What bra style is best for… [insert relevant boob shape here]

Turns out there is such a thing

bra shape style
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Turns out there is such a thing

We're learning a lot about boobs this month, aren't we? If you're not aware yet, this is how to find the right bra size every time, and this is how often you need to go for bra fittings. Now onto the fun stuff: lingerie shopping. Is there such a thing as a specific bra style to suit a specific bust size?

Kind of, according to Figleaves Garment Technologist Victoria Shelton, who explains that although there is no hard and fast rule (it really depends on your boob shape rather than size), there are certainly some guidelines.

Balconette bras: Best for wide set breasts

Often available in either padded or non-padded versions, a balconette bra's key features include wide set straps, rounded more open wires and a horizontal neckline ideal for slightly wider set breasts or a low cut neckline.

Plunge bras: Best for small breasts and narrow shoulders

This style has a low centre front which helps push breasts together to reveal cleavage. It often features narrow straps ideal for people with narrow shoulders, and with the low wires at the centre front this should help to eliminate wires rubbing.

T-shirt bras: Best for all breasts

It's often moulded to create a smooth clean finish, a great option for the majority of breast shapes., though those with very full cups may find that the moulds dig in on the neck edge.

Non-wire bras: Best for small breasts

Sometimes known as a soft bra, this is ideal for small sizes that do not need wired support and also large styles where wires might be found to be uncomfortable.

Strapless and multiway bras: Best for all breasts

These styles are great solution product and suit a variety of breast shapes.

Non padded bras: Best for big breasts

Larger busts often prefer this style, without any foam lining in the cups. It often comes in sheerer fabrics and is lightweight so easier to wear.

Full cup bras: Best for big breasts (cup size F and above)

A fuller coverage style, with a deeper cup to give great support especially for the larger sizes (F cup and above). Some styles are available with a stretch lace top cup ideal for breasts with shallow top cups.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.