Bra Styles
Does bra shopping ever feel like a completely overwhelming experience - especially if maybe you've tried to do it online and you're just sitting there with a deer in headlights look at the many different styles? Do you ever feel like you just can't find anything that grabs your attention?
Bra's generally fit into one of several categories. What you wear and what you need should be decided on your needs and then your likes.
I'm going to touch on some of the major styles of bras, but there are tons of sub categories that cross boundaries. For example - a tshirt bra is a smooth, usually seamless or very few seams that is supposed to appear 'invisible' under a tshirt. These bras can have minimal padding, major pushup, a plunge shape, etc.
Balconette
This style of bra has wider set straps which helps the cups create a 'balcony' shape...your ladies served up on a platter! Just kidding. This style is cut straight across rather angling over your cleavage which gives you a really nice look with those wide neck (boat neck, scoop, square neck) tops. This is a good style for about anyone - shows off enough for the those with not much and still has support for those that need it. A great choice for your session.
Convertible
These bras generally cross style lines, but they have straps that can be adjusted to a variety of ways. You can wear it as a regular 2 strap, halter, cross back, with the straps lower/closer to your waist for low back clothing, even a single strap depending on your cup size. These can also sometimes be worn as a strapless bra. Not one I would recommend for a shoot unless you're wearing it under something.
Full Figure/Full Coverage
These bras are generally designed for those ladies with larger cup sizes that require more support. They also usually have slightly wider straps to help support and prevent the digging in feeling that may be present with thinner straps. You'll often find these having 3 or 4 rows of hooks instead of the more traditional 2 hook. Fortunately over the past few years you can now find this type of bra in much less matronly styles. Many lingerie lines are introducing full coverage bras in lace or a mesh and in pretty patterns and colors.
Demi
In my opinion for most of us in the middle of the road for sizing, the demi is the workhorse. It's cut low enough to handle low cut tops, but covers enough to not be too risque (though it can have a lot of fun!). Perfect for everyday and still able to take out that night. You'll find these with a variety of padding levels - from none to va-va-voom - and in a head spinning number of colors, patterns and fabrics.
A slight variation of a demi is the plunge. The plunge is a bit more revealing than the demi and is designed for low cut tops. It does create some gorgeous cleavage and is perfect for a night out.
Bandeau/Strapless
This is a big of a mash-up of styles. Bandeau bras generally don't have much, if any padding. They are simply a band that goes around the breasts. Best worn by those with smaller cups that need less support. You'll also find this style sewn into camisoles.
Strapless bras can run the gamut from the bandeau style to a more classic demi style with padding. These bras (like the bandeau) usually have elastic and a silicone ribbon around the top to help keep them in place. Personally, I feel like these are some of the hardest styles to fit. If you find a strapless bra that stays put and doesn't pinch & pull, buy 2 or 3 and cover your color needs (black, nude, colors).
Countour/Molded
You'll probably find this style referred to as t-shirt bra. They are generally VERY smooth so they become invisible under clothing. The cups are molded to retain their shape (remember the VS memory bra's? Similar concept). Unlike an unlined or softer bra, your breast will conform to the bra which can give you a really nice shape. These come in a variety of styles - demi, full coverage, balconette, etc.
(I have this Third Love option shown and I LOVE it!)
Push-Up
Think Wonderbra and a lot of the VS styles you see today. These bra's can "add" a variety of cup sizes. They have a fair amount of padding along the bottom of the cup and provide that rounded cleavage look that some women strive for. Some people feel these bras are false advertising, but if they make you feel a little va-va-voom, then rock it girl! These bras are sometimes necessary for the smaller chested women to fill out a special outfit. I know I have a couple shirts that look a million times better with a little shove upwards.
Racerback
Racerback bras can be sports bra styled (see below) or a more traditional style; the main difference is instead of 2 parallel straps in back, the straps join below the base of the neck and form 1 larger strap. These bras are front close which has its own benefits. Best use of these bras is for certain sleeveless cut tops/dresses, and racerback tanks. You'll also find this style in larger sizes due to the front closure.
Sports
Sports bras differ from most of the above in that the point is to, for lack of a better description, smush the breasts down. Rather than simply providing support (which they do), they also do an important job to minimize movement when doing certain activities. Your activity and cup size are what dictate the sports bra style you need. Those people with small chests can get buy with a simple, almost bandeau style (with straps!) sports bra. Those women with larger chests need to look for something that divides and conquers. This is one area that requires trial and error. If you're doing low-impact activities (yoga), your support & smush needs are not nearly as great as if you're a runner.
Do you think I hit the major ones? Think again, there are a ton of subcategories. But these are probably the most common ones you'll find, most of the others are variations on a theme. Plus I can save those for a future post!
So what to wear for your session? Honestly, wear what makes you feel comfortable - but consider taking a step outside your comfort zone and try something new. I know it seems like a big expense, but consider that something a little daring and different can be worn for for more than just our shoot. If I had to prod you to a choice, I'd suggest balconettes, demis/plunge as a starting point.
The best news is that you really don’t have to stress about this for your boudoir session with Unleashed Boudoir because we have an epic client closet filled with a ton of options that we will help you pick out during your wardrobe consultation.
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