According to Wikipedia a brassiere, commonly referred to as a bra, is an article of clothing that
covers, supports, and elevates the breasts.
As well as an undergarment, the bra is considered a foundation garment because of its role in shaping the wearer's
figure. It was originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace
the corset, and has now become, in many parts of the world, the standard method for supporting a woman's
breasts.
So, the basic goal of a bra is pretty much supporting your breasts. Period. This is it.
But, why then all these different shapes and looks?
>Bras today are designed for comfort and, of course, they have to look good,
too.
Now, since your bra is worn as an undergarment, why then is it so important how it looks? Well, since you know what
you are wearing - even though anyone else usually can not see it - is glamerous, attractive and sexy, you probably
feel good and it most certainly will enhance your self-confidence.
Besides comfort in a bra, it should be practical, too. Bras come in many different types and styles, each one
designed to accomplish a specific goal.
There are maternity bras and nursing bras for pregnant women and new mothers, training bras for young girls, sports
bras for active women, padded bras for women who want to look a little bigger, there are strapless and
backless bras for wearing that exciting evening gown, full-figure and plus size bras for the more curvier women and
the list goes on.
And bras must look attractive, too.
Since the combination of fashion with intimate apparel, attractive bras really made an appearance (sometimes,
literally...). Shear bras are an essential part of provocative outfits and a see-through bra goes perfectly
with a pair of white satin panties or black stockings.
Going to a beach party? Try a shell bra, which is made of two scallop shells hold together with heavy string.
Or, try a convertible bra for variable cleavage. This kind of bra comes with strings attached to each side of the
cup. When you pull the strings, the wires under the cups close, pushing the breasts together.
And this is just a small assortment of all the styles and varieties available to you.
Keep in mind: The right bra, worn at the right time can really work wonders (why
else would there be a brand "wonderbra"?), not only for you, but for the other person, too.
Try it! Buy this "hot" looking bra you always wanted to own and see what happens. The level of attention towards
you should soar considerably.
At least, YOU will feel comfortable, sexy and erotic. And you deserve it!
A little BRA-OLOGIE:
Back Wings
Back wings are the strips of fabric, which extend from the outer base of the cups and secure in the back. Important
aspects of the back wings are; stretch vs. non-stretch, the measurement at the widest point (which is usually at
the base of the cups), measurement at the closure, and type of close including number of hooks and eyes.
Balconette
Also known as a shelf bra, Balconettes are a more revealing version of a demi bra. Offering little to no coverage,
balconettes create dramatic uplift and cleavage.
Bralette
A bralette is an unlined, soft cup bra, which resembles a crop top. A bralette is a comfortable bra alternative,
but they do not offer a significant amount of support.
Bustier
A highly structured garment, which extends from bust to hip. Most bustiers have flexible boning throughout the body
of the garment for additional shaping, and close in the back with a long row of hooks and eyes. Additional
features may include removable or convertible straps or garters. Smooth bustiers are perfect under special occasion
wear as they provide both shaping and uplift.
Comfort Straps
Comfort Straps are wider than average straps and are usually padded or lined more evenly distributing the weight of
the breast, increasing the comfort of
the wearer. Comfort straps are an important feature for any woman who has experienced shoulder pain due to her
bra.
Center Gore
The center gore is the piece of fabric, which connects the cups of a bra at the front center. Important aspects of
the center gore include; stretch vs. non-stretch - with the non-stretch offering significantly more support
than
stretch - and width measurement. Bras with low or plunge fronts have thinner center gores making them a good choice
to pair with low cut tops.
Contour Bra
A contour bra has shaped cups, which are always padded or lined. They often have an underwire. Even unfilled, the
cups mimic the natural shape of a woman's body. Contour bras are similar to a molded bra, except molded bras
are generally not as highly structured. Contour bras are a perfect choice for any woman seeking a sculpted
silhouette, as they offer a significant amount of coverage and control.
