Featured in this article
Though we throw one on every morning without a second thought, your trusty bras deserve more credit than they get. The humble bra is one of the longest standing functional fashion garments many have relied on for centuries for support, coverage, and style – plus, it can give the wearer a boost of confidence too.
Some people ditch the bra in a bid to #freethenipple, others wear it with pride and style their bra as a top – such as lace bralettes or bandeaus paired with jeans, wide-leg trousers, a skirt or shorts – with most of us wearing one beneath our favourite T-shirts every day.
Although most of us can’t wait to whip off our bras come EOD, when you find the perfect style of bra with a second skin feel that hugs the contours of your body, you won’t even realise you’re wearing one. Granted, finding the perfect style of bra for you depends on your personal style, the outfit, your bust size, as well as the desired coverage and support you want. Thankfully, there is a vast selection of bra styles to choose from.
T-shirt bras offer comfort, coverage as well as support for all bust sizes, so it is unsurprising it is the go-to style for daily wear for many people. Strapless bras and sticky bras are another must-have in your underwear drawer to wear with a backless top or one-shoulder dress come wedding season.
Those with bigger busts, or shoppers seeking optimum support and coverage, will turn to a full coverage bra that houses your entire breasts comfortably without fear of those puppies popping out. Balconette and demi bras offer little to medium support and are a sexy underwear option as they show more skin, while the push-up bra is deemed the most provocative style as the padded cups give your bust an added lift.
Let’s not forget there are nursing bras for mums to wear during their pregnancy, as well as post-partum. While mastectomy bras and post-surgery designs are ideal for those who need cushioning, comfort and support following a procedure. Though mastectomy and post-surgery bras are functional designs crafted with padding or a pocket to fit a prosthetic implant inside the cup, some have been designed to look just as stylish as any other bra style so wearers feel supported, confident and feminine after an operation.
Considering 80% of women are reportedly wearing ‘incorrectly sized bras’, we have made it our mission to find the best bra styles to suit small, full and post-surgery busts, as well as the outfits each bra style complements best. After all, is there anything worse than wearing an ill-fitting bra?
Terms To Know When Shopping Bras:
- Underwired: An underwired bra is fitted with a fine wire in the band under the cups to provide shape and support.
- Cup: This is what your breasts sit in. The cup size can range from AA to K. To find your cup size simply measure the band under your bust, as well as the fullest part of your breast around the nipples, and subtract the two measurements. The difference in inches corresponds to the cup size.
- Band: This is the section of the bra just under the cups that wraps around the front and back of your body. The band connects to the cups and straps to provide a secure fit.
- Nursing Bra: A nursing bra is designed for women who are breastfeeding. It can often include features such as flap openings for accessibility, wider band for support and large shoulder straps for comfort.
- Demi Bra: A demi bra, also known as a half bra, is a smaller cup that covers half to ¾ of the bust.
- Full Cup: A full cup bra, also known as full coverage bra, is a larger cup that covers the entire bust. It provides optimum coverage and support.
- Foam Cup/ Foam Mould Bra: A foam cup, or foam mould bra, is a type of ultra-soft material that lines the inner section of the bra. It is a flexible fabric that moulds to your bust for optimum comfort and a seamless finish.
- Bandeau: A strapless bra design.
- Lined Bra: A lined bra is when an extra layer of fabric has been fitted inside the bra cups. It functions to conceal your nipples, offers a smooth silhouette, and supports the bust. Bras can vary from lightly lined, which are breathable, lightweight and provide coverage, to thick padding to lift the bust.
- Plunge Bra: A plunge bra refers to the low neckline, and is to be worn with V-neck or cowl neckline tops and dresses.
- Chicken Fillets: A colloquial term for removable padded inserts you can slip into your bra for a push-up effect.
- Moisture Wicking: Innovative fabric that draws any sweat and moisture away from the body to help regulate the body temperature. This is a predominant feature in sports bras.
Below, the best styles of bras to support your bust.
1. Wireless Bras
The best wireless bras are considered one of the most comfortable bra styles, because they don't have an underwire digging into the skin. Wireless bras usually feature soft cups that offer sufficient support for small to medium-sized busts.
