Your Ultimate Guide to Every Type of Bra Worth Owning

What it does: A bralette is a comfy choice for every day that we love. Typically seamless and either made of cotton or spandex, it's one of those everyday bras you always turn to because it's supportive yet still comfortable.

When to wear it: The question with this bra isn't when to wear it but when not to. Resist the urge to wear the same one every day. It's true that bras should have at least a day off between wearings, as body heat tends to relax the fabric.

When to replace it: This is the one you actually need to replace most often. If you wear it several times a week, you might get four to five months out of it before it loses its fit. Luckily, you can get these on the cheap side, so stocking up often won't be so frustrating.

Hanes Comfy Support Wirefree Bra ($9-$21)

This bestselling True & Co. True Body Triangle Convertible Bralette ($44) offers support. Plus, it comes in a handful of shades.

Looking for a stretchy and cozy choice? Try this Boody Shaper Bra ($20), and you won't regret it.

What it does: As unpleasing as a panty line, seeing the texture of a lacy bra (or even the outline of a nipple) can ruin an otherwise seamless look. As its name promises, this bra has smooth, contoured cups made of thin foam to give you a predetermined shape to wear under thin fabrics like T-shirt material.

When to wear it: You'll know. As much as you love that frilly bra with the tiny beaded embellishments, the minute you toss on that silk blouse or slinky dress, you'll know you have to go with something smoother.

When to replace it: Next to the bralette, you might find this to be your go-to undergarment, so plan to replace it every six months after regular wear.

Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra ($72)

This Third Love 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra ($68) is a customer favorite with over 48,000 reviews. Plus, it comes in so many shades.

This Cuup Scoop Bra ($68) is both soft and supportive. The scoop design works great for all types of tops, including T-shirts.

What it does: Designed with additional padding — in the form of foam, gel, water, or air — at the bottom portion of the cup to lift the breast, it gives the illusion of a fuller bust and can create cleavage where none existed. A good push-up can also lift without necessarily adding volume.

When to wear it: It's most frequently used for eveningwear or with outfits that benefit from a more filled-out bodice.

When to replace it: You're likely not wearing these very often, unless the club is a nightly stopping point, so if cared for properly, this bra should last at least nine months.

Lively The No-Wire Push Up Bra ($45)

The lace details on this Maidenform Cushion Comfort Dream Push-Up Bra ($36, originally $48) is a sexy touch. It's convertible, so you can wear it a bunch of different ways.

The popular Pepper Mesh All You Bra ($50) was made for smaller busts. It gives A and B cups support and lift.

What it does: This trusty bra — with wide sides and sewn-in silicone stitching along the edges to keep it in place on your skin — is essential to avoid pesky bra straps peeking out underneath your clothes. Some are even made with a plunging front, for more versatility with skin-baring pieces, or a corseted bottom to provide added support.

When to wear it: You might not wear strapless tops very often, but even for those pieces with thin straps, you'll probably want a strapless bra.

When to replace it: Although it depends on frequency of wear, it's a good idea to pick up a new one at the start of every summer, when you are sure to start wearing it a lot more often and will need one poised to perform at its best.

Lively The No-Wire Strapless Bra ($45)

This Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra ($28) is great because it's made of the most buttery soft fabric you can imagine. It's a pullover style, and comes in a dozen colors.

This DKNY Sheer Convertible Strapless Bra ($50) is the perfect choice for low-cut or backless dresses. We love that it has removable straps.

What it does: Of all the bras you don't have, it's likely you've avoided purchasing this one. It's definitely the most complicated one to figure out, but that's because it's the most versatile. Its modifiable straps can transform into a halter, racer-back, one-shoulder, or strapless style. Owning one of these keeps you from having to own a handful of other rarely used bras.

When to wear it: Whenever you need a quick solution for a complicated outfit without the time or cash to buy a specially made bra.

When to replace it: As versatile as these are, you likely aren't wearing one-shoulder cocktail dresses too often, so consider this backup-plan bra one you can keep in the back of your closet for years before upgrading.

