Push-up bras vs. Padded bras: What's the difference?

Padded bras vs. Push-up bras

A padded bra is a broad category of bras that includes, well, anything that has padding. Padding, however, has a broad definition. A lightly lined bra with two millimeter thick foam throughout the cup falls into the padded bra category, as does a push-up bra that has so much padding, it adds two cup sizes. Not all padded bras are push-up bras, but all push-up bras fall under the padded bra category. Read our comprehensive bra types guide here.

For a padded bra to be a push-up bra, the thickness of the foam will be graduated throughout the cup. The thickest part of the foam should be concentrated underneath the bust, and it will decrease in thickness, sloping to its thinnest at the top of the bra cup. The thick padding beneath the breast is what lifts, or pushes up, the breast tissue to give that enhanced cleavage effect that push-up bras are known for.

Who should wear a padded bra?

Padded bras are great for anyone who desires a little extra modesty (specifically, no nipple show-through), wants to augment their natural breast shape, seeks to add volume to their cup size, or is hoping to amplify their cleavage. 

What is a push-up bra?

A push-up bra is designed to enhance your cleavage by pushing breasts together and upwards. Typically, this is done by adding angled padding to the bottom corner of each bra cup. They also usually feature a half or demi cup, which provides more space for cleavage. In general, push-up bras are made with underwire and feature an adjustable hook and eye at the back of the band, though some styles opt for a front closure to add tension and create even more lift. 

Who should wear a push-up bra?

Push-up bras are ideal for someone with a smaller chest who wants the appearance of a larger cup size. However, if you’re someone with a larger chest who wants to maximize their cleavage or add some extra lift, then you should absolutely explore what a push-up bra can do for you. These days, push-up bras come in a wide variety of sizes and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Push-up bras can also be great for anyone with a breast shape that doesn’t quite fill up a standard cup thanks to the extra padding that will help fill in some of that missing volume, like women with  East West breasts and teardrop breasts. Learn how to identify your breast shape here. 

When should you wear a push-up bra?

If you like the way a push-up bra looks and fits, then that’s all the reason you need to wear it. However, an enhanced bust and lifted cleavage can be a perfect complement to certain outfits, like low cut tops and dresses. The positioning, size, and shape of your chest can also affect how certain garments hang on the body, so even if you aren’t going for a va-va-voom look, a push-up bra can be the perfect tool to enhance your silhouette.

Should I size up in a push-up bra?

No, you should purchase your regular size bra. While it may seem intuitive to go up a size to accommodate for the extra padding, bra manufacturers will have already taken this into account when designing the bra. If you choose a size too large, you won’t get the full effect of the push-up bra, and you may have other issues related to fit.

Can I wear a push-up bra every day?

Absolutely. In fact, many women find a well-fitting push-up bra to be a comfortable option due to all the extra padding. Plus, not every push-up bra will create the same amount of lift and cleavage. Some push-up bras include just a slight amount of padding, while others can increase your breast volume by one or two cup sizes. You can easily find a push-up bra that you feel comfortable wearing on a daily basis.