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. Wearing a bra relieves weight off the shoulders for better comfort and posture. If you find yourself looking for a new bra and want to understand the pros and cons of each design, you’ve come to the right place. Remember, every component of a bra affects how it looks and feels, and many of the bra styles below can be combined into the ideal bra like a lace push-up bra or a strapless bralette. This guide overviews different kinds of bras in general to help you find the style you need for comfort and occasion. 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 every style 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).

Classic Bra Styles

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 VS styles and their fit:   

T-shirt Bra

A T-shirt bra is a staple in many wardrobes because of its seamless and smooth design, making it good to wear under fitted tops and dresses. These bras are typically molded with light padding to provide a natural, rounded shape. The primary benefit of a T-shirt bra is it’s nearly invisible, plus you can find them in a variety of fabrics and padding.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: All types and sizes

Full Coverage Bra

No surprise here—a full coverage bra offers complete coverage and maximum support. The wide adjustable straps add lift and stability while the sturdy underwire prevents movement like sagging and bouncing. Full coverage bras are a great choice for dense and large breasts because of the greater cup coverage and high levels of support. A full coverage bra will look and feel like a traditional bra.

Support Level: High

Breast Type: Large breasts and dense breasts

Push-Up Bra

Push-up bras are designed to enhance the size and shape of your chest with strategic padding and angled cups to lift and elevate the breasts. Push-up bras create more pronounced cleavage, and the Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Bra is known to effectively add 2 cup sizes. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or want to feel confident in a casual top, these bras are versatile and comfortable.

Support Level: High

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Balconette Bra

The balconette bra is recognized for its half-cup style. The chic, low-cut neckline is supportive and ultra-feminine. Designed to lift the bust and enhance a rounded shape, the cups of a balconette bra typically cover just above the nipple in a horizontal cut. The subtle coverage enhances the natural shape of the bust. This makes it perfect for low-cut tops and dresses, or as part of your lingerie collection.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes. Creates a fuller bust for small breasts or breasts that are fuller at the bottom.

Demi Bra

Like a balconette, demi bras are also designed for low-cut necklines. They have a half-cup shape that sculpts the bust up and in. The design offers minimal coverage with lifted and rounded cleavage.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes. Half-cup covers just above the nipple.
 

Everyday Comfort and Support

Prioritize comfort when choosing an everyday bra because it will directly impact your overall well-being. A well-fitting, comfortable bra allows for free movement and prevents shoulder and back strain. When a bra feels good, it boosts confidence and empowers you for a great day ahead.

Sports Bra

Sports bras are uniquely designed specifically to minimize breast movement during high-impact physical activities. Most sports bras do not have an underwire. Instead, they provide powerful control with molded padding and compression. Sports bras have also perfected being lightweight and breathable. Our TurboWick™ liner and laser-cut perforations wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. Sports bras often feature broad straps and a wide band to distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. Sports bras are available in a range of impact levels—low, medium, and high—for different types of exercises, from yoga to running. While sports bras are essential for exercise, they have become a favorite everyday bra and as a top.

Support Level: Low, Medium, and High Impact

Breast Type: All sizes and shapes

Bralette

Bralettes are a pretty style, usually with delicate lace and sheer fabric, and a comfortable, loose feel—no padding or underwires here. Compared to other options, a bralette is less structured with high coverage and low support. The style looks nice peeking out from sweaters and jackets, or as a top.

Support Level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes. Best for smaller breast sizes because of minimal support.

Wireless Bra

Wireless bras, or soft-cup bras, have no underwire. Instead, they provide natural, comfortable support through their strategic design, plus optional features like memory foam padding and silicone support technology. Many bras can be made wireless which is why you’ll see bralettes, sports bras, and push-up bras with wireless designs.

Support Level: Low, Medium, and High

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Unlined Bras

An unlined bra has no extra lining or padding for a comfortable, casual feeling. An unlined bra emphasizes your natural breast shape, and the subtle shape of your nipple may show through.

Support level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Longline Bra

The band provides 80% of bra support. The band of a longline bra extends farther down the torso for extra support. The support and light compression of the band can even help shape the waist.

Support Level: Medium and High

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes. Best for large breasts that require extra support.
 

Specialty Bras

Some bras are designed to address specific moments in women’s lives or common issues. These specialty bras are a solution for women who need more tailored support.

