Bra Terminology
Balconette bras
A balconette cup will be cut horizontally just above the bust line and gives breasts the look of fullness and uplift. The seams on the balconette bra are designed to lift breasts upward and the straps on the bra are set wider apart.
Liquid bras
Liquid bras contain a pocket of gel in both cups and can add up to a cup size to your breasts.
Minimiser bras
The minimiser bra is designed to redistribute the breast. Large breasted women like a minimiser because they feel it makes them look smaller in the chest. A minimiser may allow you to wear button-front blouses without creating a pulling look or gaping between buttons.
A minimiser does not reduce the size of your breasts. The cup shape is designed with a wider diameter and a shorter projection. Your malleable breast tissue is flattened and moved more under your arms, towards your centre cleavage, up your chest and down towards your waist. Some minimisers push your breast tissue more in one of these directions than others.
Moulded bra
Moulded bras can give you a smooth line under clothing. Moulded bras have seamless cups which are moulded to fit the shape of the bust.
Convertible bra
Convertible bras have straps than can be worn in a variety of ways including halter neck and cross over at the back (great for racer back singlets). The convertible bra can also be worn as a standard bra with T-shirts. Some convertible bras also come with an additional strap that can be used to convert the bra into a low back style.
Padded bra
Padded bras have a padded lining in the cups. The thickness of the padding varies depending on the brand of bra. Padded bras can increase your cup size and create shape as well as providing lift and cleavage.
Plunge bra
A plunge bra is cut low at the centre front and is designed for wear under low cut tops and dresses. Plunge bras may be padded depending on the cup size and can enhance cleavage.
Push up or boost bra
Push up or boost bras create the appearance of increased lift and cleavage. Push up or boost bras usually have increased padding in the lining of the cups or pockets on the inside of each cup to place cloth or silicone inserts.
Adhesive bra
Designed for backless tops and dresses, adhesive bras come in varieties including those that stick directly to the bust or adhere with tape around the breast tissue. Adhesive bras with a clasp at the front can enhance cleavage. Adhesive bras are also available for backless garments that are also low cut or plunging at the front.
Sports bra
Sports bras are designed to reduce the bounce of the bust and give superior support to the bust during exercise. Reduction of bouncing of the bust during exercise can reduce damage to breast tissue. Sports bras are designed around level of activity therefore can provide medium to maximum support as required.
Soft cup bra
Soft cup bras do not have an under wire however they can still offer great support to those who prefer the comfort of a non wire bra.
