What is a graduated bra cup?

The history of the bra or who invented it ↑

I’ll briefly tell you the story of the creation of a piquant part of a woman’s wardrobe - the bra. You can find out in more detail by watching the film at the end of the article about women’s underwear, they talk about it interestingly. Mention of the ancestors of the modern bra is found in ancient manuscripts, wall hieroglyphs and frescoes.

The bra, as many call the bra, was invented at the beginning of the twentieth century, and at the same time we will displace the rigid corset from the wardrobe. Currently, it is difficult to say who exactly invented this item of women's clothing, but only the Germans have a patent for the invention, and therefore the word bra ( Büstenhalter)

German, which literally means
Büste
- “woman’s breast”, and
Halter -
“holder”
.

How to spell bra or bra? ↑

In fact, it is more correct to write bra with the letter “b” after the “l”. Although during pronunciation the soft “l” may be lost.

What is the difference between a bra and a bra? ↑

If you think that a bra is somehow different from a bra, then you are mistaken. These two words mean the same element of women's clothing and there is no difference. Unless in the origin of the words themselves. Bra is a German word, and bra is from the Dutch word lijf.

"body", diminutive of "bodice"

In addition, the name bra is used more in colloquial speech; it is more often used by people of the proletarian class, so to speak. In addition, it is pronounced faster and easier to remember. And some women also call this piece of women’s wardrobe a “bust.” What do you call it?

What does a bra consist of? ↑

Let me briefly remind you what the individual manufacturers of lingerie are called. Look carefully at the picture below, the numbers indicate the main parts from which the bra is assembled. Below you will see a description of these notations.

1 - cups, 2 - seams, 3 - bones, 4 - belt, 5 - isthmus, 6 - side parts of the belt, 7 - clasp, 8 - straps or straps

The most expensive and beautiful bra in the world ↑

The title of the most expensive bra in the world belongs to a product from the famous company Victoria's Secret. This company produces new expensive models every year, but, of course, they are impossible to wear, so they are exhibited as exhibits. In 2020, the precious Fantasy Bra model was released, which has 4,200 stones and costs $10 million.

In the photo below you can enjoy the beauty of the jewelry creation of 2015, and even lower - the creations of previous years.

How are they different?

If we compare these two concepts, then bra is a “broader” word. Which can mean not only an item of women’s clothing, but also a short children’s T-shirt or a special vest for carrying ammunition for military men . They also use the word “bra” in their slang. Dressmakers call the top of a dress a bodice, and some combinations on which stockings are attached also fit this definition.

A bra is a more narrowly focused concept. It means only a piece of women's underwear and nothing else. There are many varieties of them, but this does not change the purpose of this thing.

Types of bras (photo examples) ↑

There are a lot of classifications that divide bodices into different types and groups according to various criteria. I tried to create my own classification of lingerie according to the following criteria and answer the question: “What types of bras are there?”

• According to the presence of seams, seamless (seamless)
• with seams

Now let's look at each variety in more detail.

For expectant and young mothers, I recommend this article “Choosing a comfortable bra for a pregnant woman and for breastfeeding .

Seamless and bra with seams ↑

Seamless bras can also be divided into two types:

• with cups
• without cups

If the model provides a dense base in the form of molded cups, then you will not find any seams on them. The fabric is processed in such a way that it follows the shape of the breast, supporting it. This model is suitable for any size and is usually worn under very tight clothes or clothes made from ultra-thin fabric.

There are also bodice styles that do not have tight cups, but instead are simply elastic fabric with a specific fiber direction. For example, the famous and now fashionable microfiber bra ahh bra, which looks like a top and is considered corrective, although I would argue. This bra has no seams, provides good support without squeezing the breasts, is elastic and comfortable for everyday wear, especially at home, and also for sleeping.

However, judging by numerous reviews, convenience and beauty are incompatible in the case of a seamless top. This model does not lift the breasts or increase their size. If you want a correction bra, then you need to choose a completely different model. I find it good to use as a night bra.

Seams on bras can be placed in different directions. Thanks to the position of the seams on the cup, a certain effect is achieved in women with different breast shapes, making the owner’s breasts more seductive and appetizing.

The seams can be positioned vertically, horizontally, diagonally, combined or T-shaped (see photo above). The vertical position of the seam or undercut is intended for those with small breasts and also a narrow chest. The horizontal position of the seam on the cup is better suited for a woman with a wide chest.

Diagonal seam placement is traditionally used in push-up bras. T-shaped seams are used when sewing extra-large bras to provide maximum support for large breasts. In the photo above, in the center you see a lady with a very curvy figure, wearing a lace black bra with T-shaped seams. Currently, there are also products with ultra-thin (flat) seams, which are practically not felt when worn.

