Choosing Bra Material Types: A Complete List

As an aspiring bra business owner, one of the most important decisions you&#;ll make is selecting the right bra material. The fabric you choose will determine not only the comfort and support of the bra but also its durability and overall quality. 

Tress contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

But, with so many bra fabrics available on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. That&#;s why we&#;ve created this guide to help you navigate the different types of bra materials available and choose the best one for your needs. 

We&#;ll provide a comprehensive list of the best bra fabrics to choose from and explore the pros and cons of each bra material. We aim to help you make an informed decision and set your bra brand up for success.

Let&#;s dive right in!

Best Materials for Bra Cups and Straps

The cups and straps are the main parts of a bra since they keep the breasts in place and provide protection and support. Here are the most common materials used for bra cups and straps:

Cotton

Thanks to the many advantages, most bras available on the market today are made from cotton. It&#;s comfortable, breathable, feels soft and natural against the skin, and is warm and absorbent.

However, cotton also has some disadvantages, such as being prone to shrinking and deforming easily, and not being as durable as some other materials. 

Pros

• Great for bras made for everyday wear
• Comfortable, warm, and soft
• Breathable and absorbent
• A wide range of types, colors, and models to choose from

Cons

• Prone to shrinking and deformation over time
• Not as durable as other materials
• Not too elegant looking for high-end bras

Spandex

Spandex is a synthetic material commonly used in bra cups due to its elasticity. It&#;s a lightweight and breathable material that conforms to the body&#;s shape, providing comfort and support.

Additionally, spandex is quick-drying, durable, and greatly resistant to chemical or sunlight damage. 

Usually, spandex is mixed with cotton, polyester, or other material when used for bras, except for sports bras, which might be purely from spandex. 

Pros

• Great shape-retaining properties
• Perfect for adding elasticity to fabrics
• Commonly used for sports bras
• Provides excellent comfort and support

Cons

• Sensitive to heat 
• Not as breathable as cotton
• Lack of moisture-wicking properties

Polyester (Duoplex)

Polyester is a synthetic material frequently used for bra cups as it&#;s strong, durable, and lightweight. 

Duoplex is one of the most commonly used types of polyester materials for bras since it has a high thread count, making it an excellent choice for producing bra cups with a smooth and polished appearance. It&#;s a non-stretch knit fabric that&#;s great for support. 

Typically, duoplex is two-sided, with one shiny and one matte side, allowing you to choose either as your main one. 

Pros

• Very smooth fabric and no need for lining
• Great for support and structural parts of a bra
• Strong and durable
• Double-sided (one shiny, one matte side)

Cons

• No lengthwise stretch
• Can be bulky for some types of bras
• Not a natural fabric choice as it&#;s 100% synthetic

Silk

Silk is a luxurious, soft fabric commonly used in high-end lingerie and bras. It&#;s a breathable, lightweight, hypoallergenic material, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.

On the flip side, silk requires delicate care when washing and may not be as durable as other materials.

Pros

• Soft, smooth, and gentle against the skin
• Breathable and lightweight
• Hypoallergenic
• Available in a range of colors and finishes, including matte or shiny

Cons

• Expensive compared to other bra materials
• Delicate and prone to damage 
• Not suitable for bras that need stronger support

Wool

Wool is a natural fabric that&#;s sometimes used for high-end bras. It&#;s warm, soft, and moisture-wicking, making it an excellent choice for colder climates. 

On its own, wool can be itchy and may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. However, in luxurious bras, wool is typically mixed with other materials making it softer and providing more elasticity.

Pros

• A natural and durable material
• Great breathability and moisture-wicking properties

Cons

• More expensive than synthetic bra materials
• Requires delicate handling and maintenance

Nylon

Next, we have nylon &#; a synthetic fabric commonly used for bra cups. It&#;s lightweight, durable, affordable, and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for everyday wear. 

Plus, nylon is available in various colors and patterns, so it&#;s usually easy to find a bra supplier for your brand.

Pros

• Affordable and durable
• Available in different styles and colors

Cons

• Looks cheaper and less stylish than other materials
• Does not absorb moisture
• It&#;s 100% synthetic

Modal

Modal is a type of rayon fabric known for its softness and draping ability, making it very comfortable to wear. On top of that, modal is breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps keep the wearer cool and dry.

Although modal is a high-end fabric, it&#;s often mixed with cotton or spandex to add elasticity and strength. 

