A push-up bra uses asymmetric padding — thicker at the bottom and outer side of the cup, thinner at the top — to physically redirect the breast tissue upward and inward. The effect is more cleavage and a fuller upper curve than the wearer's natural shape.
Victoria's Secret popularized the style in the 1990s with the Miracle Bra and later the Bombshell, but the engineering is older — push-up pads go back to Wonderbra's 1964 original.
How to Identify
- Visibly angled or asymmetric padding (look at the cup from the side)
- Deep center gore pulling the cups close together
- Straps usually set wide apart to let the cleavage do the work
- Outer fabric can be anything (lace, satin, microfiber)
