Here are some stats proving the market boom: The bra market had a revenue of $46.08 billion in 2022 and is projected to rise to $76.95 billion by 2029.

After recognizing the high potential of this market, retailers might wonder what types of bras they should stock.

There are various types and styles of bras you should stock to generate high sales numbers.

Frequently Used Bra Types & Styles

There are two types of bras:

Padded Bra — It comes with padding in the cups that make breasts appear full and round.
Non-Padded Bra — It comes without attached pads and is usually used for a natural and comfortable feel.

A padded bra is most commonly preferred among women as it makes the breasts look bigger and sufficiently covers the nipples.

Both types of bras come in different styles, such as:

Sports Bra:

Globally, the sports bra market reached $10.39 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $21.34 billion by 2029. This shows that the sports bra market is booming.

Here’s why:

A sports bra is a preferred undergarment among women for physical activities like running, cycling, or aerobic classes. It has a packed-in feeling that makes women comfortable and confident in performing any exercise.

Convertible or Multiway Bra:

This type of bra is highly popular among women for its great versatility.

The straps of the convertible bra are designed to be worn in different ways or removed entirely, making them perfect undergarments for off-shoulder and sleeveless dresses.

So, stock convertible bras to improve the sales of your retail outlet.

Nursing Bra:

In 2022, the global retail sales of nursing bras amounted to $657.45 million, higher than the previous year ($620.77 million).

This increasing demand is due to their rising popularity among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

These bras are specifically designed to provide support to growing breasts during pregnancy. Some bras have drop-down cups, clipped to the straps that can be opened easily to expose the breast when feeding.

Stick-on Bras or Pasties:

Due to their suitability with sleeveless and backless dresses, stick-on bras are frequently used by women. They are adhesive bras that lift the bust and create cleavage.

Plus, pasties are usually worn under deep or plunge-neckline dresses as they only cover the nipples and lift the breasts.

So, retailers should add stick-on bras or pasties to their inventory to make more money!

Apart from selling bras individually, a retailer can also sell bra sets — a pair including a bra and underwear.

These bra sets can be plain monochromatic or printed with the same design on both pieces.

Considering only the women’s panties market, the revenue is projected to grow to $21.44 billion in 2029, increasing from $16.88 billion in 2022.

So, a retailer can sell bra sets to make more profit and cater to different customer preferences.

Now, let’s look into some factors that customers consider while buying bras or bra sets.

Key Considerations: What Customers Look For While Buying Bras & Bra Sets

Fabric:

When it comes to fabric, customers prefer bras and sets that are soft, durable, breathable, and absorbent.

Generally, bras and sets come in nylon, polyester, cotton, spandex, and silk. Among these, cotton bras and sets are frequently used by customers as they are more breathable and perfect for regular use.

Comfort & Support:

Girls look for bras and sets that are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The bras (straps, bra band) or underwear shouldn’t feel too loose or tight or leave red marks on the skin (when too tight or squeezed).

Also, make sure that bras provide full coverage and support to both breasts equally.

Color:

Girls are specific when choosing the right color of bra and sets. Nude colors are preferred as they aren’t visible even under light-colored or thin garments.

However, a retailer should also stock bras and sets in vibrant colors.

Range & Fit:

Not every bra type is suitable for all dress types or body shapes. To cater to different customer needs and preferences, a retailer should include a range of:

Designs — (T-shirt bra, bralette, balconette bra, beginner’s bra, transparent bra, bridal bra, thong underwear, bikini underwear, cheeky underwear, hipster underwear, etc.)

Sizes — (S, M, L, XL, & XXL)

Price:

You need to know your target audience as not every woman can afford branded bras or sets. So, it’s essential to stock products that offer both quality and affordability.

By considering these factors, you can achieve customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to more sales.