Bra style guide
Jun 27, 2019
Whether you’re after comfort or cleavage, find the right shape to suit you with our easy bra style guide.
Balconette
A common bra style, available padded and non-padded. Key features Ideal for… Fuller or wider set breasts that need to be lifted and supported Works well with… Low cut square necklines If… You have slightly narrow shoulders, this style might not be the best for your shape. Try a plunge or full cup instead.
Plunge
Very popular style, mostly available in a padded version. Key features Ideal for… Most women, but particularly those with narrow shoulders, shallow breasts or convex ribcage – as the centre front should be lower than other styles Works well with… Clothing with a low ‘V’ neckline If… You have large full breasts, a full cup bra might be more comfortable with a slightly deeper centre front
T-shirt
An essential everyday bra, usually without cup seams. Key features Ideal for… Breasts where nipples face ‘east west’, or different sized breasts – removable padding helps even you out Works well with… T-shirts or fitted clothing If… You have a very full breast, moulded styles might dig in so opt for a non-padded version with a stretch top cup
Non-wired
A comfortable and supportive alternative sometimes known as a soft bra. Key features Ideal for… Small breasts that do not need wired support or very large breasts where wires may be uncomfortable Works well with… Most clothing, particularly slightly higher necklines as most are available in full cup styles If… You want maximum cleavage this is not the style for you
Strapless/Multiway
Will stay in place with the removal or repositioning of straps. Key features Ideal for… Most shapes, although larger breasts should look for stronger fabrics and firmer wires Works well with… Evening wear or strapless tops If… You want something super comfortable this might not be the style for you
Full cup
A fuller coverage bra style ideal for the larger cup. Key features Ideal for… Large breasts or breasts with shallow top cups and a fuller bottom cup Works well with… Most clothing If… You have small breasts this is quite a covering option, maybe try a half cup instead
Non-padded
A light bra with no padded or moulded cups. Often available in wired and non-wired versions. Key features Ideal for… Most shapes Works well with… Most clothing, although with tight fitting clothing there may be nipple show through If… You want to avoid nipple show through opt for a t-shirt style instead
Bralette
A softer style, with stretch fabrics for a super comfortable fit. Key features Ideal for… Most shapes, but particularly smaller cups sizes Works well with… Most clothing If… You want firm support try an underwired bra support instead