Bra/Brassiere:

Bra or brassiere is the most attractive and important undergarments for

womens and girls. An appropriate bra gives her fit and confidence. It show her
also attractive and sexy. It is important to know the types of bras available so
that you can pick the right one for the right time so as to protect the general
health of your breasts. In previous article we discuss about different parts of
bra. Now I will give a short description about different types of bra.
You can also read about fashionable bra with attractive image......
Different Types of Fashionable Bra.
Types of Bra:
There are different types bra. Those Bra which are generally used by womens, a
list are pointed out below:
1. Front fastening bras
2. Nursing Bra
3. Full Support Bra
4. Minimizer Bra
5. Sport Bra
6. Shelf Bra
7. Push-up Bra
8. Bandeau Bra
9. Maternity Bra
10.Bridal Bra/Corset
11.Backless Bra
12.Adhesive Bras
13.T-shirt Bra
14.Half cup
15.Halter neck bras
16.Strapless bra
17.Moulded Bra
18.Balcounette
19.Full Cup Bra
20.Belly Dance Bra
21.Multiway bra
22.Peephole Bras

23.Vintage Bra
24.Water Bra
25.U-plunge Bra
26.Trainer Bra
27.Built-in Bra
28.Racerback Bra
29.Padded Bra
30.Novelty Bra
31.Mastectomy Bra
32.Front Closure Bra
33.Demi Bra
34.Convertible Bra
35.Plunge bras
Front Fastening Bras:
Some people say that front fastening bras are more convenient than back
fastenings as the clasps are easier to reach and the problem of fumbling with
hooks behind your back is removed. Some men might say that front fastening
bras are easier to deal with too! These bras can be wired or non-wired and come
in a variation of styles and colours. They can be worn under any type of clothing
including day wear and evening wear.

Front fastening bras

Nursing Bra:
Nursing bras are made to make breastfeeding easier by giving the baby easy
access to the nipple. Usually nursing bras have cups made of flaps of fabric that

can be unhooked at the top and pulled down to expose the nipple. There are
other designs out there involving holes built into the cup or zips and hooks for
exposing the breast from the front but these are much less common.

Nursing Bra
Full Support Bra:
Full Support Bra is the type of bra which is being used in the day to day life by
most of the women. The Full Support Bra covers the whole of the breasts.

Full support bra

Minimizer Bra:
Minimizer Bras are designed to play down the bust, particulary for cup sizes 34C
and above. they work by compressing and shaping the breasts, helping to create
the illusion of being a cup size or two smaller, The minimiser also helps to
prevent spill over and should also help to give a more flattering, smoother look
to the bust. These bras can be worn with day and evening wear and can give a
smoother look to the bust area under clothing. The minimiser can also give extra
support for larger sizes.

Minimiser Bra
Sports Bra:
Sports bras provide firm support for the breasts to prevent discomfort or
embarrassment during exercise. Usually made of stretchable material they
provide a snug fit. Their main role is to keep the breasts in place while exercising
to reduce damage done to the soft tissues of the chest.

Sports bra
Shelf Bra:
Essentially a rigid band, usually underwires, along the inframammary line that
pushes up while covering none, or only a narrow strip, of the breast.

Shelf Bra
Push-up Bra:
Push up bras are structured in a way that lifts the breasts and pushes them
closer together, enhancing the cleavage.The Wonderbra is a very well known
brand of push up bra but there are many others. The padding in the bras are
mostly either foam, gel or rubber. This padding is different from padded bras in
its positioning, padded bras is centered under the breast and merely lifts them
while push up bras have the padding at the side to push the breasts up and
inwards. Its this padding positioning which gives push up bras such full cleavage.

Push-up Bra
Bandeau Bra:
A Bandeau Bra is a simple band of cloth worn across the breasts, providing little
support or shaping.

Bandeau bra
Maternity Bra:
Designed such that they can be expanded to adjust as the breasts increase in
size over the course of a pregnancy.

Maternity bra
Bridal Bra/Corset:
As the name itself suggest, the bridal bra or the corset is mainly used for
marriages which helips in providing the desired shape for Wedding dress. The
main advantage of this type is that, it helps in giving the bride a good posture
and can be more comfortable as the weight of the breasts is carried by the whole
corset rather than the brassieres shoulder straps.

Bridal Corset
Backless Bra:
The backless bra has no back and is usually lightweight, self adhesive and self
supporting. It's ideal for wearing under backless tops and dresses and of-theshoulder numbers and the colours of the self adhesive types are often neutral or
flesh colour, making them ideal to wear under sheer and low-cut clothing.

Backless bra
Adhesive Bras:
An Adhesive bra is comprised of bra cups with medical grade adhesive on one
side, which allow for the bra to be worn several times. They provide little
support, however, they help fill out the bust and conceal the nipples under light
fabrics. Adhesive bras have no straps or bands of any sort, this makes them ideal
for backless and strapless fashions. They come in two types, disposable paper
ones that use a strong adhesive and silicone ones that can be washed and
reused.

Adhesive bra
T-shirt Bra:
T-Shirt Bras are made without any raised seams or decoration, this is to allow the
bras to be worm with tight shirts without the bra being obviously visible. The
cups are usually padded to hit the nipples from view and to give the bust a
smoother look. The T-Shirt bra is not only for t-shirts and can be worn with any
thin top where you want to have the bra less visible. Because of this they can
also be known as seamless bras.

T-Shirt Bra
Half Cup Bra:
Lingerie manufacturers do not always agree on whatmakes a half cup bra but as
a general rule, its one where the cup stops just above the nipple. It is generally
moresuitable for a smaller cup but larger cup brands arebecoming increasingly
skilled at creating supportive bras that give a good impression of a half cup.