What is more important: beauty or benefit?

You need to know that scientists do not believe that wearing a bra is healthy at all. Moreover, they insist that it must be removed at the first opportunity. It seems that deep down, every woman agrees with science when changing clothes at home after work. The fact is that from a medical point of view, only women with a large bust may need breast support: without a bra they experience significant inconvenience. In all other cases, the bra plays a purely aesthetic function, emphasizing the beauty of the female form.

Underwires and cups in a bra: with and without ↑

Women can be divided into two camps: those who prefer bodices with wire frames and those who prefer soft bras. Let's look at the advantages of both types.

Bodice with underwire ↑

For those who don’t know yet, there are busts with a frame in the form of iron or plastic arches sewn into the lower part of the cup. They are threaded into a special tunnel and tightly fix the chest. If you choose the wrong bra, the arches can dig into the body, which is not very pleasant and comfortable.

The function of the underwires is not only to support the breasts, but also to create a more refined silhouette and outline. An iron or plastic frame is simply irreplaceable in bra models without straps (straps) or with removable straps. They help maintain the shape of the lace bra and prevent the breasts from sagging. For example, a bra model called a bandeau

Most often, these elements are present in push-up foam models, which should hold the shape of the breast well. As a rule, all bras with an underwire also have molded cups made of foam rubber or half-foam rubber, but there are delicate styles of lace bras without a dense base, as in the photo below.

Such products look amazing on young, firm and small breasts. Click on the picture with examples of lace bras without cups to make it larger.

Bra without wires ↑

And there are products that do not have any frame, they are absolutely soft and do not cause any discomfort when worn, but at the same time they do not support the breasts very well. Such bras are good to wear at home or on weekdays, but for a celebration it is still better to use types that add more piquancy to your shape.

A high-quality bra can be made from natural fabrics (silk, cotton) or synthetic. According to reviews from real consumers, cotton busts are the most comfortable and pleasant to the body, but they wear out very quickly and lose their presentation. Although now there are examples made of elastic cotton, similar to knitted ones, and the cotton (cotton) bras of our grandmothers have almost sunk into oblivion.

Made from modern and safe synthetic fabrics, they last longer and do not lose their shape. Lace silk models look quite cute, combining elegance and convenience. In the photo below you can see these beautiful white fishnet bras.

If you want to choose a push-up model without wires, then I will disappoint you, because this is basically impossible, except for silicone bras that have neither straps nor back, as well as models made of special material (polyamide and elastane), which is a monolithic product and does not have a single seam.

By the way, if you don’t yet know how to bleach your snow-white bra , then read about it in a separate article.

Definition

Bra

A bra is a product from the category of underwear, designed to be worn in the chest area in order to cover and support it. The name combines buste (“chest”) and halter (“supporter”).

Once upon a time, an item for this purpose did not have such a well-thought-out shape, but was simply a wide ribbon. Thus, one of the lovers of those distant times figuratively wrote in his love letter that he would like to become a ribbon tightening the beautiful breasts of his chosen one.

Now charming young ladies have the opportunity to dress seductive parts not only in a classic bra with cup halves of the same height, but also in a product that has special characteristics. After all, there are quite a lot of varieties of this type of clothing.

Bra

These include seamless bras designed to be worn under tight dresses made of thin fabric, and products of a rigid design with removable straps to support the breasts in cases where the presence of upper straps is undesirable, and a “bracier”, from which the nipples almost peek out, worn in combination with a deep neckline dress.

Ingenious developers went further, and not ordinary functional underwear appeared on the shelves: musical bras that can play melodies; super-voluminous models that inflate when you press a button; products that record blood pressure and heart rate.

Brassiere

Those who call a bra a bra are right. The latter is also fitted to the chest and has no sleeves. However, not every bra fits the concept of “bra”. Let's discuss in more detail the difference between a bra and a bra.

Brassiere

Open and closed bras ↑

And here is another classification according to the degree of openness:

• completely closed (full coverage)
• demonstrating (Demi cup)

Based on the name, closed ones completely cover the chest and gradually taper into straps, which is very comfortable to wear. With such a bra, you don’t need to think that when you bend over, your breasts may fall out for everyone to see.

Usually these are classic models, they are very comfortable to wear, but they are not as elegant as open models. You can buy such a model for everyday wear or when you know for sure that you will not need to undress)) Ideal under sweaters or a closed dress. In the photo you see examples of such products.

Models that hide the breasts can be either with or without underwires, have a dense cup or be absolutely soft, there are smooth ones without any seams, and also decorated with the most delicate lace. The choice is very large and you can afford the style you like most.

