What is a Push Up Bra?
Introduction
A push up bra is a type of bra
designed to lift the breasts and create the appearance of a more voluptuous
bust. Push up bras use padded cups, underwires, and other features to push the
breasts up and inwards, enhancing cleavage and creating a fuller, rounder
shape. While often enhancing the perceived size and shape of the breasts, push
up bras serve functional purposes as well, providing lift and support. Push up
bras have been popular since the 1950s, with innovations in fabric, padding,
and structure leading to many variations in style. Understanding the features
and purpose of push up bras can help you find the best option to achieve your
desired look.
Table of Contents
- History of the Push Up Bra
- How Push Up Bras Create Lift and Cleavage
- Styles of Push Up Bras
- Sizing and Fit
- Pros and Cons of Wearing a Push Up Bra
- Pros
- Cons
- Caring for Your Push Up Bra
- Washing
- Storage
- Signs
of Wear
- When to Wear a Push Up Bra
- Everyday
Wear
- Special
Occasions
- Exercise
- Alternatives to Push Up Bras
- Bras
with Removable Padding
- Bralettes
- Stick
On Bras
- Who Can Wear a Push Up Bra
- Big
Busted Women
- Small
Busted Women
- Teens
- Men
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What
is the difference between a padded bra and a push up bra?
- Do
push up bras cause sagging?
- Are
push up bras comfortable?
- Can
you sleep in a push up bra?
- What
clothes look good with a push up bra?
- How
do you hide push up bra pads?
- How
do you walk in a push up bra?
- What
is better, a push up bra or padded bra?
- How
do you make breasts look bigger without a bra?
- What
household items can be used as a push up bra?
History of the Push Up Bra 👗
The concept of bras that lift and
shape the breasts dates back centuries, with early versions called "bust
bodices" worn in the late 1800s. But the modern push up bra emerged in the
1940s and 1950s. Maidenform is credited with developing the first official push
up bra in 1949, using darts and stitching techniques to lift the breasts.
Push up bras gained more
popularity in the next decades, with brands like Victoria's Secret and
Frederick's of Hollywood using padding and underwires to increase cleavage and
lift. Many link the rise of push up bras to the popularity of the "sweater
girl" look, as women sought bras that would make their breasts prominently
stand out in tight knit tops.
Technological innovations like
lycra fabric, gel padding, and more flexible underwires led to increased
comfort and effectiveness in shaping. By the 1990s and early 2000s push up bras
were a wardrobe staple, with plunging necklines making enhanced cleavage
especially desirable. Today push up bras remain popular for their ability to
achieve a rounded, enhanced bust line under clothing.
How Push Up Bras Create Lift and
Cleavage 📏
So how exactly does this magic
undergarment lift and boost the breasts? Push up bras use a combination of
features to achieve their volumizing effects:
- Padded cups - Foam, gel, or
other padding is used to line the bottom and sides of the cups. This padding
pushes the breasts inwards and upwards.
- Underwires - Bending underwire
frames lift the breasts from below and increase forward projection.
- Plunging center gore - A low
center panel between the cups pulls the breasts inwards, enhancing cleavage.
- Removable pads - Some styles
include removable push pads that can be inserted into pockets in the bottom of
the cups.
- Torso band tightness - Tight
bands anchor the bra against the rib cage, preventing the breasts from sagging
downwards.
- Special cup shapes - Cups
crafted in a convex shape or with internal slings can boost lift.
So in short, push up bras use a
concerted effort of padding, underwires, and structural fabric to push the
breasts up and in for maximum lift!
Styles of Push Up Bras 👙
There are a few main styles
that offer that coveted push up effect:
- Padded push up bras - Padding
lines the bottom half of the cups to lift the breasts. Padding thickness can
vary.
- Underwire push up bras - Rigid
underwire frames in the front lift and support the breasts.
- Plunge push up bras - Push up
bras with a low center gore for low cut tops. Creates impressive cleavage.
- Convertible push up bras - Bras
with removable straps that can be worn in different configurations.
- T-shirt push up bras -
Smooth-cupped push up bras that are seamless under clothing.
- Adhesive push up bras -
Reusable silicone bras that adhere directly to the skin, without bands or
straps.
- One-shoulder push up bras -
Push up bras with an asymmetric one strap design. Worn under one-shoulder
dresses and tops.
So whether you want a simple
daily push up T-shirt bra or a show-stopping plunge bra for a night out, there
are many styles designed to lift and enhance!
Sizing and Fit 📏
Getting the right size is crucial
for a push up bra to work its magic. Here are some tips for finding your
perfect size:
- Get professionally fitted at
lingerie stores if possible. Having an expert assess your band and cup fit
makes a difference.
- Carefully measure around your
ribcage under the bust, then measure around the fullest part of the bust. Refer
to sizing charts.
- The band should fit very snugly
on the loosest hook setting, with space to tighten over time. Tight bands
anchor the lift.
- Cups should fully encase the
breasts without spillage, gaping, or cutting in. Padding can disguise fit
issues.
- Plunge styles should not dig in
at the sides of the breasts. If they do, size up in the cup.
- Try on multiple sizes, as
sizing varies across brands and styles. Don't assume you are one universal
size.
Getting the band snugness, cup
volume, and style right ensures maximum comfort, support and lift from a push
up bra. Don't hesitate to try on many options!
