Types of Bra Explained
Choosing a bra can be as difficult as finding that perfect pair of jeans. Although the luxury lingerie market is saturated with different styles, finding that elusive, perfectly fitting bra can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Here at Fleur of England, we understand the importance of good fit and functionality when shopping for luxury lingerie. A well-fitting bra can make you stand taller and feel more confident, the perfect balance between delicate and strong, modern and sensual. Different types of bras will all create a different shape under clothes and provide different levels of support. To help you decide on which is the perfect bra for you, we have put together a useful guide to our most popular bra styles.
What is a Balcony Bra?
A balcony bra, sometimes referred to as a balconette bra, is a popular choice as it offers plenty of support and uplift. The cups of the bra are underwired and not as covering as a full-cup bra, making it the perfect choice for wearing under low-cut styles.
We offer two types of balcony bra, iconic lace pieces such as our classic Signature styles, and more directional embroidered pieces that feature bespoke embroidery designs created by our founder Fleur. The straps are set slightly wider than other bras, joining at the edge of the cup rather than the centre. This versatile piece is a staple for any lingerie collection and is the perfect choice for larger cup sizes that require the extra support of an underwire. Our Balcony Bras are also available in curve sizes, which offer additional support for fuller busts. You can find our selection of curve styles here.
What is a Boudoir Bra?
A boudoir bra is an unlined bra without underwires. These can come in many different styles but at Fleur of England, we offer the iconic triangle cup style and a beautiful strapless style. An elastic under band and soft boning in the strapless bra offers light support for varying cup sizes without the added bulk of padding. Feeling lightweight and comfortable, this style of bra feels subtly sexy and is perfect for wearing underneath lighter clothing or during the summer.
What is a Plunge Bra?
A plunge bra has cups that are low at the centre with a deep V-neckline. The wires are shorter at the front than a balcony bra which can mean they feel much more comfortable for larger breast sizes that struggle with a deep-wire. The shape of the cups are designed to gently push the breasts together and create cleavage, perfect for wearing under a low-cut top that would show the top of a regular bra. We have two very different styles of plunge bra at Fleur of England. Our lightly padded lace plunge bra is a wardrobe staple and creates a smooth, rounded shape under clothes. Our fashion-forward non-padded plunge bra has the same style of wire, but is unlined and non padded, often a preferred choice for larger busts,
What to do if your bra is uncomfortable?
If your bra is uncomfortable, it may be that you're wearing the incorrect size. Some women prefer a tighter under band that feels more supportive, but some prefer a slightly looser fit, it's all about finding what works best for you. We would highly recommend getting properly fitted for a bra and from there, you can try different band sizes to find what works best for you. If you are a 32C bra size, you can try a 30D or a 34B, the cup size will be the same across the sizes but the band will feel looser or tighter. This is known as sister sizing, to learn more about alternative sizes and to unlock your perfect fit, read our blog here.
If you'd like any advice on the fit of our bras, you can contact our fit advisers on info@fleurofengland.com or you can visit our online fitting room here.
