Yup, These Are Bra Types You Need That’ll Change Your Wardrobe Game

types of bras
Pretty Sure You Can Wear ANYTHING With These BrasPhoto courtesy of CUUP

Do you know what would make shopping for bras and dressing up much easier? Being aware of all the bra styles that are out there! It’s a struggle to figure out what to wear in general—add low backs or plunging Vs to the picture and some of us start to short-circuit. Thankfully, everyone at Cosmo dedicates much of our time to demystifying fashion for you—including which bras to wear with what.

Whether you want to know the best bra brands, the top-rated push-up bras that the internet is obsessed with, bras that’ll come in handy when you’re wearing something tricky, or you just want to know how to wash your bras (because yes, we know you have that question too), you can learn it here. Plus, we test pretty much everything. Tiktok-viral Shapermint bras? Done. Investigating whether or not Pepper has the best bras for small breasts? We’ve done that too. And you better believe we don’t hold back with our honest reviews. If you’re trying to add some simplicity back to your styling routine, read on for the types of bras out there—and the outfits and necklines that will work best with them.

Bandeau

person reclining in a neutralcolored outfit in soft light
Courtesy of Cosabella

Looking for comfort? Then you’re going to want to check out this strapless bra made of stretchy material, supported with a band at the top and bottom. Bandeau bras work well with strapless and off-the-shoulder styles.

Bralette

model wearing lavender lace lingerie set
Courtesy of Savage X

Typically made of transparent materials and lace, bralettes have dainty designs that you’ll love to show off. Truly, I’ve never a bralette I didn’t like—they’re so comfortable (there’s no padding or underwire). If your breasts don’t need much support or if you’d like to wear your bra as a top, bralettes are your best bet.

Strapless

bras
Courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Strapless bras are bras without...well, straps. They can be the bane of one’s existence, but I’m happy to announce that there are some that actually stay up (thanks to silicone lining and underwire cups)! This style works for both small busts and large busts and looks great with anything strapless—we’re talking dresses, halter and tube tops, and that new off-the-shoulder sweater you just got.

Sports Bra

athletic bra in a maroon color on a woman
Courtesy of Wacoal

Sports bras are what you wear when you’re hitting the gym or doing some form of exercise. Available in low-impact to high-impact, these bras are sturdier and will keep the girls in place as you move around. You’ll also find ones that have compression and/or padding.

Halter Bra

model wearing brown swimwear showcasing a flattering silhouette
Courtesy of SKIMS

Halter bras pair well with...halter tops and dresses. It’s the kind of bra with a single strap that goes around the back of your neck.

Plunge Bra

fashionable lingerie set featuring a lace bra and matching panties
Courtesy of Natori

For any dress or top with a deep-V neckline, a sultry plunge bra, which mimics that shape, is the way to go. This barely-there type of bra can be worn with any style of clothing, but obviously was made with that style neckline in mind.

Push-Up Bra

navy blue bra with a triangular shape
Courtesy of Pepper

Utilizing underwire and padding (of course!), a push-up bra lifts your cleavage to highlight it and also adds more overall volume to the look of your cups. If you want a little boost for whatever neckline you’re wearing, go with this one.

Underwire Bra

model wearing a nudecolored bra and matching underwear
Courtesy of Nubian Skin

Although not as extreme, underwire bras also give some form of a lift and are really supportive. Tip: The wire should encircle the bottom of your breast—not cut into it. If it doesn’t, you’ll have sore breasts and want to tear the wire out, trust!

Wireless Bra

model wearing a beige bra
Courtesy of Soma Intimates

Fun fact: Bras don’t need underwire to give you support. A wireless bra is a wire-free design that gives you comfort and shape in a variety of styles, like pullover, push-up, and T-shirt silhouettes. Reach for these when wearing loose sweaters, fitted tees, and everything in between.

