Bra style guide

Bra shapes

What is a multiway bra?

A multiway bra combines the features of a U-shape bra and a multiway bra, offering versatile support and various styling options while providing a smooth and comfortable fit. 

Wear with: A U-shape bra works with various outfits, including dresses with different necklines or backless tops. They’re a go-to option for multiple occasions. 

Best for: U-shape bras are ideal for those who want a bra that can be worn in different ways without sacrificing comfort or support.

What is a full-cup bra?

A full cup bra is designed to provide maximum coverage and support for the breasts. The cups fully enclose the breasts providing a smooth, rounded silhouette under clothing, making it an ideal choice for women seeking enhanced support, modesty and comfort. 

Wear with: Full cup bras are versatile and work well with anything, particularly conservative or professional outfits.

Best for: People with fuller busts who desire added support and coverage, as the design minimises bouncing and enhances comfort.

What is a plunge bra?

A plunge bra is designed with a deep V-shaped neckline and lower cut centre. Its structure provides lift and pushes the breasts toward the centre, enhancing cleavage while maintaining a natural and supportive fit. 

Wear with: Perfect for wearing with deep V-neck, wrap, or plunge dresses and tops.

Best for: People with smaller to medium-sized busts, but styles are available for fuller busts as well.

What is a balcony bra?

A balcony (or balconette) bra features wide-set straps and a horizontal neckline, offering uplift and a rounded shape. The horizontal, or slightly angled seams on the cups, enhance the cleavage while providing good support, making it ideal for lower-cut outfits.

Wear with: Balcony bras are a practical options for wearing under scoop-neck, square-neck, or wide-neck tops and dresses.

Best for: People looking to enhance the appearance of their cleavage without excessive padding.

What is a strapless bra?

A strapless bra is designed to provide support without the use of shoulder straps. It features a wider, and often more structured, band than regular bras to ensure it stays in place. 

Wear with: Strapless bras are ideal for outfits where you require bare shoulders, such as strapless dresses, tube tops, or off-the-shoulder styles.  

Best for: People with small to medium bust sizes, though many strapless bras are designed for fuller busts with additional support features.

What is a sports bra?

A sports bra is specifically designed to provide support, comfort and protection during physical activities. Unlike regular bras, sports bras minimise breast movement, reduce discomfort and prevent long-term damage to breast tissue caused by high-impact activities. Available in low, medium and high-impact designs, they offer comfort while reducing strain. 

Wear with: Sports bras are typically worn with workout gear or styled under casual outfits for an athleisure look.

Best for: Women with all breast sizes benefit from sports bras while engaging in physical activities.

Read our sports bra fit guide to find your perfect fit.

What is a T-shirt bra?

A T-shirt bra is designed to provide a smooth appearance under fitted clothing like tops and T-shirts. The cups are typically seamless, moulded and lightly padded, giving a natural shape while preventing any visible lines or texture. Our T-shirt bras are available in balcony, plunge and full cup styles.

Wear with: Everyday wear, especially fitted tops, dresses, or shirts where a seamless look is desired.

Best for: T-shirt bras work well for both fuller busts and smaller busts.

What is a half-cup bra?

A half-cup bra, provides partial coverage for the breasts, typically covering just above the areola line. It’s designed to enhance cleavage and create a rounded, uplifted shape. The straps are set wider apart than on a full-cup bra, creating a more open neckline.

Wear with: Half-cup bras work well with lower-cut tops, scoop necklines, or dresses that don’t require full coverage.

Best for: Half-cup bras are often preferred by people with smaller to medium bust sizes, though options are available for fuller busts as well.

What is a front fastening bra? 

A front fastening bra is designed with the closure at the front rather than the back. This feature makes it easier to put on and take off, especially for people with limited mobility or those who find it difficult to reach behind their back.

Wear with: Front fastening bras are versatile and can be worn with most clothing, particularly low-cut outfits due to their low-cut front.

Best for: Front fastening bras are a practical choice for people who find it challenging to fasten bras at the back.

What is a nursing bra?

A nursing bra is designed to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for nursing mothers. Nursing bras are flexible and adjustable, to adapt to fluctuating breast sizes. The cups can be unclasped from the strap, providing easy access to the breast for feeding.

Wear with: Nursing bras can be worn with maternity clothes during pregnancy to providing comfort as the breasts grow.

Best for: Nursing bras are suitable for mothers looking for a convenient and comfortable solution when breastfeeding.

What is a non-wired bra?

A non-wired bra, also known as a wireless bra, or a soft cup bra is designed without underwires. Instead, it relies on fabric construction, elastic bands and other structural features to provide comfortable support and shape. 

Wear with: Non-wired bras are versatile and suitable for any outfit where comfort and a natural look are key.

Best for: Individuals prioritising a comfortable bra over lift or shaping.

What is a sleep bra?

A sleep bra is typically soft and lightweight, designed from stretchy fabrics to provide gentle support and comfort while sleeping or lounging. Unlike traditional bras, it prioritises relaxation and accommodates natural breast movement without tight or restrictive features.

Wear with: Sleep bras are generally worn with nightwear. 

Best for: Sleep bras are great for individuals who prefer not to sleep braless. Women with larger busts, as well as pregnant or nursing mothers, also benefit from sleeping bras as they help prevent breast tenderness and reduce discomfort.

What is a bralette?

A bralette is a lightweight bra that is less structured than traditional bras, offering gentle support and a natural shape.  Often designed with soft, stretchy fabrics like lace or mesh, bralettes are both functional and stylish.

Wear with: Bralettes are great for lounging and everyday comfort. Pair them with relaxed outfits or wear them as a stylish statement underneath mesh tops.

Best for: Bralettes are ideal for people who don’t require heavy support or shaping. Wireless options are usually selected as bras for small bust.

What is a push-up bra?

A push up bra is designed to lift the breasts and enhance cleavage by using padding and strategically angled cups. It is ideal for creating a fuller, more rounded look and enhancing the breast’s natural shape. 

Wear with: Push-up bras are great for outfits where a more enhanced silhouette is desired.

Best for: Push up bras help add volume to smaller busts and create a fuller appearance. Read our guide on the best bras for small busts to find your perfect fit.

What is a maximise bra?

A maximise bra is designed to enhance the appearance of the breasts, making them look larger and fuller. It combines extra padding with shaping techniques to add significant volume to the breasts and provide a dramatic lift.

Wear with: Maximise bras are great for creating a fuller look under fitted or low-cut clothing.

Best for: Maximise bras are ideal for individuals who want to boost their cup size visually.

We’ve extended our bra sizing range from 28AA to 44H so even more customers can find their best fit and style, without having to break the bank. 

FAQs

Other things to look out for when choosing a bra

Finding the perfect bra isn’t just about style—it’s also about fit, comfort and functionality. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

1.    Size & Fit

A well-fitting bra should sit snugly around the ribcage without digging in. The band provides most of the support, while the straps offer additional lift. For best results, the cups should fully encase the bust without spillage or gaping. Read our bra fit guide to find your perfect fit. 

2.    Strap & Band Support

Wider straps help distribute the weight to increase comfort, catering best for larger busts. The adjustability of the straps allows for a customisable fit, while firm under bands provide comfortable support throughout the day.

3.    Fabric & Comfort

Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and microfibre are great for everyday wear, while lace and mesh designs offer a stylish touch. For a smooth finish under fitted clothing, seamless bras work best.

4.    Underwire vs. Non-wired

Underwired bras provide extra lift and shaping, ideal for added support.

Non-wired bras prioritise flexibility and all-day comfort, perfect for lounging or casual wear.

What’s the difference between a push-up bra and a maximise bra?

• While a push-up bra focuses primarily on lifting and creating cleavage, a maximiser bra goes a step further by also increasing overall volume, often making the bust appear one or two cup sizes larger.

Push up bra - lift & cleavage

• Best for enhancing shape and cleavage in low-cut tops.

• Designed with angled padding at the base or sides of the cups to lift the bust upwards and inwards, creating a more defined cleavage.

• Often features light to moderate padding, making it ideal for a natural boost without excessive volume.

Maximiser bra – volume & fullness

• Best for dramatic enhancement and a fuller look under fitted clothing.

• Specifically designed to increase bust size, often adding up to two cup sizes with thicker padding.

• Creates a rounder, fuller appearance, making it ideal for those who want to add noticeable volume.

What’s the difference between a padded and a non-padded bra?

• A padded bra has additional material in the cups, such as foam or fabric, to enhance the shape, provide coverage, or add volume. A non-padded bra has no additional material in the cups, relying solely on the fabric to support and shape the breasts.

Are wired or non-wired bras better?

• Deciding whether a wired or non-wired bra is better, depends on your needs, comfort preferences and lifestyle.

Wired bras – structured support & shape

• Best for: larger busts, extra lift and defined shaping.

• Features an underwire for additional support, helping to lift and separate the bust.

• Ideal for longer wear or structured outfits that require shaping.

Non-wired bras – comfort & flexibility

• Best for: smaller busts, everyday comfort and lounging.

• Offers a more natural shape with soft, flexible cups.

• Often made from stretchy, breathable fabrics, making them perfect for relaxed wear.

If you need maximum support and shaping, a wired bra is ideal. If you prioritise comfort and flexibility, a non-wired bra is the way to go. Many people keep both styles in their wardrobe for different occasions.