Half cup Bra

Halter Neck Bra:
These bras have clasps on the straps, which attach at the back of the neck and
also around the back. They cover about 75% of the breasts and are suitable to
wear under many types of clothes including strapless tops, dresses and off the
shoulder numbers.

Halter neck bras

Strapless Bra:
Designed for wearing with clothes which reveal the shoulders, strapless bras are
just that, strapless.A very technically challenging designs they rely completely on
the strength on the material around the bust, the designs of the under-wire and
the width and tightness of the band.The most relaible strapless bras have a wide
band around the back, boning under the arms, deep under-wires at the front,
silicone strips along the inside to reduce slippage. Some larger size strapless
bras also put boning in the cups for more support.Different from other underwires strapless under-wires are taller and curve in to encompass the breast
more.Even with all this sophisticated desigem strapless bras are still a little
uncomfortable and can slip down during an active day or evening.

Strapless Bra

Moulded Bra:
So called because the cup is moulded from a single pieceot foam or fabric so
that its seamless.

Moulded bra
Balcounette Bras:
Balconette Bras are a more risque version of a demi bra with less coverage and
more lift. They are a good choice for low neckline tops and dresses. Although
they offer lift like a push up bra they do no push the breasts together in the
center and have quite wide set bra straps. Balconette Bras can be worn under
most clothing and suit a wide range of breast sizes.

Balconette Bra
Full Cup Bra:
Full Cup Bras are designed to offer good support for the whole of the breast and
are a practical bra for everyday wear.Covering the entire breast makes the bra
look larger than it is. The full cup is designed to give more support for the
breasts, this is very important for keeping the shape and fullness of the breast.
Full cup bras can be very stylish and sexy, depending on the fabric that they are
made of. Ideal for larger breasts and pregnant women as less support can lead to
slight breast sagging and back pains.

Full Cup Bra

Belly Dance Bra:
It is commonly assumed that a belly dancing bra size is the same as normal bra
size. This is not necessarily so. For instance if you normally use a size 32C you
may well find that a 34B will fit quite comfortably with a few minor adjustments
to latch settings since most belly dancing bras are designed to cover very well.

Belly Dance Bra

Multiway Bra:
Multiway bras have straps that can be worn in a variety of ways, such as over the
shoulder, as normal, as a halterneck, crossed around the middle of the body or
even removed altogether. It's extremely versatile and can be worn under all
types and styles of clothing including low back, strapless and off the shoulder
numbers. The Multiway bra can also be worn as any standard bra with t-shirts
and dresses. One of the best things about the multiway bra is that the shoulder

straps can be completely removed, making is ideal for dinner dresses and outfits
for special occasions.

Multiway bras
Peephole Bras:
The type of bra that has cups loosely covering the breasts, which also includes
holes around the nipples.

Peephole Bra
Vintage Bra:
A type of full support bra with cups in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution
with its axis perpendicular to the breast. Invented in the late 1940s, they were
still being sold well into the 1960s.

Vintage Bra
Water Bra:
Bras which have water or silicon gel-filled cups to make your breasts look larger.

Water Bra
U-plunge Bra:
Allows you to wear clothes that have a deep plunging neckline.

U-Plunge Bra
Trainer Bra:
Designed for young girls who have begun to develop breasts but have yet to be
considered developed enough to allow for a standard-sized bra to fit properly.

They are of simple construction and offer very little support.

Trainer Bra
Built-in Bra:
Supportive brassiere-like structures on the inside of another garment, such as a
swimsuit or tank top, which provide support for the bust without the need for a
separate bra. In most such garments, these built-ins consist of a horizontal
elastic strip, although some do have cups and underwires as with other bra
types. In some cases these may easily be removed, if desired.

Built-in Bra
Racerback Bra:
Has shoulder straps that come over the shouder in a V pattern very close to the
neck. This design is sometimes worn under strapless dresses or tops where
traditional straps would be very obviously exposed. Many Sport bras use the
racerback.

Racer Back Bra

Padded Bra:
Padded bras have padding inside the lining. They are designed for small breasts
to provide a fuller shape. Unlike push-up bras most padded bras support the
breasts but do not significantly lift them.Padded bras do do vary slightly, some
have more padding than others. They can offer anything from a slight lift to a
more push up effect. All are very fashionable and feminine. Some padded bras
may have removable inserts while others are just padded more on the lower part
to give more lift and to help give the effect of more cleavage. Padded bras come
in many sizes, colours and materials.

Padded Bra
Novelty Bra:
Designed more for show and sensuality than for function. They may include
unusual materials, such as leather, coconuts or be unusual in design.

Novelty Bra
Mastectomy Bra:
Mastectomy Bra is a type of bra which is specially made for women who suffer
from prosthesis. This type is also used by women who have lost one or both their
breasts in breast cancer.

Mastectomy Bra
Front Closure Bra:
Front Closure Bra have the closure, hooks and eyes in the front. The back of
these bra type is very plain and also used in tank tops.

Front closure Bra

Demi Bra:
One of the most popular of the many different types of bra is the demi bra. A
Demi Bra is a half-cup bra style with wide set straps and a horizontal bust line.
Usually boned or seamed, they give great cleavage. Offering less support, but
allowing low cut garments to be worn without the bra being seen as well as
providing lift.
Demi cup bras provide less breast coverage, generally cut to 1 above the nipple.
Most push-up bras are demi cups to show more cleavage. Most demi cups are
designed to slightly push the breasts towards the center for more cleavage and
remove breast tissue from under the arms. Demi Bras are great for petite women
who have issues with poking under-wires.