Full-Coverage Bra

model wearing beige floral lingerie
Courtesy of Savage X Fenty

Though this type of bra is for any cup size, people who identify with having full breasts, will especially love the coverage and support this style brings to the table. And if you’re getting a visual of outdated designs, think again! There are so many styles, colors, prints, and fabrics that’ll draw you in.

Convertible Bra

convertible bra
Courtesy of Natori

Think of Transformers but in a bra form. A convertible bra is a lifesaver for most outfits (not to mention packing for trips) and can magically turn from a two-strap style to strapless, crisscross, halter, and so much more. The multifunctional design is a must in your lingerie drawer.

T-Shirt Bra

burgundy bra with adjustable straps
Shape Revelation Shallow Top T-Shirt BraCourtesy of Wacoal

Wearing a tee or something that’s more formfitting? Go for the T-shirt bra—it has buttery-smooth round cups that give a seamless effect.

Demi Bra

model wearing a nudecolored bra and highwaisted underwear
Courtesy of Soma Intimates

Demi bras look so good with anything low-cut or with sweetheart or square necklines because the cups are half of the usual shape.

Balconette Bra

lace bra in nude color with adjustable straps
Courtesy of Victoria Secret


Meet demi’s sister: the balconette! Similar to the demi silhouette, a balconette bra has cups that reveal the top of the breasts and there’s a little lift effect too. If you’re wearing a square-neck silhouette or something with a broader neckline, the wide-set straps on this one are ideal.

Racerback Bra

undergarments featuring a bralette and thong in a neutral tone
Courtesy of Bare Necessities

Say goodbye to straps falling off of your shoulders! The racerback bra features straps that lay smack dab between your shoulder blades, similar to a sports bra, and oftentimes have a front closure.

Front-Clasp Bra

woman wearing a black bra with an elegant design
Courtesy of Soma Intimates

You want to know what’s the worst? When you’re trying to clasp your bra in the back but you either can’t reach or you can’t seem to find the clasp. It’s even more unbearable when you’re in a rush! Enter: the front-clasp bra, the lifesaving design that allows you to take your bra on and off without contorting or twisting it around.

Unlined Bra

model wearing a dark green bra with a sleek design
Courtesy of Cuup

Free-the-boob kind of woman? Got you. Since there’s no extra padding or fabric, the unlined bra promotes the natural shape of your breasts. I love these when I’m running errands near home or wearing a chunky sweater.

Longline Bra

athletic wear model demonstrating a stretching pose
courtesy of Athleta


Featuring an extended silhouette (it goes lower than the bustline, where a bra band typically sits and ends at the waist or hip), the longline bra can also be worn as top.

Stick-On Bra

adhesive strapless bra in a neutral shade
COURTESY OF SHOPBOP

You’ll find me in everything backless in the warmer months or on vacation, thanks to stick-on bras—adhesive cups that stick to your breasts. By the way, we tested and reviewed the best ones...you’re welcome!

Seamless Bra

brunette woman wearing a brown bra with adjustable straps
Courtesy of Knix

If the goal is to look smooth in your form-fitting looks, the seamless bra is the best option for you. It has no underwires and absolutely no seams, is often more breathable, and looks great with everyday clothing.

Nursing Bra

a woman holding a baby while breastfeeding
Courtesy of Hatch

Nursing bras, aka maternity bras, are designed so new moms and their babies can easily access milk for feeding or pumping. The emphasis for most of these bras is on ultimate comfort and function.

Padded Bra

model wearing a nudecolored bra showcasing clothing
Courtesy of Aerie

Amp up the volume with a padded bra. Much like a push-up bra, the point of these bras is to round out the shape of the bustline and add a spectrum of volume, from light to heavy.

Posture Bras

a person posing in athletic wear with arms raised
Courtesy of Forme

Yes, posture-correcting bras exist and, yes, they do work (even Taylor Swift trained with one for the Eras Tour). A posture bra supports your breasts and keeps your shoulders taut, making you breathe better. They wont fix any serious medical issues but can aid in making small corrections.

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