Pros

• Drapes nicely and doesn&#;t crease
• A natural and eco-friendly fabric
• Soft, durable, and breathable
• Retains its shape and doesn&#;t shrink

Cons

• Higher cost
• Limited color choices
• Prone to shrinkage

Elastane

On its own, elastane is a stretchy polymer fiber used for adding stretchiness to clothing or lingerie fabrics. In most cases, when used for bras, elastane is added to another material. In this way, you get both elasticity and the support that elastane lacks. 

Pros

• Excellent stretch and recovery
• Lightweight and breathable
• Resistant to shrinking and wrinkling
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Prone to damage from heat, UV rays, and chlorine
• Not as durable as nylon or polyester
• Not as supportive on its own

Satin

Satin is a smooth and shiny material that&#;s lightweight and silky, making it an excellent choice for bras and lingerie in general. 

Note that you can find silk satin of better quality or synthetic satin, which tends to be too shiny and not as breathable. 

Lastly, consider that satin can be delicate and may require special care when washing and drying.

Pros

• Soft, lightweight, and shiny
• A wide variety of fabric colors available

Cons

• Synthetic satins are not breathable
• Not great at moisture absorbing

Best Materials for Cup Linings

Now, let&#;s see the best fabrics for lining bra cups and reinforcing the front bridge of bras:

Sheer Nylon (Marquisette)

Sheer nylon is a lightweight and transparent material commonly used as a lining for bra cups. This material is known for its softness and silky texture, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods, while still providing strength due to the lack of stretch. 

Lastly, sheer nylon is also breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool and dry. 

Pros

• Transparent and lightweight
• Strong and supportive
• Great for structural support due to minimal stretch

Cons

• Sheer and not great for coverage
• No elasticity since it&#;s made of 100% nylon

Stretch Mesh

The stretch mesh fabric is typically a mix of nylon and spandex, which makes it more elastic than sheer nylon while maintaining the same transparency and invisibility.

This material has lengthwise stretch and a great level of recovery. Plus, it perfectly blends on top of any material. That&#;s why it&#;s an excellent choice for bra cup linings. 

Pros

• Stretch fabric with great recovery properties
• Lightweight and sheer yet strong and durable
• Adjusts to the shape of the body
• Comes in many types and colors

Cons

• Not great for structural support since it&#;s stretchy
• Sheer and unsuitable for coverage

15 Denier Nylon

When selecting a fabric for bra cups, it&#;s important to consider a supportive and rigid lining material that still provides some elasticity. 

15 denier nylon is an ideal choice, as it&#;s lightweight and sheer, yet rigid enough to provide much-needed support. This low-denier count material is made of 100% nylon, comes in various colors, and is nearly invisible.

Pros

• Mechanical cross-grain stretch
• Sheer, lightweight, and almost invisible
• Strong enough to provide support
• Available in a variety of colors

Cons

• Transparent and not suitable for coverage
• May not be as soft to the touch as other materials
• Not as breathable as other materials

Best Materials for Bra Paddings

If you&#;re planning to create bras that provide structure and support, you&#;ll need to choose fabrics for bra paddings. Here are the most commonly used ones:

Silicone 

Silicone is a popular material for bra padding due to its ability to conform to the body&#;s shape and provide a natural look and feel. It&#;s hypoallergenic and easy to clean, making it convenient for many people. 

However, some may find silicone heavy or uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.

Pros

• A natural look and feel of the padding
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Lack of breathability
• Too bulky for some bra types

Rubber

Rubber is another commonly used material for bra paddings, although it&#;s a cheaper option. It can provide a firm and supportive feel, but may not be as comfortable or breathable as other materials. 

Pros

• Cheaper than other padding materials

Cons

• Not as common as other bra padding fabrics
• Lack of breathability

Polyurethane (PU) Foam 

The company is the world’s best Bra Wholesale Price supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Recommended article:
How much does it cost to build a sneaker?

Aloha Shirt Shop: Hawaiian Shirts | #1 Rated

Polyurethane foam is a lightweight and versatile material commonly used for bra padding. It can provide a soft, cushioned feel and is available in a range of densities and thicknesses to suit different preferences. It&#;s great for getting that 3D effect. 

However, PU foam may not be as durable as other materials and may compress or lose shape over time with regular wear and washing.

Pros

• Great for modeling and 3D cup effects
• A wide variety of densities and thicknesses
• Soft, cushioned, and comfortable to wear

Cons

• Could be more expensive than other padding materials
• Might lose its shape over time

Best Materials for Bra Bands (Wings)

The bands of a bra are the side pieces or wings that wrap around the rib cage and usually close at the back (some bra types close in the front). These are some fabrics you can use for this purpose:

Charmeuse

Charmeuse is one of the best woven fabrics for high-end bra bands. Traditionally, charmeuse is made of silk, although, today, you can find it also from polyester fibers. 