Demi bra
Convertible Bra:
It has straps which may be detached and rearranged in different ways depending
on the outfit. Alternatives to regular straps for strapless bras are beaded bra
straps or clear plastic bra straps that provide support and style.

Convertible bra
Plunge Bras:
Plunge bras are distinguished by the part of the band that joins the cups. If it is
below nipple level, then it's a plunge bra. These bras are ideal for wearing under
low-cut tops and many plunge bras are padded to push your breasts together to
maximise cleavage. The plunge bra won't give you the support and security you
might normally want, but sometimes the WOW factor is worth the sacrifice for
that special occasion.

Plunge bras

Read more: http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2012/09/types-of-bra-differenttypes-of.html#ixzz3rsboQBUY

Developed late in the nineteenth century, the feminine icon has since been views
as a symbol of a girls coming of age. The bra does not only covers, supports and
elevates the breasts, but also shapes the wearers figure. The degree of which
the bra frames the breasts varies between style, functionality, fashion and fabric.
Most of the bras today fall into more than 1 category mentioned below.

It is important to know the types of bras available so that you can pick the right
one for the right time so as to protect the general health of your breasts.
1. Adhesive Bra

A bra which adheres to the breasts. It has no straps or bands of any sort and
provide little support to the breasts. This type of bra is intended for backless and
strapless fashions. There are two types. There is the disposable paper ones that
use a strong adhesive and the reusable ones that use silicone that can be
washed and reused.
2. Bandeau Bra

A simple band of cloth worn across the breasts, providing little support or
shaping.
3. Belly Dance Bra

It is commonly assumed that a belly dancing bra size is the same as normal bra
size. This is not necessarily so. For instance if you normally use a size 32C you
may well find that a 34B will fit quite comfortably with a few minor adjustments
to latch settings since most belly dancing bras are designed to cover very well.
4. Bridal Bra/Corset

A bridal bra/corset mold and shape the upper body into a desired shape to fit the
wedding dress. In addition to that, it promotes good posture and can be more
comfortable as the weight of the breasts is carried by the whole corset rather
than the brassieres shoulder straps.
5. Built-in Bra

Supportive brassiere-like structures on the inside of another garment, such as a

swimsuit or tank top, which provide support for the bust without the need for a
separate bra. In most such garments, these built-ins consist of a horizontal
elastic strip, although some do have cups and underwires as with other bra
types. In some cases these may easily be removed, if desired.
6. Convertible Bra

It has straps which may be detached and rearranged in different ways depending
on the outfit. Alternatives to regular straps for strapless bras are beaded bra
straps or clear plastic bra straps that provide support and style.
7. Demi Bra

A half-cup bra style with wide-set straps and a horizontal bust line. Often seamed
or boned, they give great cleavage and a frame-like effect. These offer less
support, but enable low cut garments to be worn without the bra being seen.
Demi bras may be designed to provide lift as do push-up bras.
8. Front Closure Bra

Bras that have closures, usually hooks and eyes, on the front rather than at the
back. These bras lie completely flat at the back under clothing. Some feature a
racerback style back which is great for wear with tank tops and for lending a noslip effect to the straps.
9. Full Support Bra

A type of bra designed to offer good support for the whole of the breasts and, as
such, are a typical, practical bra for everyday wear.
10.

Mastectomy Bra

Designed so that a prosthesis may be held in place and are intended for
individuals who have lost one or both breasts in mastectomy treatment for
breast cancer.
11.

Male Bra

Bras worn by men with Gynecomastia, usually to flatten and conceal rather than
lift and support.
12.

Maternity Bra

Designed such that they can be expanded to adjust as the breasts increase in
size over the course of a pregnancy.
13.

Minimizer Bra

Designed to play down the bust, in particular for women with cups of 34C and
above. Minimizers, by compressing and shaping the breasts, help to create the
illusion of being a cup size or two smaller, and are often more comfortable.
14.

Novelty Bra

Designed more for show and sensuality than for function. They may include
unusual materials, such as leather, coconuts or be unusual in design.
15.

Nursing Bra

Designed to help make breastfeeding simpler by allowing the baby easy access
to the nipple. Traditionally, the cups of nursing bras are covered with flaps of
fabric that can be unclasped at the top and pulled down to expose the breast.
16.

Padded Bra

Bras with padding inside the lining. They are designed to provide a fuller shape
for small breasts and are an alternative to bra stuffing, a practice among
teenage girls in which falsies like tissues, sugar packets, cotton balls, or socks
are placed inside a bra to simulate larger breasts. Unlike push-up bras, however,
most padded bras support the breasts but do not significantly lift them.
17.

Peephole Bras

The type of bra that has cups loosely covering the breasts, which also includes
holes around the nipples.
18.

Push-up Bra

Structured so that the breasts are lifted and placed closer together to enhance
the cleavage. The best known brand of push-up bra is the Wonderbra. Many
push-up bras contain padding, typically made of foam or rubber, but some
contain gel-filled pads. The main distinction between padded bras and push-up
bras that incorporate padding is whether the padding is centred under each
breast to simply lift them, or is centred outside the centre of each breast such
that the padding pushes the breasts inwards.
19.

Racerback Bra

Has shoulder straps that come over the shouder in a V pattern very close to the
neck. This design is sometimes worn under strapless dresses or tops where
traditional straps would be very obviously exposed. Many Sport bras use the
racerback.
20.