Wacoal Halo Convertible Strapless Underwire Bandeau Bra ($55)

This Chantelle Norah Strapless Bra ($79) features hidden wires and creates a smooth look. You can go with or without straps, too.

You can arrange the straps on this Lively The No-Wire Strapless ($45) several ways, or just wear it strapless. The bottom support is both flexible and comfortable.

What it does: Consider this the ultimate date-night bra. This ultraflattering underwire option, which comes with or without padding and is often made with lace elements, has cups that are angled to expose the top of the breast.

When to wear it: It's perfect for low-cut tops or those with wide scoop or square necklines where an everyday bra would show. And if there's ever a chance your bra will be seen by a lucky partner, this is the style that is a true crowd-pleaser.

When to replace it: You probably won't wear it more than once a week, but because it is more delicate, this bra should still be replaced every year to 18 months if it's starting to lose its hold.

Cuup The Balconette Bra ($68)

The Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Wicked Unlined Balconette Bra ($45) is both sexy and supportive, with a slight lift. It comes in a number of chic shades, too.

This Savage X Fenty Microfiber Balconette Bra ($45) is so sexy. The adjustable straps and comfy center will help you find your perfect fit.

What it does: Normally, you want your bra to be unobtrusive, but there are those moments when a gorgeous bra is just meant to be seen. For those occasions, it's smart to have an eye-catching bra, whether it has sexy straps, beautiful lace, or a pattern that really pops.

When to wear it: Underneath sheer tops where the idea is that your bra is visible. Or depending on the venue, it can even be worn on its own as a bustier or bikini top.

When to replace it: This bra, even if inexpensive, can be seen as an investment and should ideally be one you can keep your whole lifetime, just as you do the clothes you wear on top of it.

Savage X Fenty Perfect Poppies Unlined Lace Demi Bra ($50)

Feel your best in the Bluebella Irena Lace Underwire Bra ($64). The lace detailing is so sexy.

If you want something standout and comfy, get the Hanky Panky Signature Lace Padded Bralette ($58). It comes in pink, blue, and purple.

What it does: Underwire bras are essential for people with larger chests, because the name of the game is support. The wire holds you up and makes you feel supported. Consider this an everyday staple, particularly if you've got a C cup or above.

When to wear it: Whenever you feel the need for extra smoothness or support. These are the everyday bras, the special occasion bras, and everything in between. The trick is finding underwire bras that don't dig in, but we've done that for you!

When to replace it: This is similar to a t-shirt bra. Give it about a year if you're wearing it constantly. You'll also be able to tell if the bra has completely lost its shape, or worst case scenario, the underwire starts poking out.

Victoria's Secret Lightly-Lined Demi Bra ($55)

This Agent Provocateur Lorna Plunge Underwired Bra ($130) is supremely sexy. It's also got support, which is a good thing. If you've got a larger chest and want something statement making that still holds you up, this is the one for you.

If you're looking for a bra with lots of support and coverage, this ThirdLove 24/7 Perfect Coverage Bra ($68) is the one for you. It's got supremely comfortable cups and straps that were made to hold you up without digging in.

What it does: This type of bra is sexy, there's no way around it. This is for the times when you want to put on a little show, or feel sexy and beautiful just for yourself.

When to wear it: It can be worn everyday so long as your top is opaque enough. These are bras that were quite literally made to be seen, but they can also be just a fun secret between you and yourself.

When to replace it: It really depends on how you wear it. If you're using it as an everyday bra, give it the general feel test you would with a t-shirt bra. If it's a special occasion bra, it can be kept for years.

Cuup The Plunge ($68)

This Savage x Fenty Nothin' But Net Scoop Neck Bralette ($33) is sexy yet comfortable. It doesn't have an underwire, so if that's your thing, go for this bra.

If you're looking for something super sexy, go with a lacy pick. This Journelle Romy Demi Bra ($78) is comfortable and comes in a bunch of different colors.