Women's Bras

The band carries most of a bra's support, around eighty per cent, so every style here is built outward from it. Underwired bras hold the shape with a wire that follows the root of the breast; wire-free and bralette styles trade that for a wider band and a soft cup. Balconette cups cut straight across low on the bust, plunge cups drop the centre front between them, full-cup and minimiser styles cover more, and push-up padding sits at the base.

Straps change the rest: convertible and multiway straps unclip and cross, strapless styles rely on band and grip alone, and racerback fastenings pull the shoulder in. Sports bras run compression, encapsulation or both. Moulded foam cups hold a smooth line under a T-shirt, cut-and-sew cups shape without padding, and lace, mesh and microfibre change the surface. Most fasten at the back through several rows of hook-and-eye, so the band can be taken in as the elastic relaxes.