Triumph Bra Glossary: Your Complete Guide to Bra Terms

Shopping for a bra can feel overwhelming with so many styles, features, and terms to navigate. This glossary breaks down 25+ common bra terms in plain English so you can shop with confidence and find the perfect fit every time.

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A–Z Bra Terms

Balconette Bra

A balconette bra has a low, wide-set cup that lifts the breasts from below, creating a rounded, shelf-like silhouette. The straps sit wide on the shoulders, making it ideal for wide or square necklines. It offers a flattering lift and is a popular choice for special occasions or everyday wear. Shop balconette bras.

Bralette

A bralette is a soft, unstructured bra with no underwire and minimal padding. Designed for comfort and light support, bralettes are popular for lounging, sleeping, or low-impact activities. They often feature delicate lace or fabric details and are available in a range of sizes. Shop bralettes.

Demi Cup Bra

A demi cup bra covers roughly half the breast, sitting lower on the chest than a full cup. It creates a natural, rounded shape with a subtle lift and works well under low-cut tops and dresses. Demi cups are best suited to smaller to medium cup sizes. Shop demi cup bras.

Full Cup Bra

A full cup bra encases the entire breast for maximum coverage and support. It is the go-to choice for larger cup sizes and those who prefer full coverage throughout the day. Full cup bras often feature wider straps and a firmer band for added comfort. Shop full cup bras.

Hook-and-Eye Closure

The hook-and-eye is the standard fastening system found at the back of most bras. It consists of metal hooks on one side and loops (eyes) on the other. Most bras have two or three columns of eyes, allowing you to adjust the band size as the bra stretches over time. Always start on the loosest hook when the bra is new.

Minimizer Bra

A minimizer bra is designed to redistribute breast tissue to create a slimmer, more streamlined silhouette. It reduces the projected bust profile by up to one cup size without compression. Minimizers are ideal for wearing under fitted clothing or for those who prefer a more understated look. Shop minimizer bras.

Non-Padded Bra

A non-padded bra contains no foam or padding in the cups, offering a natural shape and feel. It is lightweight and breathable, making it a popular everyday choice. Non-padded bras are available in both underwired and wireless styles. Shop non-padded bras.

Nursing Bra

A nursing bra is specially designed for breastfeeding mothers, featuring cups that can be unclipped or folded down for easy access. They offer extra support for heavier post-pregnancy breasts and are made from soft, stretchy fabrics for comfort. Shop nursing bras.

Padded Bra

A padded bra contains foam or fabric padding in the cups to add shape, volume, and coverage. Padding ranges from light (for modesty) to heavy (for significant enhancement). Padded bras are available in molded or sewn-in pad styles. Shop padded bras.

Plunge Bra

A plunge bra has a deep V-shaped center front, making it ideal for low-cut tops and dresses. The cups angle inward to create cleavage while keeping the bra hidden under revealing necklines. Plunge bras are available in padded and non-padded versions. Shop plunge bras.

Push-Up Bra

A push-up bra uses angled padding at the base and sides of the cups to lift and push the breasts together, creating enhanced cleavage. The padding level varies from subtle to dramatic. Push-up bras are a popular choice for special occasions or low-cut outfits. Shop push-up bras.

Racerback Bra

A racerback bra has straps that meet in a Y or T shape at the center of the back, rather than sitting on the outer shoulders. This design keeps straps hidden under racerback tops and activewear, and can also help with strap slippage on narrow shoulders. Shop racerback bras.

Seamless Bra

A seamless bra is constructed without stitched seams on the cups, creating a smooth surface that is invisible under fitted clothing. Made from stretchy, molded fabric, seamless bras are lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. Shop seamless bras.

Soft Cup Bra

A soft cup bra has unstructured cups with no underwire or molded padding. It moves naturally with the body and is prized for comfort, making it a popular choice for loungewear, sleep, or light daily use. Shop soft cup bras.

