By the turn of the century the modern bra had begun to take shape as corset designers began to experiment with separating this garment into two parts, the bottom girdle and the top to be known as the bra. An undergarment which originally had only a functional purpose to prevent backaches and sagging breasts, has grown through the last hundred years into a multi-billion dollar industry, which today is as much about fashion as it is form. Manufactures now offer bras in a wide variety of styles and materials, many of which are listed below.
- Bandeau: Manufactured from a strapless elastic piece or knit fabric. This bra provides little support. Not a sports bra
- Training Bra. For developing teens or preteens. Available in smaller sizes than standard and has no wires.
- Full Cup Bra. A good bra for women with bigger breasts. This bra covers most the breast and provides good support.
- Demi Cup Bra. As the name states this bra covers the breast to an area just above the nipple. It can be supportive and is designed to be worn under clothes with plunging necklines.
- Padded Bra. Comes with increased padding in the cups giving the illusion of increased breast size.
- Strapless Bra. Has no straps or ones which can be removed. Made to be worn with off the shoulder fashions.
- Underwire Bra. With the support coming from heavy gauge wire, or plastic which runs beneath the cup, some women find these bras uncomfortable. Many women with large breast like the extra support these bras provide.
- Seamless. Made without seamed cups, it is very much like the T-shirt bra in that it was made to be worn under tight fitting clothes
- Convertible Bra. Named because its detachable straps allow it to be worn with such clothing as backless dresses and halter tops.
- Minimizer Bra
- T-Shirt Bra. Basically a bra with no raised seams or wires which would show under a tightly fitting T-shirt
- Push-up Bra. Designed with extra padding to lift and push the breasts together giving a fuller look to all breast sizes.
- Shelf Bra. Covers just the lower portion of the breast.
- Peephole Bra. Bra that exposes the nipple.
- Maternity Bra. These bras allow for more adjustments that are necessary through pregnancy.
- Nursing Bra. Allow the breast to be exposed through flap to allow for breastfeeding while still providing support.
- Sports Bra. Used to minimize movement during athletic activities which may be harmful. Usually made from a stretch material. They can come with or without wires
- Mastectomy Bras. Manufactured to keep a breast prosthesis in place for women who have lost one or both breast.
- Racerback Bras. Defined by the straps that join in the back as a Y or T.
- Balconette Bras. Half cut bras which cover about 3/4 of the breast giving the illusion of cleavage.
- Built-in Bra. As the name implies these are bras which are built into clothing such as tube tops and swimsuits.