A minimizer is a type of bra that gives the effect of a smaller bust line. Minimizers are best for full busts. They have special design elements of the bra to make you look more slender by lifting and supporting you in all the right places. The term minimizer may be used when describing underwire, full support, and cut and sewn bras.

A nursing bra provides additional support to women who are lactating and permits comfortable breastfeeding without the need to remove the bra. This is accomplished by specially designed bra cups that include flaps which can be opened with one hand to expose the nipple. The flap is usually held closed with a simple clasp or hook.

A plunge bra gives great cleavage under low-plunging, deep-v tops and dresses. The center of the plunge bra is cut very low, in a "V" shape. The cups of the bra push the breast in and up, giving great lift. Some plunge bras come with integrated or removable padding.

A push-up bra gives great cleavage under low-cut tops and dresses. The center of the push-up bra is usually cut very low. The cups of the bra push the breasts up, giving great lift. Most push-up bras come with integrated (non-removable) or removable padding. A push-up bra is best for shallow to average busts, even some full busts.

A t-shirt bra offers smooth, seamless cups that will show no lines under your everyday t-shirt. Most t-shirt bras prevent nipple show-through. T-shirt bras are great for all bust types. Also known as an everyday bra.

An underwire bra is a brassiere that utilizes a thin, semi-circular strip of rigid material fitted inside the brassiere fabric. The wire may be made of metal, plastic, or resin.

An unlined bra, by definition, is a bra made with one layer of fabric across the cups, no padding or foam included. The benefits of unlined bras are primarily rooted in comfort.

Wireless bras give support and shape without the underwire. Wireless bras are good for all bust types. They may also be called: soft-cup bras, wire-free bras, and non-wire bras.