The main difference is structure.
Bralettes are usually less structured, and lined rather than padded, many bralettes are wire-free, making them popular with post-surgery, during pregnancy, or nursing.
Bras have more structure, some level of padding, and more shaping and support.
Each offers a unique specialty
Bralettes rarely have a hook and eye fastening feature, most are pull-on style, with the racerback being the most popular choice. When new your bralette should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight, as they are designed to stretch and twist with your body, they will slightly grow over time.
If you are looking for support then a traditional bra would be a good choice, a structured wired bra provides the extra level of support for the bigger boobs. Bras are crafted in an elaborate manner compared to bralettes, are suitable for all size boobs, and are designed for various purposes of functionality such as sports bras, minimizes, nursing bras, push-up bras, and various styles and types.
In both bras and bralettes, the under-band should be firm but comfortable, and lie horizontally across your body. If you like a more substantial under-band, a long-line bra would be a good choice.
So which is right for you? It all comes down to personal choice, what kind of support you are looking for, what styles you prefer, and which suits your lifestyle. A good combination of both would cover everything you need.
The bralette is made to be seen, especially in the summer, under a roomy jacket, or sheer top, peeking out from under a dress or worn as a top, paired with high-waisted jeans. If you want added support, the bralette can even be worn over a traditional bra.
If you like going braless but have an occasion to need a bit extra support, a bralette would be a great choice. Bralettes are supportive enough even for the bigger boobs, while they won’t offer the same level of support as a structured wired bra they will support a bigger boob and provide coverage. Bralettes also give your boobs a more natural shape.
Bras are for you if you prefer more form fitting, need more support, and like padding. It is not advisable to sleep in a structured bra. A bra can improve the posture of women with larger boobs. A good quality bra can improve the shape of your boobs thus giving you more confidence to not only look good but feel good too.
Cosabella has a wide range of both bras and bralettes to suit all sizes and styles.
* Never Say Never Balconette Bra, our iconic floral lace, known for its stretch and return, this balconette bra helps lift and enhance your shape and cleavage, non-padded, underwired hook and eye closure at back, wide set adjustable straps for a flattering fit.
* Soire Confidence T-Shirt Bra, designed to fit like a second skin, seamless and airy, from our top-selling Soire Confidence Collection, glossy trim details add a contemporary look to this barely there bra, underwired, lightweight, lightly padded, supportive smooth cups, flattering fit with full coverage cups.
* Free Cut Micro Lightly Lined Bra, made in Italy, this collection is seamless and meant to be worn every day because of the comfortable fabric and simple construction, double lined, underwire bra, free cut, lightweight, comfortable and seamless microfiber. Adjustable straps, hook, and eye closure back.
* Never Say Never Ultra Curvy Racie Racerback Bralette, inspired by our customers’ desire to add more size inclusivity, wireless racerback for ultra-fuller busts with small bands, soft stretch non-sheer scalloped lace, lined with power mesh for support. V neckline and non-padded cups pull-on style.
* Allure Bralette, experience a freeing bohemian feel with this elegant collection. Designed with delicate eyelash details and stunning lace texture, perfect for layering when you want to show off your lingerie, dramatic V-wire plunge front. Pull-on-style, non-padded cups, adjustable thin double straps.
* Ceylon Modal Bralette, our signature, luxurious Ceylon chevron lace, is now paired with our softest modal fabric. Wireless, non-padded cups with chevron lace band below bust, adjustable straps, pull-on-style.
At Cosabella: We pride ourselves as a modern pioneer in lingerie (pronounced “langerie”), not just in bra and panties sets, but in comfort wear for all human shapes and sizes. Underwear is a personal choice for most people, finding the right fit with your bralette, finding the right lingerie set for a night out, and having the right lift and support are all key when it comes to your underwear. We carry a wide variety of styles, ranging from high-waisted panties to boy shorts, lace bralettes, strapless bras, wireless bras, push-up bras, and t-shirt bras with a wide range of cup sizes and shapes. Feel free to sign-up for our Loyalty Program, where you can engage with our seasonal sales and our social media announcements. For assistance in finding what you are looking for in our selections, feel free to check out our “Best Bra for your Booby Shape” and “Best panties for your Booty Shape” blogs. We stand out from other lingerie brands by listening to our customers – so come shop lingerie with us, and share your experiences with us.