30 different types of bras for women - the ultimate guide

there is an unparalleled joy in finding a bra that properly lifts and supports your breasts. different types of bras that suit your style and size do wonders in making you look more relaxed and in shape. bras can either break or make your overall appearance in a lot of ways. so, it is very important to know about the different bra types for different outfits and purposes.

you can find a lot of different types of bras for women in the market and on e-commerce websites which can bring a lot of questions to the mind of a woman like how to select sports bra size, and what type of coverage or shape they might choose for daily wear. they are often categorised on the basis of fabrics, coverage, shapes, construction, and so on.

here are the 30 most popular bra types with images and names for you:

1. padded bra

padded bras come with padded types of bra cups or pockets for inserting pads. they are great for concealing nipples and adding volume to the breasts, making them look fuller and rounder. depending on your preferences, you can get them in non-wired or underwired styles.

breast type: small to medium sized breasts

coverage: full breast coverage and nipple concealment

best time to wear: at formal and casual parties; under sheer tops, bodycon dresses, see-through wear.

functionality: to uplift the breasts and hide nipples’ visibility

2. push-up bras

these modern types of bras not just lift the breasts but also push them closer. this makes the cleavage very prominent and your outfit more flattering. usually, they come with underwired cups that enable gentle lift. the angular padding gives a dramatic look and shape to your breasts.

breast type: level 1 for small and saggy breasts, level 2 for semi-full to small breasts, and level 3 for full to semi-full breasts.

coverage: three-fourths of the breasts

best time to wear: at casual events and parties; under plunge necklines and low-cut blouses

functionality: add extra volume, shape and upliftment to the breasts

3. t-shirt bras

t-shirt bra types come with seamless and smooth cups, which make them among the most-worn types of bras. they leave no impression when you wear them under your outfits. t-shirt bra types are quite similar to padded bras but are a better option for everyday bra wear.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: daily wear; for college and office

functionality: to provide a smooth and clean silhouette under fitted outfits

4. underwired bras

staying true to their name, underwired bras come with wired cups, and they provide much-needed support to your breast that's why it comes in the segment of best breast lifting bras .you can get them with or without pads. they are helpful for women with heavier busts who want an extra lift for their breasts to make them appear perky and more shapely.

breast type: large and saggy breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day; casual and formal outfits

functionality: to provide better shape, lift and separation to the breasts

5. convertible bras

also known as multi-way bras, convertible types of bras come with detachable straps. they are one of the most useful bras that let you style them in multiple ways- two straps, one strap, halter, bra with straps across front, and so on.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at parties; under racerback dresses, tank tops, and different types of outfits on different occasions

functionality: allow you to change and adjust straps as per different types of necklines, fronts and backs of clothing.

6. bralettes

bralettes are modern types of bras that are a cross between a crop top and a conventional bra. they come in a slip-on type and are usually non-wired and non-padded. instead of construction and support, they emphasize more on comfort and style. this is why you can wear them as stylish outwear too.

breast type: small to medium breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at parties

functionality: to offer style with comfort

7. strapless bras

strapless bras are pretty self-explanatory types of bra for women. they are worn without the straps and some come with detachable straps too. the underwired cups in these offer the main support and the silicon lining inside helps the bra to stay put without slipping down.

breast type: small breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at casual parties and outings

functionality: to offer support under off-shoulder, strapless, and tube tops/outfits.

8. balconette bra

these women's bra types come with broad set straps. these straps create a neckline that resembles a balcony, hence the name ‘balconette’. they are great for clothes which have wider necklines. Some tend to wear this type of bra while doing sport activity for which this type of bra is not suitable there are many clear differences between a sports bra and a normal bra like balconette bra

breast type: small to medium breasts

coverage: covers the lower part of the breasts

best time to wear: at parties and weddings

functionality: to be worn under broad-neck blouses, tops, and suits.

9. front open bras

front open bras have a hook or a clasp at the front portion’s centre. these are very convenient to wear and helpful for those who struggle with hooking the bras at the back.

breast type: heavy breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: the front enclosures make it easier to wear and take off

10. halter bras

halter bras are those types of bras that come with just one strap which goes around your neck or have straps which you can tie at the back of your neck. they are worn under tank tops and halter-neck dresses.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at parties

functionality: ideal to wear under halter dresses, racerback dresses, tank tops, strapless dresses, and tube tops.

11. bandeau bras

bandeau bras are without cup bras that are ideal to wear underneath clothes when you want your bra straps to be hidden. they have no padding or wiring either.

breast type: small breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at parties

functionality: ideal to wear under sheer tops/dresses, off-shoulder dresses, deep-neck garments, and tube tops.

12. maternity bras

the cups of maternity or nursing bras have a flap which makes breastfeeding easier. you can easily hook and unhook these clasps while feeding the baby. these are non-wired and non-padded for giving optimum comfort to the mother.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: during pregnancy and post-pregnancy

functionality: most comfortable and convenient bras during and after pregnancy

13. racerback bras

racerback bras come with tank top-like backs. they go well with clothes with a similar style at the back. Some types of racerback bras can also be a good alternative for a regular sports bra because they prevent the bra straps from slipping down your shoulders. but they cannot be fully compared because there are many benefits of wearing a sports bra which racerback bra lacks.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day, especially during workouts

functionality: to offer support and keep the bras straps hidden under racerback dresses and tank tops

14. plunge bras

plunge bras offer less coverage and come with deep necklines. they are well suited for dresses that have deep neck cuts and keep bra peeks at bay.

breast type: small to medium breasts

coverage: one-thirds of the breasts

best time to wear: parties and weddings

functionality: ideal to wear underneath dresses and tops with v-shaped necklines.