Perhaps the best feature of charmeuse is its stiffness and stability when used for bra bands. 

Pros

• Two-sided (silky and matte)
• Silky, luxurious, and comfortable feel
• Stiff enough to provide stability

Cons

• More expensive than other bra band fabrics
• Might require special care and maintenance

Plush

Plush elastics are typically used for bra bands since they feature a delicate picot edge suitable for use in lingerie. As an elastic fabric, plush is really soft and comfortable to wear. 

This material is usually a blend of nylon and spandex, although in some instances it might contain latex. 

Pros

• Soft and comfortable
• Great elasticity

Cons

• Not as commonly found as other materials
• If made with latex, it can cause skin allergies or sensitivities

Power Mesh (Power Net)

Power mesh, also known as power net, is another fabric we recommend for bra bands. It comes in different densities and degrees of stretch, including double-knit varieties. 

This fabric is typically very breathable and can help keep the skin cool and dry. However, it may not be as comfortable or soft as other materials.

Pros

• Stretchy and elastic
• Breathable
• Strong and durable

Cons

• Not as soft as other band materials
• Might not be suitable for some types of bras

Best Materials for Bra Embellishment 

Last but not least, let&#;s see what fabrics you can use to decorate and embellish your bras:

Lace

Lace is a versatile material made from various fibers, such as polyester, cotton, or rayon. It&#;s often used to add intricate and delicate embellishments to bras, making them more stylish and unique. 

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, lace can provide a comfortable fit and improve the garment&#;s breathability.

Pros

• A luxurious and feminine way to embellish bras
• Breathable and lightweight
• Available in a wide range of styles and colors

Cons

• Delicate and prone to tearing
• Requires extra care and maintenance

Tulle 

Bra tulle, unlike craft tulle, is much softer and tear-resistant. While it doesn&#;t offer much stretch, it has a mechanical give that&#;s ideal for larger sizes and cups. 

This type of tulle is often used for delicate embroidered details. Lastly, its sheer quality and lightweight feel make it a breathable alternative to heavy-knit fabrics, which is why it&#;s frequently used in luxury lingerie.

Pros

• Soft and breathable
• Durable and tear-resistant
• Perfect for high-end lingerie

Cons

• More expensive than other embellishment materials
• Not much stretch

Jacquard

If you&#;re looking for astonishing bra patterns, choose jacquard. Its patterns are integrated into the weave, as opposed to being printed on the surface. 

The jacquard technique is versatile and can be applied to a variety of yarn types, including cotton, silk, polyester, and acrylic fibers. 

Pros 

• Can be produced from different fabrics
• Many different bra patterns available

Cons 

• Might be more expensive than other woven fabrics

FAQs about Bra Materials

Now, let&#;s review some of the most commonly asked questions on choosing the ideal bra fabric or material. 

What Is the Best Material for Bras?

The best material for a bra will depend on the intended use, target group, and specific style and design. Some popular choices are cotton, microfiber, silk, or spandex, depending on the desired bra type. 

All of the fabrics on our list above are suitable for different types of bras, so looking over their pros and cons should help you decide what you need. 

What Material Is Used in Padded Bras?

The padding itself can be made from foam, gel, or silicone. The outer layer of the cup may be made from materials like cotton, polyester, nylon, or a combination of these. 

Additionally, some padded bras use different materials for the cup lining and the outer layer, with the lining typically made of softer and more comfortable material, while the outer layer provides structure and support. 

What Type of Bra Material Is the Healthiest?

The healthiest bra material is one that is comfortable, breathable, and non-irritating to the skin. Natural materials like cotton, bamboo, and silk are often considered healthier options, as they are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than synthetic materials. 

What Is the Most Breathable Fabric for Bras?

When it comes to breathability, cotton is often considered the best choice for bras. This natural material allows air to circulate, preventing sweat buildup and soaking up moisture. 

Other breathable fabric options for bras include bamboo, mesh, soft lace, as well as several moisture-wicking synthetic materials. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Bra Fabric?

We believe these are the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a bra fabric:

• Bra material: what type of bra are you designing and what&#;s the best material for it;
• Material properties: stretch, comfort, look, feel, weight, durability, support, and similar fabric properties;
• Quality: what&#;s the quality you aim for (it varies according to your budget, product, and target group);
• Target group: who is your ideal buyer and what type of product would they buy;
• Supplier availability: can you find the right supplier for the type of bra fabrics you need;

Where Can I Buy Bra Materials in Bulk?

