Our team of style experts here at Lingerie Living are always keeping track of all your questions so we can make sure we answer every one! It seems there is one question popping up a lot at the moment and it's: What's the difference between a Demi Bra and a Balconette Bra? This is an excellent question.
Both styles are designed to enhance the shape and appearance of the bust, but the choice between them typically depends on the level of coverage, support, and the type of outfit you're wearing.
Cup Coverage
Let's start with the amount of coverage each bra is going to give you. When it comes to cup coverage, this is really a personal preference. For example, there are no rules that say if you have bigger breasts you can only wear full coverage bras.
- Demi Bra: Offers partial coverage, typically covering about half to three-quarters of the breast. It reveals more of the upper breast and has a lower neckline.
- Balconette Bra: Provides more coverage than a demi bra but less than a full-coverage bra. The cups are cut to cover more of the breast but still create an open neckline.
Cup Shape
When considering the shape of the cup, you might want to also consider the top of garments you'll be wearing over the bra. While this isn't always necessary (many of us at LL will happily wear a Balconette bra under a plain cotton t-shirt), sometimes it can make or break your outfit. For example, if you're wearing a deep v-neck top/dress, you probably wouldn't choose a Balconette bra.
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Demi Bra: The cups are usually cut in a more horizontal or slightly angled line across the breast, with the straps set wider apart. Think t-shirt bra curve with half the cup coverage.
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Balconette Bra: The cups are designed in a straight, horizontal line across the top, lifting the breasts from the bottom to create a rounded, uplifted appearance. The term Balconette Bra is derived from the word Balcony, which here means shelf.
Strap Placement
You might only think about straps when you're considering a Convertible bra or a Strapless bra, but in general, the placement of the straps can effect the shape and support of a bra.
- Demi Bra: The straps are often set wider apart, closer to the edges of the shoulders. This makes it a good choice for wider necklines.
- Balconette Bra: The straps are also set wide apart but may sit a bit closer to the center compared to a demi bra. This style works well with lower-cut tops.
Support
As we've said before, there are no rules saying what type of bra you can and can't wear, it comes down to preference. So, if you're someone with likes more support and you're trying to decide between a Demi bra and a Balconette bra, we'd recommend a Balconette bra. Furthermore, if you have more breast tissue, we'd recommend a Balconette bra with side support to help with containment and lift.
- Demi Bra: Offers moderate support with a more natural lift, suitable for smaller to medium-sized breasts.
- Balconette Bra: Generally offers more lift and support than a demi bra, making it a good option for those with fuller breasts.
Neckline
Neckline is important when you're buying a bra to work with a particular outfit —you really wouldn't wear a Full Coverage bra with a low cut top.
- Demi Bra: The lower cut makes it ideal for wearing with low-cut tops or dresses where you want to show some cleavage.
- Balconette Bra: The straighter neckline is perfect for tops with square or broad necklines, offering an open and flattering look.
Aesthetic & Style
While a Demi bra is typically considered a sexier bra because it has less coverage and exposes more breast tissue, we'd argue that again, this comes down to preference because a Balconette bra can give you more swell and concentration of cleavage.
- Demi Bra: Often considered sexier and more revealing due to its lower coverage and more exposed look.
- Balconette Bra: Balances between seductive and practical, offering a lifted look without being as revealing as a demi bra.