Wireless bras come in various styles, such as T-shirt bras, plunge bras, bralettes, and sports bras, and can be styled with absolutely anything – from tank tops and jeans, T-shirts or shirts with tailored trousers. Even your cosiest tracksuit.
We also recommend a seamless wireless bra to slip on under a dress for a smooth silhouette. Ultimately, if you are prioritising comfort, and plan to wear your bra for hours on end, wireless bras are the ideal choice for you.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Uniqlo discount codes at checkout.
A full coverage bra provides maximum support and coverage than a demi or balconette design as it covers the entire bust, so you don’t have to fear your boobs will spill out of the cup. This style is ideal for those who are looking for a bra to provide the ultimate coverage, support, as well as those with bigger boobs. It makes for the ideal everyday bra to keep everything in place no matter what you are wearing, but it is also a great option to call on when you have a slim fit dress to slip into and want a seamless silhouette without your lady lumps poking out.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
T-shirt bras are our go-to for comfortable everyday wear. They can be lightly lined, padded, wired or wireless, crafted from memory foam, or feature a plunge neckline, so it is a versatile bra style that suits small, medium and bigger busts. The beauty of a T-shirt bra is it often boasts smooth and seamless cups for a second skin feel, which means it can go undetected under your clothes. As for what to wear it with – the clue is in the name. Team under your everyday basics, a white T-shirt, tank top, a linen or cotton white shirt, even a cardigan with barrel leg jeans. We advise you buy a neutral, white and black version when you find the perfect fit to wear on rotation throughout the week.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Lounge discount codes at checkout.
A push-up bra is quite self-explanatory, it has been designed to ‘push up’ your bust and give your boobs an extra lift. A push-up bra can feature built-in or removable padding (also known as chicken fillets), which can range from lightly padded to ultra padded cups. The padding, whether built in or removable, may be crafted from air, water, gel or memory foam, though we think the latter is the most comfortable option. Push-up bras can be worn by anyone to enhance their assets, regardless if they have a small or big bust. It can be worn under a shirt, low-cut or V-neck tops, as well as dresses with plunging necklines. This bra style is ideal for date night, evenings out, formal occasions, as well as casual days when you want a fuller bust, or an extra dose of confidence.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
Sticky bras, sticky boobs, stickies, nipple covers, or nipple pasties, whatever you know them as these bras are a must-have. Sticky bras double up as a wireless bra (depending on the construction), a strapless bra, a backless bra, and a plunge bra in one, and its versatility is why we rely on them for almost every outfit. Sticky bras are fitted with an adhesive that is safe to apply directly to your skin to provide the desired coverage, and it is strong enough to stay in place even after multiple wears, which makes for a cost effective purchase.
Some stick-on bras are fitted with adhesive wings at the side of the cups or under the bust, while nipple covers are smaller in size and are to be placed directly on your nipple. Any bust size can wear sticky bras, though those with big boobs may prefer the support of a wired strapless bra instead. Generally, fashion experts advise opting for a colour that is a close match to your skin tone so it is invisible underneath your clothes. We rely on our sticky bras when wearing any backless or low-cut dress or strapless top, such as a halterneck top, backless, cowl or V-plunge dress to prevent any nip slips.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
While some of the best lingerie brands offer an extensive range of sizes, not every label caters to those with bigger boobs. Those with a fuller bust may require a 32 or 42 band, but it's the cup size, which can range from DD to K, that can be difficult to find in select lingerie stores. While full coverage bras are better suited for those with bigger boobs, there are other key features to look for when shopping the best bras for big boobs, such as wide shoulder straps to prevent them digging into the shoulders, underwire support, as well as a thicker under band and secure hook and eye fastening. It goes without saying the bras specifically designed for bigger busts can be worn with any outfit.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Pour Moi discount codes at checkout.
