When did shopping for a bra become so complicated? The other day I made a list of over 35 types of bras that are available to women today. No wonder there is so much confusion out there. Obviously it’s not practical or necessary to own every single type of bra available. Your choices are going to be based on your individual lingerie needs. Here’s a guide to the most basic bra types that should help you get started.
Full Coverage: This bra has cups that fully cover the breasts and offer the most support. This type of bra is frequently found with built in underwires at the base of the cups. This bra can be found with or without light padding or fiberfill depending on your needs.
Demi-Bra:
This bra is designed with cups that cover just over half of the breast for a heavy-cleavage look. Some demi-bra’s are designed with padding or structural support to push the breasts upward which increases the appearance and look of fullness in the breasts, creating maximum cleavage as well.
Padded Bra: Padded bras are primarily designed to add volume to smaller breasts. They are available with many types of padding. Bras with water and silicone pads have a more natural feel while still adding the look of more fullness to the breasts. Padded bras can be found with varying levels of padding as well, from a light fiberfill to a very heavy and maximum uplift padding.
Convertible Bra: This is a very versatile and useful bra to add to your wardrobe. It can be worn many different ways to accommodate various necklines and strap designs, including halter styles.
T-Shirt Bra: A bra designed without seams or trims to create a perfectly seamless and smooth look under even very clingy fabrics. T-shirt bras can be found with or without padding depending on your breast size and fashion needs.
Minimizer Bra: This bra is designed for the full figured or large breasted woman that would like a full support bra that will reduce the appearance of breast size by up to one full cup size.
Strapless Bra: This bra is made without straps or with removable straps so that it can be worn with the most shoulder revealing apparel. It is also useful for tricky necklines or strap styles that are difficult to conceal bra straps beneath.
Deep Plunge Bra: This bra is designed to be worn with the deepest plunging necklines and still offer you full support.
Shopping for a bra doesn’t have to be confusing. If you look at your wardrobe needs you should be able to discern which bras are most useful and comfortable for you. Having the right bras that you fit you properly and work with your clothing needs will ultimately simplify your life greatly and help you to look your best. Take the time to fill that undie drawer accordingly. Xo J.