Types of Women's Bras

A bra is a form-fitting undergarment that supports and elevates a woman's breasts. It is worn with a range of clothing styles and is designed for aesthetic, fashion or practical reasons, such as minimizing movement or providing support. There are many different types of bras, including wired and soft cup bras, padded and strapless bras, longline and crop top bras, lace and satin bras, as well as maternity and nursing bras. There are also mastectomy bras, compression and sports bras, and even bras built into swimsuits and camisoles.

The first modern bra is credited to Herminie Cadolle of France, who in 1889 created a two-piece undergarment that split the corset into separate parts for the waist and breasts. Women breathed a sigh of relief as the modern bra emerged, freeing them from the suffocating Victorian ideal of a voluptuous bosom on top of a teensy waist.

In the roaring 1920s, when flappers debuted and wore a new androgynous look, bandeau bras flattened breasts. Then came a period of experimentation in the 1930s, when new fabrics and styles led to the creation of padded bras and push-up bras.

These are a good option for larger breast sizes or fuller breast shapes as they offer a lot of support. They come in a variety of styles and are perfect for wearing with t-shirts, dresses or tops that require back coverage. These are a great choice for women who want to show off some skin as they are made in fancy fabrics like tulle, satin and lace with convoluted designs.women's bamboo bras