Choosing the right bra isn’t just about size — it’s about coverage, construction, and the look you want to achieve. Whether you’re wearing breast forms, attachable breastplates, or natural breasts, knowing the differences between bra types can make your outfits more flattering, comfortable, and confidence-boosting.

Coverage: How Much of the Breast Is Covered?

Cupless Bras

• No cups; just underwire or straps to support the breasts
• Erotic or intimate styling
• Not for everyday wear — purely aesthetic
• Tip: Best with secure attachable breast forms or breastplates

Demi Cup Bras

• Cups cover about half to three-quarters of the breast with a low neckline
• Designed to show cleavage, not create it
• Works best with attachable breast forms to prevent slippage

Balconette & Half Cup Bras

• Horizontal neckline, wide-set straps; cups cover only the bottom half of the breast
• Flattering for dresses and wide necklines
• Best with attachable breast forms that can be worn braless — non-attached forms can slide out of place

Full Coverage Bras

• Cups cover the entire breast
• Comfortable and secure
• Always the style used for pocket bras that hold breast forms

Construction: How the Bra Is Built

Bralettes & Training Bras

• Comfort-focused, often minimal support
• Usually come in smaller cup sizes
• Often bandeau-style; let breast forms move more naturally

Long Line Bras

• Extend past the band, often down to the ribcage or waist
• Add extra support and smoothing
• Good for larger cups or band sizes

Two-Piece Cups

• Cups made of two fabric sections
• Provide lift and shaping with a softer silhouette

Three-Piece Cups

• Cups made from three fabric sections
• Create a rounded, uplifted shape with strong structure
• Often used in larger cup sizes for added support

Soft Cup Bras

• Unlined or lightly lined cups
• Lift without heavy padding
• Show the natural shape of the breast or breast form

T-Shirt / Molded Cup Bras

• Smooth, lightly padded, rounded cups
• Everyday wear; invisible under clothes
• Great for crossdressers just starting out who aren’t ready to wear breast forms yet

Look: The Visual Effect

Bullet Bras

• Conical, pointy cups that create a dramatic vintage silhouette
• Not fuller — just sharper and more structured
• Usually stuffed with padding or tissue to hold the shape (since breasts don’t naturally look this way without surgery)

Lingerie Bras

• Any bra designed for aesthetics — lace, mesh, satin
• Sexy, decorative, and confidence-boosting
• Often minimal support; lets breast forms move more freely

Bandeau Bras

• Straight-across elastic band with minimal shaping
• Casual wear, off-shoulder tops, or layering
• Can create a “uni-boob” look; most training bras fall in this category

M Frame Bras

• Vintage pin-up style named for the “M” shape of the stitching
• Pushes breast tissue wider, minimizing cleavage
• Best with firm breast forms to maintain shape

Putting It All Together

When choosing a bra, think about three things:

• Coverage — how much of the breast or form you want held in place
• Construction — whether you want lift, shaping, or comfort
• Look — the aesthetic you’re going for, from vintage drama to everyday smoothness

Understanding how these pieces work together makes it easier to match bras with your outfits, breast forms, and personal style — giving you comfort, security, and a polished finish every time.