15. cage bras

a cage bra is a very stylish bra with straps across front or back. you can wear them like fancy outerwear or underneath sheer/transparent outfits. cage bras can serve the purpose of both- innerwear as well as outerwear.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: fancy dinners and parties

functionality: to make a style statement with scoop-back dresses, sheer tops, blazers, or on their own.

16. sports bras

a padded sports bra is a must-have for people who work out regularly or practise yoga. you can get different types of sports bras with names online. they support your breasts while minimizing bounce.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: for low, medium and high-impact workouts

functionality: to absorb sweat, keep the breasts sturdy and supported and maintain comfort.

17. stick-on bras

stick-on types of bras come with no shoulder straps or back straps. the inner portion of the stick-on cups has an adhesive that sticks to the body. they are usually worn under strapless or backless outfits.

breast type: small breasts

coverage: low coverage

best time to wear: at parties

functionality: to avoid the visibility of bra straps

18. transparent bras

transparent bras come with transparent shoulder and back straps. they appear almost invisible under strapless and backless clothing, aiding in smoother looks.

breast type: large breasts

coverage: low to full coverage

best time to wear: at casual events and parties

functionality: to give a cleaner look to tube tops and backless dresses

19. bridal bras

bridal bras are the fanciest types of bra for women. they come in satin, lace and other premium fabrics. they are available in marvellous designs to suit well with one’s bridal trousseau.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: at your wedding and honeymoon

functionality: to make for a royal and sexy look under your bridal wear

20. lace bras

lace bras are very sexy types of bras that are ideal for special nights and honeymoons. the lace fabric looks exquisite while providing comfort as well. these bras can instantly enhance your looks in a very graceful manner.

breast type: all

coverage: low to partial coverage

best time to wear: on romantic evenings, date nights, honeymoons, etc.

functionality: to make your nighties and babydoll wears look sexier and more appealing

21. demi bras

demi bras are half bras which means they come in half cups that are smaller than the usual full-cupped bras. they conceal the nipples completely but don’t cover the breasts much. their unique design makes them ideal to wear underneath low-cut clothing.

breast type: small breasts

coverage: low breast coverage, full nipple coverage

best time to wear: at parties and dates

functionality: to give a more appealing fit to your dresses with deep necklines and wide shoulder straps.

22. soft-padded bras

soft-padded bras come in seamless and well-rounded designs which make them perfect to wear under t-shirts and fancy dresses alike. they are very convenient and versatile as they go well with most kinds of fabrics.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: to provide support and coverage while giving comfort

23. shelf bra

these bras come in fabrics like satin, lace, and tulle; providing support to the breasts. they are transparent around the nipple region, making them unfit for everyday usage. they look very sexy and fall under the category of lingerie.

breast type: small breasts

coverage: no coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: to expose and hold the breasts up for enhancing their look.

24. longline bras

these modern types of bra go below the breasts, and down to the belly button. they are ideal to wear under corsets and evening-wear dresses as they are snug all over. women with all types of breast sizes can wear these bras and they offer immense support.

breast type: all breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: for parties and special events

functionality: to provide support, shape and coverage under corsets and body-hugging garments.

25. sheer bras

sheer bras come in fabrics that make a little part of your skin visible. they offer support and look very fashionable, owing to their fabrics like lace, chantilly, tulle, satin, etc. they also cover the nipples well and are perfectly rounded.

breast type: all breasts

coverage: partial coverage

best time to wear: for fancy outings, parties, events, etc.

functionality: to provide great bust support while the loose material makes it very comfortable and breathable.

26. full support bras

these women's bra types come in all designs, fabrics and patterns; without compromising on the support quotient. they are perfect for women with huge and/or saggy breasts for the immense comfort and support they offer.

breast type: heavy or saggy breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: to hold the breasts firmly and give a well-rounded shape.

27. beginners’ bras

teenage bras or beginners’ bras are for girls who have just started wearing bras. their purpose is to give coverage and comfort in the years of puberty. they are usually in a pullover style with no hooks, wires, or padding. they are very simple and hassle-free, perfect for young girls.

breast type: developing breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: to offer comfort and coverage

28. seamless bras

seamless bras keep the embarrassment of visible bra linings away. their smooth material and design make them invisible under t-shirts and dresses. usually, they are softly padded to offer comfort and nipple coverage.

breast type: all

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: every day

functionality: to eliminate bra line visibility under your outfits while also providing good support and coverage

29. built-in bras

a camisole or a built-in bra is a slip/tank top and a bra in one garment. it is good for layering up or tucking your tops. you can also wear them underneath your see-through clothing or formal shirts. they do not usually offer a lot of support and are ideal to wear for a few hours.

breast type: small to medium-sized breasts

coverage: full coverage

best time to wear: office, college, etc.

functionality: to offer coverage, are stretchable and give a good shape to the outfit

30. cupless bras

without cup bras have structure and frame but lack cup space. cupless bras are beautiful lingerie options which are available in a lot of different designs. while they do not provide much comfort or coverage, they are great for special nights.

breast type: all

coverage: no coverage

best time to wear: honeymoons, dates, romantic evenings, etc.

functionality: to make you look and feel sexy while providing little support to the bust region

these are the 30 most popular types of bras that you need in your wardrobe. they will solve most of your clothing-related issues and you wouldn’t have to spend time deciding which bra to wear under what.

faqs

what type of bra is ideal for daily use?

A. t-shirt bras, soft-padded bras, sports bras, and full-support bras are ideal for daily use.
which bra type is the best?

a. the best type of bra will vary depending on your bust size, budget, fabric and requirements. convertible bras and sports bras are some of the most widely used bras.
what type of bra is best for beginners?

a. teenage bras, also known as beginners’ bras are ideal for beginners as they come with no clasps, extra padding, or wiring. they are of soft, breathable fabric which offer comfort as well as coverage; making them ideal for daily wear.