Which bra styles would suit me best? How to find the perfect bra shape
There is a wide selection of different bras, such as the bralette, push-up, balconette, or sports bra. This makes it possible for every woman to find a bra that fits well, gives her enough support, and that she loves as well. Not only does the size and shape of your bust play a significant role in finding the perfect bra, but also your body type and level of activity for which you intend to use the bra is a determining factor. We will explain the characteristics of different bra styles and give you tips on how to find the perfect bra.
Underwire bras: the classic for all bra sizes
The underwire bra is a classic amongst bras and is suited to women with busts of all sizes. A wire is worked into the underside of the cups which lie close to the chest and enclose the breasts. This allows the wire to function as a support as well as giving the bra some shape. Underwire bras are available in a few variations – like with romantic lace, moulded seamless cups or with a push-up function.
Depending on the cut and material used, underwire bras are suitable for all bust sizes. Especially women with larger busts profit from the supportive function of the underwire when combined with a wide wing (the part that wraps around your body) and wide straps.
Discover our range of versatile underwire bras
Underwire bras: an overview
From the understated everyday T-shirt bra to the push-up for a breathtaking décolleté: underwire bras are versatile, trusted companions for many different occasions and always support you reliably.
Push-up bras
Push-up bras can optically enhance the size of your bust with their special cut and padded cups. The integrated foam padding or gel lifts the breasts from the sides and below, which creates the illusion of a fuller décolleté. Push-ups are particularly suited to women with smaller to medium cup sizes, but of course women with larger cup sizes can also choose to wear a push-up bra.
Balconette bras
Balconette style underwire bras are characterised by their sensual, feminine design: they mostly have a high bridge (the part between the cups) and wide set straps. The straight and low-cut cups lift the breasts from below without completely covering them. This makes balconette bras especially suitable for wearing under tops and dresses with a wide or square neckline.
Tip: A lot of balconette bras are available with removable straps which make them suitable for off-the-shoulder outfits too.
T-shirt bras
T-shirt bras have a minimalistic design that does without visible seams and embellishments like lace. Instead, they are seamless with moulded cups that are often lightly padded. This type of bra gently shapes your breasts and simultaneously prevents any show through tight-fitting clothing.
Tip: You can also get wireless T-shirt bras.
Full-coverage bras
Full-coverage bras have a high bridge and neckline which covers most of the breast area. They are also known as “full-cup bras”. The moulded cups give the breasts a rounded, natural shape. They offer optimal support and are the most comfortable bra for women with larger busts.
To ensure that you choose the right bra shape and find a bra that adapts itself to your body perfectly, you need to know your correct bra size. Women often wear the wrong bra size for years, so it is worth having your measurements checked from time to time. We will show you in our step-by-step guide on “how to find your correct bra size”.
Wireless bras: the comfortable all-rounder
Wireless bras are characterised by a high level of comfort. Also known as a soft cup bra, this type of bra does without any metal underwiring. The bust is shaped purely by the elastic material it is made from and cleverly cut cups. For this reason, soft cup bras offer less support than underwire styles. If underwire bras don’t feel comfortable, then a wireless bra is a much more comfortable alternative. Soft cup bras are particularly popular amongst women with smaller and medium cup sizes. However, women with a larger bust can also benefit from this wireless minimiser and enjoy the comfort it has to offer.
Wireless bras: an overview
Comfortable, pragmatic, and stylish wireless bras are true multi-talents. From the sleek and sporty bustier to the classic triangle bra and the seductive bralette, you are sure to find the right wireless bra for your taste.
Bustiers
Bustiers are commonly made of soft, elasticated materials and they look like a crop top. Their wide straps and elasticated band allow for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. They eliminate underwiring completely and optionally shape the bust with lightly padded cups only. Generally, these supple wireless bras are best suited to women with smaller to medium cup sizes as they only offer light support.
Tip: Bustiers are a popular choice as beginner bras for young women.
Bralettes
If you are looking for a bra that is particularly soft and comfortable but has a romantic and seductive flair, then you can’t go wrong with a bralette. This unpadded, wireless bra is made of delicate materials and often has romantic details like bows, frills, and decorative ribbons. The most popular form of this soft bra is the lace bralette, which is made completely of lace. Bralettes are suitable for all shapes and sizes, however, women with larger busts should opt for a bra with wider straps and a wide band.
