Here’s Your Complete Guide to All the Different Bra Types

These bras are typically seamless with round, molded cups, so—true to their name—they (usually) don’t show under a tight-fitting T-shirt. This top-rated Natori style offers great support with slimmer lace straps and less coverage at the top for a more revealing style. The underwire cup has a naturally rounded, smooth shape that vanishes under your clothing.

Balconettes and demi bras are VERY similar, but they’re not the same. This style is a little more revealing than a full-coverage style because the cups are cut smaller and show more of the top half of the breast. This gorge lacy one from ThirdLove is a fan fave and available in cup sizes A to I.

Now, this silhouette is cut even lower than a balconette and works better under low-cut scoop-neck tops. This particular style has a scalloped trim and is lightly lined for gentle shaping. You can also wear it as a racerback for extra versatility.

No underwire? No problem. Bralettes are typically free of wires and molded cups and are often decorative and made of lace or other delicate fabrics. This pastel stretch bralette with its lace trim is so stunning, it should be seen!

Arguably one of the most popular shapes when it comes to bras is the triangle, and it means exactly what the name says: It has triangular-shaped cups that attach to the band, like this pretty pink style from Parade.

You can probs guess it from the name, but essentially, this style is like a super-cropped tank top with a scoop neckline and wider straps. It’s a go-to for lounging and it also looks great with high-waisted bottoms if you want a more low-key, sporty look. This one is made with Supima cotton for a supersoft feel and also comes in two other shades.

Strapless bras are a must for any shoulder-baring outfit if you don’t want visible straps. Many have silicone lining that sticks to skin and prevents slipping. This popular Calvin Klein one has a sweetheart neckline and boning so it keeps its shape.

Wire cups provide support and keep your girls in place. But just because they’re functional doesn’t mean they don’t look cute! Case in point? This delicate floral mesh bra.

If you can’t stand bumps from your bra showing from under your outfit, then you definitely want to get this style. The material is usually thin and has ample stretch so it lies flat on skin and smoothes any lines. This popular True & Co. one is available in sizes XS to XL.

Bras can be shapewear, too! This Yitty design has medium compression to shape and smooth. It also has no-show seams, so it looks straight-up invisible under any shirt.

Hide your straps when you wear a racerback top with this bra, thanks to the ones that cross in the back. Tons of these are also convertible racerbacks, meaning you can wear the straps both ways since they hook and unhook. This style has a sexy lace back and an easy-to-use front closure.

These are popular for those with larger breasts since they usually reduce the size of your bustline up to an inch. You can wear ’em to make your tops fit better and not feel as tight against your chest if you’re uncomfortable.

The full cups cover the entire breast, so if you’re into cleavage, this probably isn’t the style for you. This one does the job if you like extra coverage and support, and the lace and bow details are super cute.

Do you wear lots of V-necks and low-cut shirts? Get yourself this silhouette. Depending on the bra, some plunges go deeper than others—even extending past the band for a lil extra dip.

They come in a range of styles, but for the most part, these guys are all about providing support whether your workout is low- or high-impact. They will wick away any sweat and are made with breathable material so you don’t overheat.

For more of a ’90s-inspired moment, a bra that goes around your neck like a halter top is actually super chic; plus, it also literally takes the weight off your shoulders thanks to the strap placement.

It has clips on the straps to unfasten each cup and make the whole nursing process so much more seamless. This pink one also has removable, molded foam cups, comes in two other shades, and it’s machine washable.

The padding on these can range from light to heavy depending on how much of a lift you’re looking for. This style in particular adds a whole cup size; however, there are other styles out there that are more subtle or have removable padding.

Longline silhouettes have fabric that extends beyond the underwire toward the ribcage. This white lacy one is so pretty, right? Wear these under crop tops or by themselves to really show them off.

These bras can do it ALL. You can typically wear them strapless or as a racerback, a halter-neck, a one-shoulder, and more. This four-in-one multiway bra is available up to a size 42F, with silicone along the top and band to keep the girls in place.

Bandeaus have a neckline that goes straight across, so you can wear them for cleavage coverage or as a bra top. Many feature lace, but you can also find simpler ones, like this solid microfiber one, if that’s what you’re into.

There’s less fabric on the cups with this silhouette, so it’s usually more sheer and lightweight. A delicate lace underwire bra with sweet bows is perfect for your more casual days, and it looks so cute peeking out from a white tank.

For extra lift and to make your cup size appear larger, a push-up is the way to go. They’re most often underwire bras that have foam or gel padding for extra emphasis. One that’s lacy with extra straps definitely makes a statement.