CONTENT

Home > Guides > Bra Definitions

Bra Definitions

What's the difference between a padded bra and a multiway bra?

Here's my guide!

The numbers relate the the montage of pictures below.

  1. Adhesive Bra
    Not strictly a bra, more pads. These 'stick' onto the breasts to create the illusion of wearing a bra.
     
  2. Air Bras
    Air Bras have air pockets within the bra (they are usually removable) that can enhance the curvature of the breasts. Air pockets by their very nature are lighter than padded or gel bras.
     
  3. Balconette Bras
    Whereas normal bra straps hug close to the neck, balconette bras have more of a rectangular position of the straps.
     
  4. Gel Bra
    This is essentially a padded bra only with gel.
     
  5. Maternity Bra
    Designed to ease access to the nipple for breast feeding.
     
  6. Multiway Bra
    This is the Swiss army knife of bras. It has detachable straps which means the bra can often be worn in different styles (such as halterneck, criss-crossed or strapless)
     
  7. Padded (Plunge) Bra
    This  is where padding is used in a bra to enhance the curvature of the bust.
     
  8. Sports Bras
    These offer more bust support when engaging in sporting activities.
     
  9. Strapless Bras
    These have no shoulder straps and hence can be worn with open top dresses.
     
  10. T-Shirt Bras
    These are designed without visible seams so they can be worn under tight fitting clothes such as (yep, you've guessed it) t-shirts!
     
  11. Unpadded Bra
    The standard brassiere.

Bra Selection

Many thanks to the La Senza and Contessa websites which helped with my explanations and where I 'borrowed' the pictures from. View the La Senza and Contessa catalogues.