Often times there is a variety of bras that are available on the market for women to choose from when trying to purchase a bra for that special occasion and known all the different types of bras will help women to know which bra they need.

Cleavage bra is a bra with a center gore that dips low in front between the breasts so that your cleavage and not your bra are seen under low-cut garments, which creates the appearance of increased cleavage with a deep front, angled cups, and narrow center gore. A compression bra presses the breast tissue against the chest to reduce motion and usually refers to a sports bra. Convertible bra refers to bras with straps that fully or partially detach and can be worn multiple ways and usually the straps have small hooks that can disconnect and reattach in different forms.

Crossover bra is a wire-free bra with fabric seamed to create an "X" in the front center for support. Demi bra refers to how the bra cups are cut and only covers half of the breast, because the upper half of the bra cup is cut away to expose the upper part of the breasts while the shoulder straps are usually set farther apart. Encapsulation bra is primarily used in defining the construction of a sports bra. Full coverage bra refers to how the bra cups are cut. A full cup bra completely covers most of the breast and will not cause an indentation along the top of the breast and offers added support. Full figure bra are for women who wear bras sizes 32-36DD and 38-42C-DD or larger are classified as full figure women, which are made in these sizes are often specially designed to give additional support.

Full support bra is the banding under the cups, substantial side wings, and closures with two or more hooks offer supreme breast support. Liquid filled bra have filled cups to give the look of added breast size. Mastectomy bra is designed for women who have had one or both breasts surgically removed. Maternity bra is designed for women who are pregnant as they offer more support with a wider band and an underbust band. Minimizer bras reduces the projection of the wearer's breasts by holding the breast tissue snugly and redistributing breast flesh more towards the underarm and the center front.

Molded bras refers to cups that are lined or padded to hold their shape, even when the bra is not being worn. Nursing bra are similar to a maternity bra, but with the additional feature of cup openings to allow for breastfeeding without removing the bra. Padded bra have padding added to the cups to add size and definition, which can be removed. Post-operative bras are designed to help make recovery from breast surgery more comfortable. Push-Up bras have heavily padded cups designed to press the breasts. Racer back bras have back straps anchored towards the center of the back, which curve between the shoulder blades.

Seamed bras have seams holding together multiple pieces of fabric to create one cup. Seamless bras have cups made from one piece of fabric that has been molded into a permanent shape for a smooth look under clothing. A shaper bra is made from a form-fitting fabric designed to slim the silhouette of the wearer. Shelf bras have an underwire with little or no cups designed for show and not for support. Displays most of the breasts, including the nipples. Sports bras are worn during exercise that minimizes breast bouncing.

Strapless bras have wide sides and no shoulder straps or removable straps. Training bras refers to a beginner bra for young girls without a cup size. Triangle bras are designed like a string bikini with triangles of fabric covering the nipples held together by thin straps that usually tie closed. Underwire bras have sewn-in "wiring" that runs underneath the breast in each bra cup in a "U" shape.