10 Types of Bras Every Woman Should Own
Your Guide to Every Type of Bra Worth Owning, From Sweat-Wicking to Multiway
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Shopping for a new bra can be overwhelming, to say the least. There are thousands of options out there, and finding the one that's just right for you and your body type is no easy feat. To help you find the best choices, we went on a mission to uncover the types of bras worth investing in. We came up with several different categories, from a cleavage-enhancing push-up bra to a useful strapless bra and even some sexy choices, like a balconette bra or a see-through bra (some of which could be better-suited for those with a small bust). Plus, there's the T-shirt bra you're going to wear every single day; the multiway bra that's so essential; the underwire bra that will keep you supported; and the latest addition to the market: a thermoregulating TempSync bra for heavy sweaters or bigger busts. Keep reading for more information on how to wear them and when to replace them, and shop all our top picks and add the ones you love most to your shopping cart.
1 A Push-Up Bra
What it does: Designed with additional padding — in the form of foam, gel, water, or air — at the bottom portion of the cup to lift the breast, it gives the illusion of a fuller bust and can create cleavage where none existed. A good push-up can also lift without necessarily adding volume.
When to wear it: It's most frequently used for eveningwear or with outfits that benefit from a more filled-out bodice.
When to replace it: You're likely not wearing these very often, unless the club is a nightly stopping point, so if cared for properly, this bra should last at least nine months.
Shop: Lively The No-Wire Push Up Bra ($9, originally $45). Camio Mio Personalized Uplift Bra ($17, originally $62). Pepper Lift Up Bra ($65).
2 A Strapless Bra
What it does: This trusty bra — with wide sides and sewn-in silicone stitching along the edges to keep it in place on your skin — is essential to avoid pesky bra straps peeking out underneath your clothes. Some are even made with a plunging front, for more versatility with skin-baring pieces, or a corseted bottom to provide added support.
When to wear it: You might not wear strapless tops very often, but even for those pieces with thin straps, you'll probably want a strapless bra.
When to replace it: Although it depends on frequency of wear, it's a good idea to pick up a new one at the start of every summer, when you are sure to start wearing it a lot more often and will need one poised to perform at its best.
Shop: Lively The No-Wire Strapless Bra ($10, originally $48). Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau ($28). Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra ($78).
3 A Basic Bralette
What it does: A bralette is a comfy choice for every day that we love. Typically seamless and either made of cotton or spandex, it's one of those everyday bras you always turn to because it's supportive yet still comfortable.
When to wear it: The question with this bra isn't when to wear it but when not to. Resist the urge to wear the same one every day. It's true that bras should have at least a day off between wearings, as body heat tends to relax the fabric.
When to replace it: This is the one you actually need to replace most often. If you wear it several times a week, you might get four to five months out of it before it loses its fit. Luckily, you can get these on the cheap side, so stocking up often won't be so frustrating.
Shop: Hanes Comfy Support Wirefree Bra ($15). True & Co. True Body Triangle Convertible Bralette ($29-$49, originally $49). Boody Shaper Bra ($20).
4 A Balconette Bra
What it does: Consider this the ultimate date-night bra. This ultraflattering underwire option, which comes with or without padding and is often made with lace elements, has cups that are angled to expose the top of the breast.
When to wear it: It's perfect for low-cut tops or those with wide scoop or square necklines where an everyday bra would show. And if there's ever a chance your bra will be seen by a lucky partner, this is the style that is a true crowd-pleaser.
When to replace it: You probably won't wear it more than once a week, but because it is more delicate, this bra should still be replaced every year to 18 months if it's starting to lose its hold.
Shop: Cuup The Balconette Bra ($20-$75, originally $68-$75). Victoria's Secret Wicked Unlined Boho Floral Embroidery Balconette Bra ($27, originally $60). Intimissimi Denise Lace Balconette Bra ($65).
5 A See-Through Bra
What it does: This type of bra is sexy, there's no way around it. This is for the times when you want to put on a little show, or feel sexy and beautiful just for yourself.
When to wear it: It can be worn everyday so long as your top is opaque enough. These are bras that were quite literally made to be seen, but they can also be just a fun secret between you and yourself.
When to replace it: It really depends on how you wear it. If you're using it as an everyday bra, give it the general feel test you would with a t-shirt bra. If it's a special occasion bra, it can be kept for years.
