Bra Glossary: Your Go-To Guide

Wondering what exactly qualifies as a t-shirt bra?
Not sure what the difference between a balconette and a demi bra is?

Look no further! This Bra Glossary is the next best thing to asking an Allure fit specialist.

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Adhesive Bra (NuBra)

Seamless cups that 'stick' to the body with a medical grade adhesive. These bras are washable and can be worn many times. Always follow the directions on the package for proper washing.

What to Wear Them With

Adhesive bras are perfect for plunging necklines or backless dresses. They are also great for halter tops, tank tops, drop shoulder sleeves, or any garment that shows a lot of skin. The positioning of the adhesive cups determines the amount of cleavage, while clear adhesive straps provide lift.

Can I Wear Them?

NuBra now manufactures up to a G cup! Now more women than ever can enjoy this versatile option. However, while adhesive bras will provide some lift depending on how they are worn, they will not offer as much of a structured silhouette as a classic bra.

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Balconette

Balconette, or Balcony Bras, have half coverage cups, cut low across the whole cup, with wide set straps. This creates a look similar to a push-up, but without the heavy lining of a push-up bra, resulting in a more natural, rounded look.

"But What's the difference between a balconette and a demi-cup?"

A balconette is a sub-style of a demi-cup. Balconettes are demi-cups with consistently half-coverage cups (as opposed to three-quarter coverage) and usually with lots of feminine details like lace, ruffles, and bows!

What to Wear Them With

Because of their wide-set straps, balconette bras are great for low-cut necklines. The half-cup design leaves the top swell of the breast tissue exposed, making this a fun and sexy style perfect for date night or girls' night out!

Can I Wear Them?

Balconette bras' wide-set straps and half-coverage cups make them great for women with broader shoulders and firm breast tissue, and they work well for both petite and full busted women. However, women with more narrow or sloping shoulders may find the straps slipping down on them. Women with more loose breast tissue may also find that the half-coverage cups may lack the necessary shaping and support, and opt for three-quarter or full coverage cups instead.

That said, if you like the way you look in a balconette bra, then a balconette bra is for you!

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Bralette

Bralettes are generally wire free garments, usually without hook and eye closures. They are multi-sized (i.e. XS - XL) rather than using band and cup sizes, and typically include lots of feminine details, like lace or decorative straps.

What to Wear Them With

Bralettes are a fun, casual option that can be worn a variety of ways, in or out of the house. For a casual look, bralettes can be worn under loose t-shirts or camisoles, peeking out of a low-backed sweater, or under a button-down shirt.

However, while bralettes can offer some support, they do not create as much definition or support as a wired bra, and so may not be the preferred option for more structured garments or formal settings.

Can I Wear Them?

Bralettes have a reputation for being unlined and unsupportive. However, this isn't always the case! As a fit specialty store, Allure carries bralettes that are specifically designed to support larger bust sizes, up to 40 band and H cups!

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Contour Cup

Also known as a molded cup, contour cup bras are what we usually picture when we think "t-shirt bra." You can tell a bra has a contour cup if the bra holds its shape, even if not on the body. Contour bras have seamless cups with a typically foam lining and can be wired or wire-free. The name contour or molded cup comes from the method used to manufacture the bras, in which the material is heat pressed over pre-sized forms.

What to Wear Them With

Because of their smooth, seamless cups, contour cup bras are great under t-shirts, light fabric tops, and tight garments. They give the breasts a rounded, symmetrical shape.

Can I Wear Them?

Contour cup bras are great for just about any body type! Many women gravitate toward contour cups cups for the modesty provided by the foam lining, and for their smooth, rounded finish under clothes.

However, because they are built over pre-sized forms, a contour cup may create some gaping between the breast tissue and the material of the bra. If you experience persistent gaping in your cups, even after being properly fitted, consider asking your fit specialist about non-contour or seamed-cup bras, which may offer a more personalized fit. Likewise, women with full, heavy breast tissue may also benefit more from the shaping panels of a seamed cup.

Of course, this is always up to personal preference! The most important thing is how you feel in your bra.

