Do you have a special occasion coming up and want to wear a stylish cut dress? If there is one thing that can hinder your glamorous night out, it is the choice of a bra. Several types of bras are available for women and girls of different sizes so it can be hard to understand what types of bras to wear with different dresses.
To help you pick the best types of bras for different dresses, here is a comprehensive guide on the different bra types for ladies. Keep reading to find out your perfect fit.
What Are The Different Types Of Bras?
In our last post we talked about the Top Bra Brands as per Price & Customer Reviews, but before you go shopping, it is important to know what type of bra you want. We’ve listed below 8 of the most popular bra types that are worth investing in, along with the pros and cons of each of them:
1. Padded Bra
A padded bra is a life savior when you have to wear a tight shirt or a fitted blouse. It is seamless and does not show the underlining of a nipple under a fitted shirt.
Padded bras also add an extra layer of cushy material to support your breasts. These bras are a great addition not only for women with small busts, but also those with heavy chests.
There are different types of padded bras. Some provide full coverage and maximum support, while others are made with light padding only. You can also differentiate padded bras based on wiring.
Wired bras provide strong support, while bras without wiring are made for long-lasting comfort.
Pros
- Gives a fuller look to smaller breasts
- Protects nipple display in winter or with sheer clothes
- Adds an extra layer of cushion
- It can be worn under fitted and tight shirts
- You can choose between different necklines for separate shirts
Cons
- Sometimes not suitable for women with larger breasts as it can give an extra full or heavy look
- Issues when choosing the correct size and design
2. Push-up Bra
Push up bras are designed to enhance the size and look of the breasts by slightly pushing them upwards. It makes the breasts come closer and adjusts your chest to give it a more symmetrical look.
However, you can also rock a push-up bra even if you have a heavier bust. Make sure to check with brands that make larger sizes to make the bra fit perfectly.
As the push-up bra has a low neckline, you can easily wear it with a low-neck t-shirt or dress. It is not uncommon to pair these types of bras with turtlenecks, sleeveless shirts, and even chunky sweaters.
Pros
- Gives shape to cleavage and holds it in place
- Makes the breasts rounder and fuller
- Defines your silhouette
Cons
- Can look misshapen if you don’t pick the right fit
- Can lead to breast spillage if you choose a small size
- May add to discomfort if the size isn’t right
3. Lace Bra
If you are in the mood for something fancy, go for a lace bralette bra. Lace bras come in a wide range of variations, not just in color, but also in style and design. This is a great option for a hot night out, a sexy evening in the house, or just a fun time with your girlfriends.
You can wear it with low-cut tops and deep necks; it looks pretty even when it peeps out.
You can get these types of bras in different sizes – full cup, demi cup, push-up, padded, and more. The lace feels luxurious against your body, so you should consider getting some even when there is no special occasion. Make sure to choose the right cup size and color you love.
Pros
- Is feminine and sensual
- Lace cups offer more flexibility
- Material is breathable
- Lace is not uncomfortable and does not dig into the skin
- It can be worn with low-cut shirts, camisoles, tank tops, and more
Cons
- Not a seamless material
- May create lines and show through shirts, specially fitted clothes
- It may be hard to choose the right size
4. Sports Bra
This is a specialty bra that provides support to the breasts while exercising. If you are not wearing the right fit for a sports bra, you can end up hurting your breasts.
Choose a loose sports bra, and it will be of no use while doing fast or aerobic exercises. And if a sports bra is too tight, it can cause discomfort and become too snug.
There are a few different types of bras made for sports and various sports bra uses. You can get a padded version, a compression sports bra, an encapsulation, a pull-over bra, and more.
Pros
- Can keep the back sturdy
- Can prevent injuries in and around the neck and shoulders
- Maintains the shape of the breasts
- Absorbs sweat while exercising
- Regulates blood circulation
Cons
- It can be uncomfortable to wear for an extended period.
- It can be too tight.
- It can weaken the muscles if worn for too long.
5. Strapless Bra
A strapless bra is best worn when going for a shoulderless dress or top. Since this bra has no straps, it is the most suitable option for when your shoulders are bare. Whether or not you like the feel of a strapless bra depends solely on your taste.