Shop: Cuup The Plunge ($20-$75, originally $68-$75). Harper Wilde ComfortMesh Triangle Bralette ($48). Journelle Romy Demi Bra ($98).
6 An Underwire Bra
What it does: Underwire bras are essential for people with larger chests, because the name of the game is support. The wire holds you up and makes you feel supported. Consider this an everyday staple, particularly if you've got a C cup or above.
When to wear it: Whenever you feel the need for extra smoothness or support. These are the everyday bras, the special occasion bras, and everything in between. The trick is finding underwire bras that don't dig in, but we've done that for you!
When to replace it: This is similar to a t-shirt bra. Give it about a year if you're wearing it constantly. You'll also be able to tell if the bra has completely lost its shape, or worst case scenario, the underwire starts poking out.
Shop: Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria Lightly Lined Full-Coverage Bra ($37, originally $50). Agent Provocateur Lorna Bra ($145). Thirdlove 24/7 Classic Perfect Coverage Bra ($74).
7 A T-Shirt Bra
What it does: As unpleasing as a panty line, seeing the texture of a lacy bra (or even the outline of a nipple) can ruin an otherwise seamless look. As its name promises, this bra has smooth, contoured cups made of thin foam to give you a predetermined shape to wear under thin fabrics like T-shirt material.
When to wear it: You'll know. As much as you love that frilly bra with the tiny beaded embellishments, the minute you toss on that silk blouse or slinky dress, you'll know you have to go with something smoother.
When to replace it: Next to the bralette, you might find this to be your go-to undergarment, so plan to replace it every six months after regular wear.
Shop: Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra ($44-$74, originally $74). Third Love 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra ($74). Cuup The Scoop ($23-$78, originally $49-$78).
8 A Statement Bra
What it does: Normally, you want your bra to be unobtrusive, but there are those moments when a gorgeous bra is just meant to be seen. For those occasions, it's smart to have an eye-catching bra, whether it has sexy straps, beautiful lace, or a pattern that really pops.
When to wear it: Underneath sheer tops where the idea is that your bra is visible. Or depending on the venue, it can even be worn on its own as a bustier or bikini top.
When to replace it: This bra, even if inexpensive, can be seen as an investment and should ideally be one you can keep your whole lifetime, just as you do the clothes you wear on top of it.
Shop: Savage X Fenty Perfect Poppies Unlined Lace Demi Bra ($50). Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria Lightly Lined Lace Full Coverage Bra ($22, originally $55). Camio Mio Lace Unlined Side Support Bra ($43, originally $62).
9 A Multiway Bra
What it does: Of all the bras you don't have, it's likely you've avoided purchasing this one. It's definitely the most complicated one to figure out, but that's because it's the most versatile. Its modifiable straps can transform into a halter, racer-back, one-shoulder, or strapless style. Owning one of these keeps you from having to own a handful of other rarely used bras.
When to wear it: Whenever you need a quick solution for a complicated outfit without the time or cash to buy a specially made bra.
When to replace it: As versatile as these are, you likely aren't wearing one-shoulder cocktail dresses too often, so consider this backup-plan bra one you can keep in the back of your closet for years before upgrading.
Shop: Wacoal Halo Convertible Strapless Underwire Bandeau Bra ($65). Chantelle Norah Strapless Bra ($88). Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra ($10, originally $48).
10 A Sweat-Wicking Bra
What it does: This bra is the world's first thermoregulating bra (available with underwire and without), where the fabric is infused with natural minerals to balance body temperature as you go about your day. The patented 37.5 Tech fabric, created by Thirdlove, feels like mesh with lightweight foam cups.
When to wear it: Whether you're going through menopause and experiencing hot flashes; it's soaring temperatures outside; or you're going to be running around and doing heavy lifting, the bra starts "cooling" before you even start to sweat — so think of it as a preventative measure to take while getting dressed.
When to replace it: You can preserve this bra for years as long as you follow the care instructions. Hand wash it in cold water and lay flat to dry. If you wash your bras in the machine, zip this one up in a garment bag and definitely don't throw it in the dryer!
Shop: Thirdlove Thermoregulating TempSync T-Shirt Bra ($78). Thirdlove Thermoregulating TempSync Wireless Bra ($72).
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
India Yaffe was an associate editor on the Shopping team at PS for five years. She focused on curating the best fitness, fashion, beauty, and home products on the market for the PS audience.
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.