Shelf Bra

Essentially a rigid band, usually underwires, along the inframammary line that
pushes up while covering none, or only a narrow strip, of the breast.
21.

Softcup Bra

Has no underwire support in the cups. Rather they rely on the strength of the
underband to provide support to the bust.
22.

Sport Bra

Provides firm support for the breasts, and are meant to prevent discomfort or
embarrassment during vigorous exercise.
23.

Strapless Bra

With no shoulder straps, they are designed for wearing with clothes that reveal
the shoulders, such as halterneck tops.
24.

T-shirt Bra

Designed without raised seams, so that a tight t-shirt may be worn without the
bra being visible. These often have padded cups to conceal nipples and to
provide a smooth line under t-shirts.
25.

Trainer Bra

Designed for young girls who have begun to develop breasts but have yet to be
considered developed enough to allow for a standard-sized bra to fit properly.
They are of simple construction and offer very little support.
26.

U-plunge Bra

Allows you to wear clothes that have a deep plunging neckline.

27.

Underwire Bra

Designed to give extra support and endurance. They have a wire, metal or
plastic, running under each cup to provide rigid support to the bust.
28.

Vintage Bra

A type of full support bra with cups in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution
with its axis perpendicular to the breast. Invented in the late 1940s, they were
still being sold well into the 1960s.
29.

Water Bra

Bras which have water or silicon gel-filled cups to make your breasts look larger.

Top 20 Types of Bra Revealed

Home Fashion Apparels Lingerie
By Lopa Mohanty | April 20, 2015

Pin It

The bra or brassiere has undergone some serious transformation, and finally in
the late 19th century, it evolved into a design, which has now earned an eminent
place in every womans cupboard.
Gone are the days, when more emphasis was put on waist than on the upper
part. Such kind of inner wear not only supports and elevates the breasts, but also
gives an impressive shape to the wearers figure.

Source: pinterest.com

The degree to which the bra constructs the breasts, differ as per style, fashion,
texture and functionality. However, one must be aware of the dos and donts
while shopping for bras. The fashion industry has come up with multifarious
designs and bra types.
In this edition, we have put together top 20 best selling different types of bra,
which are in much demand these days. Read on!
1. Bridal Bra
A bridal bra or corset holds and shapes the upper part of the body into a desired
shape, thereby helping the bride to smartly fit into the wedding dress. Besides, it
also renders great posture and is as light as a normal brassiere. The bride can
comfortably be at her best on her wedding day! This is one of the types of bras
where women spend maximum time to consider before picking the final one. This
type of bra, although falls under bridal category, must be picked depending on
the wedding outfit. If the bride is wearing a backless wedding gown, then a

strapless bridal bra would be an ideal pick. If the bride is wearing a deep cut
blouse, then a balcony bra would be ideal.
But the most important things is to try the type of bra with the wedding outfit
before buying it as the comfort and fit must go hand-in-hand for the big day and
this cannot be compromised at all.

Source: pinterest.com
2. Adhesive Bra
This type of bra, as the name suggests, it adheres to the breasts. It is strapless
and features no bands of any sort, but at the same time it provides little support
to the breasts. This kind of inner wear is highly intended for backless dresses or
tops. These also work well with sheer dresses.
Again this type of bra is further categorized into two sub-types; the disposable
paper ones, which use a strong adhesive and the reusable ones, which use
silicone that is washable.

Source: pinterest.com
3. Belly Dance Bra
Many people believe that belly dancing type of bra is always the same as that of
the size of a normal bra, but actually it is not. For e.g. if your size is 32C then you
can also comfortably fit into a 34B size, with some minor adjustments.

Source: pinterest.com
4. Bandeau Bra
One of the best Indian bra types, this is a plain simple band of cloth piece
wrapped around the breasts, thereby providing little support. These work well to
those who are just beginning to wear bras. These can also be work when at home
or while going to bed.

Source: pinterest.com
5. Convertible Bra
This kind of lingerie features straps, which can be detached and rearranged in
various ways, thereby suiting the outfit. This type of bras are also available with
beaded and clear plastic straps, which provide both support and style. Some of
the best online lingerie brands in India, such as Zivame, Lovable, etc have these
bras for women who love to experiment with the different styles of clothes.

Source: pinterest.com
6. Built-in Bra
Supportive bra-like structure inside any garment such as tank top, swimsuits or
tube tops, which render same kind of support without need of going for an
additional inner wear. These kinds of built-ins feature a horizontal elastic strip,
cups and even under wires and are also removable in some cases, if desired.
These are convenient to those who love wearing shorts and tees. These tees will
work even for lounge wear. Just wear a scarf and chunky accessories to style it
for the venue.

Source: pinterest.com
7. Cupless Bra
This kind of lingerie as the name suggests does not feature cups and is rather
comprised of only frames, thereby exposing nipples through modeled support
cups. These particular types are considered under erotic inner wear category, as
they let the nipples to be visible through the outfit. This is a unique type of bra
which is mostly worn in the western countries.

Source: pinterest.com
8. Demi Bra
These types of bra features half-shaped cup along-with broad straps and a
horizontal bust line. It renders great cleavage and a frame-like effect, thereby
enhancing the sensuality of the dress. It is ideal for deep-neck garments. Women
with small breasts can wear this bra to give an illusion of bigger breasts.

Source: pinterest.com
9. Full Support Bra
This kind of inner wear is designed to render great support for the entire breasts
and come under typical regular wear. Most Indian bras have this style of bras.
Mostly, older women prefer wearing these traditional types of bras.
This bra also works well for heavy breast women.