One thing to keep in mind is to choose one size small for these types of bras, as the only support is the back band. You should also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the breasts. You can wear something tight around the waist but leave a little room with the breasts.
Pros
- No strap marks
- No discomfort due to straps digging into the skin
- Relieves back pain due to tight straps
- Relaxation for the shoulders and back
- Versatile usage as it can be worn with multiple styles
Cons
- Women with heavier busts may not find it to be enough support
- May not provide full coverage for heavy breasts
- You may feel exposed as your shoulders are all bare
6. Bralette
A bralette is a mixture of a crop top and a bra. You can wear it as a top as well as a bra, but be warned that a bralette is usually small in size and not meant for heavy breasts.
It is found in several different materials, including lace and cotton. There is no wire, underlining, padding, or any other source of discomfort.
A bralette is not used for strong support or even full coverage. So, women with larger breasts may find it uncomfortable. The bra only provides light support and low to medium coverage. You should mostly keep these bras for when you want to wear something light and loose.
Pros
- They are comfortable to wear
- The material is breathable
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Provide structure but also easy on the body
Cons
- Not enough support for heavy busts
- Don’t provide full coverage or proper structure
- Cannot be worn under all clothing items
7. Stick-on Bra
This is the bra that shows the least of your undergarment. You often pass on the chance to wear fancy dresses with unique cuts because you don’t know what bra to wear underneath so nothing shows.
A stick-on bra is a lifesaver here, as you can easily wear it with designs like backless and low-cut dresses.
The bra has no straps or back band, sticking onto the breasts using the adhesive on the cups. Unfortunately, this may not be too comfortable for women with heavy breasts.
There are several types of stick-on bras with different levels of adhesiveness. And you can use duct tape as an extra layer of stickiness.
Pros
- Lets you wear fancy dresses with deep cuts and plunging necklines
- Comfortable without fussy straps and bands
- Easy to wear and maintain
- Keeps the back muscles relaxed
Cons
- Cannot support heavy busts
- The stickiness may feel uncomfortable to some women
- You have to ensure the adhesiveness is strong, so it won’t fall off
8. T-shirt Bra
You may end up confusing a t-shirt bra with a padded bra, but remember that they are different.
A t-shirt bra is a seamless undergarment made to be invisible under fitted shirts. A padded bra is not necessarily seamless.
T-shirt bras can come with different padding levels and may or may not have underlining and wires. The padding level can also differ, with some bras more heavily padded than others. You can find a t-shirt bra in several variations, like strapless, fully padded, and more.
Pros
- Provides a seamless look
- Ideal for everyday wear
- Keeps a non-messy silhouette
- Is comfortable to wear
- Ensures perfect support and comfort for both heavy and small busts
Cons
- If the fit isn’t right, it may not lend the much-needed support
- You may have to hustle in markets to find the right fit
Other Types of Bras
Here is a list of all the other bra types that did not make it in our list above:
- Underwired bras
- Balconette bras
- Tube bras
- Transparent bras
- Multiway bras
- Bandeau bras
- Plunge bras
- Cage bras
- Halter bras
- Nursing bras
- Minimizer bras
- Demi bras
- Bullet bras
- Sling bras
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which bra is most comfortable?
The bra you find most comfortable depends on your individual preference, but t-shirt bras are the most regularly worn choice. Some types of bralettes also feel highly comfortable under clothes. Bras that are not too tight and provide the right amount of support should be your choice for comfy wear.
Q. What is the healthiest bra type?
Bras made with organic and breathable materials are the most healthy options. Organic cotton and bamboo are great and eco-friendly choices. Try to stay away from latex bras.
Q. How to choose a bra type?
When bra shopping, make sure to measure yourself every time and shop with a t-shirt to test the bra under thin fabric. The straps shouldn’t pinch into your shoulders, nor should they be slipping off. Your breasts should be well-wrapped in the cups and there should be no rolls or bulges. You need a bigger size if you can’t tie the bra on the second and third hooks.
