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
Seamless molded cups designed to stay invisible under fitted tops.
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Push-Up Bra
Angled padding that lifts the breast upward and pushes it toward the center.
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Plunge Bra
Deep V-shaped center gore engineered for low-cut necklines.
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Balconette
Half-cup shape with a horizontal upper edge and wide-set straps.
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Demi Cup
Half-coverage cup with straps set outward from the center.
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Full Cup
Maximum coverage cup extending to the upper breast.
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Minimizer
Redistributes breast tissue inward to create a smaller visual profile.
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Sports Bra
Compression or encapsulation bra designed for physical activity.
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Strapless Bra
Bra with no shoulder straps, supported by an engineered underband alone.
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Convertible Bra
Bra with removable and re-routable straps for multiple configurations.
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Bandeau
Wireless tube-shaped bra with no defined cups or straps.
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Bralette
Unlined, wireless bra — often lace, knit, or mesh.
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Longline Bra
Bra that extends down to the waist with corset-like banding.
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Underwire Bra
Bra with a thin metal or plastic wire sewn under each cup for support.
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Wireless Bra
Soft-cup bra without underwire, supported by fabric and elastic alone.
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Front-Closure Bra
Bra with the hook or clasp at the center front between the cups.
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Racerback Bra
Straps that meet in a Y or T shape at the upper back.
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Halter Bra
Single strap looping around the back of the neck.
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Adhesive / Stick-On Bra
Silicone cups that adhere directly to the skin with no straps or band.
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Backless / Low-Back Bra
Bra with the back band dropped well below the shoulder blades.
Read more →Nursing Bra
Bra with drop-down or clip-open cups for breastfeeding access.
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Maternity Bra
Bra with stretch fabric and room for growth during pregnancy.
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Unlined / Sheer Bra
Single-layer bra with no padding, often fully sheer.
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Triangle Bra
Two triangular fabric panels attached at straps and band.
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Bullet Bra
Conical pointed cup from the 1940s–50s sweater-girl era.
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Corset Bra / Corselet
Victorian/Edwardian structured torso garment with integrated bust cups.
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