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unlined wire bra - The Top 3 Most Underrated Bra Styles

You’re well aware of the benefits of a push-up bra (hello cleavage!), and the advantages of a T-shirt bra, which looks smooth and seamless under all your form-fitting knit tops. And you may have a few supportive sports bras in your arsenal, because you know how important they are to protecting your breasts during exercise. But aside from those obvious choices, did you know that there are a multitude of other styles that can come in handy?

Here are three of the most underrated bra styles you might want to consider adding to your arsenal:

Plunge bras

what is a plunge bra

Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Casey Boyshort 2805 in Rose Print/Black

Don’t overlook plunge bras — there are so many perks to wearing this highly underrated style, and they also happen to be flattering on basically any breast size or shape.

For one, they can resolve a number of fit issues. Ever noticed that you don’t quite fill out your bra cups completely? If you tend to have additional room at the sides or tops of the cups due to having breasts that are shallow at the top or all over, plunge bras might provide the perfect solution. Since the cups are more narrow and angled, you’re more likely to fill them out. Not to mention, plunge bras are ideal for wearing underneath low-cut tops and dresses — since they have a low center gore and angled cups, they won’t show under those deep necklines. By the way — plunge bras are a nice alternative to push-up bras, and can amp up your cleavage but in a subtler, more natural way by gathering the breast tissue upward and inward. Plus, plunge bras are super comfy. If you’ve ever struggled with underwires poking or prodding at your sides or underarms, note that plunge bras have shorter wires, and are therefore less likely to cause that problem.


Related: 5 Hidden Perks Of Plunge Bras Revealed


Demi cup bras

what is a demi cup bra

Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Charlotte Highwaist Brief 6917 in Red/Black

If you’re looking for a bra that’s practical and sexy at the same time, look no further than a demi-cup bra. Sure, we love our full-cup bras for providing ample coverage, but demi-cup bras are far better suited to tops and dresses that have lower scoop or square necklines.

Demi-cup bras come with other benefits as well. This style is ideal for women with drooping or shallow breasts — while it provides plenty of lift, you won’t have to worry about whether you’ll fill out the cups, since they only cover a little more than half of the breasts.

And since they offer less coverage up top, demi-cups are a phenomenal choice for showing off some cleavage. If you’re looking to really amp up the sex appeal, try a balconette bra. This style, which is often confused with a demi-cup bra, provides even less coverage, only coming up to just above the nipples.

Unlined bras

what is an unlined bra

Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 | Tess Bikini P5023 in Charcoal

There’s no denying that padded bras can be super helpful — such as when you want a little extra nipple coverage, or shaping benefits. That said, don’t overlook unpadded and unlined bras. They come with their own unique advantages as well.

If you’re full busted and concerned about adding any extra bulk to your chest, an unlined bra is a perfect choice. While it can still lend a lot of support and shaping (particularly if it contains underwire and three-part or seamed cups), it won’t add to the volume of you chest since it doesn’t have any padding or thick lining.

Also, unlined bras are incredibly comfortable – you may find yourself reaching for them in the warmer months, since they’re super lightweight. Wearing an unlined bra may very well feel like going bra-less, except you’ll still have the reassurance that you’re getting the support you need.

Unlined bras can be found in a wide range of styles, from longline to demi-cup, and are available in both underwire and wireless options.

Perhaps the best aspect of unlined bras, however, is that they allow you to embrace your natural shape — since they don’t sculpt or shape your breasts to look any particular way, they encourage you to come to terms with your boobs exactly the way they are. How’s that for self-love?

There’s nothing wrong with having those go-to bra styles that you resort to again and again. But don’t overlook these highly underrated styles — plunge bras, demi-cup bras, and unlined bras are not only incredibly versatile, but also universally flattering as well.


Related: Bra Shopping Guide: Tips For Buying New Bras


plunge molded bra

Jeanie Plunge Molded Bra 4801 in Java

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!


Featured image lingerie:
Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 in Charcoal
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Published by

Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on style, fitness, food, and travel. She has contributed to such publications as HuffPost, Elite Daily and U.S. News & World Report. When she's not writing, she can be found at home or in the studio working on the songs for her upcoming album. Her favorite bra is a black demi-cup style with all-over-lace — timeless and feminine.

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