Here are several supplier options for buying wholesale bra materials:

• Google for bulk bra material suppliers
• Check B2B marketplaces like Alibaba
• Check supplier directories
• Visit trade shows in China
• Work with a local sourcing agent in China

NicheSources is an industry-leading sourcing company in China with years of experience sourcing in different niches including bras and lingerie. 

Aside from sourcing ready-to-sell bra models, we can partner with factories in China to create a private label or a brand-new product for your needs. You can choose the desired bra material, design, model, and branding of your bras and lingerie according to your specifications. Best of all? You can try our services for free by asking for a free quote. 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right material for a bra is a critical factor in creating a comfortable and supportive lingerie garment that meets your customers&#; needs. 

While there are many materials to choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, understanding the characteristics of different fabrics can help you make an informed decision.

By prioritizing factors like breathability, durability, and comfort, you can select the best bra material for your product and create a quality garment that customers love.

Do you struggle to find the perfect bra fit? A style you like that comes in your size? A particular design you&#;d love to buy but no one&#;s making? Then perhaps you&#;ve considered a bespoke lingerie set.

&#;Bespoke&#; is another way of saying custom-made. Although some lingerie brands offer a made-to-measure service which is technically a bespoke garment, generally, when we talk about bespoke lingerie we mean something that is made to your measurements and a unique design. A truly one-of-a-kind creation.

Certainly, it&#;s not for everyone. But to some it&#;s the perfect solution.

To help you make your mind up, here are some pros and cons of ordering bespoke lingerie: 

Pro: You get exactly what you want

Basically, this is the whole reason to buy bespoke. You can have the bra or lingerie set of your dreams! And in your size too! Whether you want a simple, lacy bra in a 32B or a sparkling rainbow one in a 40G, there&#;s a designer out there who can make it for you. You&#;re only limited by your imagination. Well, and your budget.

Con: The price tag

It goes without saying that bespoke lingerie is more expensive than buying something that&#;s pre-made. Materials pricing is a part of that, because things like elastics cost a lot more per metre when you&#;re only buying a tiny quantity to make one set.

Mostly though, it&#;s the time involved. First, the designer will work with you via , or in person to plan the design. Then they&#;ll draft a new sewing pattern based on your exact measurements. Next, they may even make a toile, a quickly-sewn version of the garment in plain fabric to check the fit. Finally, they&#;ll sew the final thing &#; and clothing takes longer to make when you&#;re going garment by garment rather than whipping up ten identical items at the same time.

Related: Ask A Bra Fitter: Here&#;s How To Have The Best Bra Fitting

Pro: It&#;s something you&#;ll treasure

There&#;s something special about knowing that a garment you own is the only one of its kind in the whole world. Often beautifully crafted too, luxury bespoke lingerie can become a treasured heirloom to pass down one day. Or at least make you smile for years to come.

Some brides even turn to the bespoke process to repurpose their wedding gown after the big day. Maybe you won&#;t wear the dress ever again, but if it becomes a bra set, you can put it on whenever you want to!

Con: The wait time

As mentioned above, creating bespoke lingerie time is time-intensive. It&#;s a far cry from walking into a boutique and walking back out thirty minutes later with a bag of bras.

If you are ordering bespoke lingerie, be prepared for a lengthy wait. You need to be okay with being patient. And if it&#;s for a particular occasion, be sure to start contacting designers well in advance &#; I&#;m talking months, not weeks.

Should I buy bespoke lingerie?

If your issue is simply bra fit, this is a very expensive route to go down to find a better bra. It&#;s an option of course, but you may well find that a good bra fitter can help you find an off-the-rack design that solves whatever fit problems you&#;re having. And even if you don&#;t have much luck, a seamstress may still be able to modify an off-the-rack bra to fit you better. It will cost you a whole lot less than having a custom bra made from scratch.

But if you can afford it, buying a bespoke lingerie set can be a wonderful idea for a special occasion or boudoir photo shoot. If aesthetics are your top priority, it opens up a whole world of beautiful new possibilities!

Related: The True Cost Of Buying Cheap Lingerie

We Highly Recommend

Whether you&#;re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it&#;s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit, especially when you&#;re doing it on your own. If you&#;ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don&#;t know where to go to find good bras, it&#;s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you&#;ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it&#;s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Shapewear Body Suit Factory.