Source: pinterest.com
10. Front Closure Bra
It features closure i.e. hooks and eyes on the front rather than at the back, as
seen in normal wears. It lies completely flat at the back and goes well with tank
tops, provided it features a racer back design. This type of bra is easier to wear
and take off, when compared to the other bras that close at the back.

Source: pinterest.com

11. Mastectomy Bra

Such kind of under cloth is intended for those, who have either lost one or both
the breasts in mastectomy treatment for breast cancer. It is specially designed
so that a prosthesis can be held in place.

Source: pinterest.com
12. Male Bra
This may sound bit weird, but it is a therapeutic undershirt for men with
Gynecomastia. It does not give support rather helps them flatten and conceal
their breasts.

Source: heraldsun.com.au
13. Minimizer Bra
Theses types of bra is specially designed to play down the bust and is ideal for
women with 34C and above. It compresses and minimizes the breasts, thereby
creating an impression of a cup size smaller than the original one.

Source: pinterest.com
14. Maternity Bra
This is ideal for pregnant ladies. Its expandable nature helps them deal with
increase in size of their breasts during the course of pregnancy.

Source: pinterest.com
15. Nursling Bra
It helps in breastfeeding, by enabling baby to easily access the nipple. The cups
of such bra are covered with flaps, which be pulled down to expose the breast.

Source: pinterest.com
16. Padded Bra
These types of bra features padding inside its lining, thereby enabling a fuller
shape to ladies, having small breasts. It is mainly worn to enhance the figure.
These bras also help in concealing the stiff nipples.

Source: pinterest.com

17. Pushup Bra

As Miranda Kher is seen here in a pushup bra, it is an advanced design inner
wear, used to lift the breasts, thereby enhancing the cleavage. The Wonder-bra is
the all time popular brand for such kind of lingerie. Most of the push-up
brassieres feature padding, either made up of rubber or foam and even some
containing gel-filled pads.
A padded type can be distinguished from the push-up type, by considering if the
padding is done at the under each breast to lift them or is done outside the
center so as to push the breast inwards.

Source: pinterest.com
18. Sport Bra
It provides firm support to the breasts and helps prevent any kind of discomfort
to the wearer during vigorous work-outs.

Source: pinterest.com
19. T-Shirt Bra
It is specially designed for T-Shirts and helps prevent breasts or nipples from
being visible. It is also available with padded cups to hide nipples, thereby
providing a smooth line.

Source: pinterest.com
20. Vintage Bra
This is a full-support traditional brassiere, usually in the shape of a parabolic with
its axis perpendicular to the breast. It was widely used from 1940s till late 1960s.
It is also known as bullet bra.
You can buy these and all other types of bra here.

Source: pinterest.com
The best bra brands in India provide most of these types of bra. Be wise and
choose the bra your figure needs. If you are not sure about your bra size, do not
be ashamed to ask the assistant. Its your right to feel beautiful from within.
PS: Wearing a bra while sleeping is not as harmful as it has been said. However,
for your comfort it is best to avoid it, so as to let your skin breath.
average breast size)
South Africa average breast size is C cup (52% of South African women)
Nigeria average breast size is C cup (47% of Nigerian women)

Bra types
Learn about different styles of bras: demi cup, plunge, push-up, sports bras and
more. Get advice to make it easier to choose the right styles for you.
Balconette bra

A balconette bra is a type of demi cup bra, which basically means the cups are
low to allow you to wear fairly low cut clothing. A balconette bra usually has a
more of a horizontal line along the top
Read more
Bandeau bra

Photo source: 6pm.com

A bandeau bra is shaped like a strip over your breasts, sometimes with ruching in
the middle. They are kind of a cross between a strapless bra and a tube top.
They are made of stretchy fabric so dont normally
Read more
Contour / molded cup bra

A contour or molded cup bra means the cups have been shaped by machine to
fit the shape of your breasts. There is a slight difference between them (read this
article for a full explanation) but the terms are so
Read more
Convertible / Multiway bra

Photo source: Triumph

Convertible (also called multiway) bras are a must to own. The straps come off
and have hooks so you can reattach them in different ways to wear with clothes
where the straps of a standard bra would show. What strap
Read more
Convertible bra with low back option

Photo source: Black & White

Not all convertible (also called multiway) bras have a low back option so check
this before you buy it. There are two main types, one is where a bra strap hooks
into the bottom of the bra and goes across
Read more
Demi cup bra

Demi describes a style of cup shape for a bra. It is quite low, it only just comes
up over the nipple and usually plunges quite low to show cleavage. The shoulder
straps are also set widely apart. Because the
Read more
Full cup bra

Photo source: Berlei

The cups on a full cup bra completely cover the breasts. They offer the most
support of any type of bra so are a popular choice for women with large cup
sizes. As they are designed for women who want
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Mastectomy Bra

Photo source: Eloise Lingerie

Mastectomy bras are full cup bras that have a pocket inside the cups to insert
breast forms (prosthesis). They are for women who have had one or both breasts
removed. Some are also specially designed to be worn during the
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Maternity and nursing bras

Photo source: Triumph

Strictly speaking maternity and nursing bras are different things, but the terms
are often used interchangeably, or with maternity meaning both maternity and
nursing bras. The difference between them is that a maternity bra is meant to
offer you extra
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Minimiser bra

Photo source: Triumph

Minimiser bras are designed for women with average to large breasts who want
them to appear smaller. Depending on your size a minimiser bra could reduce
your bust measurement by an inch or two. The cups offer full coverage and
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Padded bra