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Convertible Bra

Convertible bras are bras whose straps are designed to be worn multiple ways. The straps may detach entirely, or include hardware for racerback conversion. While strapless bras fall under the category of convertible bras (they typically come with attachable straps), not all convertible bras are designed to be worn completely strapless.

What to Wear Them With

Convertible bras are perfect for halter tops, tank tops, or any sleeveless garment that may expose bra straps. The versatility of a convertible bra makes them a great addition to any woman's bra repertoire!

Can I Wear Them?

Of course! Anyone can wear a convertible bra. If the style you want doesn't have convertible hardware, ask your fit specialist about convertible clips!

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Demi Cup

Demi-cup bras have half or three-quarter coverage cups, with wide set straps. This style creates a look similar to a push-up, but without the heavy lining of a push-up bra, resulting in a more natural, rounded look.

What to Wear Them With

Because of their wide-set straps and partial coverage cups, demi bras are great for low-cut and open necklines. They are also great for everyday wear, especially for women with smaller busts who may be overwhelmed by full coverage bras.

Can I Wear Them?

Demi bras' wide-set straps and partial-coverage cups make them great for women with broader shoulders and firm breast tissue, and work well for petite and full busted women. However, women with more narrow or sloping shoulders may find the straps slipping down on them. Women with less firm breast tissue may also prefer a cup with more coverage for a rounder shape.

That said, the most important thing is how you feel in your bra. If you like it, wear it!

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Fashion Bra

Fashion bras are any bra that is not Nude, White, or Black in color, and come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors. At Allure, the term fashion bra refers to the color of the bra -- So even if it has pretty lace details, if the bra is a nude shade, black, or white, it isn't a fashion bra!

What to Wear Them With

Because of their fun colors (and often designs), fashion bras are perfect for date nights, girls' nights out, or just a personal happy moment! Fashion colors will often show through light colored or thin garments, so they are best worn with darker colors, patterned fabrics, or items like structured dresses. Or, if you're feeling bold, show off peeks of your fashion bra with a low-cut or drop shoulder top! The possibilities are endless!

Can I Wear Them?

Because fashion bras can come in just about any cut and style of bra, any woman can wear a fashion bra if she chooses! Allure carries a wide variety of fashion bras, from petite to plus sizes. If you're tired of the usual ho-hum colors and styles of your size range, stop by an Allure location and see for yourself our wide selection of beautiful options!

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Full Coverage Bra

Bras with full coverage cups cover most, if not all, of the breast tissue. These bras can offer more coverage and support for fuller busted women. "Full coverage" describes more the structure than style of the bra, and so full coverage cup bras can come in a variety of styles including sport, strapless, and more.

What to Wear Them With

Full coverage bras work well under t-shirts, blouses, or any garment that doesn't have too low of a neckline. Because full coverage bras cover most of the breast tissue, they come up higher than a plunge or demi-cup, and so may not be the best choice for clothing with lower necklines. Bras with full coverage cups are also a good option for work wear, because they keep the breast tissue fully supported and contained for a smooth, professional look.

Can I Wear Them?

Full coverage cups work great for women with full breasts who need more coverage and support. They are also a good option for women with loose breast tissue, who may "spill out" of bras with lower cut cups. While any woman can wear a bra with full coverage cups, women with smaller busts may feel overwhelmed by all the fabric of a full coverage bra and opt for something like a demi-cup instead.

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Leisure Bra

Leisure style bras are wireless, unpadded bras that offer a light to medium level of support, and are focused more on comfort than support or shape. Some bralettes and wireless bras can fall under the category of "leisure style bras."

What to Wear Them With

Leisure style bras are a comfortable alternative to going braless, making them great for sleeping in, travel, or for downtime around the house. They're an important part of every woman's bra repertoire for when you want some support and coverage, with little fuss.

Can I Wear Them?

Leisure bras are great for any body type! Ask your fit specialist about CoziGirl leisure bras, available in sizes small to extra large. Designed by bra fitters, CoziGirl's light support and smoothing back coverage makes it a perfect leisure bra for evenings, weekends, and travel.

