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Every Type Of Bra, Explained

Some stick-on bras are fitted with adhesive wings at the side of the cups or under the bust, while nipple covers are smaller in size and are to be placed directly on your nipple. Any bust size can wear sticky bras, though those with big boobs may prefer the support of a wired strapless bra instead. Generally, fashion experts advise opting for a colour that is a close match to your skin tone so it is invisible underneath your clothes. We rely on our sticky bras when wearing any backless or low-cut dress or strapless top, such as a halterneck top, backless, cowl or V-plunge dress to prevent any nip slips.

Ann Summers Lace-Up Stick On Bra

Eylure Silicone Nipple Cover

Lounge Stick-On Push-Up Bra

Boux Avenue Backless And Strapless Bra

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.


6. Bras For Big Boobs

While some of the best lingerie brands offer an extensive range of sizes, not every label caters to those with bigger boobs. Those with a fuller bust may require a 32 or 42 band, but it’s the cup size, which can range from DD to K, that can be difficult to find in select lingerie stores. While full coverage bras are better suited for those with bigger boobs, there are other key features to look for when shopping the best bras for big boobs, such as wide shoulder straps to prevent them digging into the shoulders, underwire support, as well as a thicker under band and secure hook and eye fastening. It goes without saying the bras specifically designed for bigger busts can be worn with any outfit.

Pour Moi Sofia Lace Embroidered Side Support Bra D-J

Bravissimo Alicia Bra

Bravissimo Nova Lounge Bra

Boux Avenue Mollie Lace Padded Plunge Bra

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Pour Moi discount codes at checkout.


7. Sports Bras

Sports bras come in a variety of styles; some are cropped tops, tank designs, others resemble your everyday bras. Within the sports bras category there are creations suited for different workouts, such as low impact and high impact sports. However, some deem a sports bra to be a casual cotton base layer with a racerback for off-duty days, such as Calvin Klein’s sports bra. While comfort, support and functionality are key, it is also important to opt for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. How you style it depends on your needs, function and bust size. Team your casual Calvin Klein sports bras with a tracksuit, the best leggings or shorts, or simply wear under a baggy tee for bed. If you are marathon training you may need a medium impact sports bra, the pilates princess can opt for a low impact sports bra, while those with a larger bust or doing HIT workouts will require a high impact sports bra to support your body throughout your workout.

Calvin Klein Icon Modal Scoop-Neck Cotton-Jersey Bralette

Alo Airlift Intrigue Bra

Adanola Ultimate Square-Neck Stretch-Jersey Sports Bra

Lounge Barely There Bralette

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.


8. Nursing Bras

A nursing bra is ideal for mums who are breastfeeding and need extra support, optimum comfort, but also an accessible layer to feed their baby on the go. A nursing bra can also be worn during pregnancy as the body changes over time, which may require some to ditch their former bra for a more supportive nursing bra. Popular features include a wide under band, shoulder straps, and adjustable fastenings to fit the wearer comfortably and securely through all stages of the pregnancy. Another key feature are cups with flaps that are easy to open to breastfeed easily, comfortably and discretely.

Skims Maternity Nursing Bra

Pour Moi Love to Lounge Cotton Nursing Bra

New Look Maternity Black Moulded Triangle Clip Nursing Bra

M&S Flexifit Non Wired Nursing Bra

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these New Look discount codes at checkout.


9. Mastectomy Bras

Mastectomy bras and post-surgery bras have been cleverly designed to offer optimum support, comfort, and cushioning for those who have undergone a mastectomy, double mastectomy, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or other surgeries. Key features include gentle and breathable fabrics that will not irritate any sensitive or scarred areas, as well as soft cups, such as foam mould cups, for cushioning and gentle support. Some mastectomy bras have built-in padding, while others feature pockets inside the cup for prosthetics to sit in. Mastectomy bras are typically wire-free, feature a thick band and shoulder straps to prevent any discomfort, as well as side panels or high side seams to support the chest and conceal any scarring. Post-surgery bras can also be worn by those who have had breast implants fitted and need the compression to hold the implants in place post-procedure.

