Have you ever gone shopping and saw a top that you really liked but didn’t get it because you didn’t have the right bra to go underneath?

You are not alone!

I am totally guilty of this especially when it comes to clothing that is strapless. I’ve been in need of a strapless/convertible bra lately. I did order one online but it came in the wrong size and style then just never got around to purchasing another one.

There are many various styles of bras. Some bras have multiple components in one. For example, a bra that is a convertible plunge t-shirt bra.

Buying a new bra can be daunting and intimating with the plethora of different shapes. Because every woman’s body is different, it’s particularly hard to find a great fitting bra.

Not all bras are created equal. You might find a style that you really like in one brand then it could be a complete fail in another brand.

Hopefully, this guide can shed some light on the chaotic world of bra types.

1. T-Shirt Bra

The t-shirt bra is seamless, making it a particularly great choice under (you guessed it) t-shirts or fitted clothing.

Because these types of bras have molded cups, they provide a great natural shape with a good amount of lift. The thicker cups also prevent nipples from being seen through clothing.

Even though this bra is the perfect all-around bra, it does have drawbacks. The lining of foam in the cups can make a bra unbearable in a hot climate. Even though the foam is breathable, you may want to opt for a different bra with more breathability or a spacer bra that has thinner material. The other problem is since the mold wasn’t made from your breasts the fit can be a little awkward.

Coverage can vary with this type of bra.

2. Convertible Bra

As an all-in-one bra, the convertible bra prevents straps from showing under complex tops.

These bras range from having a J-hook in the back to create a racerback to having fully detachable straps. Usually, a strapless bra has fully detachable straps that can be transformed into a crisscross, halter, or have one shoulder strap for an asymmetrical look.

This bra is a must-have!

3. Plunge Bra

Don’t want your bra to show in that v-neck shirt? The plunge bra is optimal for low necklines.

The center gore is smaller with shorter wires in the front allowing your cleavage to be front and center. However, this bra is different from a push-up bra because there isn’t extra padding and there is less coverage in the front of the bra.

Now there are extreme plunging bras combined with a longline bra for extra support and a deep U-shaped cutout for those extra low necklines.

4. Balconette Bra/Balcony Bra

Usually made with cut-and-sew construction, the balconette bra has great support and provides ¾ coverage.

The cups are mostly horizontal in a sweetheart shape, having a higher center gore for extra support. The straps are placed wider, making these bras great for swooping necklines.

Many of these bras have side support and are sturdier because the cups are made up of multiple parts.

5. Sports Bra

It’s so important to have the right support, but it’s imperative to have the right support while exercising! You need a bra that is going to keep “the girls” in place and limit the amount of bounce.

Sports bras are usually a thicker material with multiple rows of hook and eye closures for maximum support. The straps are wider for greater comfort. If not in a rackerback style, the straps are accompanied by a J-hook to clasp together.

The fabric is moisture-wicking, specifically for working out and sweating. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like sweating in my normal, everyday bras.

6. Full Coverage Bra

Full-coverage is exactly that…it covers most of your breast tissue. The gore is higher to give greater support and to separate the breasts.

These bras are great for full-busted women and for those who want a more modest look. There may be too much fabric for some breasts shapes.

Your boobs aren’t going anywhere in this bra. NO NIP SLIPS HERE!

7. Strapless Bra

As the name suggests, strapless bras don’t have straps. Instead, it relies on an extra wide band for support. It may also have silicone around the band to help with gripping to the breasts.

It can be worn numerous ways especially with the addition of detachable straps.

Finding the perfect strapless bra can be a dream come true, but for most of us it can be a total nightmare. They are always slipping down and if you are like most full-busted women you would prefer to just wear straps.

However, it’s absolutely worth it to have a great strapless bra in your collection and if by the end of the night you can’t take it anymore just attach the straps and layer it under a jacket.

8. Longline Bra

Longline Bras have longer bands that can extend a few inches below the cups. These bras tend smooth out the back and slim the waist for a thinner silhouette.

They also offer greater support due to the thick band and abundant closures.

9. Minimizer Bra

This bra minimizes larger breasts by distributing the breast tissue across the entire chest. It compresses and reshapes the breasts creating the appearance of smaller breasts.

The cups are full coverage, the straps are wider to be more comfortable, and the band is thicker to diminish back rolls.

10. Bralette

I know what you are thinking…a bralette?! My boobs are too big for a bralette.

I opt for bralettes in the summer because of their lightweight and simple construction. They are also extremely comfortable. However, they do provide very little support.

The bralette is unlined, unstructured, and wire-free.

These bras are designed from one piece and do not have a clasp closure. Instead, they are a pullover style.

Because bralettes are usually made of lace, they work in place of a crop top or you can wear them layered under something low-cut to show off those delicate details.

Conclusion

The various styles are just as important as knowing your bra size. Different breast shapes are going to fit in different bra styles in different ways.

You may not like a certain style because of the way it feels or makes your books look. The quest for finding the perfect bra is a journey. An exhausting journey, but a rewarding one nonetheless.

XOXO,
Stephanie

P.S. What is your favorite bra style?

Leave a comment below.

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