Bra Styles Guide

Full Cup / Full Coverage

Full cup bras provide the most coverage and support. They are ideal for larger busts and everyday wear. The cup covers the entire breast, reducing spillage and providing a smooth silhouette under clothing. For D+ cups, a full cup underwire bra from a specialist full-bust brand is usually the best everyday option.

Balconette

The balconette has a horizontal, straight across cut that lifts and rounds the bust. It works well under square and wide scoop necklines. For larger busts, look for balconette styles with substantial side support — cheaply made balconettes can result in "side spillage" for fuller busts.

Plunge

Plunge bras have a deep V neckline for wearing under plunging tops and dresses. The centre gore is very low, which creates deep cleavage. For larger busts, plunge bras need strong underwire and excellent cup structure — unsupported plunge styles don't work for heavy busts.

Strapless

Strapless bras rely entirely on the band for support. For larger busts, a strapless bra must have a wide silicone-grip band and full cup coverage — standard fashion strapless bras don't provide adequate support above a D cup. See our strapless guide for full-bust specific advice.

Sports Bra

Sports bras are designed for movement. Encapsulation sports bras (with individual cups) provide better support for larger busts than compression styles. See our sports bra guide for detailed recommendations by activity level.

Bralette

Bralettes are soft, unstructured bras often without underwire. They provide minimal support and work best for smaller busts. For larger busts, look for structured bralettes with a wider band and internal support. Many full-bust wearers find bralettes best suited to low-activity wear at home.

Nursing Bra

Nursing bras have drop-down cups for feeding access. During pregnancy and postpartum, breast size can increase significantly — professional fitting during this period is valuable, as pre-pregnancy bra sizes are rarely accurate.