Bras
Women's Bras FAQS
What are the different types of bras for women and their uses?
Women's bras cover a wide range of styles built for different necklines, activities, and support needs.
- T-shirt bras. The T-shirt bra is a lightly constructed bra that provides coverage without showing through your T-shirt.
- Wireless bras. A wireless bra is any bra that doesn't have an underwire while providing support that ranges from light to structured.
- Balconette bras. The balconette lifts your bust from below with an underwire. It can be strapless or have regular straps.
- Unlined bras. An unlined bra is a lighter-weight bra that has less fabric, helps you shape your curves, and lies smoothly underneath your clothing.
- Lightly-lined bras. A lightly-lined bra offers the perfect balance of support and comfort without the need for heavy padding
- Sports bras. Sports bras are designed to provide comfortable compression to prevent excessive movement while you work out.
- Strapless bras. The strapless bra gives you shaping and support so you can wear strapless garments without any unwanted bra straps showing.
- Bralettes. The bralette is an unstructured bra that delivers support through shaped cups and a wide band underneath the cups.
- Nursing bras. The nursing bra delivers comfortable support and offers nursing access to your child without removing the bra.
- Push-up bras. Padded inserts and adjustable straps lift and add fullness to the bust.
- Demi bras. A low-cut edge covers about half the bust for a natural shape under scoop necks.
- Post-surgical bras. Wire-free support and front closures add comfort during recovery.
At Soma, we offer a full line of bras that range from soft bralettes to bras with underwire. You'll find bras for sale that come in delicate nude colors and stunning prints in just about every category of women's bras. Our diverse selection of women's bras is designed to meet your shaping, comfort, and support needs.
How do I measure my bra size at home to ensure the correct fit?
Start with a soft measuring tape wrapped snugly around your ribcage, just under the bust, to get your band size. Next, measure the fullest part of your bust, then subtract your band size from that number to find your cup size, whether that lands you in a smaller cup or a fuller DD.
A trip to a Soma boutique also helps. Our store locator makes it easy to find a boutique near you for in-store shopping and a specialist fit check.
What are the best materials for women’s bras?
A handful of fabrics show up across most bras, each suited to a different job.
- Cotton. A soft, breathable fabric that stays comfortable against the skin through a full day of wear. Cotton bras come in several supportive styles.
- Lace. Adds texture and a decorative look without much added weight.
- Microfiber. A smooth, stretch fabric that keeps a molded cup smooth under fitted clothing.
- Mesh. A sheer, breathable panel that layers well along the sides or in wireless styles.
- Spandex blends. A stretch fiber added to a band or straps helps them move with the body instead of against it.
How do I wash and care for bras to maintain their shape?
Cold water and a gentle or hand-wash cycle keep bra fabric and elastic from breaking down as quickly as a regular wash does. A mesh laundry bag protects hooks and delicate trim whenever a washing machine is the only option, and bras should always air dry flat or on a hanger, since dryer heat wears down elastic fibers over time. Hook the closure before washing to keep it from snagging on other fabrics in the load.
What are the signs your bra doesn’t fit correctly?
A few clear signs point to a bra that no longer fits the way it should, including:
- Straps that slip or dig in. Straps sliding off the shoulder or leaving deep marks aren't holding their share of the weight.
- A band that rides up. A band that creeps up your back has stretched out or never fit snugly to begin with.
- Cups that gape or spill. Fabric that gaps at the top or tissue that spills over the edge both signal the wrong cup size.
- Wire that pokes or shifts. Underwire that digs into your sides or slides out of place no longer follows the shape of your bust.
A quick self-check against this list, ideally in front of a mirror while wearing a favorite top, usually reveals whether it's time for a new size or style.