Anatomy of a Bra: Different Bra Parts and Their Functions

Woman wearing the full coverage Keira bra in Olive in 34 HH

Bras are an essential part of every woman's wardrobe. They provide support, comfort, and confidence. they can make or break an outfit. Despite how indispensable bras are in our lives, however, many of us know surprisingly little about this everyday garment. A bra is a scientific marvel, a single piece of clothing made of many important parts, each part serving a specific function. Let us demystify bras and learn about the different parts of a common bra. Please note that not all bras may have these parts.

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Bra Anatomy #1: The Cups

The cups are the part of the bras that hold our breasts. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as foam, satin, lace, and so on, depending on the type and function of the bra. The cups may be padded or unpadded, with partial or full coverage.

Bra Anatomy #2: The Band

The band is the part of the bra that wraps around the ribcage, providing additional support by anchoring the bra in place. A comfortable bra should have a band that is neither too tight nor too loose. It should sit snug around the body, but should not restrict movement. A band may be broad or narrow, depending on the type of bra.

Bra Anatomy #3: The Gore

The gore is the centre panel of a bra. It sits flat on our sternum, between your breasts. they provide separation between the breasts. The gore may be long or short, wide or narrow. It is one of the key factors that decide the shape that the bra would provide, irrespective of the size. Work with a bra-fitter to understand which kind works best for your body.

Bra Anatomy #4: The Straps

Poor straps. The most widely recognised part of our bras, and yet much maligned too. There is not shame if the strap is visible; it is an important part of your bra. The straps provide additional support to your bra. They may be wide or narrow depending on the type of bra.

Bra Anatomy #5: The Hook and Eye Closure

Our common everyday bras feature the hook and eye closure at the back. A regular bra has three sets of two closures; these help the wearer make minor adjustments to the band for a custom fit.

There are of course many more parts of a bra. These five parts are the most common across different types of bras, and a good starting point in your journey of Bra-ducation!