Bra Shape Guide

There are lots of different shapes and styles of bras around these days and sometimes it is difficult to know which one’s best for you. We’ve listed the main styles available in and the different benefits each one has.

Full Cup Bra
If you wear a larger cup size then a full cup bra will be your lingerie drawer staple. This is the most comfortable and supportive bra of them all and will be what you turn to day in and day out. This bra provides a firm fit to keep your bust supported which reduces sagging in years to come. Despite the obvious benefits, in the past these bras have had a reputation as being a bit frumpy but they have now improved with flattering styles and pretty fabrics and colours which are more feminine than ever before.

Half cup
A half cup bra is where the cup stops just above the nipple and is most suitable for smaller cup sizes. You can also find a three quarter cup which gives natural support to the breasts but with more coverage and support than a half cup.

Balcony Bra
This is probably the most popular style of bra, as it’s great for everyday wear as well as feeling special enough for a night out too. A balcony shape is designed to keep you uplifted, but also aims to look as natural as possible. It also provides firm support for enhanced comfort which is why it’s so perfect for everyday wear – we might not often admit it, but if you’re wearing a bra all day, comfort’s going to come fairly high on the priority list for most of us. The lower cut shape and wide set straps give this bra a more seductive look making it the perfect bra to take you from day to night in comfort and style.

Smooth Cup Bra
Your lingerie should enhance your outerwear by giving you a smooth silhouette but this can be difficult when wearing a close fitting t-shirt. Lace and seams create unsightly lumps and bumps that do nothing to enhance your figure. Developments in technology have created moulded bras which are totally seam free yet still able to give you the support you need to feel uplifted and secure. For discreet lingerie that really does its jobs, it doesn’t come better than a moulded smooth cup bra.

Push-up & Plunge
Push-up bras will help you to look fuller in the bust. They are designed to push your breasts inwards and upwards to create a better cleavage with low cut necklines. Plunge bras have a low cut silhouette to give an appearance of increased cleavage. A plunge bra will support your breasts from the base and the sides and is great with low cut tops.

Soft cup
The Soft cup bra is one without underwiring and is good solution for teenagers who should not wear underwired bras while they are still growing or for some bigger boobed ladies who find underwiring uncomfortable. Soft cup bras are well constructed and can be as supportive as underwired bras if fitted correctly.

Strapless Bra
This bra shape is essential if you like to wear strappy tops and dresses that show off your shoulders. Unsightly bra straps can ruin this look so invest in a strapless bra that fits snugly around the back to keep it in place and makes you feel secure. We wouldn’t recommend that you wear this bra everyday as its not as supportive as a bra with straps, but it is great for those summer evenings when you want to wear something strappy but thought you never could because of your bust size. This bra could totally transform your wardrobe!

Gel bra
Gel bra's are a natural looking way that a woman can receive a little boost to her cleavage. They make a woman with a small bust appear curvier while still keeping her comfortable. Gel bras are great to wear everyday or to put on for special occasions.

Sports
A well fitting sports bra can cut breast movement by fifty per cent thus reducing the strain on the ligaments which support your breasts. Once breast tissue is damaged it cannot recover so a supportive bra is very important when taking part in any sports activity. Sports bras should provide both comfort and support and often include features such as seamless cups, adjustable straps, cushioned fastenings, comfortable under bands, a good support structure and performance fabrics.