The Encyclopedia

Types of Bras — The Complete Guide

From the everyday T-shirt bra to the architectural balconette, explore every style of brassiere in our illustrated encyclopedia. Learn the history, construction, and purpose of each design.

26 entries

T-Shirt Bra

A T-shirt bra has smooth, seam-free molded cups that leave no ridges or lace texture showing under fitted knitwear.

Push-Up Bra

A push-up bra uses graded padding, thickest at the base and outer side of each cup, to lift the breasts up and toward the center for cleavage.

Plunge Bra

A plunge bra has a deep V-shaped center gore and inward-angled cups, cut to stay hidden under low, deep-V and wrap necklines.

Balconette

A balconette bra has a straight, horizontal top edge and wide-set straps, lifting the breast like a shelf under square necklines.

Demi Cup

A demi cup bra covers about half the breast, with a rounded top edge that sits lower than a full cup and straps set slightly outward.

Full Cup

A full cup bra encloses the whole breast, with a high upper edge, wide side wings and firm support, common in larger cup sizes.

Minimizer

A minimizer bra spreads breast tissue across a broader, flatter cup to reduce forward projection, so fitted shirts button without gaping.

Sports Bra

A sports bra limits breast movement during exercise, either by compressing both breasts against the chest or by holding each in its own cup.

Strapless Bra

A strapless bra stays up on a firm band, long side wings and silicone grip alone, leaving the shoulders bare under off-shoulder clothes.

Convertible Bra

A convertible bra has detachable straps that clip into several positions, such as halter, crossback, one-shoulder or no straps at all.

Bandeau

A bandeau is a wireless, strapless band of stretch fabric worn across the bust, giving light coverage with no defined cups.

Bralette

A bralette is a soft bra with no underwire or molded padding, often in lace, mesh or knit, worn for comfort and often meant to be seen.

Longline Bra

A longline bra extends its band down the ribcage, sometimes as far as the waist, for extra support and a smooth line under fitted clothes.

Underwire Bra

An underwire bra has a curved wire sewn into a channel under each cup to lift, separate and anchor the breast against the ribcage.

Wireless Bra

A wireless bra gives shaped cup support without an underwire, using molded foam, seamed panels, side slings and a firmer band instead.

Front-Closure Bra

A front-closure bra fastens with a clasp, hooks or zip at the center gore between the cups instead of hooks at the back of the band.

Racerback Bra

A racerback bra has straps that converge in a Y or T between the shoulder blades, keeping them hidden under racer-cut tank tops.

Halter Bra

A halter bra's straps run up from the cups and around the back of the neck, leaving shoulders and upper back bare under halter tops.

Adhesive / Stick-On Bra

An adhesive bra is a pair of silicone or fabric cups that stick to the skin, with no straps or band, for backless and strapless clothes.

Backless / Low-Back Bra

A backless or low-back bra drops its band far down the back, or wraps a strap around the waist, so it stays hidden under low-back dresses.

Nursing Bra

A nursing bra has cups that unclip at the strap and fold down one at a time, so the wearer can breastfeed without taking the bra off.

Maternity Bra

A maternity bra is a soft, stretchy bra with extra band adjustment and wide straps, built to follow breast and ribcage growth in pregnancy.

Unlined / Sheer Bra

An unlined bra has cups made from a single layer of fabric with no foam or lining, often sheer lace or mesh, and is usually underwired.

Triangle Bra

A triangle bra has two triangular cups, straps rising from each point and a band along the base, usually without wire or padding.

Historical

Bullet Bra

The bullet bra is a 1940s and 1950s bra with conical, pointed cups shaped by spiral or circular stitching, worn for the sweater-girl look.

Historical

Corset Bra / Corselet

A corset bra or corselet is a boned torso garment with built-in bust support, the bridge between the corset and the modern bra.