BraMeasurement.co.uk

Bra Style Guide

The are many bra styles and shapes available and we have put together our own Bra Style Guide to explain the difference between the various styles and the reasons for choosing which one to wear.

Balconette - the balconette is sexy bra style with a low neckline and wide set straps designed to give an uplifted silhouette when wearing wide necked and scoop necked tops. Balconette bras can be padded or non-padded.

Full cup - a full cup bra is ideal for the bigger boobed lady and offers greater security and comfort than a smaller cup style. The straps on full cup bras are usually wider than those on other bras to ensure that you feel uplifted and comfortable when wearing everyday clothes. A full cup bra generally covers the entire breast.

Half cup - a half cup bra is where the cup stops just above the nipple (they are known as demi bras in the US) and are most suitable for smaller cup sizes. Some bra manufacturers offer a three quarter cup which gives natural support to the breasts but with more coverage and support than a half cup.

Maternity & Nursing - non-wired to protect the delicate breast tissue during breast development and milk production, maternity and nursing bras are specially engineered to cope with increased breast weight. Nursing bras also have the special drop-cup feature to aid when breast feeding.

Minimiser - minimiser bras are designed with a specific purpose; to minimise a larger bust size. Minimiser bras are engineered to redistribute the breast tissue so that your bust does not protrude so much without damaging the breast tissue. This bra is better with tight tops, vest tops and tops which may gape when worn with your usual bra. Multi-way & Strapless - a multi-way bra will give you the best flexibility when choosing how to wear your straps. Many multiway bras have clear or detachable straps and can be worn in a variety of ways, for example strapless, halterneck, crossover or backless (where the straps criss-cross around the waist). Wearing a multi-way bra gives you the chance to wear any kind of dress or top with confidence.

Post Surgery/Mastectomy - there are many lovely, feminine bras available for post surgery ladies. These bras are usually made from a soft and comfortable cotton to alleviate any discomfort and have integral pockets in the optimum position plus wide and supportive straps.

Push-up & Plunge - push-up bras will help you to look fuller in the bust. They are designed to push your breasts inwards and upwards to create a better cleavage with low cut necklines. There are several ways of achieving this look with padding, underwiring or removable pads depending on the bra you choose. Plunge bras have a low cut silhouette to give an appearance of increased cleavage. A plunge bra will support your breasts from the base and the sides and is great with low cut tops.

Seamless or Moulded - a seamless or moulded bra will give you a natural looking shape when worn under tight fitting clothes with no visible bra lines. Moulded bras are so-called because the cup is moulded from a single piece of fabric or foam. A T-shirt bra, like a moulded bra, is seam-free and it is suitable for wearing under a t-shirt as it is thick enough to ensure that your nipples don't show when you are wearing a close fitting top.

Soft cup - a soft cup bra is one without underwiring. Sports and maternity bras are usually soft cups and they are also a good solution for teenagers who should not wear underwired bras while they are still growing or for some bigger boobed ladies who find underwiring uncomfortable. Soft cup bras are well constructed and can be as supportive as underwired bras.

Sports - a well fitting sports bra can cut breast movement by fifty per cent thus reducing the strain on the ligaments which support your breasts. Once breast tissue is damaged it cannot recover so a supportive bra is very important when taking part in any sports activity. Sports bras should provide both comfort and support and often include features such as seamless cups, adjustable straps, cushioned fastenings, comfortable underbands, a good support structure and performance fabrics.