A padded bra has padding in the base of the cup to lift your breast and give the
appearance of larger breasts. Padding can also refer to a light padding through
the cup to hide any nipple shape, but usually
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Plunge bra

Plunge bras are designed so you can wear low cut clothes without your bra
showing. The cups join together low between the breasts, with a thin centre
piece. Usually the shoulder straps are wide, so you can wear any necklines
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Push-up bra

Push-up bras do exactly what they say, they push your breasts up and together
to give maximum cleavage. They are usually plunge bras as well, this means the
cups join low between the breasts so you can wear something low
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Racerback / T-back / Sport back bra

Photo source: Victoria's Secret

This type of back is often used on sports bras as it quite secure. The straps wont
fall down and you have a wide range of movement through your shoulders. The
other use is to wear with tops that have
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Shelf bra

Photo source: Ladystrange Lingerie

A shelf bra is also known as a platform bra, quarter-cup bra or cupless bra. It has
underwires and supports from underneath, but has no cups or very short cups to
expose your breasts. Obviously this bra is mainly just
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Sports bra

Photo source: Triumph

Sports bras are designed to give you support during physical activity. There are
different types that will work better for different activities. A sports bra for yoga
should be really comfortable and offer greater movement, whereas one for
jogging should
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Stick-on / adhesive bra

The most common type of stick-on bra is made of silicone but there are ones that
look almost the same as the silicone one pictured but are made of foam. You can
also get fabric ones that look more like
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Strapless bra

Photo source: Bendon

Strapless bras often come as convertible bras with detachable straps or you can
also get bandeau bras. For most cases I would recommend a classic style
strapless bra like the one pictured, bandeau bras dont have underwires to shape
them
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T-shirt bra

A T-shirt bra has seamless contour cups that are designed to give a smooth look
under tight or lightweight fabric. The cups are lightly padded to stop the shape of
your nipples showing through. If you dont want to add
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U plunge / deep plunge bra

Photo source: Bloomingdales

The U plunge bra is a speciality bra that is designed for really low cut necklines.
There are the lowest you can get in the front and still be wearing a bra. If you
need it to be lower you
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2015 Ultimate Bra Guide
Before the advent of modern fabrics, linen, cotton broadcloth, and twill weaves
were used to make bras, and sewn using flat-felled or bias-tape seams. Bras are
now made of a wide variety of materials, including Tricot, Spandex, Spanette,
Latex, microfiber, satin, Jacquard, foam, mesh, and lace,[28] which are blended
to achieve specific purposes.

Spandex, a synthetic fiber with built-in "stretch memory", can be blended with
cotton, polyester, or nylon. Mesh is a high-tech synthetic composed of ultra-fine
filaments that are tightly knit for smoothness.[28]

Sixty to seventy percent of bras sold in the United Kingdom and the United
States use underwire in the cup. The underwire is made of metal, plastic, or
resin.[30][31][32][33] Underwire is built into the bra around the perimeter of the
cup where it attaches to the band, increasing the rigidity of the bra. The
underwire improves support, lift, and separation.[27] Wirefree or softcup bras
support breasts using additional seaming and internal reinforcement. Some types
of bras, like T-shirt bras, utilize molded cups that eliminate bra seams and hide
the woman's nipples. Others use padding or shaping materials to enhance bust
size or cleavage. A Harris Poll commissioned by Playtex asked more than 1,000
women what they like in a bra. Among the respondents, 67 percent said they like
wearing a bra over going braless, while 85 percent wanted to wear a "shapeenhancing bra that feels like nothing at all." They were split over underwire bras:
49 percent said they prefer underwire bras, the same percentage as those who
said they prefer wireless bras.[34]

Manufacturing standards vary[edit]

A seamstress sews a brassiere in a Puerto Rico garment shop

To mass-produce bras, manufacturers size their bras to a the figure of
prototypical, idealized woman, assuming she is standing with both arms at her
sides. The design also assumes that both breasts are equally sized and
symmetrical. Manufacturing a well-fitting bra is a challenge since the garment is
supposed to be form-fitting but women's breasts may sag, vary in volume, width,
height, shape, and position on the chest.[35][36] Manufacturers make standard
bra sizes that provide a "close" fit, however even a woman with accurate
measurements can have a difficult time finding a correctly fitted bra because of
the variations in sizes between different manufacturers. Some manufacturers
create "vanity sizes" and deliberately mis-state the size of their bras in an
attempt to persuade women that they are slimmer and more buxom.[37]

Variance in bra sizes[edit]

There are several sizing systems in different countries.[38] Most use the chest
circumferences measurement system and cup sizes A-B-C+, but there are some
significant differences. Most bras available usually come in 36 sizes,[39] but bra
labeling systems used around the world are at times misleading and confusing.
Cup and band sizes not only vary around the world[40] but between brands in
the same country.[35] For example, most women assume that a B cup on a 34
band is the same size as a B cup on a 36 band. In fact, bra cup size is relative to

the band size, as the actual volume of a woman's breast changes with the
dimension of her chest.[40][41] In countries that have adopted the European EN
13402 dress-size standard, the torso is measured in centimetres and rounded to
the nearest multiple of 5 centimetres (2.0 in). Due to these variances, even
professional bra fitters in different countries like New Zealand[42] and the United
Kingdom[43][44] produce inconsistent measurements of the same person.
63 Fun Facts About . . .

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Underwear

1.The average American woman owns approximately 21 pairs of underwear.

