A bra is provided in the form of a base structure having a front portion, the front portion including a first cup, a second cup, and a center portion disposed therebetween. A first plurality of elongated elements is coupled to the base structure and are arranged in a substantially parallel manner. A second plurality of elongated elements is also coupled to the base structure. Each elongated element of the second plurality of elongated elements further includes an upper portion, and each upper portion the elongated elements of the second plurality of elongated elements is positioned within or proximate to the center portion of the bra to form a reinforcement zone. In addition, the first plurality of elongated elements at least partially overlies the second plurality of elongated elements.