Bra Glossary
Balcony / half cup bra
this has a square neckline and seamed cups which push the bust upwards to give an appearance similar to a corset.
Basque / bustier
a top which offers bra support and full torso shaping underneath clothing. Designed to slim, shape and smooth your figure.
Body / corselette
combines a girdle with a bra. Designed to improve your outline and make you look slimmer.
Bra band size
a bra band size is the underbust measurement around the body in inches. To determine the band size add 4ins. if the measurement obtained is an even number of inches. or add 5ins. if the measurement obtained is an odd number of inches. For example, if your underbust measurement is 31ins. add 5ins. to obtain bra size 36, or, if your underbust measurement is 30ins. add 4ins. to obtain bra size 34.
Bra cup size
a bra cups size is calculated by finding the difference between the overbust measurement and the bra band size. Cup sizes are identified by letters of the alphabet ranging from AA, A , B, C, D, DD and upwards.
Front-fastening
these bras have a hook between the cups for ease of fastening.
Full-cup
the cups cover the whole breast.
Half-cup
the cups stop just above the nipple.
Longline
a midriff slimming bra with panels to the waist for extra smoothing.
Minimiser
stops the breasts protruding so much and therefore prevents shirts from gaping.
Moulded bra
seamless cups moulded from a single piece of fabric.
Multi-way
the straps can be detached for a strapless look, worn as a halterneck or crossed over at the back.
Nursing bra
the cups can be opened to facilitate breast feeding.
Padded bra
padding adds size and definition to the cleavage.
Post-mastectomy
garments for people who have had breast surgery. Pockets can be added as necessary.
Push-up bra
designed to push the breasts inwards and upwards, creating a better shaped cleavage for the more daring!
Racer back bra
a racerback bra has a y-shaped back that curves in between the shoulder blades.
Soft cup bra
a soft cup bra does not have any wires under the cups.
Sports bra
designed to provide comfort and support during exercise. Most have a support level rating and are recommended for different sporting activities. Sports bras are also suitable for people who have had heart or breast surgery. Most provide motion control as well as the ability to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry.
Strapless bra
can be worn under strapless tops.
T-shirt bra
seamless or flat seamed, slightly padded cups ensure the nipples don't show through when a tight top is worn.
Underwired bra
an underwire bra is a bra that has covered wire under the cups.