Approximately 10% of women own over 35 pairs.k
2.Ten-year-old Jack Singer of Warwick, New York, wore 215 pairs of underwear
simultaneously on June 13, 2010. He broke the previous record of 200 pairs.b

3.While underwear may or may not be worn under kilts, tradition holds that a
true Scotsman would wear nothing underneath.c
cup size Bra sizes consist of two parts, a number (band size) and a letter (cup
size) 4.According to bra-fitting experts, approximately 80% of women are
wearing the wrong bra size.k
5.Trend analysts observe that a woman who wears a g-string is typically a
woman who feels more uninhibited and more confident to display her body.
Sexually, she is more willing to try different and creative positions.c
6.Sexual researchers note that a woman who chooses to wear white cotton
panties tends to be a low maintenance and a no-frills type of a woman.
Researchers note that this is akin to letting a man see her without makeup.c
7.The average woman will wear six different bra sizes throughout her life.k
8.Most bras should be replaced every 6 months.k
9.Bras that dont fit correctly can cause back strain and loss of breast firmness.k
10.The country with the most underwear models working for Victorias Secret is
Brazil.e
11.The highest-paid Victorias Secret model of all time is Giselle Bndchen. At
one point, she was earning nearly $5 million a year.e
12.The size of an average woman is 5' 4" and 135 pounds. The size of a
Victorias Secret model is 5' 10 " and 112 pounds. The typical measurements for
a Victorias Secret model are a 34" bust, 24" waist, and 34" hips.e
13.The U.K. typically sells the highest number of the largest bra cup sizes. Japan
usually sells the most of the smallest sizes.f
14.In Italy, women celebrate New Years by wearing red underwear because it is
considered lucky.b
15.A 2008 survey revealed that 9% of men in America have underwear that is at
least 10 years old. Fifteen percent own underwear that is between 5-9 years
old.d
bra pain Bras that do not fit correctly can cause back strain 16.After police in
Colfax, Washington, arrested Greg Flaherty for hanging around an apartment
laundry room, they discovered he had stolen over 1,613 pairs of womens
underwear. Reports do not indicate whether they were stolen before or after they
were washed.b
17.On October 14, 1996, a student pledging for the Kappa Alpha fraternity at
Texas A&M required emergency care after receiving injuries from a wedgie. He
had to have one of his testicles removed as a result of the injury.b
18.After Michael Hirschey gave Erik Kurtis Low a wedgie on May 8, 2003, Low
fatally shot him. The prosecutor for the case said in his closing arguments that
receiving a wedgie is not a reason to kill somebody.b
19.In 2005, a member of Virginias House of Delegates, Algi T. Howell, proposed
a $50 fine for wearing pants that showed ones underwear. The bill did not pass.b

20.Mens briefs were invented in 1935. A contemporary magazine ad touted the

briefs scientific suspension and restful buoyancy.b
21.A survey in 1998 revealed that 60% of French men change their underwear
daily. Approximately 75% of French women change their underwear daily.b
22. In 2012, Zimbabwe banned the importation and sale of second-hand
underwear. Lawmakers hope the ban will help address health concerns and help
the countrys own domestic textile industry.q
23.The word skivvies appeared in 1932 as nautical slang for underwear. While
the term is of unknown origin, earlier use of skivvy/skivey was London slang for
female domestic servant.c
24.The word wedgie is derived from wedge-heeled shoe and became popular
in the 1970s from the effect it gave the victim.c
25.Single people are less likely to change their underwear on a daily basis than
married people82% versus 88%, respectively.d
26.African American psychologist Tara Raines argues that bra manufactures cater
only to white women in nude collections and is urging them to rethink the
limited range of natural colors available to ethnic women.o
27.The global underwear business is estimated to be worth over $30 billion. Bras
represent over 50% of the overall market, briefs approximately 33%, and
corsetry more than 10%.n
28.During the Victorian age, women wore knickers, which left the entire crotch
area open and exposed because it was believed that an open crotch was more
hygienic. Consequently, underwear change was infrequent. Ironically, Parisian
Can Can dancers helped usher in closed-crotch underwear.j
29.A majority of American women prefer to wear bikini underwear (37%). Briefs
come in second (23%), followed by thongs (19%), boy shorts (17%), and other
(4%).k
tight jeans Ten percent of American women have confessed to going
"commando" 30.Ten percent of American women have confessed to occasionally
having gone commando to avoid visible panty lines.k
31.At a recent auction in Edinburgh, a pair of Queen Victorias underwear sold for
9,375 ($14,500 American). The knickers were made from yards of white cream
fabric and had her initials VR (Victoria Regina) embroidered in them.j
32.To avoid urinary tract infections (among other things, such as keeping the
genital and urinary areas clean), physicians recommend changing underwear at
least once a day.c
33.G-strings are very similar to thongs, but they have even less coverage in the
back, just a string that essentially disappears between the buttocks. The
etymology of g-string is obscure, but it may stand for the word groin, which
has historically been a taboo word.j

