Most women share a love/hate relationship with bras. No matter how much you hate their pokes and stabs, you just can’t do without their support. Well, the good part is that once you get to know what style, size and type complement your body, it can significantly transform the quality of life. The right bra type can magically enhance the appearance of your outfit whereas the wrong one can spoil your entire look. That’s why women should be well versed with the different types of bra styles available in the market and the outfits they go with.
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Ten types of bra –
1. Padded Bras
A padded bra is crafted with padded cups or has pockets to insert pads (also called cookies). This style works best when your main concern is to hide visible nipples. It also adds volume to your breasts and gives them a rounder and fuller shape. Padded bras are available in both underwired & non-wired styles. Underwired padded bras give you a gentle lift while non-padded ones are great for everyday wear.
2. T-shirt Bra
T-shirt bra is quite similar to a padded bra. It has smooth and seamless cups that don’t leave any impression when worn under body-hugging outfits. This style works best with fitted outfits for a clean & smooth silhouette.
3. Push-Up Bra
A push-up bra lifts your breasts and pushes them closer while giving you a very prominent cleavage. Push-up bras usually have underwired cups for a gentle lift. They have angular padding that drastically changes the shape and look of your breasts. Starting from level 1 push up, which is a gentle push to a level 3, which is a heavy lift, you can pick the amount of drama you need!
4. Bralette
Bralette is a bra style that lies somewhere between a bra and a crop top. These easy-to-wear bras are usually non-padded non-wired and have a slip-on style. With less of support and construction, this style focuses more on style and comfort factor. They can be styled as a fashionable outwear too!
5. Underwired Bras
As the name suggests, these bras have wired cups, although the cups may or may not be padded. The underwires provide a gentle lift to breast making them look perkier. This style works best for women who feel they have saggy breasts and need that extra lift.
6. Strapless Bras
A strapless bra is pretty much self-explanatory. This style can be worn without the straps. Its main support is offered by underwired cups and an inner silicon lining along the edges that prevent the bra from slipping down. Such styles sometimes have side boning for extra support. They work best under tube, strapless and off-shoulder outfits.
7. Halter Bra
Halter bras have a single strap that either goes around the neck or straps that can be tied at the back of the neck. This style works best under halter dresses and tank tops. Most of the convertible bras give you an option of converting them into a halter style too.
8. Nursing Bra
Nursing bras are a blessing for new mothers. They feature a flap at the cups for easy feeding access. These flaps are usually secured with a clasp that can be unhooked by a single handle making it easy to feed the baby. These are crafted with breathable cotton fabric and are non-padded and non-wired to keep the mother at utmost ease during the time of changing breast shape and size. These are also called Maternity Bras.
9. Sports Bras
Sports bras are a must-have for any physical exercise. These bras support the breasts and minimise bounce. Depending on the nature of the activity, one can pick from a range of low impact, medium impact and heavy impact bras.
10. Racerback Bra
Racerback bras are the ones that have a tank top-like back. These work best under outfits that have a similar back style. It serves as a great option for women who often complain about bra straps slipping down the shoulders. These bras are very comfortable and feel light on the back.
Now that you know about all the popular bra styles available in the market you are ready to get-set-shop! But remember that picking the right bra size is as important as picking the right bra type.