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Bra Styles 101: What Is a Push-Up Bra?


The push-up bra is a girl’s best friend when it comes to creating a flattering silhouette, but what does a push-up bra do? We are here to help you understand the ins and outs of push-up bras and beyond, making bra shopping easier than ever. 

 Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a dark blue push-up bra and matching floral panties.

What is a push-up bra? The short answer is that it’s a bra designed to enhance cleavage and provide extra support. The great news is that these types of bras are suitable for women of all bust sizes and come in a range of styles and designs to cater to the diverse needs of every woman.

When you choose the right push-up bra, not only do you enhance the fit, comfort, and effect it can offer, but you can gain newfound confidence. Let’s explore what push-up bras do and the benefits of adding one to your closet.

How Do Push-Up Bras Work?

 Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a nude push-up bra.

What do push-up bras do? Push-up bras use a combination of padding, underwire, and carefully chosen materials to lift and enhance the cleavage, providing support and creating a flattering silhouette.

To best answer, “How does a push-up bra work?”, let’s take a look at how each element of a push-up bra comes together: 

  • Padding: These bras typically have padding in the lower part of the cup to lift and push up, resulting in a fuller and more rounded appearance. 

  • Underwire: Many push-up bras feature underwire along the bottom and sides of the cups for additional support, helping shape and create cleavage. 

  • Materials: You can find push-up bras made from a wide range of materials, including nylon, spandex, lace, and polyester. Materials provide different benefits, such as stretchiness, durability, and breathability. 

  • Design: Push-up bras often have a plunge or demi-cup design and sometimes include adjustable straps and multiple hook-and-eye closures to ensure a comfortable and customized fit.

Push-Up Bra Benefits: More Than Just Lift

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> laydown of black push-up bras in three different styles.-Benefits_1000x1250.jpg

From a more feminine silhouette to improved posture and beyond, there are many advantages of wearing a push-up bra. Here are just a few key reasons you might want to add a push-up bra to your wardrobe:

  • Impressive lift: Push-up bras are made to provide a significant lift, creating a fuller look at the neckline.

  • Feminine silhouette: Another key benefit of push-up bras is their ability to create a more feminine silhouette, accentuating the curves of the body and giving a more defined shape. 

  • Improved posture: Due to the additional support from underwire, push-up bras can help improve your posture by lifting the breasts and distributing their weight more evenly. 

  • Increased confidence: One of the biggest push-up bra benefits is the boost in confidence they provide. When you feel supported, you can walk more confidently, which can positively impact various aspects of life.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: The Ultimate Push-Up Bra Buying Guide

Selecting the right push-up bra is all about knowing your body and preferences. Let’s consider the various aspects that influence how to wear a push-up bra. 

8 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Push-Up Bra

  1. Choose the right level of support. 

  2. Look for bras that offer a comfortable fit.

  3. Consider the cup shape to find the style that compliments your chest and outfits.

  4. Decide if you prefer underwire or wire-free styles.

  5. Determine the amount of padding you prefer.

  6. Ensure the band fits snugly without digging in or riding up.

  7. Choose between traditional, convertible, or racerback straps.

  8. Check the quality and construction to ensure longevity.

Find Your Push-Up Bra Size

Laydown of black measuring tape unraveling.

Whether you need a push-up bra for a big bust or are shopping for smaller chests, knowing your bra size is key. Here’s how to find your size for the perfect-fitting bra: 

  • Measure your band size: Wrap a measuring tape just below your bust to measure your band size.

  • Measure your bust size: Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it’s parallel to the ground to get your bust size.

  • Try different sizes: Sizes can vary between brands and styles, so be sure to try on multiple sizes for the most comfortable fit. 

If you’re buying lingerie for your wife, be sure to get her measurements before shopping. This will help you select the perfect size for her.

5 Push-Up Bra Styles

Finding a bra is all about your comfort. This is something you’ll be wearing all the time, so you want to be sure it fits your body and lifestyle. When searching for the ideal push-up bra, consider a range of factors, such as whether you prefer a light lift or the maximum push-up effect.

Here are 5 push-up bra styles you’re sure to love: 

Classic Push-Up Bra

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model in dark blue push-up bra. Laydown of push-up bras in a variety of colors and prints.

The classic push-up bra style closes in the back with hook-and-eye closures, offering a traditional and secure fit. This style is perfect for everyday wear and often comes in comfortable materials and a wide range of colors, ensuring you find your favorite bra color

Front-Closure Push-Up Bra

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a purple lace front-close push-up bra. Laydown of black lace front-close push-up bra.

Unlike the classic style, a front-closure push-up bra has a closure mechanism at the front between the cups. This style is easy to wear and provides a sleeker appearance in the back, making it a great option to wear under tight-fitting or low-cut tops.

Convertible Push-Up Bra

Convertible push-up bras are the most versatile thanks to adjustable straps that can be rearranged to accommodate different styles of tops. Whether you’re wearing a halter top, racerback style, or criss-crossed straps, you can adjust a convertible push-up bra accordingly. 

Push-Up Bras for DD+

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a nude lace push-up bra. Laydown of black push-up bra.

For those with larger breasts (typically DD cup or larger), opt for push-up designs made specifically for bigger bossoms. These styles provide extra support, wider straps, stronger underwire, and reinforced seams for a more comfortable and secure fit.

Gel Push-Up Pads

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> laydown of get push-up pads and packaging.

Gel push-up pads are no-show silicone cups that adhere to the front of your breasts for a natural-looking lift. Lightweight, comfortable, and virtually invisible under clothing, gel push-up pads are ideal for achieving a subtle push-up effect without a full bra. 

With the right push-up bra, you can look sexy and sophisticated while showing a bit of cleavage.

Find Your Perfect Push-Up 

If you’re looking for a little extra support or a subtle lift, push-up bras are here to help. Consider factors such as lift level, closure style, versatility, support, and comfort to ensure you find the ideal push-up bra to enhance your figure while boosting your confidence. 

With a large variety of push-up bra styles available, finding the perfect one for you is easier than ever. Shop Soma’s latest selection to find the must-have style for your wardrobe.

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