Mile-High Lifts to Barely There Bras: How Many Brassieres Do YOU Need?

Push-ups, bralettes, molded cups ..  brassieres define innovation.  Centuries of super tight corsets have evolved into today's virtual airlifts; these pretty pieces have taken the deep plunge into technology once unbeknownst. Let's observe some of the 'perks':

Push-ups and Inflatable Brassieres.  After decades of fame in the european market, Wonderbra was introduced in the U.S during the mid-1990s, quickly taking it's place as an American phenomenon.  The plunging pushup styles added major sex appeal to the US mass-market audience and continues to inspire other labels' newest styles of padding.  Keeping up with the Wonder, Victoria's Secret introduced their version, simply called The Miracle Bra.  What started as a padded push-up and matching bikini collection went on to introduce a swimwear collection by the same name.  Today, shopping malls everywhere are filled with customers seeking a Miracle. 

Fredericks of Hollywood pioneered blow-up bras in the 1960's;  the look was classic soft-cup pieces that inflated to a cone-shaped point (later famed by Madonna in her Blonde Ambition years).  In recent times, Italian company Ladyberg released an exclusive "inflate-deflate" volume adjustment system, pairing a sleek-looking deep-plunge bra with air extractable padding.  These contraptions promise to raise more than just self-esteem. 

Molded-Cup and Wireless Lifts.  What was once a plain smooth-cup undergarment, deemed "The T-Shirt Bra" for its natural seamless look, has since been coveted as a Fantasie Bra, The Power Bra, and lest we forget the company-proclaimed "World's Most Advanced Bra", Victoria's Secret IPEX.  This collection promises a no-show look and weightless padding that gives cleavage a slight projection (as in forward), giving a "youthful lift" versus "balloon boobs".  This refreshing news could be what has made molded undergarments a classic staple for decades.  Whether or not IPEX is really advanced from the pack, or a product of VS marketing, has been up for discussion since the collection premiered. 

Barely-There Bralettes.  Bralettes are found in soft cup, camisole-like sheers as well as lacy underwire creations that seem to reveal double the cleavage of their full-cup counterparts.  Fabulous under low-cut tops or with matching lingerie skirts, these pieces of innerwear can often double as discreetly sexy fashions themselves.  Frederick's of Hollywood added fluttery sleeves to their cami-bra, giving a voluptuous flirty look.  La Dolce Vita. 

Now, how do these styles fit in to lifestyle?  Does a demanding wardrobe really call for such an army of virtual weapons?  For many, the voluptuous look of implants or extreme perkiness is a coveted shape.  When it's time to tone down the theatrics, natural repositioning (or projection) gives the bust a light lift and rounded shape for what some companies call "a youthful look".  Since VBL (Visible Bra Lines) are not desirable for any style undergarment (be it Angelina Jolie's or your grandmother's),  Options such as no-show cups, optional padding and strap versatility (many bra types are sold with removable, convertible straps) often prove invaluable with tricky fashions.  The possibilities may leave your head spinning, but it's nice to know they're endless.