Plunge, full cup, balcony, balconette – bra style names can be confusing, especially as different manufacturers don't always use them in exactly the same way. In our fitting room, customers are more likely to describe what they want than ask for a particular style: “I want my breasts to be fully covered”, “I need something for a low neckline”, “I don't like bras that cover too much” or “I'd like a little more lift”. In this guide, we explain the differences between popular bra styles, how they can affect breast shape and support, and why the style name alone won't tell you whether a bra will fit well.

Does a good sports bra have to have underwires? Not necessarily. Both wired and non-wired sports bras can provide effective support during exercise. What matters most is the overall construction, how well the bra fits and the type of activity you do. Running and jumping place different demands on a sports bra than yoga or Pilates.

What does side support mean in a bra, and how is a side support bra different from other styles? Put simply, it means additional support at the outer side of the cup, designed to help gather the breast from the side and guide it more towards the centre and forward. However, the words “side support” do not describe the whole bra construction – two bras with a side support panel can fit and shape the same bust very differently.

You have a bra size that usually works for you, you order another model, and suddenly something feels different: the cup gaps, the band feels tighter, the underwire sits differently, or the bra gives a completely different shape under clothes. This does not always mean that you have chosen the wrong size. From our experience in the fitting room and from conversations with our customers, we know that the same bra size can fit differently depending on the brand, style, colour, and sometimes even the particular production batch.

A band that feels too tight, a band that feels too loose, a cup that seems right — and suddenly the question appears: which size should you try next? This is exactly where bra sister sizes can be helpful. They allow you to change the band size while keeping a similar cup volume. It is important to remember, however, that a sister size is not an identical replacement — the whole bra may fit a little differently.

If you wear a well-fitted bra, it is natural to wonder whether you should choose the same size in swimwear. In most cases, yes — your bra size is a very good starting point when choosing a bikini top, tankini or one-piece swimsuit with cup sizing. It is still worth remembering that the fitting room gives the final answer, because in swimwear it is not only the size that matters, but also the cut, fabric and how you want to feel at the beach.

What bra should you choose under a wedding dress to truly support your bust? This is one of the most common questions we hear in the fitting room. And it’s a very good one — because it’s not just about being invisible under the dress. What really matters is whether it stays stable throughout the day: when walking, bending or dancing.

A larger bust at the beach can sometimes bring more stress than joy. Will everything stay in place? Will something shift when you walk into the water? Will the bust look flattened or spill out at the sides? From our experience in the fitting room, we know one thing: a well-chosen swimsuit can provide the same feeling of security as a well-fitted bra.

Putting on a bra correctly is a very important part of bra fitting. Many women search for answers like how to put on a bra correctly or wonder why their bra does not support the bust as expected. Often the issue is not only the size but also the way the bra is put on. The technique affects comfort, cup positioning and even how the bust looks under clothing. Below you’ll find a practical step-by-step guide and a short demonstration video by Elomi (although in our opinion the breast tissue should be scooped more thoroughly from the underarm and back area).

Bralettes, non-wired bras and wire-free bras are increasingly popular with women looking for comfort: less pressure at the centre of the chest, soft fabrics and a more natural shape. A non-wired bra is not an inferior version of a wired bra. It is simply a different design, using its band, cup construction and fabric to provide support rather than relying on underwires.