesive on the inner side of the cups that stick to the body and stays put. These bras work best under backless and strapless outfits. However, they may not work the best with heavy breasted women.

Style Guide: Stick On Bra

Breast      Type

Small

Occasion

Parties

Solution

Avoid bra strap visibility

Outfit

Backless Dresses, Off Shoulder Tops, Tube Tops, Racerback Dresses, Sheer Back Dresses

18 Transparent Bra

Transparent Bra

This bra features transparent back straps and shoulder straps. These straps go invisible under backless and strapless clothes and give a clean and smooth look.

Style Guide: Transparent Bra

Breast Type             

Large

Occasion

Wedding, Parties

Outfit

Backless Dresses, Tube Tops

19 Bridal Bras

Bridal Bra

Bridal bras are the fanciest bra type of all. The premium fabrics like lace and satin add to the bridal charm. The designs are super-sexy and functional to make a perfect addition to your bridal trousseau.

Style Guide: Bridal Bra

Breast Type          

All

Occasion

Wedding, Honeymoon

20 Beginner’s Bra

Beginner’s Bra

Quite similar to a bandeau bra, this bra has no hooks, pads, or wiring. Beginner’s bras have a slip-on style to make it a happy ‘first bra’ experience for the young girls.

Style Guide: Beginner’s Bra

Ideal for        

Teenagers

Solution

Provides support to growing girls

Outfit

School Uniform, T-Shirt, Dresses

21 Full Figure Bras

Full Figure Bra

Full figure bras as the name suggests, have full coverage cups and broader side coverage. Such styles work best with women who have bigger & fuller breasts. These bras prevent spillage and give a much more flattering figure.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type       

Large

Occasion

Everyday as per convenience

Outfit

Dresses, Tops, T-Shirts

22 Lace Bra

Lace bra

This is probably the sexiest bra style available in the market. It makes the perfect pick for a honeymoon or those special nights. Crafted with exquisite lace fabric, this bra lets you channel your inner diva in full swing. It enhances your appearance graciously to sweep your man off his feet by surprise.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type     

All

Occasion

Honeymoon, Bridal

Outfit

Babydolls, Nighties

23 Non-Padded Bras

Non-Padded Bra

A non-padded bra is best suited for women with larger breast size who don’t want any additional volume with the padding. The bulk free cups enhance the natural shape of your breasts, without making them look out of shape. And since they’re double layered, they don’t result in any nipple show either. They provide you just the right amount of comfort, so you can feel free all day long. They’re so light that you’ll not even feel like you’re wearing a bra. This is why many people consider them a great home option to simply relax and lounge around.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type

Large

Occasion

Everyday

Outfit

All

24 Demi Bras

Demi Bra

Like the name states, ‘demi’ means half, so the demi bra means half bra. The cups are half/ smaller in size in comparison to a full cup bra. The bra covers much less area of breasts while ensuring the nipples are fully concealed. Because of its unique design and shape, it works great under low cut outfits. However, since the cups aren’t full, they don’t provide ample support like a full coverage bra does. It is mostly ideal for smaller breast sizes.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type

Small

Occasion

All

Outfit

Low neck

25 Seamless bra

Seamless bra

Body hugging tops can be tricky because usually the bra shows underneath. Well, thankfully, a seamless bra is designed to help you with just that. It is ultra smooth and is specifically crafted to provide you a seamless silhouette underneath your clothes, even under the tightest ones. The cups are beautifully moulded to enhance your curves while giving them the fit and firm look.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type            

All

Occasion

Office, Parties

Outfit

Body hugging

26 Wireless bras

Wireless bra

As obvious from the name, these bras are devoid of straps. So, if you’d always been irritated by the poking of underwires, this one’s for you. This bra is utterly comfortable and sits perfectly under your busts. And if you think they’re not supportive, you’re highly mistaken. These bras have sturdy underbands to provide your breasts the necessary support and lift, especially to the ones with smaller to mid sized breasts.

Style Guide: Full Figure Bra

Breast Type        

Mostly small, mid sized

Occasion

Everyday

Outfit

All

Now that you know about all the popular bra styles available in the market, you are ready to get-set-shop! But remember that picking the right bra size is as important as picking the right bra type. You can use the Bra Size Calculator to find your size in quick and easy steps.

For any type of bust, we have got something special.

There you have it - your guide to types of bras. It is a lot of information to take in, so we completely get it if you are not sure where to start when it comes to looking for the right type of bras for your wardrobe.

So, if you have got plans that require a wardrobe change, you cannot go wrong with these types of bras. They come in a wide range of different sizes, colours, shapes, fabrics, and more. You can find the right type of bra and wear it with anything, depending on the style you choose.

 

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