Brassiers

Common Materials

Cotton
Known for its softness cotton is made from the fiber harvested from the cotton plant.

Lace
A sheer light fabric containing patterns of holes.

Lycra
A type of synthetic elastic fabric and fiber used for tight-fitting garments

Nylon
A sheer synthetic fibers.

Satin
A cloth woven from silk, nylon or polyester with a glossy surface.

Silk
A natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. It is prized for its shimmering appearance.

Features

Bows
A type of knot with two loops, used to tie together two cords such as shoelaces or apron strings, and frequently used as decoration, such as in gift-wrapping.

Fringe
an ornamental textile trim of hanging threads applied to an edge.

Ruffles / Frill
Gathered or curled strip of fabric added as trim or decoration.

Tassels
A ball-shaped bunch of plaited or otherwise entangled threads from which at one end protrudes a cord on which the tassel is hung, and which may have loose, dangling threads at the other end.

Lace Trim
A light fabric containing patterns of holes around the outside of the brassier.

Brassier

Decorative Brassier ( Belly Dancer / Rave Bra )
Worn like swimsuits mostly by belly dancers, carnivals down in South America, and at raves. The brassieres or highly decorative. Covered in coins, flowers, pearls, rhinestones and other things.

Bandeau
An elastic bang that wraps around the breast. Typically for smaller breast.

Bralette
a lightweight brassiere designed for girls have just begun to develop breasts or adult women with small breast.

Bridal Bra/Corset
A bridal bra/corset mold and shape the upper body into a desired shape to fit the wedding dress. In addition to that, it promotes good posture and can be more comfortable as the weight of the breasts is carried by the whole corset rather than the brassiere’s shoulder straps.

Convertible Brassier
This bra comes with detachable straps that can be arranged according to one's needs. It is usually worn with clothes that reveal the back and shoulders, such as backless dresses with halter top necklines.

Demi Cup Brassier
A demi cup bra covers only half the breasts, with its cups coming up above the nipples. This bra is suitable to wear with clothes that have plunging necklines. It is supportive, yet provides maximum exposure of the breasts.

Front Closer Brassier
Bras that have closures, usually hooks and eyes, on the front rather than at the back. These bras lie completely flat at the back under clothing. Some feature a racerback style back which is great for wear with tank tops and for lending a no-slip effect to the straps.

Front Tie Bra
A bra that ties in the front instead of clasp. Typically for smaller breast.

Full Cup Brassier
This bra provides full support, as it comes with underwired cups and covers most of the breasts. It is recommended for all women, and especially for those with heavier breasts.

Maternity Brassier
Designed such that they can be expanded to adjust as the breasts increase in size over the course of a pregnancy.

Nursing Brassier
Designed to help make breastfeeding simpler by allowing the baby easy access to the nipple. Traditionally, the cups of nursing bras are covered with flaps of fabric that can be unclasped at the top and pulled down to expose the breast.

Open Cup Bra
The brassier has two large open cups to reveal the nipples or may have thin lace straps that barely cover them on ruffles that hang down over them teasingly.

Padded Brassier
This bra comes with padding inside the cup linings, adding volume to smaller breasts.

Peephole / Peek a Boo Brassier
The type of bra that has cups loosely covering the breasts, which also includes holes around the nipples.

Push-up Brassier
The breasts are lifted and placed closer together to enhance the cleavage. Many push-up bras contain padding, typically made of foam or rubber, but some contain gel-filled pads.

Racerback Bra
Has shoulder straps that come over the shoulder in a V pattern very close to the neck. This design is sometimes worn under strapless dresses or tops where traditional straps would be very obviously exposed. Many Sport bras use the racerback.

Shelf Bra
Essentially a rigid band, usually underwires, along the inframammary line that pushes up while covering none, or only a narrow strip, of the breast leaving the nipples bare.

Softcup Brassier
Has no underwire support in the cups. Rather they rely on the strength of the underband to provide support to the bust.

Sport Brassier
Provides firm support for the breasts, and are meant to prevent discomfort or embarrassment during vigorous exercise.

Strapless Brassier
Strapless bras come with no straps or straps that can be removed. This style is very useful for clothes that bare shoulders, such as tube dresses and halter tops.

U-plunge Brassier
Allows you to wear clothes that have a deep plunging neckline.

Underwire Bra
Designed to give extra support and endurance. They have a wire, metal or plastic, running under each cup to provide rigid support to the bust.

Adhesive Bra
Balconette Bra
Belly Dance Bra
Bralett
Bridal Bra/Corset
Built-in Bra
Coin Brassier
Convertible Bra
Demi Bra
Front Closure Bra
Full Cup Bra
Half Cup Bra
Maternity Bra
Minimizer Bra
Moulded Bra
Novelty Bra
Nursing Bra
Padded Bra
Peephole Bras
Push-up Bra
Racerback Bra
Shelf Bra
Sports Bra
Strapless Bra
T-shirt Bra
Training Bra
U-plunge Bra
Vintage Bra