Showing bras, commonly known as demi , are divided into 2 types:

• "deep plunge"
• “forward and upward” (push up)

To be honest, this was the first time I came across the first option. In the photo below you can see what it looks like. Such a revealing bodice is very suitable for an equally revealing dress with a deep neckline. I’ve always been surprised how show business stars wear dresses with a deep neckline, it’s like you can’t even see a bra, but at the same time they have such lush breasts. It turns out that he is hiding under the dress - a plange bra, for example, beige and lilac as in the photo below.

You've probably already heard about the second version of the demi model and, most likely, you have such a model in your women's wardrobe. Many people ask what a pushup in a bra is. This model is cut in such a way as to lift and protrude the breasts, making them larger and creating a piquant deep cleavage between the breasts.

Also, the effect of lush breasts is achieved by special fabric or silicone pads with gel filler, which are inserted into special pockets on the inside.

As a result, a lifting and tightening bra increases the size and volume of the breasts. By the way, there are models in which the inserts are already sewn into the bust frame and cannot be removed, like the red or orange bra below.

You can also divide the push up bra by the presence or absence of straps (strapless), as well as by the ability to change the direction of these same straps (racerback), for example, to cross on the back or chest.

For those who want to increase their breast volume by several sizes, you can use a double push up bra, like the red and burgundy bra below, as well as the very beautiful dark blue polka dot bra. The term bra (ahh bra) translated from English means bra, so the name Wonderbra refers to that very favorite bra with a push-up effect.

You can evaluate for yourself the lifting and tightening effect of the push-up cup shape before and after in the photo below. You can click on the picture to enlarge it in size.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

Now, knowing the difference between a bra and a bra, you won’t have to confuse these two names.

Specific names of bras ↑

Bra Angelica ↑

I remember this name from childhood, when my mother shared with her friend that she had bought a new Angelica bra. Why does it have this name? Maybe because at that time the film “Angelica - Marquise of Angels” was very popular))) The cups of this model are underwire, the straps are spaced wide, the neckline is open. The Angelica bra is suitable for women with any breast size.

This model perfectly supports the shape of the breast, but does not visually increase it by several sizes. In the photo on the left you can see the purple bra of the Angelica model.

Bra Brassiere ↑

This is a variation of the Angelica, but the difference is that the Brassier may have no upper part at all and the fabric barely covers the nipples. This model supports the chest from below due to the internal frame.

With this bra you can wear clothes with a deep neckline. It is best suited for women with small breasts, because large breasts will constantly fall out in front of everyone. In the photo you see a version of this type of bra, the picture is clickable.

Bra Corbeil ↑

This model is also a variation of Angelique, just like Brassier, which opens the neckline wide and flows from a slightly larger closure of the upper chest. In other words, it's something between Angelique and Brassier. The straps are located very wide, almost next to the armpits.

Ideal to wear with a dress with a wide neckline for women with small breasts. The photo shows what this bra looks like.

Bra Balconette ↑

The name of this model comes from the word “balcony”. And indeed the shape of the breasts in such a bodice is very similar to semicircular balconies. The breasts are half-submerged and supported from below by molded cups. The straps are wide, allowing you to wear items with a wide armhole.

This model is also quite popular without straps. In this case, to prevent the bra from slipping, there are silicone bands on the back of the cups. Ideal for a dress with bare shoulders. This model looks good on medium-sized breasts (see photo). Judging by the reviews, middle-aged women love this bra style.

Triangular bra ↑

This type of bra has a triangular shape. It reminds me of the top part of a swimsuit)) A triangle bra can have triangular-shaped foam cups or can be woven from thin lace. Holds small breasts well. He takes it with his unusualness and originality, but he is completely unable to gather his chest into the center.

The triangle bra is more popular among young women and girls before their breasts become heavy as a result of breastfeeding. The photo shows a black triangular lace bra.

Bra with front and back clasp ↑

We are all used to having the bodice clasp at the back and few people have something that unfastens in the front. In my opinion, the front clasp on the bra is more comfortable, because it does not put pressure on the spine area and you do not need to twist your arms, like an acrobat)). But, unfortunately, a bra with a front closure is not always suitable for women who have a wide chest and breasts located far apart.

To create a beautiful cleavage between the “hemispheres”, you need a bra with a short isthmus or without it at all, as well as inner pads that will give a push-up effect. Notice the photo of the red, nude, and white bras that fasten in the front (clickable image).

Bras that reduce breasts ↑

Above, we have already become well acquainted with a wardrobe element that can significantly change the shape and size of a woman’s breasts - these are demonstrating models of bras, namely with the Push effect. Therefore, I will not dwell in this section. Much more interesting is the fact that there are women who want to reduce their seemingly feminine dignity - their magnificent breasts.

