Read Types of Bras Part 1: By the Straps and By the Closure
Finding a bra that fits your life is just as important as finding one that fits your body. Whether you’re heading to the gym, dressing up for an event, recovering from surgery, or simply running errands, the right bra can change how you move, feel, and carry yourself. In Part 2 of our series, we’ll explore functional bras — from sports bras to post-surgical designs — and how they’re engineered to support your body and your confidence.
Sports Bras: Designed for Movement and Support
If you live an active lifestyle, a good sports bra isn’t optional — it’s essential. Sports bras are designed to minimize movement and discomfort of breast tissue during activity, reducing bounce and strain. They help you feel less movement so you can exercise more comfortably and confidently. We recommend wearing a pocketed sports bra with breast forms for extra security. With the right fit, a sports bra can even boost your performance by letting you move freely without distraction.
High-Impact vs. Low-Impact Sports Bras
High-impact sports bras are made for running, HIIT workouts, or any activity with lots of bounce. They offer strong support using compression (holding the breasts close to the chest) or encapsulation (separately supporting each breast).
Low-impact styles are better for activities like yoga, stretching, or walking. They're softer, lighter, and more flexible — great for comfort and ease of motion.
Choosing the right sports bra depends on your workout and personal comfort. Look for one that balances support, breathability, and a fit that makes you want to move.
Shaping Solutions: Minimizers and Push-Up Bras
Not every bra is about exercise — some are all about aesthetics. Minimizer and push-up bras help change your shape depending on the look you're going for.
Minimizer Bras
Minimizer bras are often worn by women with larger cup sizes to help create a more balanced look. They redistribute breast tissue to give the appearance of a smaller bust without flattening or sacrificing comfort — ideal for button-down shirts or anyone who prefers a streamlined silhouette. If you prefer a busty or top-heavy look, be prepared to find many bras that actually work to make your breast forms or natural breast tissue look smaller! We also don’t recommend wearing minimizer bras with silicone breast forms, as the extra pressure can damage or even burst the forms.
Push-Up Bras
Designed to lift and enhance, push-up bras use angled padding and structured cups to bring the breasts upward and closer together, creating a fuller look. They’re perfect if you want to amplify your cleavage or achieve a more dramatic silhouette. However, push-up bras do not work well with most breast forms. Always check to make sure your breast forms are push-up bra friendly — otherwise, they may not sit properly in the cup or could even fall out.
What’s Under the Hood?
Both minimizers and push-ups use carefully engineered padding, fabrics, and structural design to reshape without discomfort. Whether you’re seeking subtle shaping or dramatic enhancement, these styles are tools of empowerment — built to help you look and feel your best. These styles are best for girls who have naturally developed or developing breast tissue, as both types of bras don't work well with silicone breast forms.
Specialty Styles: Bras for Unique Outfits
Some outfits call for more than your everyday bra. From formalwear to fashion statements, specialty bras provide the solutions you need to wear what you love with confidence.
Plunge Bras
Designed with a deep center front, plunge bras are perfect for V-neck or low-cut tops. They lift and shape while staying hidden beneath daring necklines.
Backless Bras
For open-back dresses or tops, backless bras offer support without visible straps. Many use adhesive cups or low-back bands to stay secure and discreet.
Why These Matter
Special occasion bras solve wardrobe challenges and make a huge difference in how your outfit looks — and how you feel in it. With the right support, nothing has to be off-limits.
Medical and Recovery Bras: Comfort When You Need It Most
After surgery or during healing, your bra needs change — and so does your body’s sensitivity. Post-surgical and pocket bras are designed to meet those needs with comfort and dignity.
Post-Surgery Bras
Post-surgery bras may be recommended by a surgeon or doctor to be worn after mastectomies, lumpectomies, implants, and other types of surgeries. These bras provide gentle compression to reduce swelling, promote circulation, and aid in healing. They’re wire-free, soft, and often come with front closures for ease of use. Sometimes called 'recovery care bras', some post-surgery bras will have removable pockets designed to assist with post-surgical drainage.
Pocket Bras
Designed for individuals who use breast forms or prosthetics, pocket bras have discreet compartments to hold them securely in place. They help restore shape and symmetry while staying comfortable and stable throughout the day. But just because a bra has pockets doesn’t mean it must be worn with breast forms or enhancers — pocket bras can be just as comfortable and flattering on their own.
These options aren’t just medical devices — they’re confidence builders. And they’re inclusive, too — ideal for those recovering from top surgery, mastectomy, or transitioning.
Underwire vs. Wireless: The Ongoing Debate
One of the biggest bra choices you’ll face is whether to go with underwire or wireless. Each has its strengths — and potential drawbacks.
| Feature | Underwire Bras | Wireless Bras |
|---|---|---|
| Support | High support, ideal for larger busts | Varies; generally lower support |
| Comfort | May feel restrictive | Typically softer and more flexible |
| Versatility | Less flexible due to structure | Great for lounging, light activity |
Underwire Bras
These bras use a semi-circular wire under the cups for added lift and support. They shape beautifully and are ideal for structured outfits or larger cup sizes — but can feel stiff or uncomfortable for some wearers.
Wireless Bras
These offer freedom of movement and all-day comfort. Ideal for casual wear, travel, or those who dislike pressure against the ribs. Modern wireless bras are also available with improved support and shaping technologies. Your choice depends on what your day looks like — and how you want to feel in your bra.
There’s no one-size-fits-all bra — and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you're exercising, dressing up, healing, or lounging, your bra should serve your life, not the other way around.
Tips for Choosing the Right Functional Bra:
Match it to your lifestyle: Sports bras for movement, plunge bras for style, recovery bras for healing.
Try a few styles: What looks good on paper may feel different on your body.
Listen to your body: Comfort is key. If it digs in, slips off, or makes you fidget — it’s not the one.
The perfect bra should support not just your bust, but your confidence. Explore your options, embrace the variety, and choose bras that feel like they were made just for you.
Looking to buy a bra? Shop our options here and find the perfect fit for you.