Types of Bras and their Purposes
Having been thin for most of my younger years, then having a baby in my twenties and nursing her for two years, I experienced frequent fluctuations in my weight, and along with it, the size of my breasts (sorry…TMI?). That lead me to explore different types of bras, wherein I discovered that there aren’t just two, three, or four types of bras, but over a dozen! Yep. But you don’t really have to have to be a mom or experience weight gain/loss to know this. If you often wear various styles of clothing, you’ll know that these various bras each serve a different purpose.
Listed here are the commonly known types of bras and their purposes:
Via Asos.com
- The T-shirt Bra. My fave. These have no raised seems and have usually padded cups to provide a smooth-looking texture when worn underneath tight-fitting shirts.
From Nordstrom
- Bandeau. A bandeau bra is a band of cloth that’s wrapped around the breasts. These provide minimal shaping or support, and are available with or without any pads inside. They’re worn either for comfort or for layering under sheerer tops.
D&G racerback
- Racerback bra. To be worn with…you guessed it, racerback tops or dresses. These have a V pattern on the back and usually have a front closure.
Cute demi from Agent Provocateur
- Demi bra. These have half cups and wide-set straps, and are often structured and have underwires, to sort of ‘frame’ the chest and lift up the breasts. These are great for clothes with lower-cut fronts, and I think, for smaller-chested women. I’m on the search for a good demi bra!
Sports bra. This is designed to provide a lot of support to the breasts, to minimize movement or discomfort during sports or other physical activities. Often, they’re made in breathable material, have wide bottom bands and straps, with no snaps or closures.
Anita nursing bra
- Nursing bra. Nursing bras are available in a variety of styles, but one thing they always have are cups that easily detach from the straps, or flaps that open to conveniently let babies access the nipple, during breastfeeding.
Another one from Agent Provocateur
- Strapless. These have no shoulder straps but can still provide adequate support to the breasts. For dresses and tops that reveal most of the decolletage, back, and shoulders.
Via Sears
- U bra. The U-bra or plunging bra has a deep, plunging middle. This allows you to wear clothes with deep, plunging necklines, yet still gives support and lift to the breasts.
Corset bra. Corset bras, also knows as bridal bras, are highly structured and often stop either before the hip, at the ribcage, or at the waist. These are made to be worn with strapless, structured dresses such as wedding gowns, and provide support not only to the breasts but to the back, encouraging the wearer to sit up straight. It also helps shape the belly and torso.
Miranda Kerr in a Victoria’s Secret push-up
- Push-up bra. I think the Wonderbra is probably the most widely-known push-up bra in history. Victoria’s Secret has a lot of them too. Push-up bras are wonderful for creating cleavage, and giving the breasts a lifted, perky appearance. These usually have underwires as well as padding that’s strategically located to push the breasts up or closer towards each other.
Via La Senza
- Adhesive bra. I’ve seen so many of these at stores, but have never tried wearing one myself. Often these are made of silicone material, which help the cups stick to the skin, supposedly, for hours. These may possibly alleviate back pain as they have no straps and are basically just two cups that are stuck to each breast.
So, there you have ‘em. Pick one best-suited for a certain purpose or style. Wearing the right type of innerwear not only makes your outfit and you look better, it makes things easier too!
Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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hmmm…still cant seem to differentiate tshirt bra from ordinary bras..:(
Well, a t-shirt bra would look good with a plain, light-colored, snug-fitting shirt because it has a smooth cup with no raised seams, as opposed to bras with soft cups and seams that run right down the middle, like the ones I’ve often seen in Avon brochures in the lower price range. Or bras with lace appliques or other details that would create little, visible bumps and lumps under tight-fitting shirts. I personally find those distracting and I’m quick to notice them. :)
i like the U bra and the corset one..pretty cool. didnt know these exist. i am a big believer in the push up one..very useful..thanks..
Hey Aru, you’re very welcome. I didn’t know about the U bra either until I saw it at an online shop. Am also a believer in the push-up bra…major confidence boost!
I love T-shirt bras too! Absence of seams says it all!
I hate bandeau bras! No support at all, if you know what I mean! :P
Adhesive bras are lifesavers for certain, um, items of clothing. :))
Quality-made t-shirt bras that fit really well are the best! And re bandeaus, in addition to that, they can make me feel even hotter and sweatier in this tropical climate. As for adhesive bras, I can see how they’d be like the only option for certain articles of clothing. :)
I really love t-shirt bras too! I have this weird pet peeve about bras that aren’t seamless or fabric bras without adequate cups. Racer back bras are awesome too!
Yeah, me too…I feel like fabric bras should stay at home, like, as loungewear. Or at the very least, with loose tops in a busy print. :)
Ooooh this is really informative, I love it. The first bra I loved and still wear is a demi bra pala, from Avon.
I’m on the quest for the perfect demi bra. Might check out Avon’s. :)
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