US Hosiery

Guides

Bra Types

A bra style is a combination of construction choices: wired or wireless, padded or unlined, cup shape, coverage and strap layout. Knowing what each choice does makes it easier to pick a style for the outfit and activity in front of you.

8 guides in this section

Start here

Bra Types

Core Bra Styles: A Short Guide to Choosing

A short introduction to everyday, full-cup, plunge, wireless, sports and strapless bras, with practical fit checks and a link to our full 25-type guide.

2 min read

Bra Types

How to Choose a Sports Bra for Your Activity

Choose a sports bra by activity, support construction and fit. Compare straps and fastenings, test it in motion and plan for hot or humid workouts.

5 min read

Two kinds of label

Construction versus purpose

Some bra names describe how a bra is built. Others describe what it's for. One bra usually carries both: a T-shirt bra (purpose) can be wired or wireless, padded or not, and full cup or plunge (construction). Separating the two makes product descriptions easier to read.

Wire
Wired or wireless (non-wired)
Cups
Moulded (seam-free), seamed panels, or stretch fabric
Lining
Unlined, lightly lined, or padded
Coverage
Full cup, balconette, half cup or plunge
Straps and back
Standard, racerback, convertible, wide or narrow; hook, pull-on or front fastening

Purpose labels

Named for the job, not the build.

T-shirt bra
A smooth finish under fitted tops
Sports bra
Limiting breast movement during exercise
Strapless
Outfits that leave the shoulders bare
Sleep or lounge bra
Optional light support when resting
Nursing bra
Feeding access
Post-surgery bra
Wear after breast surgery, following clinical advice

How styles differ

Five common styles, compared

No style is best for everyone. Compare what each is built for and what to check when you try it on.

Common bra styles by purpose, construction and fit
StyleMade forConstructionFit check
T-shirt braSmooth everyday wear under fitted topsMoulded, usually lightly lined cups; wired or wirelessCups should lie flat at the top edge with no gap or cut-in
Wireless / soft-cupComfort for long days, lounging and travelNo underwire; support from band, seams or bonded panelsThe band still needs to sit firm and level; the centre may not lie flat against the chest
BalconetteWide or square necklinesLower, more horizontal cup edge; straps often set wider apartStraps can slip on narrow or sloping shoulders
PlungeDeep V-necklinesLow centre panel (gore) with angled cupsIn wired styles the centre usually rests near the breastbone, but a very low centre may not touch it all the way. That's fine if nothing digs or shifts
Sports braMovement and exerciseCompression, encapsulation or both; often wicking fabricsChoose by impact level; check bounce and band ride-up while moving

Choose by outfit

What to try under what

  • Fitted T-shirt or knit top

    Try: T-shirt (moulded) bra, smooth wireless

    Watch for: Cup edge showing as a ridge; lace texture

  • Deep V or low neckline

    Try: Plunge

    Watch for: A very low centre may not touch the breastbone; that's fine if nothing digs

  • Wide or square neckline

    Try: Balconette, half cup

    Watch for: Straps sitting wide can slip on narrow shoulders

  • Strapless or off-shoulder

    Try: Strapless, convertible

    Watch for: Slipping when you move; don't over-tighten the band to compensate

  • Racerback top

    Try: Racerback or convertible

    Watch for: Pressure where the straps meet

  • White or sheer clothes

    Try: Smooth cups in a shade close to your skin

    Watch for: See our white-clothes guide

Choose by activity and support

What you'll be doing in it

Support preference is personal. Some people like a closely held, structured feel all day; others prefer a soft, light bra or none at home. Pick for the situation in front of you, then check the fit points in our fit guides.

Style definitions follow the Bravissimo bra style guide, a retailer's description of common style names; names vary between brands.

More bra types guides