Bra styles, sorted by support
Balconette, push-up, bandeau, triangle, bralette, cups, wire-free, nursing or breastfeeding bra: the nine styles of bras, each with its own level of support and preferred body type.
The types of bras are categorized by level of support, from the softest to the most supportive: triangle and bralette, sports bra, bandeau, balconette, bowl, cups, push-up, and then full coverage. The different types of women's bras all fit on this scale, which is the only one that matters when choosing, because it directly relates to the breast volume to be worn and the duration of wear expected.
From the softest bra to the most supportive
Soft styles, triangle, bralette, and sports bra, do not shape the cup: they cover and are almost forgotten, up to about cup C. Intermediate styles, balconette, bandeau, and cups, shape the cup without fully covering it and are suited for average busts or outfits that require it. Supportive styles, bowl and full coverage, cover the entire breast and distribute weight with seams: these are the type of bra for a sagging bust: they are the only ones that can hold up all day beyond cup D.
Bra styles by use
Three types of bras are not chosen based on body shape but based on the situation. The bandeau and strapless bras are for open shoulders and backless dresses. The sports bra follows its own logic, that of impact level, unrelated to the other styles. Finally, the nursing bra features one-handed opening cups and does not have underwire. These three add to a wardrobe, they do not replace it.
The nine styles of bras in our selection
Three cater to everyday support: the bowl bra, the full coverage which offers more bust coverage, and the balconette bra which exposes the top of the breast. The non-wired bra forms a distinct category, where support comes from lined cups and a wide back band. Two styles enhance the shape, the push-up bra and the cup bra, molded or padded. Two others forego construction for flexibility, the triangle bra and its cousin the bralette, and the women's sports bra, which is chosen based on impact level rather than bust size. Lastly, there are two situational styles, the bandeau bra for open shoulders, and the nursing bra for the months when the volume fluctuates from week to week.