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Longline Bustier

Longline bustiers are strapless garments with material that extends to cover your torso and stomach. A full length longline extends to your hips and includes flexible boning for support, and panels for waist and stomach smoothing. Clasps all the way up the back offer a snug, adjustable fit.

What to Wear Them With

Longlines's strapless design and body-shaping panels make them great for wear under formal dresses, particularly wedding gowns. However, if the gown has a lighter material, the boning of the longline may show through. Depending on the cut of the dress, your fitter may suggest pairing a longline with shapewear, and tucking the longline under the shapewear's band to create a fully smooth silhouette.

Can I Wear Them?

Longline bustiers are great for women with fuller busts who want more support than just a strapless bra. Allure carries longlines in 32 to 44 bands, with cup sizes B to H. Be sure to discuss the garment you plan to wear over the longline with your fit specialist! Your fitter may have advice on how to wear the longline, or may even suggest a different garment based on your needs.

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Minimizer

Minimizer bras are designed to press the breast tissue closer to the torso while spreading it evenly across the chest, resulting in a smoother, smaller, and more even look to the bust. These bras feature separated cups, firm material, and wide shoulder straps and bands for firm, smooth support. Minimizers can be built with or without underwires.

What to Wear Them With

Minimizers' smooth cups make them a great option for wear under t-shirts or garments with thin fabric. Because they reduce forward projection, minimizer bras can be great under button-down shirts to prevent pesky gaping between buttons. Their wide bands also offer back and side smoothing, making them a nice option for tight or fitted garments. However, they are typically full coverage, and so may not be the best option for low cut tops.

Can I Wear Them?

Minimizers aren't just for women with larger cup sizes who are looking to reduce the appearance of their bust. Because minimizers even out the breast tissue, they are also great for women with a size difference between their breasts. The firm material of the cups also makes minimizers a good choice for women with more loose breast tissue, creating a smooth, round shape and preventing spillage.

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Non-Contour Bra

Non-contour bras have lined cups made from cut fabric, and typically have no padding. These bras can be wired or non-wire, with or without seams. The phrase "non-contour" refers to the structure of the bra rather than the style, and so they come in a variety of styles and cuts including sports bras, demi-cups, plunges, minimizers, and more! If the bra does not keep its shape when off the body, it is a non-contour bra.

What to Wear Them With

Because non-contour bras come in so many styles and cuts, they can be worn with just about any garment, depending on the style of bra chosen! The possibilities are endless.

Can I Wear Them?

Any woman can wear a non-contour bra! In fact, non-contour bras can often provide a more personalized fit than contour bras, because they are not made over a pre-sized mold. If you have struggled with gaping cups in contour or "t-shirt" bras, consider asking your Allure bra fit specialist about non-contour bras! 

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Plunge Bra

Plunge bras have cups that are cut low and angled toward a low center gore, creating a deep v-shaped neckline. They also feature wide-set straps. Plunge bras keep the outer portion of the breast covered and supported, while exposing and angling together the inner breast tissue.

What to Wear Them With

These bras' plunging necklines and wide-set straps make them perfect for low-cut and open-neckline shirts and dresses. A plunge bra can also be a great style for everyday wear because of its smooth cups and short underwires that won't dig into the skin.

Can I Wear Them?

Plunge bras are a versatile style that work well for many body types. Smaller busted women may love this style for the slight lift the angled cups give breast tissue, accentuating the bust without the heavy padding of a push-up bra.

For women with larger busts, a plunge bra's angled cups mean the bust is still covered and supported while creating a seductive "pushed together" look. However, women with less firm breast tissue may experience some gaping at the top of the cup and might prefer opting for a different style.

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Seamed Cup

Seamed cup bras, also called cut-and-sew or multi-part cups, are made with two or more pieces of fabric sewn together. They can be wired or wire-free and have lined, unpadded cups. Seamed cups often use a variety of directions and placements of seams to create different shapes and support -- Generally speaking, the more parts to the cup, the more structure and shaping of the bust. Seamed cups also fall under the category of non-contour bras.

