Lingo
Knowledge is Power!
- Balconette
A bra with cups that are cut horizontally just above the bust line. Has slightly less coverage than a demi cup and often has light padding and wide set straps.
- Bra Band
Having nothing to do with music, a bra band circles your rib cage and should fit snug but comfortable. 80% of bra support comes from the bra band and not the straps!
- Boyleg
A cute and super comfortable alternative to the thong in the fight against the dreaded V.P.L. Sometimes referred to as Boyshort.
- Bralette
Wire-free style with minimal construction. Great for smaller busts or for those who want no fuss coverage.
- Center Gore
A tech term that refers to the fabric between bra cups. It should fit flat and smoothly at your breast bone.
- Convertible Bra
A must-have bra that provides multiple strap styling options! Most can be worn as a strapless or as a criss-cross back style. Perfect under many different types of shirts or dresses.
- Cups
In the bra world, cups are an essential part of the bra that provide coverage, support and shaping for your breasts.
- Demi Cup
Smaller cup shape that provides less coverage. Best for average and smaller frame figures.
- Hook & Eyes
The clasps that secure the bra closed. Mostly found in the back of the bra, but sometimes in the front. Here's a tip, make sure the band is tight on the first hook, so as the elasticity gives, you can tighten to the next series of hooks & eyes!
- Lightly Lined Bra
Uses cups with a thin lining for coverage and modesty, does not increase bust size.
- Microfiber
A synthetic material that is super soft and smooth. Microfiber is a durable fabric and it feels great against the skin.
- Molded Cups
Cups that have no seams on the outside to create a smooth look. Typically used for t-shirt bras.
- Racerback
A racerback design has straps that form a 'Y' in the back. Racerbacks are great because they keep straps from slipping.
- Sport Bra
Designed to provide coverage and support for work-outs, but they also make great layering pieces!
- Straps
Straps go over the shoulder to connect the front and back of the bra. For a better fit, look for adjustable straps that can tighten or loosen.
- Padded Bra
Increases bust size and provides coverage. Cups are lined with a foam pad that is the same thickness all around.
- Push Up Bra
A push-up bra provides great lift. Cups made with a foam pad that is thicker at the bottom and narrow and thin at the top.
- Soft Cup Bra
Bra without an underwire. May or may not have cup definition. Sometimes referred to as wire-free.
- Thong
A thong panty consists of a thin narrow strip of fabric at the back and runs vertically from crotch to waist. Provides minimal coverage and helps fight V.P.L.
- T-Shirt Bra
T-shirt bras are smooth on the outside so not to show through your t-shirt. Typically designed with smooth, molded, lightly lined cups.
- Wings
Planes, birds and bras all have wings. It's a tech term that describes the back and sides of the bra band. Wings should lay flat against the body without pulling or wrinkling.
- Wire-free
Free from wires! This is a bra without an underwire and may not have cup definition.
- Ultimate padded push-up
Ultimate padded push-up boosts and enhances bust. Cups made with a foam pad that is thicker at the bottom and sides and narrower at the top.
- Underwire
A wire sewn into the fabric that runs just under the breasts and frames the cups to gently lift and support.
- Unlined Bra
Uses cups without any padding, provides a total natural look.
- VPL
Visible Panty Lines. A definite wardrobe "don't!"

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