"I don't need any extra padding, they're big enough on their own!" This is one of the most common things we hear at The Cherry Tree Boutique, especially when looking at our collection of molded cup bras. One of the biggest misconceptions we come across is that a "Molded Cup" bra is the same thing as a "Padded Bra".                     

So, what exactly is a molded cup bra? Well, the main difference is in the way the cups are manufactured. Molded cups are formed using heat and a machine to shape the cups of the bra. This is different from the "cut and sewn" method, where several pieces of fabric are sewn together to form the cups. A good way to tell if a bra is molded or not is to lay it on a flat surface, and see if the cups stand up on their own, or lay flat against the surface. If they maintain their shape and stand on their own, you've got a molded bra!

So, why is it important to understand the difference between a molded and a padded bra? Padded/push-up bras make up a portion of molded cup bras, and are a great option for those wishing to enhance the size or fullness of their bust. However, the majority of molded cup bras do not contain any extra padding! For someone who isn't wanting to add any size or fullness to their bust, a molded cup bra may look "too big" when hanging on the rack, but this is not necessarily the case. A molded cup bra can help shape the breasts into an even, round shape, and in some circumstances, can even act slightly as a minimizer, as the breast tissue conforms to the shape of the bra, not the other way around. They can also be a good option for women whose breasts are unevenly sized, as they provide a more even look (side note, if your breasts are uneven, it is a good idea to always fit for your larger side when trying on bras).

Another main advantage to a molded cup bra is that they often have a very smooth cup surface - yep, I'm talking about the "T-Shirt Bra"! The T-shirt bra is so named because it can be worn under a T-shirt or other thin material, without having any noticeable seams, lines, or nipples showing. 
                                        
Molded cup bras come in many styles, with and without underwire. These can include strapless, lace overlay, sports bras, and even nursing bras! 

Now, don't get me wrong, the "cut and sewn" bra is a fantastic option too for many reasons, and will be featured in a future blog post in all its glory! After all, there are about as many styles of bras as there are boobs to fill them with. 

With that said, if you've never given a molded cup bra a shot, don't be afraid! Keep an open mind to these beauties. Although they may look "big" or "too padded" on the shelf, most frequently they simply form a flattering shape, not any added size. 

Featured in the attached photo above is the beautiful "Idol" molded cup by Freya. Feel free to come try one on!