Cookies
Cookies are oval shaped, removable demi pads. These are generally used in push-up bras, which are designed to
create dramatic, yet adjustable enhancement.
Convertible
Describes any garment which has straps which detach and can be worn in a variety of ways including - criss-cross,
halter, strapless or one shouldered. Convertible bras are a flexible option since they can be worn with a variety
of tops, including boat neck, halter and asymmetrical necklines.
Corset
A corset is a highly structured, form fitted support garment that extends from the bust to the hip. Most corsets
have lace up details, flexible boning throughout the body of the garment for additional shaping, and close in the
back with a long row of hooks and eyes.
Demi
A demi cup bra offers the perfect amount of 'barely there' coverage for petite to average figure women. These bras
offer less coverage than a full cup and more than a balconette. Demi bras cover the nipple and approximately
half to ¾ of the breast, but if it seems like you're "spilling out" of your demi cup it's probably the wrong
size.
Foam Lined
As opposed to padded bras, foam lined bras have a thinner lining. This lining does not add size, but provides
additional shaping as well as protection against nipple show-through.
A key feature to look for in foam lined bras is stretch foam lining. Stretch foam will create a natural looking
silhouette and will keep its shape even after repeated washings.
Full Cup
A full cup bras completely covers most of the breast, offering both more coverage and more support than a demi cup
bra.
Full Figure Bras
Full figure bras start at a size 38C and extend to a 56H. Full figure bras offer comfort and support features
designed specifically for voluptuous women.
Inner Sling
Inner slings are a support feature. They are curved strips of fabric, which follow the natural curve of the bra
similar to an underwire, except soft.
Inner slings follow the curve of the bottom of the cup offering invisible additional coverage.
Minimizer
A minimizer bra reduces the appearance of the bust by up to one cup size.
Molded
Molded bras have cups, which are machine molded. The cups mirror the natural shape of a woman, for shape and
comfort. Molded bras are generally unlined and may be either soft cup or underwire.
Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking fabrics draw moisture away from the skin. This is a great feature to look for in a sports bra.
Padded Padded Bras have some type of padding lining the cups. Graduated padding is thicker at
the base of the cups and creates a natural looking silhouette as well as the appearance of increased cleavage.
Plunge
Plunge bras create the appearance of increased cleavage because of their deep (plunging) front silhouette, angled
cups and thin center gore. Plunge bras differ from push-up bras in that they are not generally as heavily
padded.
Push-Up
Push-up bras create the appearance of increased cleavage using angled cups (which generally have underwires), a
variety of types of padding including
graduated and cookies, and demi cups.
Racerback
A racerback is designed for a no-show fit under tank tops. Most convertible bras can be worn racerback, but a true
racerback bra is a must-have to pair with racerback tanks.
Rigid Straps
Non-stretch straps which are generally adjustable. Rigid straps offer more support than stretch straps. Rigid
straps are an important feature for Full Figure silhouettes. Some bras have straps, which are rigid in the front
and stretch adjustable in the back for additional, adjustable comfort.
Seamless
A bra constructed without seamed cups. There may be seams in other parts of the bra and still be considered
seamless. Seamless bras are a great choice for pairing with clingy knits, and lightweight jerseys since they
are
virtually invisible under clothing.
Soft Cup
Soft Cup bras do not have underwires, but may be padded or lined.
Sports Bra
Sports bras are specifically designed to offer the appropriate amount of support during moderate to intense
physical activity.
Triangle
A triangle bra has triangle shaped cups, which offer the perfect amount of coverage/support for petite to average
figures. Triangle bras may be padded or lined but generally do not have underwires, and most have thin straps,
center gore and back wings.
T-Shirt Bra
Invisible under even the thinnest fabrics, t-shirt bras are seamless, contoured styles generally made of
microfiber. Perfect for all seasons, t-shirt bras create an ultra smooth look under knits, sweaters or clingy
tops.
Underwire
A thin, flexible wire, which offers added support to the cups of bras, bustiers and shapewear. Modern bras are
constructed with comfortable underwires, which don't poke.
