Ultimate Guide to Women's Bra Styles

Bras are what we do best here at Frederick’s of Hollywood! Did you know our founder was the inventor of the original push-up bra? Bras play an important role in lifting and supporting your breasts and enhancing the appearance of your outfit. The right fit and style of bra should give you a boost of confidence and be comfortable to wear all day. With so many different styles of bras on the market though, it can be hard to choose between styles. Do you want to enhance your cleavage with an uplifting push-up bra? Or go wirefree with a lace bralette? What about bras for special occasions? 

We’re breaking down popular bra styles from underwired bras to super sexy bras and the best bras for busty babes, as well as advice on how to choose the right style for you.

Whether you’re lingerie shopping for yourself, buying someone a sexy surprise or (un)dressing to impress someone special, we’ve got all the bases covered and a bra for every occasion! Read on for the ultimate guide to bra styles.

Secondly don’t settle for boring! Even the everyday bra can be fun and sexy. Life is too short for boring bras! To set you apart from the rest, Frederick’s offers a wide range of colors and patterns. Ranging from sultry lace to wild leopard we have a style to suit even the boldest of babes. We believe even down to your bra should be an expression of that sexy, unique, and beautiful personality of yours.

The marvelous push-up bra was invented by our founder Frederick Mellinger back in 1947 and has been a firm fixture in many women’s repertoire since, so we really know what we’re talking about here! A push-up bra is great for women with small or large breasts that want a bit of a boost and a lift. Push up bras like the beautifully fitted Hollywood Glamour Underwire Bra enhance your assets with sheer, stretch lace fabrication with contrast lining and a 'Frederick's of Hollywood' branded stretch underband. Offering ultimate cleavage for days with support to match. 

Want something fun and colorful to add to your lingerie wardrobe? The Jessica Lace Push Up Bra comes in a rainbow of colors with panties to match. Get an amazing lift with a plunging neckline for a sexy, sensual, and effortless look. 

Plunge Bras are low-cut bras that enhance your cleavage from the center of the bust and are perfect for wearing with that super sexy low-cut dress. Popular plunge bras include the Sexy Jessica Lace Plunge Bra, a bold addition to our bestselling Jessica collection. This irresistible bra brings bombshell appeal and features a stunning underwired detail, an attention-stealing plunging neckline.

Every woman needs a secret weapon hidden in her lingerie drawer. Dazzle your lover in an ultra sexy bra that is perfect for playtime, with sheer and lace detailing that leaves them wanting more. Give your lingerie drawer a refresh with the Zenaya Vegan Leather Bra Set, with lace and vegan leather paneling paired with elasticated strapping. Or for when you’re feeling particularly spicy, the Sandie Underwire Shelf Bra has sheer scallop lace cups, with contrast sling lining and mesh wings.

Tease and please in this sexy surprise. The open cup bra gives a sneak peek of your breasts, while an underwire open cup bra helps give them a natural lift. Lace and mesh are a power duo, give it a try with our Jade Open Cup Bra. You'll be seduction personified in this delicate floral and eyelash lace split-mesh cup, playfully tied together with ribbons, which will have your special someone dying to undo those bows. What are you waiting for? Go on and explore our naughtiest open cup bras.

Bombshell alert! Show the twins off in a risque plunge bra! A firm fixture since 2003, the Hollywood Exxtreme Cleavage Bras are best-sellers for a reason. You’ll love the molded padding inserts that are removable, so you choose the amount of lift to boost your cleavage to the ‘exxtreme’. 

Oh hey, we heard you were a wild one! Featuring a sexy leopard print, the Hollywood Exxtreme Printed Push Up Bra is perfect for you. Or the Hollywood Exxtreme Cleavage Satin and Lace Push Up Bra is a brand new classic. The bra that brought you incomparable lift & life changing, customizable cleavage is back with beautiful lace details.

Show off your feminine allure in a lace balconette. Balconette bras make your breasts appear plumper by covering less. Get ready for your next rendezvous in the Cindy Lace Balconette Bra with floral stretch lace, and front peek-a-boo opening with bow trim.

A true wardrobe staple, an underwire bra gives a natural lift and the extra support will keep your assets sitting pretty. Underwire bras are popular, as they shape the breasts and offer support without adding additional padding. Sheer scallop lace cups and sexy diamonte detailing the Sandie Underwire Bra is the perfect addition to any bra collection.

Bralettes are a soft, wire free bra that show off your natural shape and are a comfortable yet sexy bra style. Perfect for under your favorite tee, or lounging around home in. Make your at-home date night raunchier with the lacy Jessica bralette covering just enough to keep things interesting.

Hide those bra straps, girl! Perfect for spaghetti strap tops or strapless dresses, strapless bras are a must-have, practical bra for your lingerie drawer. But, don’t worry honey - strapless doesn’t have to be boring! Turn up the heat in the Hollywood Exxtreme Cleavage Strapless Bra featuring adjustable straps that can be removed or repurposed to suit your outfit.

As much as we love to show off our sexy lingerie, sometimes we need something a little more subtle. Shapewear sculpts your natural shape so you can feel and look your best. An adhesive bra will be your best-kept secret, no bra straps and backless makes it ideal for when you want to show some skin.

Which type of bra is best? 

The best type of bra is one that fits, feels comfortable, and flatters your best assets. A well-fitting bra should feel like you’re barely wearing it. We suggest nailing the basics with pretty bras for every day and then add some spice to your top drawer with bolder styles. 

How do I find the right bra style? 

Focus on what you know like and understand your breast shape, some styles are more suited to your shape than others. Read some of our (5-star) recommendations to find out more about the size and fit of our 100+ bra styles. And lastly, have a bit of fun and experiment with different styles! Whether that’s with different shapes, colors, or prints - wearing a bra doesn’t have to be a chore! 

How do I find my bra size? 

First measure your underbust, measure around the body, directly below the bust. Secondly, measure your overbust: Measure across the fullest part of the breast. Then use our handy size chart to work out your bra size. 

what if I am shopping for someone else? 

Check out our guide to buying sexy lingerie for your partner linked below.

So there you have it, from exxtreme cleavage push-up bras, barely there and strapless bras to wear with your sexiest outfits to turn up the head and teasing and pleasing in open cup bras, we’ve got all the bras for every mood. While you’re at it, why don’t you refresh your collection with the plethora of options in our collection? What are you waiting for, babe? Show off your best assets and discover your new breast friend today!