34.While modern underwear is made from different fabrics (leather, satin, vinyl,
latex, cotton, mesh, and polyester), it is typically considered good hygiene to
have the crotch lined with a cotton fabric.c
35.Factors that may cause a change in bra size include a weight gain/loss of five
pounds or more, beginning/ending an exercise program, pregnancy or childbirth,
more than a year since a last bra measurement, going through menopause or
the hormonal changes.k
36.Sexual researchers observe that men who wear the boyish briefs may not
be ready to grow up.a
37.Victorias Secret operates more than 1,000 stores across the United States. It
was established in San Francisco in 1977 by Roy Raymond, who wanted to
establish a store with an atmosphere similar to that of a Victorian boudoir.p
38.The aging U.S. population is slowing down market growth in the underwear
sector. However, analysts note that there is significant growth potential in more
developing countries due to increasing income levels, trends toward Western
fashion, larger youth population, and rising standards of living.n
39.During the recession, nightwear and knit underwear have done better than
other types of underwear. Researchers note that these types of undergarments
have been so successful because they are more necessary than other types of
underwear.n
40.The world hosiery market is expected to surpass $20 billion by 2015. Hosiery
includes tights, socks, leggings, and pantyhose. The increase is largely due to
new machineryspecifically, electronic knitting machines have largely replaced
mechanical knitting machines.n
41.The nightwear and knit underwear market is expected to surpass $70 billion
by 2015. The factors fueling the market include rising levels of disposable
income, new fabrics, and a larger variety of styles. Plus-size demand is also
increasing in the Western market.n
42.China has the fastest growing underwear market in the world. The China
underwear market exceeded $16 billion in 2010, with a market growth of around
20% per year.n
43.The main brands in the global underwear market include Calvin Klein, La
Senza, DKNY, Princesse Tam Tam, Enamor, Embry Form, Jockey, Victorias Secret,
Maniform, Wacoal Holdings, Gujin, La Perla, Armani, Wolford, Hanes, Fruit of the
Loom, Etam, Chantelle, Triumph, AB Underwear, and Lovable.n
panties Panty raids became popular in college after WWII 44.During the 1950s, it
was popular for college boys to storm the girls dorm and steal their underwear
and then publicly display them. The popular term for these outings was panty
raids.l
45.The origin of the phrase going commando is unclear, though it probably
originated with members of the military who more often than not preferred to go
without underwear. In harsh environments, wet underwear could lead to crotch
rot, jock and anal itching, and chafing. Additionally, it was not uncommon for

soldiers to develop severe cases of diarrhea, in which case a solider may go

without underwear and cut off the back of the pants for easier elimination.c
46.King Tut is the nickname for Tutankhamen, an Egyptian leader who ruled from
age 9 to 18. He was buried with 145 underpants.m
47.Some early American settlers had themselves sewn into their underwear for
the winter. They did this because it was easier than having to button a lot of
buttons. But it also meant that they didnt bathe until spring.l
48.During the 16th century, undergarments became associated with the word
drawers. A drawer is literally something pulled or drawn and comes from the
French word tirer (to pull).l
49.Long knitted undergarments known as long johns were originally worn by a
bare-knuckled boxer named John L. Sullivan in the late 1800s. He wore long
woolen drawers while boxing in cold weather.l
petticoats Petticoat is from the Old French petite cote, or "little coat" 50.In the
19th century, women typically wore heavy petticoats to keep the cold breezes
from blowing up their skirts because they usually didnt wear any underwear
underneath. Until the mid-1800s, it was considered improper for a woman to
wear anything in between her legs. This is why women rode sidesaddle and why
pants were considered a male-only garment.l
51.Spiritual undergarments go back at least as far as the ancient Babylonians.
Often these garments had fringe, which symbolized of Gods protection. Modernday Mormons have sacred undergarments, which they consider to be the armor
of God.l
52.Before the development of antiperspirants, the dress protector and the
shirt protector were popular undergarments that helped absorb underarm
sweat and prevent sweat marks from showing on outer layer of clothing.l
Mary-Phelps Jacobs The first modern "brassiere" was patented in 1914
53.Though there are several legitimate claims as to who is the father or
mother of the modern bra, a New York woman named Mary Phelps Jacobs is
typically credited with creating the modern bra. She had her maid sew together
two handkerchiefs with some ribbon and a cord. She patented her bra design
under the label brassiere in 1914 and later sold it to the Warner Brothers
Corset Company for $15,000.i
54.In 1995, a woman named Berbel Zummer was walking through a park in
Austria during a storm wearing a wire-enforced bra under her clothes. The metal
in her bra attracted a bolt of lighting that killed her instantly.l
55.A woman from Britain invented a bra that monitors a womans heart rate. If
the heart rate is high, an alarm will sound as an indication that the woman is in
danger.m
56.The Russians are experimenting with bacteria that will eat the worn
underwear of astronauts on long space missions.m
57.Corsets were such a huge business that they provided thousands of jobs.
Additionally, so much whalebone was used to stiffen corsets, hoop skirts, and

other types of underwear, that the baleen whale was almost driven to
extinction.m
58.Scholars note that women seemed to wear corsets during times in history
when their lives were severely restricted and they had few rights. As women
gained more rights, they rejected the more restrictive underwear.l
Falsies Falsies gave women's breasts an exaggerated and pointed shape 59.A
device that is stuffed into a bra to make it look bigger is called a falsie. Falsies
were most popular during the 1950s, when big, pointy breasts were popular.m
60.Underwear has often been used as a symbol. For example, in the 1960s, bra
burners protested the way society discriminated against women and restricted
their appearance. Additionally, after WWII, French women who had relationships
with German soldiers not only had their heads shaved, but they also were forced
to walk through the streets in their underwear.l
61.Underwear has been used to make rebellious fashion statements. For
example, in 1780, Marie Antoinette shocked France by wearing chemise dresses
at court. Previously, the chemise was worn only as underwear.l
62.In 1951, Marlon Brando helped turn mens cotton undershirts into outwear
when he wore an undershirt in the movie A Streetcar Named Desire.l
63.In the 1990s, hip-hop artists made it fashionable for men to wear their pants
below their waists and showing their boxers or briefs. This style, called
sagging, is said to have actually originated in prison when jail inmates had
their belts removed because they might be used as a possible weapon. Other
historians believe this style originated as a sign of availability among
homosexuals.l