Different Types of Bras for Women and their Functions

A Bra is an under garment for women meant to provide support to the breasts and prevent problems like sagging and back pain. If you think you are doing yourself a favor by opting for cheap quality bras think again you may have to end up spending thousands on reconstruction surgery to get your bust into shape again.

You would be amazed to know that there are over 30 types or styles of bras available in the market like the Nursing bras, Open tip bras, Racer back bras, Seamless bras, Shelf bras, Bridal bras, Front closure bras, Mastectomy bras, Maternity bras, Minimizing bras, Vintage Bras, Trainer Bra Bandeau Bras, Adhesive Bras, Soft cup bras, Sports bras, Strapless bras, T-shirt bras, Training bras, U-plunge bras, Underwire bras and Water bras to name a few.Women can pick the bra based on their needs. I am listing 12 of the most popular types of bras below.

Adhesive Bra is a Stick and Peel type of Bra with no shoulder straps or back extensions. There are normally two types of bras available in the category. One is a use and throw or disposable version made of paper which uses a strong adhesive and the second one is the reusable Silicone Adhesive Bras which are washable. These bras are suitable when you wear backless or shoulder less outfits. They also go well with outfits having plunging necklines.

A Nursing Bra is meant for breast feeding mothers. These bras can be unclasped at the top and pulled down in order to feed milk to the baby. A friend of mine says that her Peephole Bra serves the purpose too and she can feed the baby through the holes in front of the bra cups. But I think rather than wearing the bra which does not provide the sufficient support it is better to wear a nursing bra if you have a small child.

If you are a person who likes wearing plunging necklines the U-plunge Bra is for you. With this Bra you need to fear no more that your bra would become visible above the outfit. They come with under wired cups offering adequate support. This bra is a favorite of mine. I also love the U-plunge Body Briefer version which can make a woman look slimmer.

A Mastectomy Bra is a bra specially designed forindividuals who have lost one or both breasts in mastectomy treatment for breast cancer but chose not to get their breasts reconstructed. A mastectomy bra can make the bust area look natural and designed in such a manner that prosthesis may be held in place. With this bra, nobody would know that you have undergone a mastectomy treatment.

Bridal Corset Bra is another one of my favorites. These bras go well with shoulder less outfits as the straps are clear and removable. The Bridal Bra can make a woman look more in shape. This is a must for Brides who would want to look perfect on the wedding day.

If you are well endowed and have a heavy bust line then by wearing the Minimizor Bra you can create the illusion of being a cup size or two smaller. The Minimizer Bra works by compressing and shaping the bust line.

If Minimizer Bras were for those who are well endowed, the Maximizer or Push up bra is for the less endowed to give them a fuller look and increased cleavage. These bras lift the breasts and emphasize cleavage through their unique structure and extra padding.Padded Bras also can have the same effect as Push up Bras.

The bandeau bra often known as tube top is a band of material that is wrapped around a woman’s breasts. A bandeau bra is basically a strapless bra or bra with removable straps which has to be put on over the head. These bras can be worn as casual or sportswear and comes in various colors. These bras come in the basic version with no support and another version with shaped or under wired cups giving light support.

Sports bras are most suitable for active women who engage in rigorous physical exercises. These bras provide comfort and support to the bust area during vigorous exercise. These are great bras to be worn while going on jogging as it restricts bouncing of the bust area. It is also possible for those who have undergone breast surgical procedures.

If you are anything like me you would prefer the Front Closure Bras to the normal back closure ones with hooks. These are comfortable to and great as an everyday wear bra.

Training bra is the bra designed for preteen or teenage girls who are in the early stages of developing a bust. This bra is also known as a Trainer Bra as it helps young girls to become accustomed to wearing a bra. This is a very comfortable bra and mostly the first bra worn by a girl.

Zip front Bras are bras with a front opening instead of the back and comes with a zip closure instead of a clasp or hook in front. These are great as a sports bra.