I, the owner of the second size, will probably never understand the difficulties that arise for the owners of sizes 4, 5, 6, but nevertheless they have them. And in order to at least visually reduce your breasts, you need to choose a special reducing bra called a minimizer.

The minimizer bra visually reduces the volume and size of the breasts, while simultaneously supporting them and giving them beautiful contours. It turns out that the bra has some kind of tightening properties. This bra has very wide straps that form a U shape on the back, which relieves unnecessary tension from the back and shoulders. These types of bras with a wide back are also called leotards (see picture below).

The design of the bra is equipped with additional frames in the form of vertical bones, which better support the breasts. Previously, the cups had a T-shaped seam arrangement, but now technology has changed and designers have abandoned such not very beautiful seams. Now you can even find seamless minimizer bras. The fabric used is nylon, elastane with the addition of lycra. Outwardly it looks like satin fabric.

Bustiers, graces, bras in the form of a combination or T-shirt ↑

Now let's look at the details of women's underwear, which are not quite similar to a classic bra, but contain its elements and thereby reliably support the breasts, making them more attractive. Surely you know such delightful things as bustiers, grace, combinations with cups.

Bustier bra ↑

A bustier is a mixture of a bra and a grace, that is, the cups smoothly flow into a corset up to the waist. Supports the chest well and fits the body. Suitable for women with any breast size. The cups are most often supported by underwires. There are models with removable straps. It is usually fastened at the back with a number of hooks.

Some call a bustier by different names. You may come across the following definitions:

• bra top or camisole
• longline bra
• bra-corset or corset type
• semi-grace
• wide bottom bra
• long bra
• wide bra

Some people ask: “What is the name of a wide bra?” And yet the correct name for this wardrobe item is a bustier. Below I give examples of what a bra in the form of a top can be. The part that is located below the cups can be made of thin lace or thick fabric that tightly hugs the body to the waist or hips, like a corset. Stocking straps can also be attached to the top.

The fabric of a longline bra won't necessarily reach your waist or even your hips. It can be only 7-10 cm below the bra cups, tightly covering the upper abdomen. In the photo you will see different versions of the bustier.

By the way, a bustier can be not only underwear, but also everyday wear. A corset bra made of cloth fabric is a fashionable item in a youth wardrobe.

Grace or body bra ↑

Indeed, not everyone knows the name of a piece of women's underwear that fastens at the crotch and tightly fits the figure. Many people know that there is a wardrobe item - a bodysuit, but not every woman knows that the same principle of cut occurs in underwear, combining a bra and a bodysuit. And the name of this subject is grace.

To be honest, I don’t find a place for this thing in my wardrobe, because I think that despite all its attractiveness and elegance, it is still not very comfortable to wear. Just going to the toilet will require skill and resourcefulness, but what if this happens in a public place?

Grace can be chosen for any figure and any breast size. An undeniable advantage will be a small corrective effect, but still not entirely sufficient, because the item is sewn from light and thin fabrics. I will talk about shapewear next.

Bra in the form of a combination or T-shirt ↑

I had a hard time deciding to call this model a bra, since there is little traditional in it. Although there are models with molded cups. So, the combination of a bra and a slip is more playful in nature and is more relevant for the bedroom than for wearing under clothes. As a rule, this item looks like a bra, with fabric sewn to the belt that flows freely to the waist, hips, or even slightly below. The fabric can be satin, lace or fine mesh, guipure. The product is elegantly decorated with bows, flowers, rhinestones or semi-precious stones.

There are also models of underwear made in the form of a T-shirt. The outlines of the cups are visible in them, but as a rule they do not have a supporting function. In the photo you see examples of such T-shirts and combinations (the picture is clickable).

Comparison

So, “bra” is just a separate category, but “bra” is a much broader concept, and it refers not only to underwear that supports female forms.

For example, a shortened children's T-shirt or part of a combination with stocking fasteners used to be called a bra. In sewing, this word (diminutive of “bodice”) refers to the top of the dress, covering the chest in front and the back at the back. The word “bra” is also present in men’s military jargon, denoting a special vest for covering and carrying ammunition.

Bras for dresses with bare shoulders and back ↑

Do you like to wear backless dresses? I really like such seductive images, but, unfortunately, there is no such dress. And all because I had no idea how to wear it before, because the straps and belt of the bra would be visible, and without it, the breasts would lose support.

But as it turned out, there is a way out and you just need to know what types of bras to use. Today we will try to solve the problem and discover something new. There are several options:

• bra with silicone back (transparent belt and straps)
• silicone invisible bra
• transformable bra (with straps that change direction)

I just listed the options now, and later I will write a detailed article, because this article no longer fits.

Recommended article on the topic. Read “What to combine with a red dress with an open back and shoulders?” to learn how to create a chic bow that will make your friends jealous.