Cup Coverage as of 2012-12-14 05:34:03

How much coverage and which sort of coverage is one way of classifying bras. In this section we will talk about plunge bras, half cups and balconettes.

Plunge

This is probably the best known cut of bras and the one you will find most often in bra stores. It’s also very easily identifiable - it’s the one with the very low center gore. It shouldn't be visible even in tops with very deep V-neck-cuts. This bra quite often is made so that it gives cleavage, but it doesn't have to. To keep the bra supportive it is also quite often higher at the sides to compensate for the openness at the center gore.

Examples:

Half cup

Half cups covers a bit more than half the breast, just as the name says. In general they have a horisontal edge and the cups are almost of the same height as the center gore. They are often balconettes, which will be described a bit more in detail further down but doesn't have to be that. They often have one or more vertical seams, but can also have a horisontal seam instead. They're also called demi cups.

Examples:

Full cup

The full cup is also just what it sounds like, a bra with cups that is very full coverage, so that they cover almost all breast tissue. They come in both versions with a more centered strap and a horisontal seam, like the Elomi Caitlyn, and balconette cuts, like Freya Clarissa, plus a mixture of those two, usually with a side support panel, like the Panache Andorra. The fuller coverage usually gives more support, as there is less room for the breast to bounce with fabric supporting all areas.

Examples: