When you find a bra you love (and a size that fits), it’s tempting to keep buying it again and again. But not all bra styles are created equal: though your favorite may look great with a polished work blouse, it might look strange under a casual T-shirt. That’s why it’s important to stock your lingerie drawer with multiple types of bras.

Start by taking stock of the tops and dresses you wear most and the activities you engage in. Next, consider if they’d be better served by any of the following styles of bra:

• Comfortable Bras
• Sexy Bras
• Specialty Bras
• Bras for Larger Busts
• Maternity Bras

Comfortable Bras

Full Coverage

This bra style covers most of the breast and provides maximum support. It is one of the most popular bras for larger busts.

T-Shirt

Designed to remain invisible even under very thin fabrics, this bra usually sports a seamless design and provides ample coverage.

Soft Cup

These types of bras are defined by their lack of an underwire: that means extra comfort, but less support. They may be padded or unpadded, seamed or seamless, and lined or unlined.

Sexy Bras

Demi Cup

This style covers anywhere from half to three-quarters of the breast and provides modest cleavage.

Balconette

With nearly horizontal cups, this sexy bra style offers even less coverage than a demi cup and usually provides dramatic cleavage.

Pushup

This underwire bra boosts cleavage with the help of either graduated padding or removable pads. The cups are usually demi-style and angled to suit lower necklines.

Specialty Bras

Strapless or Convertible

The strapless bra style is characterized by its straps, which can be removed or adjusted in myriad ways to accommodate unusual garment necklines and formal attire.

Sports

Designed to minimize breast movement for athletic activity, sports bras provide firm support and are available with or without underwire. For maximum comfort, make sure you're wearing the right sports bra for your body type.

Bras for Larger Busts

Full Figure

These bras boast extra comfort and design features for more voluptuous women.

Minimizer

Designed for women with larger busts, these types of bras visually reduce breast size. They’re ideal for wearing under button-down shirts, as they cut down on bothersome gaping between buttons.

Maternity Bras

Maternity

This bra style offers extra support and bounce control for pregnant women, often including wider, more supportive straps and comfort-focused fabrics.

Nursing

This bra’s cups have detachable clips at the top, which allow nursing mothers easy access for breastfeeding. Supportive cups keep the breasts comfortable.

Related Guides

How to Measure Your Bra Size

Find the perfect fit with this easy guide to measuring band size and cup size.

The Right Women's Underwear for Any Outfit

Women's underwear runs the gamut from comfortable everyday panties to sexy thongs. Here's how to match each type of underwear to the clothes you wear.

Panty Size Chart

Feel comfortable in your clothes with this panty size chart. We'll walk you through measuring your waist and hips, then finding the perfect fit.