Nursing Bras

Nursing bras are designed with cups that detach or fold away for women who are breastfeeding. Nursing bras are designed for maximum comfort and do not contain underwires or excessive padding.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: Women who are breastfeeding

Mastectomy Bras

A mastectomy bra is made for women who have had one or both breasts removed. Thoughtfully designed with discreet pockets to hold breast prostheses, mastectomy bras can help restore a natural looking breast form and balance of the body. Mastectomy bras are designed with soft fabrics and gentle elastics to provide comfort and support for sensitive post-surgery skin. We offer a wide variety of mastectomy bra styles to suit your unique needs and preferences, including sports bras, front-closure bras, and wire-free bras.

Support Level: High

Breast Type: Post-surgery for prosthetic inserts

Minimizer Bras

Minimizer bras help reduce the appearance of breast size with cups that redistribute breast tissue more evenly across the chest. The effect flattens the bust by up to 1 inch, rather than lift. This full coverage style helps smooth the silhouette for a balanced look.

Support Level: Medium—smoothing support

Breast Type: Large breasts

Front-Closure Bras

A front-closure bra uses a clasp, zipper, or magnet near the front center gore. Many women find front-closure bras more convenient and easier to put off and take off. Sports bras often zip in front for a feeling of better support, like our zip-front Featherweight Max.

Support Level: High

Breast Type: For easy on/easy off
 

Bra Strap Solutions

Don’t let bra straps get in the way of your favorite outfit. There are many solutions to hide bras for a streamlined look through different strap combinations or straps that detach entirely.

Convertible Bras

A convertible bra, or multiway bra, has straps that transform into a range of styles including strapless, racerback, and one-shoulder. This all-in-one style gives you the right bra for almost any outfit.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Strapless Bras

For strapless or shoulder-baring outfits, you can either go braless or wear a strapless bra. Strapless bras with underwires and wide bands offer the best support and prevent slippage. Some bras have silicone linings or side boning for structure that stays up. Or, try an adhesive bra that gently sticks to skin for multiple uses.

Support Level: Medium

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Backless Bras

Backless bras can be any bra that has minimal or no band. Low, thin bands can offer the feel of a traditional bra while hiding under low back dresses and tops. You may need to go totally band-less with an adhesive bra, nipple covers, or tape that won’t lift, but will provide coverage and minimize movement.

Support Level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes (for backless outfits).

Bandeau Bras

A bandeau offers the coverage of a strapless bra without a hard underwire. These casual bras are worn like a tube top. Put it on over your head and wear it under a blazer for a fun night out look.

Support Level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Racerback Bras

A racerback bra has straps that meet in between your shoulder blades before attaching at the band. Racerback straps evenly distribute weight across your shoulders and back for better comfort.

Support Level: High

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes. Best for heavy breasts.

Halter Bras

Halters have a single strap that wraps around the neck. Halter bras are a great solution for halter tops and other backless outfits. Halter tops are also a popular swimsuit style.

Support level: Medium

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.
 

Sexy Bras

Elevate your lingerie collection with sexy bras and matching sets for any occasion. From elegant and feminine styles to edgy and provocative, bras are the perfect after-hours look.

Lace Bras

Lace bras are iconic for delicate lace overlays for a perfect lingerie set or everyday bra. Lace bras can be padded and lined or unlined and see through. A lace bra can make you feel beautiful and confident every day.

Support Level: Low, Medium, and High

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Sheer Bras

As the ultimate unlined bra, a sheer bra uses mesh and lace for a see-through look. The delicate fabric smooths and maintains your natural shape for a comfortable feel. Most sheer bras have an underwire or elastic band for structure and support.

Support Level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Cupless Bras

Cupless or open-cup bras have no lining for an ultra-sexy look. This type of lingerie plays with strappy designs or lace. Showcase your sensuality with this revealing bra style.

Support Level: Low

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes.

Corset Bras

Also known as a bustier, corsets are a highly structured bra that can be worn practically under clothes, shown off as a top, or worn as lingerie. Many women recognize corsets with boning or lace-up details, but they come in all designs and styles.

Support level: Medium and high.

Breast Type: All shapes and sizes
 

How to Pick the Best Bra

Use this helpful guide to understand the pros and cons of different bra styles. Remember that all features of a bra can impact the fit and support level—from the strap design to the width of the band. 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 like the Bra Size Calculator or visit one of our Victoria’s Secret stores for bra fitting and advice.