AnaOno Monica Full Coverage Wireless Bra

Chantelle Memory Foam Mastectomy Bra

M&S Body Soft Recovery Post Surgery Bra A-H


10. Balconette Bras

A balconette bra features a low-rise cup that is typically cut horizontally halfway across the bust. Balconette bras are considered a sexy alternative to full coverage bras because it offers slight coverage, support, and a little lift, though not as dramatic as a push-up bra. Balconette bras are ideal for those with small or medium sized busts rather than those with big boobs because it offers low to medium support, depending on the design you opt for. For example, lace balcony bras will not be as supportive as a structured wired satin bras, such as Bluebella’s Cara Satin Bra. Those with big boobs may find their bust spills out of a balconette bra style and could run the risk of suffering a fashion faux pas. Balconette bras are flattering design to wear under square, cowl or sweetheart necklines. It is also the ideal option for those who want to experiment with fabrics, colours and textures; think deep red satin or vibrant pink lace, maybe even peekaboo styles that expose more skin.

Lounge Caro Balcony Bra

Bluebella Cara Satin Bra

Boux Avenue Emma Lace Balconette Bra

Intimissimi Sofia Silk Balconette Bra

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Bluebella discount codes at checkout.


11. Bralette

A bralette is another comfortable bra style, and while it was typically the go-to bra for lounging at home in, it has become a popular everyday style to wear out of the home too. Wear a bralette as a crop top with jeans, trousers or shorts, alternatively layer under a shirt or even a blazer. A bralette can range in cuts from triangle, round neck, racer back to cross-back, and the classic over the shoulder strap. It can also feature thin spaghetti straps, wide shoulder straps, straps with lace shoulder detail, back or front fastening as well as lace eyelash detail on the cup. Some bralettes are wireless with no lining or padding, while others may be underwired, lined or feature a removable foam mould cup insert for coverage. A bralette can be crafted from various fabrics, such as lace, cotton, silk or satin, which makes it a versatile style to suit almost all occasions. While anyone can wear a bralette, the lightweight nature of this bra style is better suited to those with small boobs. The versatile bralette has certainly gained popularity in the last decade, and it is one style we predict will stay for years to come.

Wonderbra Triangle Push Up Bra

Lemonade Dolls Signature Lace Bralette

Stripe & Stare Rixo Mini Polkadot Lace Bralette

Free People Last Dance Lace Triangle Bralette

Save when you shop for different types of bras with these Free People discount codes at checkout.


12. Multi-Way Bras

A multi-way bra is another essential we all need in our underwear drawer because it means you can have the support and coverage from your beloved bra without exposing your assets, or showing a bra strap, which can ruin a look. It is also perfect for those on a budget because it is several bra styles in one. Multi-way bras can range from bandeau bras to wear with strapless clothes, to bras with an adjustable and detachable strap that you can hook together at the back under a racerback tank top, or arrange the straps across the chest and over one shoulder when styling a one-shoulder garment. We recommend opting for a colour that matches your skin tone as close as possible so it is discreet, subtle and achieves a seamless finish under your clothes.

Pour Moi Definitions U Wire Plunge Low Back Push-Up Bra

M&S Flexifit Wired Multiway Bra

Skims Multi-Way Bra

Wonderbra Refined Glamour Ultimate Strapless Bra

LP Staff Writers

Writers at Lord’s Press come from a range of professional backgrounds, including history, diplomacy, heraldry, and public administration. Many publish anonymously or under initials—a practice that reflects the publication’s long-standing emphasis on discretion and editorial objectivity. While they bring expertise in European nobility, protocol, and archival research, their role is not to opine, but to document. Their focus remains on accuracy, historical integrity, and the preservation of events and individuals whose significance might otherwise go unrecorded.

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