When it comes to finding the right bra for your shape, there is plenty of choice out there. If you struggle to identify your balconette from your bandeau, here we look at the shape and benefits of some of the most popular bras out there.
Push-up bra
Push-up bras maximise cleavage. They hoist the breasts up and push them together; for this reason, they are often worn when a woman wants to show off her assets. They are usually padded to give breasts more volume and join together at the bottom so that the bra cannot be seen when wearing something low-cut. Push-up bras are great for those with smaller breasts who want to give the appearance of them being bigger and are also a favourite among men.
Balconette bra
Balconette bras are a style of demi cup bra, meaning the cups finish low on the breast so that they can be worn with low-cut clothes. They are not as low-cut as a plunge bra, nor as high as the Prima Donna Deauville brief bra, and make a horizontal line across the breasts. They usually feature widely set straps and are underwired.
Full cup bra
The cups on a full cup bra cover the whole breasts. They are popular with women with large cup sizes, offering the most support of all bras thanks to their wide shoulder straps. A good example of this kind of bra is the one found in sets such as the Prima Donna Deauville briefs and bra set.
Plunge bra
Plunge bras are designed so that you can wear low clothing without revealing your bra. Whereas full cup bras such as the Prima Donna Deauville brief bra join high up the breasts, plunge bras join at the very bottom so that they can go unseen under many garments.
T-shirt bra
T-shirt bras feature seamless cups that give a smooth finish under lightweight or tight clothing. They are also lightly padded to prevent any nipple shape showing through.
Multiway bra
Multiway bras feature convertible straps that can be removed and reattached to different hooks around the garment; therefore, you can wear them with clothes under which the straps of a conventional bra would show. You can wear them completely strapless, in a halter-neck formation or crossed over at the back.