Bra Styles Explained
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Bra styles explained
Stumped by the seemingly never ending choice of different bra styles out there? Stuck and in need of advice? – Never fear, BeCheeky.com can help!
Here we’ve put together a concise description of some popular bra styles available to buy on the BeCheeky.com site. This will give you the lowdown on the most common styles to help you decide what is going to suit you / your partner the best.
> Underwired Bra > Triangle Bra > Soft Cup Bra
> Push Up Bra > Padded Bra > Half Cup Bra > Full Cup Bra
Underwired Bra
This is a fairly generic title which can be given to a bra to indicate that it has underwiring running along the bottom of each bra cup which gives support and lift from underneath the breasts. Underwired bras may have non-padded soft cups, be padded or have moulded cups so it is worth checking in the product description and looking at the detailed photos to be certain.
Best For: Everyone! – most women prefer underwiring in both their everyday and evening bras as it gives support and lift. The only time this is a less suitable choice is if a woman is particularly irritated by underwiring or has very small breasts in which case underwiring is not necessarily needed.
Shop Underwired Bras
Triangle Bra
Often with underwiring for support, the triangle bra is normally simple in construction involving two triangular pieces of fabric which cover the breasts with the straps attaching to the top ‘point’ of each triangle. The fabric is normally non-padded and fairly thin, perhaps lacy or sheer, however, some triangle bras have foam-lined cups giving added shape and support.
Best For: Smaller busts not requiring as much support, pert breasts, a casual look – day to day.
Shop Triangle Bras
Soft Cup Bra
Soft cup bras are possibly the most comfortable in that there is no underwiring which may dig in and no padding which may feel rigid and unnatural. However, soft cup bras offer very little in the way of support, lift or definition. These bras are simple and sexy to remove and look great draped on the bedroom floor (think, no unsightly moulded underwired cups reminiscent of scaffolding!) but realistically they are not practical for most women. Any lady bigger than a B cup is unlikely to feel supported and therefore comfortable in a soft cup bra. In summary, perfect for the bedroom but not for everyday wear.
Best for: Small busts, bedroom wear.
Shop Soft Cup Bras
Push Up Bra
Push up bras are pretty self explanatory – they are designed to give a great cleavage by lifting the breasts using a combination of underwiring and padding. Often with moulded cups and padding which can sometimes be removed so varying amounts of definition to the bustline can be achieved. These are sexy and great for giving the appearance of a larger bust. Push up bras often have a deep V neckline finishing in a small centrepiece between the cups. This adds to the cleavage giving a plunging neckline.
Best for: Any size up to a D or DD cup.
Shop Push Up Bras
Padded Bra
The term padded bras can be used to describe any bra which does not have soft fabric cups, but instead has (sometimes removable) pads and / or moulded cups which give shape, lift and support. Padded bras may have a deep plunging neckline or a larger centrepiece giving the bra a ‘balcony’ style.
Best for: Any size up to a D or DD cup.
Shop Padded Bras
Half Cup Bra
Half cup bras offer less support than full cup bras, designed to stop just above the nipple line. These are great for low necklines on tops and dresses and also for achieving a sexy cleavage. Half cup bras often have moulded cups to give support and shape and have wider centrepieces to ensure a good snug fit. Non-moulded half cup bras are usually decorated with embroidery or lace for added interest and sex appeal!
Best for: Smaller busts requiring less support, a sexy evening look.
Shop Half Cup Bras
Full Cup Bra
Perfect for women requiring a larger cup size, full cup bras offer great support and shape as you get great coverage and fit. Full cup bras were up until recently considered the less sexy option of all the bras, but brands like Freya and Panache are now creating pretty and sexy full cup bras which are perfect for those with more than ample proportions!
Best for: Bigger busts requiring great support and fit.
Shop Full Cup Bras
