I Love My Bra - Lingerie resources

A wide range of styles of brassieres now exists, to be worn in a variety of situations, and with a variety of outergarments. For instance strapless, backless and multiway bra styles specialise in being invisible underneath less than full coverage garments whereas push up and plunge focus on shaping the bust and cleavage. The degree of shaping and coverage of the breasts varies between styles, as do functionality and fashion, fabric, and colour. Styles range from the purely utilitarian to the sensual. Others include various accessory structures such as padding and underwiring. Many bras will fall into more than one category, such as a maternity bra designed for facilitating access to the nipple, but that is also designed to provide support to heavier lactating breasts. Definitions are not always very accurate or exclusive (e.g. shelf bra). Sports bras have more recently been developed with the primary purpose of restricting breast movement to aid comfort.
Source

Generally, bras are categorized as follows:

• Demi Cup Bras - this is a more revealing half-cup type of bra.
  
  
• Push Up Bras - they push breasts up and inward.
  
  
• Full Coverage Bras - this type of bras covers most of the breast
  
  

  Victoria’s Secret full coverage bra

• Padded Bras have padding inside the cups in order to visually enlarge breast. Some push-up bras are padded.
  
  
• Convertible / Strapless Bras - Bras that have detachable straps. They can be worn as strapless or conventional bras, as well as straps can be criss-crossed in back (halter style). Strapless bras are usually worn with a strapless dress.
  
  
• Racerback bras
  
  
• Adhesive bras / Silicon bras - these bras do not use back or shoulder straps and thus are almost invisible under clothing. These also claim to feel and look natural, and are great for wearing under sheer dresses.
  
  
• Maternity Bras - During pregnancy breasts become increasingly heavy, more sensitive and considerably larger. Maternity bras are designed to provide breast support during different stages of pregnancy.
  
  
• Nursing Bras - These bras are designed for nursing mothers. Nursing bras can be opened to feed children plus they offer extra support for breasts as they are quite enlarged during last months of pregnancy and during nursing period.
  
  
• Mastectomy Bras - these bras have special pockets which allow to hold breast prosthesis.
  
  
• Sports Bras - Sports bras are designed for maximum support and comfort during playing sports and exercising.
  
  
• Full Figure Bras / Plus size bras - are designer for women with larger breasts. Full figure women would be more comfortable in this type of bra then in smaller sizes bras.
  
  
• Bridal Bras - These bras are designed specifically for use with bridal dresses and vary in styles, as do the dresses. These bras are usually fitted so that on the wedding day they provide perfect comfort and confidence.
  
  
• Teen Bras - designed for teenage girls as their first bras - that provide maximum comfort and style, and are fun to wear.
  
  
• Wireless Bras - Light support or wireless bras usually have no underwire and are sometimes the preferred choice for those with smaller breasts. They are less constricting and more comfortable than full support bras. As they are wireless they offer less shaping and more freedom than other bras. You can find the padded and unpadded variety; what you choose is a matter of personal preference.
• Underwire Bras - Full support or underwire bras usually have an underwire or plastic boning holding them up. It doesn’t matter what breast size you are, however it is a must for those with larger cup sizes. They also are available in padded or unpadded varieties.