What to Wear Them With

Some may have the preconception that seamed bras will always show under clothing, but this is not always the case! Seamed bras can be a beautiful and versatile option for many women. They come in a variety of cuts and so can work with low-cut tops, blouses, halter tops, and more! 

While some seamed bras will be visible under t-shirts and light blouses, Allure carries several seamed bras whose seams are specifically engineered to lay flat and smooth under clothing, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Can I Wear Them?

Seamed cups are often a great option for women with larger busts because of the extra support and shaping seams provide. For example, side panels create a more forward shape and keep breast tissue from chafing under arms, while vertical seams provide extra lift and support to the bust. 

Seamed cups can also provide a more personalized fit than contoured bras because they are not made over pre-sized forms. The different pieces of fabric come together to hug the shape of the breast, as opposed to the breast tissue simply resting in the cup as with contour bras.

In short, if you are looking for lots of structure and support, and a more personalized fit, ask your Allure fit specialist about seamed cup bras!

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Sports Bra

Sports bras are designed to provide maximum support and reduce movement of the bust during physical exercise. They can incorporate a variety of design features for comfort and support, including moisture wicking fabric and comfort straps. Sports bras are designed for different levels of exercise: High impact for more vigorous activity that results in more bounce like running, and low impact for less intense workouts like yoga or walking.

What to Wear Them With

You can wear sports bras with any of your workout wear, either under an athletic shirt or on their own. They can also be worn under work clothes for women who work active jobs that require a lot of movement, such as nurses. Low impact sports bras can also be comfortable for weekend wear or light physical activity like gardening. 

Can I Wear Them?

Any woman can wear a sports bra! Allure carries sports bras in plus sizes as well as petites, in high or low impact. If you are unsure about your sports bra needs, talk to your Allure fit specialist about the activities you plan to wear the bra for. 

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Strapless Bra

A strapless bra is a bra that is designed to be worn without shoulder straps. They often include design features such as silicone lining in the band to help provide support and avoid slippage. Wider bands and wires also increase support. All of Allure's strapless bras have contour cups for added structure.

What to Wear Them With

Strapless bras are perfect for halter tops, tank tops, drop shoulder sleeves, or any garment with an open or unusual neckline. Some strapless bras have a plunging neckline, but if the garment has a plunging back, an adhesive bra may be a better option.

Can I Wear Them?

Absolutely! Allure carries strapless bras in band sizes 30 to 46, up to a J cup -  and they're actually supportive. Stop by an Allure store and see for yourself!


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Underwire Bra

Underwire bras are just what the name implies -- they feature a wire that sits under your breast tissue! The purpose of the wire is to lift and separate the breasts, creating a structured and supported silhouette to the bust. The placement and length of the wire can vary between bras and serve different purposes. For example, a longer wire will surround more of the breast tissue and create more separation and shaping of your breast tissue. 

What to Wear Them With

You can wear an underwire bra with any garment you choose! The choice to wear a wire or not is entirely up to personal preference for silhouette, support, shape, and comfort. 

Can I Wear Them?

Women of any bust size can wear a bra with an underwire, but women with fuller cups may especially prefer the support a wire offers. If you have medical issues, such as post-surgery or breast cancer related issues, make sure you are cleared by your doctor before wearing an underwire bra. 

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Wireless Bra

Wireless bras are just as the name says -- They are bras structured to offer support to the bust with no underwire. These bras are often focused on comfort and come in a variety of styles, cuts, and sizes.

What to Wear Them With

Wire-free bras can be worn anytime, but they are particularly nice for lounge wear, traveling, or running errands because of the comfort they offer. 

Can I Wear Them?

Any woman can wear a wireless bra if she chooses! Even if you typically wear wires, it's a good idea to have a wireless option in your bra repertoire for when you need something comfortable. While wireless bras do offer support, they typically create a less structured, or more rounded silhouette than underwire bras. For a more structured silhouette in a wireless bra, be sure to look for one with seams that will help to lift and shape the breast tissue.

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Hopefully this guide has answered most, if not all of your burning bra questions! For more information, ask your fit specialist while shopping in your preferred Allure location.

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