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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
padded bra

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
push up bra

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
t shirt bra

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
underwired bra

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.
convertible bra

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
bralette

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.
strapless bra

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.
balconette bra

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
front open bra

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.
halterneck bra

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.
bandeau bra

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
maternity bra

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
racerback bra

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.
plunge bra

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.
cage bra

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.
sports bra

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
stick on bra

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
transparent bra

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
bridal bra

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
lace bra

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.
demi bra

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
soft padded bra

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.
shelf bra

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.
long line bra

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.
sheer bra

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.
full support bra

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
non padded bra

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
seamless bra

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
built in bra

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
cup less silicon bra

 

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

  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.