The Ultimate Bra Guide

T-shirt bras are one of the most essential, everyday styles of undergarments. You can expect T-shirt bras to be smooth, seamless, and wired—in other words, form-fitting and sleek enough to wear under a fitted tee.  

If you’d like to add volume to your bust, a padded bra is the way to go. As the name suggests, padded bras are designed with cups that help create a rounded, full-bust shape. Padding levels vary depending on the style, from extra-thin options to thick, “maximizer” bras that promise to add a cup size or two.  

Similar to padded bras, push-ups help create the appearance of a full, perky bust. The difference between padded and push-up bras is in the lift; push-ups offer significantly more support and lift, making them a great option for mature women with natural breasts.  

You know that cute tube top you never wear because your bra straps show? All you need is a reliable strapless bra to take it out for a spin. To state the obvious, strapless bras have no straps. Instead, they are built with supportive underwires and silicone linings, the latter of which helps prevent the bra from slipping down.  

If you could only have one type of bra in your wardrobe, a convertible style would be a good pick. Also called a “multiway” bra, convertible bras are designed for versatility. At first glance, convertible bras look ordinary. But this flexible style has two removable, adjustable straps that can be styled into a halter, criss-cross, or even one-shoulder shape. 

Racerback bras get their name from the singlets that runners and athletes wear. Racerback straps meet in the middle of the back to form a Y-like shape, which helps prevent the straps from sliding down your shoulders. Ideal for layering under tank tops and high-neck styles, racerbacks are often chosen for the support and comfort they offer. 

Stickies can be thought of as a hybrid between a nipple cover and a strapless bra. Both stickies and backless bras use medical-grade adhesive to stick directly to the skin. There are no straps and no bands, making them the best choice for layering under backless gowns and blouses. If you’re donning a style with a plunging neckline, opt for stickies (which come as two separate pieces). Otherwise, a backless bra will work well.  

Front-clasp bras take care of that “can’t hook/unhook” situation that so often happens with classic bra styles. Instead of multiple hook-and-eye closures on the back of the bra band, front-clasp bras have a single clasp between the cups. They’re ideal for those with mobility issues or shoulder pain, but they don’t offer the same amount of adjustability and support as a traditional bra.  

Named for their wide-set straps that resemble a balcony, balconette bras were created to enhance the appearance of natural cleavage. Their cups offer less coverage than other options, which is why they’re often worn under low-cut or boat-neck style tops.  

An underwire is a piece of metal or plastic that lines the bottom of a bra cup and helps provide shape and support to the bust. A broad range of styles fall into the category of underwire bras. For instance, push-ups, balconettes, padded bras, and T-shirt bras all have underwires in them. If support is a top concern for you, you’ll want to find a style with an underwire. Historically, underwires have been considered uncomfortable, but most modern lingerie companies have prioritized making underwires more wearable for women. 

Bralettes are defined by their wireless, non-padded construction, making them one of the most comfortable undergarment options out there. Bralettes come in a wide variety of styles and shapes, from satin triangle tops to lacy racerbacks. Generally, they offer less support than a classic bra, but they're great for rounding out an outfit. For example, you can let a bralette peek out from under a sheer or low-cut top.

Finally, there’s the sports bra: a must-have for anyone who likes to exercise. Sports bras minimize bounce by keeping the breasts supported and strapped in. They often have a racerback shape but without distinct cups or adjustable straps (although, there are exceptions to this). The best sports bras are made from breathable, stretchy, moisture-wicking material that continues to hold its shape over time.