The Most Popular Bra Shapes & Their Benefits

It goes without question that bras are not one size fits all. Different bra styles are designed to shape and support breast tissue differently, which can result in a different silhouette appearance. Whatever bra style you prefer, there are many different options to fill your lingerie drawer.

Here we'll go through some of the most popular bra types Glamorise offers and what to look for in a bra to achieve your desired silhouette.

Everyday Bras

From wireless bras to underwire bras, full cup bras to plunge bras, there are many different styles of everyday bras that create different breast shapes.

T-Shirt Bras

T-shirt bras are some of the most common bra styles, and it's easy to see why. A T-shirt bra creates a rounded shape that naturally shapes the bust. T-shirt bras also usually have seamless cups, which creates a smooth silhouette.

These bras are great for everyday wear as they accentuate your natural breast shape without any extra fluff. There are also both wireless and underwire T-shirt bra styles. You can browse the Glamorise T-shirt bra collection here.

Classic Silhouette

Many wire-free bras also offer a classic, pointed silhouette. This full cup bra shape has been popular for decades, starting with the bullet bras and pin-up bras of the 1940s, and many manufacturers still make bras that create this breast shape.

Glamorise MagicLift bras, specifically styles like the the MagicLift Original Support Bra and the MagicLift Front-Closure Support Bra, shape the breast tissue to create the look of a more pointed breast shape and silhouette. Though this breast shape doesn't appeal to everyone, some women like this bra style as it offers a more retro look.

Underwire Bras

There are many different underwire bra styles. From front hook bras, to demi bras, to full cup bras, underwire bras are some of the most common bra styles.

3-Part Cups

Underwire bras with three part cups offer additional structure and shape. These bras have seamed cups that are The Lace Comfort WonderWire Bra is a great option for any woman searching for a bra with 3-piece cups.

Front-Closure Bras

Underwire front-closure bras often have a plunging neckline that pairs well with lower necklines. The Front-Closure WonderWire Bra offers full support without need for a high neckline. Many women find front-closure bras to be more comfortable, as they offer less coverage in the front but are still supportive.

Bralettes

Bralettes are a more casual choice as they are usually free of wires and made with comfortable materials like lace. They offer less support and are generally unstructured for a comfortable, relaxed fit. These bras are great for general wear, going out, or just hanging around the house. Bralettes are also a great option for women with asymmetric breasts as they accentuate your natural shape and have a forgiving fit.

Sports Bras

Sports bras are generally more supportive bras as they provide greater compression than everyday bras. Sports bras can provide compression, encapsulation, or offer both. This can in turn create different breast shapes

Compression Bras

Sports bra styles that are designed for compression of the bust mean that they hug the bust securely against the chest. This can create more of a uni-boob appearance as it does not accentuate and separate each individual breast.

Encapsulation Bras

Encapsulation sports bras offer greater separation of the bust, and are a great option for any woman searching for a sports bra that creates bust shape, instead of just compressing the bust against the chest wall.

There are also sports bras that offer both compression and encapsulation of the bust, like the Custom Control Sports Bra.

What to Keep in Mind

Now that you know about all the different bra shapes available, it's time to figure out the best bra for you. All boobs are unique, and not every bra is a perfect fit for every woman.

Here are some aspects to consider when shopping for a bra:

• Shape of your breasts: Are your boobs set higher or lower? Are they asymmetrical? Are they wider set or closer together? This is important to take into account when shopping to decide whether you need full coverage or not.

• Size of your breasts: The size of your boobs often plays a significant role in what bra will work for you. Do you have larger breasts? Then you should seek out a bra with good support and coverage. Do you have a smaller cup size? Other bra styles like a bralette or wire-free bra might work better for you.

• Wired or not: Some people love the secure support underwire bras give, while others find them uncomfortable and irritating. This is a personal preference, but many women opt for underwire bras because they tend to offer more support.

• Padded or not: Similarly to underwire bras, padded bras offer more support and coverage, which is excellent for large-breasted women. Padding also helps conceal the appearance of nipples, which makes some women feel more comfortable and secure.

• Occasion: Where are you going? What are you planning on wearing with this bra? Think about what kind of clothes you wear the most and what type of bra will work best for specific occasions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer wireless bras that create a pointed silhouette or the more natural shape of a rounded underwire bra, there are many different bra styles to consider and choose from to achieve your desired shape.

We always recommend measuring your bra size and trying on a range of bra styles to determine what works best for you. A properly fitting bra is key to getting the support you need. You can browse Glamorise's complete collection of bra styles here.

About the Author

Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.