Sports Bra

A sports bra is engineered to minimize breast movement during physical activity. It comes in two main types: compression (which presses breasts against the chest) and encapsulation (which supports each breast individually). The right sports bra depends on your cup size and the intensity of your activity. Shop sports bras.

Strapless Bra

A strapless bra has no shoulder straps, relying entirely on the band and silicone grip strips to stay in place. It is designed for off-shoulder, strapless, or bandeau-style outfits. A well-fitting band is essential for a strapless bra to work effectively. Shop strapless bras.

T-Shirt Bra

A T-shirt bra has smooth, molded cups with no seams or embellishments, making it completely invisible under fitted tops and T-shirts. It typically features light to moderate padding and is one of the most popular everyday bra styles. Shop T-shirt bras.

Underwire Bra

An underwire bra contains a thin, curved wire sewn into the base of each cup. The wire follows the natural contour of the breast, providing structure, lift, and shape. Underwire bras offer more support than wireless styles and are available in every cup style. Shop underwire bras.

Wireless Bra

A wireless bra (also called a wire-free bra) contains no underwire, relying instead on fabric structure and stretch for support. Wireless bras are praised for their comfort and are a great option for those who find underwire uncomfortable. Modern wireless designs can offer excellent support even for larger cup sizes. Shop wireless bras.

Longline Bra

A longline bra extends below the bust, covering part of the torso like a cropped top. The extra fabric provides additional support and stability, making it a popular choice for larger cup sizes or those who prefer more coverage. Longline bras can also double as stylish crop tops. Shop longline bras.

Convertible Bra

A convertible bra has removable, repositionable straps that can be worn in multiple configurations — straight, crossed, halter, one-shoulder, or strapless — making it a versatile wardrobe staple for outfits with unusual necklines. Shop convertible bras.

Contour Bra

A contour bra features pre-shaped, molded cups that hold their form even when not being worn. The structured cups create a consistent, rounded silhouette and are smooth enough to wear under fitted clothing. Shop contour bras.

Front-Fastening Bra

A front-fastening bra closes at the center front rather than the back, making it easier to put on and take off. It is a popular choice for those with limited shoulder mobility or who simply prefer the convenience of a front clasp. Shop front-fastening bras.

Maternity Bra

A maternity bra is designed to accommodate the changes in breast size and sensitivity during pregnancy. Made from soft, stretchy fabrics with no underwire, maternity bras provide gentle support and can often transition into nursing bras after birth. Shop maternity bras.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a minimizer bra?

A minimizer bra redistributes breast tissue to reduce the projected bust profile, creating a slimmer silhouette under clothing. It does not compress the breasts but rather spreads the tissue more evenly across the chest.

What is a balconette bra?

A balconette bra is a style with a low, wide-set cup that lifts the breasts from below and creates a rounded, shelf-like shape. It works well with wide or square necklines and is available in both underwired and wireless versions.

What is a bralette?

A bralette is a soft, unstructured bra with no underwire or heavy padding. It prioritizes comfort over support and is ideal for light daily wear, lounging, or as a layering piece.

What is a T-shirt bra?

A T-shirt bra has smooth, seamless molded cups that are invisible under fitted tops. It is one of the most versatile everyday bra styles and is available in padded and lightly padded versions.

What is a wireless bra?

A wireless bra provides support without an underwire, using fabric structure and stretch instead. Modern wireless bras can be just as supportive as underwired styles and are a great option for those who find underwire uncomfortable.

What is a push-up bra?

A push-up bra uses angled padding to lift and push the breasts together, enhancing cleavage. Padding levels vary from subtle to dramatic, so you can choose the amount of enhancement that suits you.

What is a full cup bra?

A full cup bra provides complete coverage of the breast, making it ideal for larger cup sizes or anyone who prefers maximum support and coverage throughout the day.

What is a racerback bra?

A racerback bra has straps that converge at the center of the back in a Y or T shape. This keeps straps hidden under racerback tops and activewear, and can help prevent straps from slipping off narrow shoulders.

Still unsure which style is right for you? Find your size with our calculator, read our fit tips, or use our size guide to find your perfect match.