Hello Goddess,
If you’ve ever put on a bra and suddenly thought, oh, hello boobs, there’s a fair chance you were wearing a balcony bra.
Also called a balconette bra, it’s a style with a lower, straighter cup line that lifts the bust while leaving more of the top uncovered than a full-cup bra. The straps usually sit a little wider too, which is why balcony bras look so good underneath square necklines, wider tops and dresses where you don’t want half your bra making an appearance.
They’re feminine, flattering and very good at giving you that lovely rounded shape without needing masses of padding.
As the founder of Frore The Lingerie Club, I love a balconette. They’re one of those pieces of womens underwear that can look incredibly pretty while still being a really useful bra to have in your drawer.
What is a balcony bra?
A balcony bra is a bra with cups that sit lower across the bust and straps that are usually positioned wider apart. Rather than covering most of the breast like a full-cup bra, the balconette shape leaves more of the upper bust exposed while giving lift and support from underneath.
The easiest way to picture it is that your bust sits almost like it’s being lifted onto a little balcony, hence the name.
It tends to give a rounded, open shape rather than creating lots of cleavage in the centre, which is one of the reasons I think it looks so gorgeous.
There’s something very classic about a balcony bra too. Add lace, embroidery or a beautiful matching brief and suddenly your everyday womens underwear feels considerably less everyday.
(Exactly as it should).
What shape does a balcony bra give you?
Balcony bras are all about lift and a rounded shape.
The cup is cut lower across the top of the bust, while the structure underneath helps support and lift from below. Because the straps sit wider towards the shoulders, more of the upper chest is left open.
That doesn’t mean every balcony bra is going to make your boobs look exactly the same, because fabric, cup construction and padding all make a difference, but the overall look tends to be lifted, rounded and really flattering.
I particularly love them when the top of the cup has beautiful lace or embroidery because you still get all of that detail without feeling completely covered up.
Balcony bra vs plunge bra: what’s the difference?
This is probably where people get confused because both styles show a little more skin than a full-cup bra, but they do it in completely different ways.
A plunge bra dips down in the middle, creating that lower V shape between the breasts. It’s great underneath lower necklines and usually gives more cleavage towards the centre.
A balcony bra is lower across the top of the bust instead. The centre is usually higher than a plunge, but the cups are more open along the neckline and the straps sit wider apart.
Basically, if the outfit has a deep V, I’d be looking at a plunge. If it has a square, scoop or wider neckline, a balcony bra is probably going to be your friend.
And yes, I think there is absolutely room in the lingerie drawer for both.
Balcony bra vs full-cup bra
A full-cup bra gives you exactly what the name suggests: more coverage. It covers more of the bust and is often chosen when someone wants plenty of support and security throughout the day. A balcony bra shows more of the top of the bust and has that wider, more open neckline.
Neither one is better, it just depends what you are wearing, how much coverage you like and what makes you feel good!!
Some days you want full coverage and some days you want the lace balconette.
What can you wear a balcony bra under?
This is where balcony bras really earn their place in the drawer.
They’re brilliant underneath:
- square-neck tops and dresses
- wide scoop necklines
- off-the-shoulder pieces
- wider-cut evening dresses
- fitted tops where you want a rounded shape underneath
Because the straps sit wider and the cup is lower across the bust, they can disappear underneath necklines where a standard bra might start peeking out.
Although I very much support letting a little bit of beautiful lace show when the outfit calls for it.
You bought the fancy lingerie. You’re allowed to see some of it.
Lingerie as outerwear as I call it.
Are balcony bras good for bigger boobs?
They absolutely can be. A balcony bra can give really lovely lift and shape on a fuller bust, but as with every bra, the construction matters. Look for a strong underband, supportive straps and cups that properly contain the bust without cutting in across the top.
If you find that very low-cut balconette styles feel less secure, look for one with slightly more coverage while keeping that classic balcony shape.
The right fit is far more important than deciding that a particular bra style is or isn’t “for” your body.
If you feel fabulous in it, we’re off to a very good start.
How should a balcony bra fit?
The band should sit firmly and evenly around your body without riding up at the back, while the cups should contain the bust without spilling over the top or leaving lots of empty fabric.
The centre of an underwired balcony bra should also sit comfortably against your chest, and the underwire should sit around the breast rather than digging into it.
Most importantly, you should be able to put it on and then forget about it.
Gorgeous lingerie is considerably less gorgeous when you’re rearranging it every ten minutes.
Discover Balcony Bras Inside a Frore Lingerie Box
Balconette do appear regularly inside Frore boxes, as part of a matching lingerie set of course, built around that month's Goddess. If you'd like to try one, shop the current lingerie boxes or explore the Frore lingerie subscription, a womens underwear subscription that brings a new set to your door every month, quarter, or as a one-off.
A monthly feel-good surprise
🤍 A self-love treat, just for you
🤍 Upgrade your lingerie drawer with pieces you can't wait to wear
🤍 A monthly feel-good surprise
It's Goddess behaviour. ✨
FAQs
What is a balcony bra?
A balcony bra, also called a balconette, has a lower, straighter cup line and wider-set straps. It lifts the bust while leaving more of the upper chest uncovered than a full-cup bra.
Is a balcony bra the same as a balconette bra?
Yes. Balcony and balconette are generally used to describe the same style of bra.
Does a balcony bra have underwire?
Most traditional balcony bras are underwired because the wire helps create the lift and shape associated with the style, although softer variations do exist.
What is the difference between a balcony and plunge bra?
A plunge bra has a much lower centre and works particularly well with V-necklines. A balcony bra is more open across the top of the bust and works beautifully with square, scoop and wider necklines.
Can you wear a balcony bra every day?
Absolutely. If you find the shape comfortable and it fits properly, there’s no reason to save it for a special occasion.
Darling, wear the beautiful lingeire. Sexy in every season.
Lorna xo