With more women’s bra types to choose from than ever before, shopping for the right fit, style, and features can feel overwhelming. The good news? Whether you’re searching for support, comfort, shaping, or something in between, there’s a bra out there for every body and every need. But how do you find the best bra for you?
If it feels like the number of bra styles and variations has exploded since your last shopping trip, you’re not imagining things. Just take a look at the sports bra category alone: from compression bras, encapsulated cups, and criss-cross straps, to racerbacks and pullover styles, the options are endless.
Need a seamless bra that disappears under clingy tops? Or a plunge bra that offers lift and shape without the bulk of a push-up? You might be surprised by how versatile each style can be depending on your size and comfort needs.
And when it comes to padded bras, corset bras, or everyday styles that still look natural, today’s designs are all about listening to what women want. That’s why we’ve put together this expert guide to help you navigate the different types of bras, so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
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Check the list of the Different Types of Bras:
#1 Wireless Bra
Undeniably one of the comfiest bras you’ll ever own, wire-free bras are perfect for when you want support and lift, without the pinching, poking, or pressure of underwires. They’re soft, supportive, flexible, and ideal for wearing under just about any outfit.
#2 Shaping Bra
This trending and innovative bra style often features structured foam cups that provide comfortable control, natural lift, and shaping. Shaping bras also smooth your sides and back, creating a seamless silhouette and the perfect sleek foundation for any outfit.
#3 Contour Bra
Contouring bras feature lightly padded, molded cups that maintain their shape and create a smooth, sculpted look under clothing. Designed to gently lift the bust and enhance your natural curves, they provide a flattering, rounded silhouette without adding bulk. Perfect for everyday wear, they’re especially great under fitted tops or dresses for a clean, seamless finish.
#4 Bralette
Bralettes are lightweight, wire-free bras designed for maximum comfort. Typically made from soft, breathable fabrics, they offer light support and are perfect for lounging, running errands, or low-key days. Most bralettes are pull-on styles without clasps or hooks, making them ultra-practical and easy to wear.
#5 Sports Bra
Sports bras are built to reduce bounce and provide maximum support during movement, but they're not just for workouts. Whether you're hitting the gym or tackling a busy day full of errands, their full-coverage design and wide straps make them a go-to for comfort and confidence. If you love the feeling of being supported and held in, a good sports bra is your best friend!
#6 Sweetheart Bra
Sweetheart bras are known for their flattering neckline that dips slightly in the center, creating a subtle heart shape. This design offers a lifted, rounded shape that enhances your natural curves and pairs perfectly with lower-cut tops and dresses. Many sweetheart bras also provide side support to help center the bust, perfect for teardrop-shaped breasts.
#7 T-Shirt Bra
T-shirt bras are the type of bras that are almost invisible under any clothing because of their smooth and seamless cups. A lot of women are in love with this type of bra because it provides moderate shaping while keeping you supported, lifted, and comfortable.
You can learn more about T-Shirt Bras here!
#8 Strapless Bra
Strapless bras are designed to stay in place without the help of shoulder straps, making them the perfect choice for off-the-shoulder, strapless, or thin-strap outfits. Many strapless styles are also convertible, meaning they come with adjustable or removable straps that can be styled as halter, criss-cross, or one-shoulder.
Want to know the top strapless bra styles for larger breasts? Check out this guide.
#9 Posture Bra
Let’s be honest, we’ve all caught ourselves slouching at some point. Posture bras provide extra back support and gently encourage better alignment throughout the day. While they might sound stiff or restrictive, modern posture bras are made with stretchy, breathable fabrics that move with your body, offering the same comfort as your favorite everyday bra.
Check this guide on How to Put On Your Daily Comfort Posture Bra to maximize your comfort and support.
#10 Nursing Bra
It’s a special type of bra that supports lactating mothers without completely removing their bras. Most nursing bras have clip-down, fold-down, and pull-aside cups for easy breastfeeding access. Check our Maternity Collection for more maternity essentials!
#11 Minimizer Bra
Minimizer bras are designed to redistribute and support the bust to create a more balanced silhouette, often helping reduce the appearance of the bust by up to 1½ inches. These full-coverage styles are ideal for those with fuller busts who want a smoother, more streamlined shape under fitted tops, button-downs, or dresses.
#12 Underwire Bra
Underwire bras are designed to contour your chest while providing an ideal lift. The underwires provide more structured support while giving your bust a fuller look on top. This type of bra is great for those who have relaxed, side-set, and teardrop breast types.
Bras: Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do bra extenders work?
A: Bra extender can be easily attached to your bra hook to give you an ideal fit without sewing.
Q: Which bra hook would give me the perfect fit?
A: You should start with the loosest hook, slip two fingers underneath the band, and make sure it feels snug to check.
Q: How do I find the right bra size?
A: Take two measurements with the help of a tape measure. One around your rib cage for your band size and the second measurement around your bust is going to determine your cup size. Find your ideal size in the bra size calculator. Also check plus-size bras.
Q: Can I machine wash my bra?
A: Yes. But you have to set the cycle to gentle, and you have to put them inside a washbag and avoid using strong detergents.
Q: Can I put my bras in the dryer?
A: No. It will damage the elasticity of your bra. Lay flat on a towel for it to absorb the excess water, or air dry.
Q: Is there a special way to store my bras?
A: Keep the shape of your bra by giving them space and using organizers or drawer dividers. Avoid folding them and storing them in crowded drawers.
Make Your Choice Stress-Free
Shapermint believes that every body deserves bras that fit perfectly and comfortably, no matter the outfit or occasion. That’s why we design women’s bras that fit and flatter all shapes and sizes, from petite to plus size (S-4XL). And the best part? our styles are designed by women, for women!
We know that finding the perfect bra style and size can be tricky, that’s why our Fit Experts are available 24/7 to assist you with personalized advice on fit and style.
To make shopping even easier, our 60-Day Fit Guarantee allows you to request an exchange or return within 60 days of purchase, with no questions asked! So you can try new styles risk-free and shop with total confidence
What are you waiting for? It’s time to upgrade your top drawer with flattering, confidence-boosting bras made to support you every day.
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