Types of Bra: An Overview of Styles to Suit Your Figure

Welcome to the world of bra styles. Bras are more than just a garment — they are a symbol of comfort, support, and style. Yet choosing the right bra goes far beyond simply knowing your size. Your breast shape, the level of comfort you desire, and the occasion all play an equally important role.

In this guide, we will give you everything you need to find your perfect bra. We'll walk you through the most popular bra styles and explain which breast shapes and occasions each one is best suited to.

From underwired bras that offer a perfect silhouette to sports bras that provide support through every movement — there is a bra for every shape and every occasion.

An Overview of the Most Popular Bra Styles

Moulded Cup Bra

Underwired Bra

Soft Bra

Bra Shirt

Bustier

Spacer Bra

Sports bra

Moulded Cup Bra (T-Shirt Bra): the classic with superior support

The moulded cup bra, often referred to as a t-shirt bra, is one of the most popular bra styles. This classic is distinguished by its seamless, pre-shaped cups, designed to create a smooth and rounded silhouette beneath clothing — making it the ideal choice for tight-fitting or lightweight tops.

The moulded cup bra is available in a variety of styles, including with and without underwire. It provides reliable support and all-day comfort. Thanks to the construction of its cups, it is also opaque.

This style suits almost every bust shape. It is particularly flattering for women with asymmetrical busts, as the pre-shaped cups help to create a balanced appearance. It is also an excellent choice for women with smaller busts, offering a natural fullness and shape without relying on push-up padding.

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• Optimal support and shaping

• Perfect as a t-shirt bra

• Shaping underwire

• Ideal for larger sizes

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Underwired Bra: the natural choice with medium support

Another popular style, underwired bras offer outstanding support and shaping for a wide range of bust shapes. They feature a thin, semicircular wire — made from metal or plastic — that runs beneath each cup. This underwire helps to lift and define the bust.

Available in a broad range of materials and styles — from comfortable cotton to luxurious lace — underwired bras are a versatile choice for any occasion. They are perfectly suited to everyday wear, combining comfort with reliable support.

It is important, however, to ensure that the underwire sits correctly and does not press into the breast. Before purchasing an underwired bra, it is essential to find the right fit. Our bra size guide will help you find your correct size and understand how a bra should fit.

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• Soft cups without a dimensionally stable shell

• Shaping underwire

• Ideal for larger sizes

Good to know: All underwires used in our bras are nickel-free.

Quick tip: If the underwire ends are digging in, you are most likely wearing a size that is too small.

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Spacer bra: breathable comfort for every day

Spacer bras are an innovative option in the world of bra styles, distinguished by their breathable and lightweight qualities. They are often available as moulded-cup or underwired bras. Crafted from a specialist three-dimensional spacer material, they trap a fine layer of air between fabric layers. This delivers exceptional breathability and moisture management, making them an ideal choice for warm weather or active days.

This lightweight, comfortable bra style offers gentle shaping and support. They are particularly well suited to women with sensitive skin, as the material is soft and smooth. Spacer bras are available in a wide range of styles and are an excellent choice for everyday wear. A spacer bra is a great option for all cup sizes. For larger busts, however, we recommend underwired bras, as they provide superior support and hold.

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• Dimensionally stable, lightweight fabric

• Highly breathable

• Perfect for everyday wear

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Bralette & soft bra: gentle support in many styles

Bralettes are a fashionable and comfortable bra style, characterised by their soft construction and minimalist aesthetic. They are typically wireless and unpadded, making them a comfortable choice for everyday wear. They are particularly well suited to smaller to medium cup sizes, offering light support. As this bra style provides less shaping, it is ideal for those who prefer a natural silhouette.

Bralettes are available in a wide variety of styles and materials — from simple cotton designs to luxurious lace options — making them a versatile choice for many different occasions. They are perfect for relaxed days, leisurely weekends, or whenever comfort is the priority. It is worth noting, however, that bralettes may not offer the same level of support and shaping as underwired or spacer bras.

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• Wireless construction

• Available in many styles and cuts

• Ideal for smaller cup sizes

• Perfect for everyday wear

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Bustier: active comfort for everyday life

Compared to classic bra styles, a bustier has a softer feel and is favoured by many who prefer to avoid underwires and structured pads. Unlike soft bras, bustiers have no fastenings and can be slipped on easily over the head.

