The term ‘brassiere’, a more fancy word for ‘bra’, was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 1911 after it’s invention the previous year. During that time, one word was enough to describe the garment that was being used because it was a standard design, regardless of breast size. The cup system didn’t even exist then!

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However, that’s not the case anymore; with changing trends and advances in technology, this everyday garment has evolved and can now cater to the needs of every woman, of every shape and size. Nowadays, there are so many bras on the market that it’s hard not to be confused between, say, a balconette bra and a push-up? What’s the difference? That’s why we’ve put together a detailed glossary of styles and terms to help you out on you future lingerie shopping trips. 

3/4 Cup Bra:

A 3/4 cup bra is a bra with a lower cut, typically in a push-up style, which offers deeper and sexier cleavage than a standard full cup bra. A 3/4 cup bra is a good option for women with larger cup sizes who want a sexy, cleavage-enhancing bra; a smaller cut may not offer adequate support, but this style is perfect for full breasts.

Adhesive Bra or Stick-On Bra:

This bra, also called the Nubra, is made of silicone and it sticks to the breasts. It doesn’t have a back strap and is perfect for halter and backless outfits, but be warned; it doesn’t offer any support to the breasts.

Backless Bra:

A backless bra is a bra that’s designed with a low-cut, typically adjustable back band. it’s designed to be worn under a low back or backless dress without showing.

Balconette or Demi Bra:

The balconette has half, or demi, cups and gives a dramatic uplift to your breasts. Hello, cleavage!

Bralette:

A bralette is a soft cup bra style that resembles a short crop top. it’s typically unlined, and they’re common in teen styles and as sleep bras because they don’t offer too much support.

Contour Bra:

A contour bra is a bra whose cups hold their shape. Contour bra cups are always padded or lined, and feature underwires. Contour bras are great for coverage and control – they add definition, provide a smooth, rounded shape and eliminate nipple show-through.

Cupless Bra:

The cupless bra, as the name suggests, has no cups in the bra, but only underwire frames. Basically, this very erotic piece of lingerie leaves the whole breast visible and is probably best left for the exploits in the bedroom, because it isn’t offering you much support in the streets. 

Convertible Bra:

This bra has detachable straps and can be converted into a strapless, halter, crossover or a one shouldered-bra, depending on your requirements.

Front Closure Bra:

This bra offers closure from the front and a seamless back making it perfect for body-con dresses and fitted tee shirts. 

Full Support Bra:

This bra is ideal for women who have big breasts; the support bra covers the bosom completely, has thick straps and is made from a more sturdy cotton so that your ladies have the extra support that they deserve. 

Halter Neck Bra:

Whenever you are wearing a halter outfit, this bra comes in handy as the straps loop around the neck as opposed to your shoulders.

Longline Bra:

Longline bras are bras that extend down past the bottom of the cups to the midriff or even to the waistline. Long line bras can provide smoothing and shaping under a dress, and they’re also great for full-busted women who want a strapless bra but need extra support for heavy breasts.

Minimiser Bra:

The minimiser bra creates the illusion of smaller breasts as it compresses them across your chest. A good option when you’re trying to fit into those tighter clothes. 

Padded Bra:

This bra is for women with small breasts as it has padding in the cups which adds volume, and gives them a rise, making them look fuller. 

Plunge Bra:

A plunge bra comes in handy when you are wearing an outfit with a low neckline. The cups are set apart and are joined in the middle with a thin piece of fabric. They’re ideal for those nights when you want to impress with the plunging necklines, but don’t want to worry about the fabric peeking out.

Push-Up Bra:

The push-up bra lifts the breasts and brings them closer together to give the illusion of a cleavage. 

Seamless Bra:

A seamless bra has smooth cups, with no seams, that are ideal under tight or form-fitted clothing. Seamless bras create a natural, rounded shape, and offer great support. They’re popular under lightweight fabrics, like T-shirts, and form-fitted clothing.

Soft Cup Bra:

A soft cup bra is a bra design that does not use an underwire. Some women prefer wire-free designs for comfort, and advances in soft cup design now ensure that some of our best soft cup bras provide great support even for women with large busts.

Sports Bra:

Worn mostly in the gym or when doing strenuous activities, this bra offers ample support and coverage. It also ensures your breasts don’t spill out when you’re running around.

Strapless Bra:

A strapless bra doesn’t give much support because it doesn’t have straps. It’s perfect when you’re wearing a strapless or a one-shouldered outfit, but make sure to buy one that holds both your breasts comfortably. 

Trainer Bra:

This bra is for the teenagers who are starting to develop breasts. It offers support but is not too tight.

Underwire Bra:

The cups of an underwire bra have wires stitched into their borders to offer support. There is a myth that underwire bras cause breast cancer, but as per the studies that have been conducted so far, there is no scientifically proved connection between the two. That being said, if you do go for an underwire bra, make sure to buy one that fits you properly, because the wires can cause a certain amount of damage if they’re too tight.  

And that’s the A-Z of bra terminology!