1.    Padded:  A Padded Bra is any bra that has fiberfill (of many different materials - could be foam - could be cotton, could be polyester).  Most often padded bras add size, definition and a natural, well-proportioned look to smaller bustlines. Padded push-ups go a step further, offering maximum cleavage and curves.  Padded push-ups have more padding at the bottom of the cup than at the top and can also sometimes be in the form of removable pads.   With a padded bra there is no show through at all of what's underneath! 

2.    Lined:  So many get this confused with padding.  A lined bra also has something between your skin and the bra but it's usually much thinner than padding.  It most often is the same material as the bra or is a softer material to protect your skin from the material of the cup.  It can also be foam and this is what confuses most buyers.  Foam lining is thinner than padding and does not add anything to your bust but does help shape and also provides more protection from seeing what's underneath the bra!

3.    Seamed: A basic bra for every figure that needs a little more support. The seams define the bra's shape and size. 

4.    Seamless: For all figure types that need a smooth look under clothes.

5.    Underwire:  Bras with soft, flexible wiring under each cup to lift, separate and support the bustline. 

6.   Contour: A lightly padded or lined bra with a minimal layer of fiberfill to add definition and shape but not size. 

7.    Soft Cup: A bra without underwires. 

8.    Full Coverage: Bras made to cover the entire breast.  Not the same as full figure. 

9.   Demi Cup: A cut-away, contoured underwire bra that lifts and reveals the tops of the breasts for a decollete look.  Does not cover the entire breast.

10. Plunge:  To accommodate plunging or v-necklines, a bra cut low between the cups, sometimes with front hook or clasp.

11. Molded:  Cups are molded into a permanent shape and fit.  Cups keep their form when not being worn.  Can be hard molded or soft molded but regardless it will have some type of lining or padding in the cups.

10. Full Figure::  Full figure cup bras are larger than regular B, C or D cups.  They are specifically designed to cover the entire breast of full figure bustier women.  If my auction states full figure and you are not used to buying full figure the bra may be to large for you.  If you are used to full figure bras and the auction does not state that its full figure - it is not and you should be very careful because the cups will be smaller than what you are looking for.  Email me with any questions!

Styles of Bras (can also be combined; ie full support racerback) 

1.      Convertible Bra: Features removable straps that can often be worn - halter, criss cross or even without (strapless).  

2.      Stretch: Bras made of fabrics with LYCRA® lend a smooth, sleek look and great freedom of movement, comfort and fit.

3.      Front Closure: To accommodate plunging or v-necklines, a bra cut low between the cups, with front hook or clasp.  This style will show cleavage.

4.      Strapless: usually an underwire bra with wide sides and no shoulder straps.  Also be sure of your size when purchasing because these are made to hold up without the straps and will also be tight if your buying the wrong size

5.      Halter: A bra with convertible straps that go behind the neck. 

6.      Sports Bra: For working out, a bra that allows a full range of motion and minimizes bouncing. Also worn for comfort because there is no underwire. 

7.      Minimizer: Designed to de-emphasize full bustlines. In most cases will reduce your bust size at least one size.  Be sure of your size when purchasing a minimizer bra because they are made to be tight. 

8.      Racerback: a style with straps that meet in a v-shape in back, between the shoulder blades. Good for sleeveless tops and those that hate fighting the slip of the shoulder straps!

Please keep in mind when purchasing your new bra that many women are wearing the wrong bra size.   Some blame this on the manufacturers sizing.  While I am not going to say that all bra's fit the same regardless of who made them, the real problem is usually what cup and style you choose.  If you need to purchase a strapless bra and wear mostly soft cup bra's (no underwire),  the same size may not feel or fit the same in a strapless bra.  Why?  Because a soft cup bra does not have the support of the cups as a strapless does.  Thus causing it to fit and feel totally different.  If you are measuring to find your bra size (its still not set in stone when you do this) -you may still need to adjust the band and cup up one and down the other or vice versa to get the comfort you want.   Be sure to  measure wearing the same style bra you are wanting to purchase (make sure it fits though!)  Be sure of your size - I cannot take returns for items that do not fit.  This is according to eBay policy - items that have been worn must be clean & washed and at that point are no longer new - and since I only sell new items I cannot take returns.  

(information contained herein is my interpretation and is not to be used or copied)