The Lovehoney Beginner’s Guide to Bra Styles

Find the sexiest, most supportive bra style for you or the lucky gal you’re gifting to.

No matter if you’re buying for yourself, a bestie or your babe, shopping for bras can be a confusing world to navigate. Cupless, underwired, peek-a-boo, push-up, non-underwired… You can be overwhelmed by new bra style choices!

One thing’s for sure: finding out the correct bra cup and band size is the first step to successful bra shopping. However, choosing a style that suits you or the lucky person you’re buying for is also essential. Just like how everyone prefers different clothing styles, the coverage, cup style and cut make a difference to how you feel about your new bra.

It's also important to keep your bust size in mind while choosing lingerie. Some styles are better suited to certain bust sizes due to the level of support and comfort. In this handy guide, we will explain the latest bra styles, which style you’d be best suited to and how to go about buying a bra for her.

Video: Bra and Boob Shape

Lovehoney's Sammi Cole has the lowdown on bras and boob shapes.

Underwired Bra

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An underwired bra is essentially any bra that has wire running along the bottom of each bra cup, providing support and lift from underneath the breasts. Underwired bras are often particularly sought after by ladies with a fuller cup who may like the added support. Underwired bras come in all different styles - they may include non-padded soft cups, padding, moulded cups or push up, so it’s worth checking the product description and photos to be certain.

Best for: Everyone! The only time this is a less suitable choice is if you don’t require additional support and prefer the softness of non-underwired options.

Browse our underwired bra range.

Padded Bra

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Padded bras can encompass a range of bra styles as the term padded simply describes any bra which does not have soft fabric cups but instead pads or moulded cups. The added padding is great for giving shape, lift and support. They may have a deep plunging neckline or a larger centrepiece giving the bra extra detailing.

Best for: Padded bras are a great choice for many as they’re very versatile. They can be worn under clothes for boosted cleavage or to simply support your bust day-to-day. Padded bras are suitable for any size up to a D or DD cup.

Take a look at our padded bra range.

Triangle Bra

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The triangle bra is typically simple in construction - two triangular pieces of fabric which cover the breasts, with the straps attaching to the top 'point' of each triangle. The fabric of a triangle bra usually isn’t padded, instead consisting of a lacy, sheer or silky soft fabric. However, some triangle bras have foam-lined cups for added support and shape.

Best for: As triangle bras usually don’t have underwire, they are best suited to those who don’t require additional support and lift. Therefore, triangle bras may be best for smaller busts or bedroom wear.

Choose from our triangle bra range.

Soft Cup Bra

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There’s soft in the title for a reason. Soft cup bras are possibly the most comfortable of the bunch! So, what is a soft cup bra? They are a pleasant bra style as there is no underwiring, which can dig into the skin, and no padding, which can feel rigid or unnatural. However, soft cup bras offer very little in the way of support, lift or definition.

Soft cup bras are a simple and sexy style. However, realistically they aren’t practical for everyday wear for most women due to a lack of structure. If your cup size is larger than a B cup, you are unlikely to feel supported and therefore may be less comfortable in your soft cup bra.

Best for: Casual everyday wear for those with smaller busts, or comfortable bedroom wear for all.

Explore our soft cup Babydoll Lingerie & Chemises.

Push-Up Bra

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Push-up bras are designed to showcase your cleavage by lifting the breast using a combination of underwiring and padding. With some styles of push-up bras, the padding is removable, so varying amounts of definition to the bustline and cleavage can be achieved.

This style of bra is super sexy and great for giving the appearance of a larger bust whether you are an A cup or over a D! Push-up bras often have a deep V neckline or plunge front, finishing in a small centrepiece between the cups.

Best for: Any size but are most commonly produced in sizes A-DD/E.

Discover our range of push up bras.

Half Cup Bra

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Half cup bras, also known as demi cup or shelf bras, are designed to stop just above the nipple. If you’re wondering how to wear a shelf bra, this style is great for low, rounded or square clothing necklines and for achieving a tantalising level of cleavage. Half cup bras often have moulded cups to give support and shape and a wider gore (the piece of fabric between the cups) to ensure a snug fit, but they may also have soft lace or cotton bra cups. Non-moulded half cup bras are usually decorated with embroidery or lace for added glamorous detailing.

Best for: As half cup bras offer less support than full cups, they are best suited to small to medium-sized busts, or as a sexy evening look for all sizes.

See a half cup bra work its magic.

Quarter Cup Bra

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A quarter cup bra is a more revealing version of the half cup style, with even less fabric to cover the bust. This sexy style gives the breasts a decent boost and reveals the nipples.

Quarter cup bras are perfect for anyone who desires a revealing bedroom look from their bra but would like some degree of support. They are often worn with nipple tassles for a seductive burlesque look. When purchasing a quarter cup bra, it’s important to know that it might not be best suited for wear under clothing, and may not be the ideal option for women with larger breasts.

Best for: small to medium-sized busts who desire an ultra-sensual bra style and require only a moderate amount of support.

Shop our range of quarter cup bras.

Open Cup and Peek-a-Boo Bras

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An open cup or peek-a-boo bra is the ultimate style to tease your lover during playtime. With an open cup bra, there is no fabric between the bustline and straps, leaving the breasts totally bare and seductively exposed. Some open cup bras feature an extra piece of fabric to give some more coverage, but this style is mostly worn alone or accompanied by nipple tassels.

Best for: Small to medium-sized busts who are excited to grab their plaything’s attention in the bedroom. An open cup bra is best for those who don’t require total support from their bra.

Enjoy our range of open cup bras.

Longline Bra

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Longline bras are perfect for anyone looking to smooth their shape from bust to waist. This style of bra features a longer underbust band to help define your shape. Many include short plastic bones for extra structure, and they can be underwired or soft. Many longline bras are front-fastening, too, which can add an extra sexy touch in the bedroom.

Best for: any sized bust to wear at any time!

Explore our range of longline bras.

Top Tips for Buying Bras for Her

  • Have a sneak peek into her clothing drawer to get a sense of what bra size she is.

  • Picture what bras she wears frequently - that style will be the one she enjoys wearing the most.

  • Think about what colours she tends to wear. If her style encompasses neutral tones, go for a classic black or white. If she wears more colourful attire, try a bright number.

  • If it’s not a surprise gift, ask her! She knows herself best.

  • If you’re completely lost for ideas, ask her bestie for some guidance.

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