Types of bra designs

Women have different shapes and sizes of breasts, busts, torso, lifestyles, and tastes. They may also be engaged in different activities in different settings from time to time, thus it makes sense for there to be different bras in terms of design, material, functionality, style and class, and so on.

The lack of universal bra standardization means that the number of bra designs is almost countless but below are some of the most popular types of brassieres.

i) Underwire bras- these are brassieres that have a thin and curved strip of metal or plastic that lines the under channel of the bra cups. Due to the rise in popularity of stylish outfits such as bodycon that demand strapless and even backless bras, underwired bras have also risen in popularity. It enhances the shapes of the cups and provides extra support to the breasts, given that the brassiere doesn't have straps, though there are some strapped bras that have the underwire.                                                      

ii) Wireless bras- the underwire in a bra can pose a health and injury risk to the user and some people say that they are uncomfortable, what's with the underwire digging into the breasts and the increased sweating in that area. The wireless bras don't have the metallic or plastic strip and they may not be as supportive as the underwire bras when it comes to strapless and backless bras especially if you have big boobs. Instead, the best wireless bra for large breasts optimizes the cup lining, stronger band and sometimes inner padding to provide the required support to your boobs.

iii) Strapless bras- these bras don’t have shoulder straps and they rely on other methods to provide the required breast lift and/ or support. For the best strapless bras for big boobs, these features include padded lining, sturdy underwire, stronger and wider band, side boning, etc. This type of brassiere matches with shoulderless outfits such as wedding dresses.    

iv) Backless bras- these bras don’t have shoulder straps neither do they have the back straps. They are made to stick on your boobs using an adhesive. The bra cups may be conjoined or separate (also called nippies or nipple covers). Backless bras provide very little support to your breasts and are suitable for those occasions when you want to wear backless garments.

v) Full figure bras- these types of bras are also known as the full bust, full support or full coverage bras. They are meant for the full bust or plus size women and they provide maximum coverage, support and lift to the large breasts. Most of them feature the underwire for extra support.

vi) Nursing and maternity bras- these are bras designed for the needs of women put in the family way. Breasts become larger and heavier during pregnancy and thus maternity bras feature wider and stronger straps for the extra support needed. They also have stretchable cups that can expand with the enlarging breasts.

Nursing bras provide for breastfeeding, including full breast support and foldable flaps for exposing the nipple. 

vii) Sports bra- these are bras optimized for the heat, sweating and vigorous movement during sports. They feature maximum breast support and lift, breathable and sweating wicking fabric, and so on. 

viii) Bandeau- this is a strapless cloth band worn around the breasts. It can only be comfortably worn by those with a small bust and small boobs.