Sports bras come in a variety of styles; some are cropped tops, tank designs, others resemble your everyday bras. Within the sports bras category there are creations suited for different workouts, such as low impact and high impact sports. However, some deem a sports bra to be a casual cotton base layer with a racerback for off-duty days, such as Calvin Klein’s sports bra. While comfort, support and functionality are key, it is also important to opt for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. How you style it depends on your needs, function and bust size. Team your casual Calvin Klein sports bras with a tracksuit, the best leggings or shorts, or simply wear under a baggy tee for bed. If you are marathon training you may need a medium impact sports bra, the pilates princess can opt for a low impact sports bra, while those with a larger bust or doing HIT workouts will require a high impact sports bra to support your body throughout your workout.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
A nursing bra is ideal for mums who are breastfeeding and need extra support, optimum comfort, but also an accessible layer to feed their baby on the go. A nursing bra can also be worn during pregnancy as the body changes over time, which may require some to ditch their former bra for a more supportive nursing bra. Popular features include a wide under band, shoulder straps, and adjustable fastenings to fit the wearer comfortably and securely through all stages of the pregnancy. Another key feature are cups with flaps that are easy to open to breastfeed easily, comfortably and discretely.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
Mastectomy bras and post-surgery bras have been cleverly designed to offer optimum support, comfort, and cushioning for those who have undergone a mastectomy, double mastectomy, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or other surgeries. Key features include gentle and breathable fabrics that will not irritate any sensitive or scarred areas, as well as soft cups, such as foam mould cups, for cushioning and gentle support. Some mastectomy bras have built-in padding, while others feature pockets inside the cup for prosthetics to sit in. Mastectomy bras are typically wire-free, feature a thick band and shoulder straps to prevent any discomfort, as well as side panels or high side seams to support the chest and conceal any scarring. Post-surgery bras can also be worn by those who have had breast implants fitted and need the compression to hold the implants in place post-procedure.
A balconette bra features a low-rise cup that is typically cut horizontally halfway across the bust. Balconette bras are considered a sexy alternative to full coverage bras because it offers slight coverage, support, and a little lift, though not as dramatic as a push-up bra. Balconette bras are ideal for those with small or medium sized busts rather than those with big boobs because it offers low to medium support, depending on the design you opt for. For example, lace balcony bras will not be as supportive as a structured wired satin bras, such as Bluebella’s Cara Satin Bra. Those with big boobs may find their bust spills out of a balconette bra style and could run the risk of suffering a fashion faux pas. Balconette bras are flattering design to wear under square, cowl or sweetheart necklines. It is also the ideal option for those who want to experiment with fabrics, colours and textures; think deep red satin or vibrant pink lace, maybe even peekaboo styles that expose more skin.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Bluebella discount codes at checkout.
A bralette is another comfortable bra style, and while it was typically the go-to bra for lounging at home in, it has become a popular everyday style to wear out of the home too. Wear a bralette as a crop top with jeans, trousers or shorts, alternatively layer under a shirt or even a blazer. A bralette can range in cuts from triangle, round neck, racer back to cross-back, and the classic over the shoulder strap. It can also feature thin spaghetti straps, wide shoulder straps, straps with lace shoulder detail, back or front fastening as well as lace eyelash detail on the cup. Some bralettes are wireless with no lining or padding, while others may be underwired, lined or feature a removable foam mould cup insert for coverage. A bralette can be crafted from various fabrics, such as lace, cotton, silk or satin, which makes it a versatile style to suit almost all occasions. While anyone can wear a bralette, the lightweight nature of this bra style is better suited to those with small boobs. The versatile bralette has certainly gained popularity in the last decade, and it is one style we predict will stay for years to come.
Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
A multi-way bra is another essential we all need in our underwear drawer because it means you can have the support and coverage from your beloved bra without exposing your assets, or showing a bra strap, which can ruin a look. It is also perfect for those on a budget because it is several bra styles in one. Multi-way bras can range from bandeau bras to wear with strapless clothes, to bras with an adjustable and detachable strap that you can hook together at the back under a racerback tank top, or arrange the straps across the chest and over one shoulder when styling a one-shoulder garment. We recommend opting for a colour that matches your skin tone as close as possible so it is discreet, subtle and achieves a seamless finish under your clothes.
.jpg)
