Ever changed your mind about wearing an outfit just because you didn’t have a suitable bra for it, or rather, you didn’t know the right bra to wear underneath? It happens often to most women. Women often find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to lingerie choices. Many a time, I’ve had to drop an outfit because I didn’t know the suitable bra for it. That could be frustrating, especially if such outfit is capable of turning heads. To solve this problem, it is needful to know the different types of bra in the market. There are so many available but I’ve curated a list of ten bra types every lady should know. Do scroll down as you’re about to never dump an outfit all because of a bra.
10 Bra Types Every Woman Should Know
1. Padded Bra
This is one of the most common bra types. This brassiere has been a saviour to many ladies, most especially the small-breasted ones. This type of bra gives the breasts a fuller look and covers the nipples entirely. Padded bras can be underwired or wire-free. If you are busty you can go for a light padded bra so your breasts don’t look too full while you achieve a seamless look.
2. T-shirt Bra
T-shirt bras come with moulded protection, more like underwire, but they aren’t necessarily padded. This type of bra goes invisible in tight-fitting clothes and its seamless cups can support the bust well. The underwire offers complete coverage and helps prevent a pop out. T-shirt bras come in a variety of styles, from strapless to plunge. Although T-shirt bras could be padded, not all padded bras are meant for T-shirts.
3. Push-Up Bra
Otherwise known as lift-up bra, this type of bra, as the name implies, adds lift and volume to the breasts making them fuller and closer. A push-up bra elevates the breasts making them stick up high at the chest. They push the breasts upward and move them closer to create a very sexy cleavage. They are usually padded on the under-side of the cups with foam or silicone gel to push up the breast tissue. Push-up bras are suitable for every size and shape of breasts. If paired with low-cut dresses, they achieve a very sexy and comfy look.
4. Strapless Bra
A strapless bra is literally a bra without straps. They are best suitable for shoulder-baring outfits. Usually, the cups are supported by a wired underband. When wearing a strapless bra, go for the right fit —not too tight, not too loose. If it is too tight, you’ll end up being very uncomfortable; if it’s too loose, it may just slip off all the time.
5. Stick-on Bra
Stick-on bras stick to the breasts. They are perfect for outfits that really expose the back. The adhesive stick-on bras stay intact on your curves and they are designed with a gentle adhesive substance along the cups and wings. The stick-on bra only gives enough coverage to the nipples. Its lack of back strap, shoulder bands and fastening hooks makes it not like your regular bras.
6. Transparent Bra
This bra type comes with transparent backstraps. Some are made of flimsy fabrics like satin and lace, that are not padded or wired. The transparent bra is perfect for deep-necked and sleeveless outfits.
7. Maternity Bra
Otherwise known as feeding bra, maternity bra gives support and comfort to pregnant and lactating women. This bra type welcomes the changes in the shape and size of breasts during pregnancy. They provide full coverage and hold the breasts intact. Some of these maternity bras also fit well with nursing mothers as they come with crafted cups with easily removable flaps that can be unhooked to allow easy breastfeeding.
8. Balconette Bra
This bra type exposes the top part of the breasts. It is a lingerie style that gives a round appearance to the breasts. This type of bra has wide set straps and cups that form a horizontal neckline which is quite similar to a balcony. The balconette bra stays hidden even in wide-necked outfits. It is suitable for small and medium-sized breasts.
9. Bandeau Bra
This type of bra is a merge of the tube top and strapless bra. They have no fastening hooks, no cups and no strap. The bandeau is made of stretchable fabric that can be slipped onto the bust over the head. This bra ensures maximum comfort and can be worn leisurely at home.
10. Convertible Bra
Also known as the multi-way bra, the convertible bra comes in a variety of styles; they can be strapless, racerback, one strap, two strap, halter or cross-back. The straps are usually detachable and can be adjusted in several ways by hooking them onto different slots at the front or the back.
These are just 10 bra types every lady should know. There are many others but you can use the knowledge gained from this article to save yourself the pain of wearing a wrong bra or ditching an outfit as a result of not knowing the right bra to wear underneath.
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