What is a balconette bra?

Ah, the gorgeous and alluringly French balconette bra. This beloved bra style has its roots in 1930s France, but gained popularity in the 1950s when Marilyn Monroe was photographed wearing one. The balconette bra, which translates to balcony in English, got its name because of the way breasts are designed to rest on it like a balcony. The result? A perfectly lifted, rounded silhouette that evokes the glamor of Hollywood starlets.

What makes a balconette bra special?

Balconette bras feature a shallow cup and wide-set straps that attach to the sides of the cup instead of the center. Unlike a demi cup, which features cups that have a bit of an angle, a balconette bra features cups that are typically cut straight across the breast, pushing the chest up rather than together. It has a vintage feel that looks good peeking out underneath your outfit. It also provides a different type of cleavage, since it lifts from below as opposed to from the sides.

Who should wear a balconette bra?

While the shallow cups of a balconette bra can be especially flattering on a smaller cup size, most people can wear a balconette bra. It’s great for women who have fullness, especially underneath the breast, because it lifts from the bottom of the cup. 

Who should avoid a balconette bra?

If your breast tissue is relaxed or loose, however, you may experience a bit of folding in this bra shape. People with very narrow or sloped shoulders may also find challenges with the wide-set straps, as they might slip off the shoulders more often. 

What should you wear with a balconette bra?

This bra style is a great option to pair with wide neckline blouses since its straps are set wider. Because these bras can also be very beautiful, it’s the perfect option to pair with a sheer top or tank top where the bra will be exposed, if you’re feeling like channeling your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

What shouldn’t you wear with a balconette bra?

Because balconette bras tend to have a higher center gore than a demi or plunge bra, they usually aren’t the best option for a low-cut shirt where you don’t want the bra to peek through. 

Is there such thing as a balconette push-up bra?

The balconette, or balcony, shape refers to the silhouette of your bra — quite literally, a “balcony” for your breasts. Within that silhouette, you can have any level of padding: lightly padded, lifting, push-up, or super push-up. If you love this bra style, look for different variations within the category if you’re in the mood to change things up. 

Can balconette bras have smoothing features?

You can get really good side support and underarm smoothing with a balconette bra if the strap platform is a little higher, resulting in increased coverage underneath the arms. 

Balconette bra vs. Push-up bra

While a push-up bra tends to push breasts up and in, a balconette simply pushes breasts up. This subtle distinction can make a big difference when it comes to the look of your cleavage.