Bra Basics 101: Parts, Styles, & Care Tips

 

Bras—there’s more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they all provide coverage and support, but each is designed for a specific purpose and degree of both.   

Depending on the occasion, you’ll go for a specific style, and depending on the style, you’ll have a certain fit. And no matter the bra, there’s a specific way to care for it. It may seem like a lot, but with a little explanation, bra basics will seem like no-brainers! Let’s get to it.     

What are the Parts of a Bra?    

Every bra is built uniquely but for the most part has seven components that remain consistent: straps, cups, center gore, underwire, wings, hook and eye, and band. Knowing these features and benefits are helpful when determining which bra is for you. Here’s a quick glossary for reference:   

• Straps - the supportive elastics attached to the cups, worn over the shoulders, that keep the cups smooth against your skin. 

• Cups - the parts of the bra directly over your breasts, that offer shaping, coverage, and support.  

• Center Gore - the part of the bra at the center front that connects the cups. 

• Underwire - the supportive wire following the lower curve of the cups.

• Wings – the fabric areas of the bra that offer coverage and smoothing on the sides of your body, under your arms. 

• Band – the fabric-encased elastic surrounding the rib cage, keeping the bra in place and providing 80% of its support. 

• Hook and Eye – the hardware connecting each side of the band, keeping it closed and secure while allowing for fit adjustments (tighter or looser).

What Bra Styles Are There? 

The bra we pick often depends on our outfit of the day (or night). Luckily, there are many silhouettes to choose from, all with different levels of support. See below for common Victoria’s Secret styles and their fit:

• Full Coverage Bra – offering complete coverage, comfort, & maximum support, this style has a traditional bra look. ​​​

• Demi Bra – this style has more moderate coverage and neckline, offering an open decolletage with medium support. 

• Plunge Bra – includes a very deep center gore. This style can come with any sort of coverage, though it’s dependent on the depth of the plunge.

• Wireless Bra – all about comfort, this style has light support with no wires—just a flexible, natural fit.

• Sports Bra – made for physical activity, this style provides low to high support and is offered in various styles and sizes (alpha or band and cup).

• Strapless Bra – sometimes referred to as multi-way, these are perfect for special occasions and usually come with removable and convertible straps. This style is offered in all degrees of coverage, comes with or without wires, and can be worn five ways: strapless, one-strap, cross-back, halter, and classic.

• Bralette – a less structured bra without wires or a stabilized gore. These are offered in alpha sizing and multiple shapes (long-line, triangle, scoop, etc.).

• Unlined Bra – a style without lining that offers the most natural shape with light support.

• Push-Up Bra – a lining level that pushes tissue in and up, ranging across many different silhouettes. We offer five levels of padding: subtle, moderate, dramatic, extreme, and adds-two-cup.

Which Bras Are Best for Daily Wear?  

There’s no right or wrong answer to this—everyone’s idea of comfort varies. Our advice is to wear whatever makes you feel most confident and supported. Whether it’s a sexy Bombshell Bra that flatters your shape or an ultra-soft bralette perfect for lounging, choose the one that makes you feel beautiful.

How Many Bras Should I Own?  

Knowing all the above, two things are possible: 1) you could get carried away while shopping, or 2) you could feel overwhelmed with all the choices.  We’ll simplify it for you—the short answer to this question is at least three. Here’s why.

How Do I Care For My Bras?  

At Victoria’s Secret, we live by the motto “One to wash, one to wear, one to spare.” For context, this means you’ll always have one on, one waiting in your intimates drawer for tomorrow, and one getting refreshed in the laundry. In general, this method exists to encourage rotation of the bras in your collection and, ultimately, maximize their life. Bras need TLC, too (“tender lingerie care,” that is).   

One to Wash  

While hand washing is most ideal, just know that the gentler the cycle, the better, and with little to no spin. (If you happen to have them, lingerie bags are great for extra protection—make sure you clasp your bras to prevent snagging.)  

When drying:   

Dryer heat can break down bra elastic and cause dimpling in the padding. We recommend placing them over a drying rack or shower curtain rod, which will help to evenly distribute the weight. A second option is to let your bra lay flat to dry, shaping the way you want it beforehand. A third is to clip it to a clothesline by the band on either side of the cups. While hanging upside-down, the water can drain out of the padding, rather than straining the straps from water weight.   

One to Wear  

As long as you’re wearing the right fit, there’s nothing more to discuss. As a reminder, the right fit means that the straps don’t fall off or dig into your shoulders, your cups cover your breasts without any spillage or gapping, and your band is comfortably snug around your bust.   

One to Spare  

Having a bra to “spare” is simply a matter of rest. Because the band is made of elastic, it will eventually break down over time (even if you’re taking care of it perfectly). With that said, your bra needs at least a full day to recover from being stretched out. After that point, it’ll be revived and ready to go.   

And There You Have It  

There’s a lot to know where bras are concerned (and there’s always more to learn)—but with something so intimate and essential, knowledge is key. Hopefully this gives you a little more insight regarding the bras that are out there, how they fit, and how to care for them. If you need more info, check out the other self-service tools and posts on our site.