Triangle bras
Like the name says, these bras have triangularly cut cups that discreetly cover the breast area. The narrow bridge and deep neckline ensure that your triangle bra doesn’t stick out under tops or dresses with a V-neck or low neckline. Wireless triangle bras unite comfort with a classic feminine design.
Functional bra styles: sports bras, nursing bras & minimisers
A well-fitted bra can accompany you in a variety of situations and give you the necessary support you need without feeling too tight. Below we will show you different types of functional bras for exercising, pregnancy or everyday wear.
Sports bras
Sports bras are usually cut like a crop top with a wide band and straps, and they completely cover your bust. Their ability to compress the tissue provides stability and prevents tissue damage from high impact movement.
Nursing bras
Nursing bras are made of soft, elasticated materials and offer maximum comfort in the last stage of pregnancy and whilst nursing. The cups on nursing bras are attached to the bra straps with a clip. They can easily be opened with one hand, and thanks to cups that fold down, you can feed your baby on the go.
Minimiser bra
The clever cut on minimiser bras can optically reduce the size of the breast area by one to two sizes. You can wear this type of bra if you would like to discreetly conceal your large bust. The minimiser bra can also help relieve back and neck pain effectively: its wide, padded straps and the special shape of the cups help distribute the weight of the bust equally and provide a more comfortable wearing experience.
FAQs: which bra type would suit you the best?
Searching for the right bra is not always easy. Even if you know your bra size, you might need to try on a variety of different types of bras until you have found the perfect style for you. To help you in your quest, we have answered some questions to aid you in making the right choice.
Which is the best bra for a small bust?
If you have a smaller bust, then you may not be as dependent on styles with a strong supportive function. Instead, you can choose more delicate, feminine bra types that emphasise your figure. Here, wireless triangle bras or lacey bustiers are an especially refined choice. On the other hand, if you are opting for an outfit that calls for somewhat more volume, you can reach for a push-up bra. The important thing is that you feel comfortable.
Tip: Women with smaller busts practicing high impact sports (e.g., jogging) also need to wear a sports bra to protect sensitive breast tissue from tearing and getting damaged.
Which is the best bra for a large bust?
Often, women with larger busts need a bra that can offer them the needed support and relief in all types of situations. That is why you should make sure that your bra has wide, centrally positioned straps and a wide band, that equally distribute the weight across your shoulders. This helps prevent neck and back pain.
In addition to this you also have further options: you can emphasise your décolleté with a seductive balconette bra or conceal your bust with a minimiser. However, this is down to your personal preference and you should wear a bra that you feel comfortable in.
Which bra offers the best support?
Which bra offers the best support depends on your body type, bust size and what you are going to be doing. For everyday situations you can reach for an underwire bra. The underwire gives the bust a light lift and also offers firm support. Some bras also have supporting rods on the sides to offer that extra bit of assistance.
On the other hand, if you are looking for extra support whilst exercising, you should opt for a sports bra.
Which is the most comfortable bra?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits all answer to this question. However, most women rate wireless bras as being particularly comfortable. In addition to this, when soft cup bras are made of soft, breathable materials like cotton and don’t have any bothersome seams, they are usually very comfortable to wear. On the other hand, women with large and heavy breast usually need a supporting bra that offers them relief. In this case, a bra with wide straps, a wide band and cups with full coverage is advisable.
Which type of bra should you wear under a white T-shirt?
Many women reach for a white bra when wearing a white T-shirt in the hopes that it won’t be visible. However, the opposite is true: wearing white underwear under white clothing creates a highlighter effect. This happens because layering clothing of the same colour enhances its opacity. In other words, its like painting numerous layers of paint on top of each other. This is why you should choose a neutralising colour. The safest choice to reach for is a bra in a nude tone that matches your skin tone. If you are feeling brave, you can also make use of this colour neutralising effect and wear red underwear, however, in this case you need to make sure that your white T-shirt, blouse or dress is not sheer.
Which types of bras would suit me? – How to find the perfect bra types
A well-fitted bra not only offers the necessary support and comfort you need but can also enhance your self-confidence. Women usually have more than one style of bra in their wardrobe for a good reason. The different cuts and materials have different functions, suit different types of outfits, and are suited to different bust sizes and shapes. Therefore, don’t be afraid to try different types of bras until you find the perfect one for you!
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/artiemedvedev
1. – 12. Image in text: C&A