Bra Styles Explained: A Visual Guide to Every Type

With so many bra styles available, choosing the right one for your body shape, outfit, and occasion can feel overwhelming. Each style serves a specific purpose and works better for certain breast shapes and clothing types. This comprehensive guide explains every major bra style, helping you build a versatile lingerie wardrobe.

Full Cup Bras

Full cup bras provide maximum coverage and support, with cups that fully encircle the breasts. They are ideal for larger bust sizes (D cup and above) and offer excellent lift and shaping. The higher neckline makes them perfect for everyday wear and professional attire where modest coverage is preferred. Full cup bras typically feature wider straps and bands to distribute weight comfortably.

Best for: Larger busts, full coverage needs, everyday comfort, professional settings.

Balconette Bras

Balconette bras, also called balcony bras, feature cups that are cut horizontally across the bust, creating a lifted, rounded shape. The straps are set wider apart than traditional bras, making them ideal for wearing under wide or square necklines. Balconettes typically offer medium coverage—less than a full cup but more than a demi cup.

The horizontal cut enhances cleavage by pushing breasts upward and together. This style works particularly well for women with wider-set breasts or those who find that full cup bras create an unflattering shape under clothing.

Best for: Wide necklines, special occasions, creating lift, wider-set breasts.

Plunge Bras

Plunge bras feature a deep V-shaped centre gore, allowing them to be worn under low-cut tops and dresses without showing. The angled cups push breasts toward the centre, creating natural-looking cleavage. Plunge bras are available in various support levels, from lightly lined to heavily padded push-up versions.

Demi Cup Bras

Demi cup (or half cup) bras cover approximately half to three-quarters of the breast, with a straight horizontal cut across the top of the cup. They create a natural, lifted shape and work well under scoop-neck tops. Demi cups are flattering on most breast shapes but work particularly well for those with upper fullness.

Best for: Scoop necklines, medium coverage needs, naturally full breasts.

T-Shirt Bras

T-shirt bras are designed to be invisible under clothing, featuring smooth, seamless cups with no lace or embellishments that could show through thin fabrics. The moulded cups maintain their shape whether worn or stored, creating a consistently smooth silhouette. Most t-shirt bras are lightly padded, though unlined versions exist for those who prefer a more natural look.

This style is a wardrobe essential—every woman should own at least one well-fitting t-shirt bra in a neutral colour for everyday wear under fitted tops.

Best for: Everyday wear, fitted clothing, smooth silhouette under t-shirts.

Push-Up Bras

Push-up bras use angled padding at the bottom and sides of the cups to lift breasts upward and push them toward the centre, creating enhanced cleavage. They are available in varying levels of enhancement, from subtle lift to dramatic push. The padding may be made from foam, gel, or air.

While often associated with special occasions, many women wear push-up bras daily for the confidence boost they provide. They work for all cup sizes but are particularly popular among smaller-busted women.

Wireless Bras

Wireless bras, also called wire-free bras, provide support through structured fabric and design rather than underwires. They prioritise comfort without sacrificing shape, making them ideal for long days, travel, or those who find underwires uncomfortable. Modern wireless bras can offer surprising levels of support, even for larger cup sizes.

Best for: All-day comfort, sensitive skin, work from home, relaxed settings.

Bralettes

Bralettes are unstructured, wire-free bras typically made from soft, stretchy fabrics like lace or cotton. They offer minimal support but maximum comfort, making them perfect for lounging, sleeping, or low-activity days. Many bralettes feature decorative designs intended to be shown as part of an outfit.

Best for: Small to medium busts, loungewear, layering, fashion styling.

Strapless Bras

Strapless bras are designed to stay in place without shoulder straps, using wide bands, silicone grip strips, and structured boning for support. They are essential for off-shoulder tops, strapless dresses, and formal gowns. Many strapless bras come with removable straps for versatility.

Finding a strapless bra that stays put requires careful fitting—the band must be snug enough to support without straps. Consider going down one band size when choosing a strapless style.

Minimiser Bras

Minimiser bras are designed to reduce the appearance of bust size by redistributing breast tissue across a wider area. They can make the bust appear up to one cup size smaller while maintaining comfort and support. Minimisers are particularly useful for achieving a sleeker silhouette under business attire or fitted clothing.

Best for: Larger busts seeking a smaller profile, professional attire, fitted clothing.