Pros and Cons of Wearing a Push Up
Bra ➕➖
Pros:
- Creates impressive cleavage and
lift
- Makes breasts appear larger and
more voluptuous
- Enhances curves under clothing
- Wide variety of stylish designs
- Provides support via underwire
and strong bands
- Can make small busts fill out
clothes better
- Portable enhancement with
removable pads
- Most feel sexy and confident
wearing push up styles
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable if the
wrong size or style
- May not provide enough support
for physical activity
- Requires adjustment throughout
the day
- Removable pads can shift around
- Not recommended for sleeping or
lounging
- May contribute to sagging if
ill-fitting or worn constantly
- Some feel they send unrealistic
messages about needing breast "enhancement"
Caring for Your Push Up Bra 💛
To get the most out of your push
up bras, follow these care tips:
Washing
- Hand wash in cold water with a
mild detergent
- Lay flat or use a wash bag to
protect shape
- Avoid machine washing, heat,
and fabric softener
Storage
- Store in a drawer, stacked flat
or hanging
- Don't fold cups or bunch up
padding
- Rotate between bras to prolong
elasticity
Signs of Wear
- Replace at first sign of
damaged wires, torn fabric, or compromised padding
- Look for loosening of bands and
straps
- Cup fit changes over time as
fabric stretches - if cups gap or breasts spill over, it's time for a new bra
Proper washing and storage
preserves the structure and extends a push up bra's lifespan. But replace
immediately if you notice any damage or compromised fit.
When to Wear a Push Up Bra 👗👙
Push up bras are versatile - you
can wear them daily or save them for special events. Here are some
circumstances that call for the va-va-voom effect of a push up bra:
Everyday Wear
- Under T-shirts, tanks, and
knits to add curve and shape
- To give demure necklines a
subtle sexy edge
- For work underneath
button-downs and blazers
- To boost confidence and feel
your best around the house
Special Occasions
- On dates and nights out for
eye-catching cleavage
- Under strapless dresses and
low-cut tops
- To fill out wedding gowns with
structure and lift
- As part of a boudoir lingerie
look
Exercise
- Low support sports bras for
yoga and barre
- Light padding provides coverage
during cardio
- Underneath sports jerseys and
tanks
Both in everyday life and special
events, push up bras deliver oomph exactly when you need it!
Alternatives to Push Up Bras 🩲
Push up bras aren't for everyone.
Thankfully plenty of options provide lift and enhancement without padding or
underwires:
Bras with Removable Padding
Try unlined bras with pockets for
removable padding instead of sewn-in push up padding. Lets you control the
lift.
Bralettes
Soft, unstructured bralettes can
be worn under tight tops to define shape while still feeling comfy.
Stick On Bras
Adhesive, reusable silicone bras
give subtle lift and work with strapless outfits.
Corsets and Bustiers
Structured shaping garments cinch
in the waist and push up the breasts.
Shoulder Support Bras
Wide straps and high frames
provide a natural lift, minus padding.
So, whether you dislike
underwires or want lighter lift, alternatives to traditional padded push up
bras exist!
Who Can Wear a Push Up Bra? 🤔
One of the great things about
push up bras is that they work for most body types and genders.
Big Busted Women
Contrary to popular belief, push
up bras aren't just for small chested women. The lift helps resist downward
pull on large breasts and provides attractive shaping under clothes.
Small Busted Women
Padding adds volume and creates
cleavage for smaller cup sizes. Push up bras help fill out tops.
Teens
Lightly padded bras provide shape
for developing breasts, plus confidence for young girls.
Men
Crossdressing men or drag queens
use push up bras to achieve a feminine curvy outline.
No matter your age, gender
identity, or body type, anyone can wear a push up bra for a little lift!
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What is the difference between a
padded bra and a push up bra?
Padded bras simply line the cups
with extra foam or fabric to provide nipple coverage and subtle enhancement.
Push up bras use strategic padding, wires, and fabrics to purposefully lift
breasts upwards and inwards.
Do push up bras cause sagging?
Properly fitted push up bras
don't cause sagging or damage breast tissue. Ill-fitting push up bras with
bands too loose or cups too small can lead to sagging over time though.
Are push up bras comfortable?
Many push up bras today combine
padding with seamless fabrics and flexible underwires, creating a very
comfortable lift. But too-tight bands or underwire digging can decrease
comfort.
Can you sleep in a push up bra?
Sleeping in any bra can strain
breast tissue, so it's best to opt for a soft bralette or go bra-free at night.
The snug fit required for push up bras makes them particularly unsuitable for
sleeping.
What clothes look good with a push
up bra?
Low cut tops and dresses, tight
form-fitting knits, and strapless necklines make the most of push up bras.
Avoid bulky fabrics that conceal the silhouette.
How do you hide push up bra pads?
Use silicone nipple covers or
inserts to smooth the outline under tight shirts. Tape down edges of removable
pads. Opt for lightly lined cups over bulky pads.
How do you walk in a push up bra?
Practice good posture by keeping
shoulders back to balance weight distribution. Scoop breasts into cups while
walking to prevent bouncing. It may also help to tighten straps.
What is better, a push up bra or
padded bra?
It depends on preferences and
needs! Push up bras provide more dramatic lift and cleavage, while padded bras
smooth shape. Consider comfort, outfit, and activities.
How do you make breasts look bigger
without a bra?
Use cleavage-enhancing tapes and
sticky cutlets, try bust-boosting makeup contours, select v-neck tops, maintain
good posture, and consider temporary options like breast plumping creams.
What household items can be used as
a push up bra?
Socks, pantyhose leggings, bubble
wrap, and silicone breast petals can mimic push up padding at home. Use caution
trying household items, as improper materials and fit risks health issues. Only
use household items on rare occasions.
Conclusion
From creating alluring cleavage
to boosting confidence, push up bras remain a staple decades after their
invention. Their ability to subtly enhance your natural shape makes them a
go-to in many women's wardrobes. Just be sure to select the right size, style,
and fit for your body's needs. With the proper push up bra, you can achieve
that sensual lift while still feeling comfortable and supported. So go ahead
and give your look a boost with the magic of push up bras!