The Ultimate Bra Style Guide: Every Bra Style Explained Plus Pictures

While bras as we currently know them have been around since the 1800s, the past century has seen major innovations in bra technology. Today’s assortment of available bra styles has something for everyone. In fact, there are so many specialized styles, there may be a bra out there that’s an even better fit for you than the one you’re currently wearing. 

We’ve compiled a comprehensive bra style guide to help you find your perfect match.

Wire-free Bra

Wire-free bras are, simply, bras that are made without underwire. Unlike bralettes, which don't offer support, wire-free bras are packed with features that lift, separate, and shape your breasts. 

Why you’ll love it

Comfort, comfort, comfort. If you hate the feeling of underwire so much that you count down the minutes until you can take your bra off, a wire-free bra is an amazing underwire alternative. They're also great for back smoothing and seamless silhouettes.

This bra is perfect for...

Everyone! It's the perfect everyday bra for anyone who wants support and coverage without sacrificing comfort. Have we piqued your interest? Try some of our favorite wire-free bras here.

Demi Bra

Demi means half, and that’s exactly what a demi-cup bra does: offer half as much cup coverage as a full-cup bra. While demi bras do offer substantial support, they reveal more cleavage than a full-coverage alternative. 

Why you’ll love it

These bras are versatile. Because they offer less coverage than a standard bra, you’ll be able to wear low-cut necklines with ease. They also make for wonderful everyday bras, providing natural lift and a smooth silhouette underneath clothing.

This bra is perfect for…

Everyone! Because of its versatility, wearability, and support, it’s the perfect bra for any size. 

T-Shirt Bra

T-shirt bras are meant to disappear underneath your clothing. They feature smooth, molded cups that give breasts a natural, rounded shape. They often rely on underwire, though you can also find wireless versions, like our Honeylove V-Neck Bra.

Why you’ll love it

There’s nothing more distracting than seeing the imprint of a bra underneath tight clothing. T-shirt bras give you the support you want without excessive seaming or textured fabrics that would otherwise show through your clothing.

This bra is perfect for…

Tight tops and dresses. T-shirt bras are also very comfortable and supportive, which makes them the perfect everyday bra.

Racerback Bra

Racerback bras feature straps that cross in the back to form an X shape. This design feature is also commonly found on sports bras. Honeylove's  CrossOver Bra and Silhouette Bra each feature convertible straps that can be made into a racerback style.

Why you’ll love it

Not only does this strap design make it easier to wear tops with cut-outs or racerback designs, but the crossed straps can also increase the level of support you get from the bra. 

This bra is perfect for…

Open-shoulder tops, racerback tanks, and larger busts that need extra lift.

Plunge Bra

What makes a plunge bra unique is the deep V cut that allows you to show an extra amount of skin. Plunge bras don’t necessarily include padding, but if they do, the pads are angled to push breasts together and create a maximum amount of uninterrupted cleavage. Plunge bras offer less coverage without sacrificing support.

Why you’ll love it

The bra’s design naturally amplifies your cleavage without relying on excess padding. 

This bra is perfect for…

If you want to show cleavage in a low-cut top or dress, a plunge bra is an excellent choice.

Push-up Bra

Push-up bras push breasts together to create additional cleavage. The push-up effect is typically caused by angled padding placed within each bra cup. Usually, a push-up bra will have a demi-cup to help reveal part of the breast and underwire for additional lift and support.

Why you’ll love it

If you’re looking for maximum enhancement, a push-up bra is your best friend. Not only will it amplify your cleavage, but it will also increase the volume of your cup size.

This bra is perfect for…

Anyone who wants to temporarily enhance their breast size and cleavage. 

Full Cup Bra

As the name implies, a full cup bra features cups that fully cover the breasts. Because each breast is encapsulated completely within the bra cups, this bra will not create cleavage or reveal any of the chest.

Why you’ll love it

These bras are high in support, comfortable to wear, and look great underneath high neck clothing styles. 

This bra is perfect for…

Larger busts will feel especially supported in a full cup bra, but anyone who wants the extra coverage can wear this bra style. 

Bralette

A bralette is a lightweight bra that has no underwires or molded cups. They typically offer very little or no support. 

Why you’ll love it

It’s great for those seeking comfort and light coverage.

This bra is perfect for…

Smaller cup sizes that don’t require heavy support.

Longline Bra

A longline bra features an extended bra band that hits lower on your torso. The bra band could range from a couple of inches long, or it could hit as far down as your waistline. The extended band can add additional support, comfort, and even waistline slimming. 

Why you’ll love it

This bra is known for being extremely comfortable. If you like the feeling of being held in, the extra compression around the band will provide that sensation.

This bra is perfect for…

Someone looking for extra support without relying on an underwire. Someone who wants some additional support around their midsection.

Unlined Bra

An unlined bra features cups that are made with only one layer of fabric and do not contain padding or foam.

Why you’ll love it

This bra is sexy, and it’s all you. If you’re allergic to padding of any kind, you’ll be drawn to this bra style.

This bra is perfect for…

Someone who’s after the natural look. It won’t change the volume of your breasts or cover your nipples, but it will provide lift and support. 

Balconette Bra

Balconette bras feature a shallow cup and wide-set straps that attach to the sides of the cup instead of the center. Unlike a demi cup, which features cups that have a bit of an angle, a balconette bra features cups that are typically cut straight across the breast, pushing the chest up rather than together.

Why you’ll love it

It has a vintage feel that looks good peeking out underneath your outfit. It also provides a different type of cleavage, since it lifts from below as opposed to from the sides. 

This bra is perfect for…

People with smaller breasts. Any size can wear a balconette bra, but its shallow cups can be especially flattering on a smaller cup size.

Minimizer Bra

Minimizer bras are designed to make your chest appear smaller without distorting their natural shape. Compression throughout the bust gives extra support, coverage, and shaping. Its cups are made of firm, non-stretch fabrics to condense breast tissue for a more minimal presentation.

Why you’ll love it

These bras are the perfect option for anyone seeking to reduce the appearance of their cup size without flattening the shape of their breasts.

This bra is perfect for…

Larger bust sizes, or anyone seeking to downplay the size of their chest. 

Strapless Bra

Strapless bras provide support and lift without any straps. Many strapless bras feature underwire, an extended band, or boning to keep the bra in place. 

Why you’ll love it

A great strapless bra will provide support for most cup sizes without needing straps to anchor the bra in place. 

This bra is perfect for…

Wearing underneath strapless or off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. 

Sports Bra

Sports bras are designed to withstand high impact activity. Since they’re created for physical activity, they’re typically made with breathable, sweat-wicking material. These bras are typically more compressive than a regular bra. Their focus is functionality instead of appearance, as they may compromise the natural shape of the breast.

Why you’ll love it

No more bouncing or excessive boob sweat while you work out.

This bra is perfect for…

Any physical activity that involves breaking a sweat and moving your body. 

Front Closure Bra

Front closure bras fasten at the center of your chest instead of at the back, making it easier to take the bra on and off. The additional tension can enhance lift and add extra support.

Why you’ll love it

No more struggling with hooks that sit behind your back in hard-to-reach places. The front closure bra is an accessible option for anyone who struggles to reach their back. Plus, the front closure alternative can add a sexy touch.

This bra is perfect for…

People with mobility issues or anyone who has difficulty reaching their back.

Self-Adhesive Bra

Self-adhesive bras, also known as stick on bras or sticky bras, are made with a tacky material that adheres to your breasts. 

Why you’ll love it

This is the ultimate bra for fashionistas. If you’ve ever looked at a top and thought, “how the heck am I supposed to wear this?”, the answer is probably a self-adhesive bra.

This bra is perfect for…

Hiding underneath backless or low-back clothing, wearing with strapless tops and dresses, or layering underneath any clothing that has cut-outs at the sides. This style is also best suited for anyone who needs light to moderate support.