The straps are often adjustable, and many styles feature removable pads, so you can choose what feels best for you. If you prefer a little more coverage, simply leave the pads in place. Bustiers offer light support with complete freedom of movement, making them just as suited to relaxed days at home as they are to hiking, Pilates, yoga, or even strength training.

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• Wireless construction

• No fastenings

• Maximum freedom of movement

• Perfect for relaxed days and active pursuits

Handy tip: If you'd like to reinsert removed pads, first check the inside: many have markings that show you which way round to put them back in, as most pads are specifically shaped to fit the individual style. Roll the pads up beforehand — this makes it much easier to guide them through the opening.

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Bra-vest: the hybrid of bra and vest

Bra-vests combine the properties of a bra and a vest in a single garment, making them a practical choice for many women.

This style of bra offers light support and is often fitted with adjustable straps for a personalised fit. Bra-vests are ideal for everyday wear, offering both comfort and style. They can be worn on their own or layered beneath other garments, making them a versatile option for relaxed outfits or whenever an extra layer of warmth is needed.

They are particularly well suited to women with smaller to medium bust sizes, as they provide gentle support. It is worth noting, however, that bra-vests may not offer the same level of support and lift as some other bra styles.

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• 2-in-1 vest and bra

• No fastenings

• Perfect for layering

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Sports bra: support for every activity

Sports bras are an essential piece of kit for every active woman. Specifically designed to provide a high level of support and comfort during physical activity, they differ from conventional bras in that they are typically made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that help keep you cool and dry even during intense workouts.

They offer a secure fit that minimises breast movement, reducing discomfort and the risk of tissue damage. Sports bras are available in a variety of styles and support levels to suit the demands of different sports. High-support sports bras, for example, are ideal for high-impact activities such as running or aerobics, whilst low-support styles are well suited to gentler activities like yoga or Pilates. Whatever physical activity you pursue, a well-fitting sports bra is an essential part of any sports wardrobe.

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• Supportive cut with wide, adjustable straps

• Stretch and breathable material

• Ideal for sporting activities

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Minimiser bra

The minimiser bra is a specialist style designed to create the appearance of a smaller bust. It is ideal for women with a fuller figure who prefer a more understated silhouette beneath their clothing. This style uses specially engineered cut and stitching techniques to visually reduce the bust, gently redistributing the breast inward and downward to create a flatter, more streamlined look.

The comfort of a minimiser bra is especially appreciated by those with a larger bust. It distributes the weight of the breast evenly, reducing strain on the back and shoulders. The wide straps provide additional support, and the cups are often crafted from firm material to support and shape the bust.

Although the minimiser bra is primarily intended for everyday and formal wear, it can also be worn beneath sportswear or t-shirts.

Creates the appearance of a smaller bust
Shaping underwire
Wide straps and supportive cups
Perfect for everyday wear

Did you know: The opposite of a minimiser is the push-up bra, also known as a maximiser.

There are many different types of bra to suit a wide range of needs and preferences. Some of the most common include underwired bras, wireless bras, sports bras, push-up bras, minimiser bras, bralettes, bustiers, camisole bras, spacer bras, strapless bras, balconette bras, plunge bras, t-shirt bras and nursing bras.
The number of bra types varies depending on how specifically you define them. There are at least a dozen widely recognised styles. It is worth noting that many bras can fall into more than one category — for example, a bra can be both an underwired bra and a t-shirt bra. Beyond that, there are numerous variations within each category, differing in material, design and specific function.
Wearing the correct bra size is essential for optimal comfort and support. You can determine your bra size by measuring your underbust and bust circumference, then entering these measurements into a size calculator or consulting a size chart. Our bra fitting guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you find your perfect fit.
For everyday wear, comfort and support are key. T-shirt bras, underwired bras or wireless bras can all be excellent choices, depending on your cup size and personal preferences.
Sports bras are specially designed for physical activity. They provide excellent support and are crafted from breathable materials to keep you dry and cool during exercise.
Please note that you should choose a bra that suits your specific body shape, needs, and desired level of comfort. We recommend trying different bra styles so you can decide which fit works best for you.

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