Balcony bra vs. Full cup bra

A balcony bra is cut lower across the top of the cups than a full cup bra. A balcony bra is similar in cut and coverage to a 3/4 bra. However, it is different than a demi bra. Truly, if you are a full D or anything near a DD, please do not expect a demi bra to be your everyday bra. Demi implies a 1/2 bra. It is cut super low across the top of the bra cups. A full busted woman experiences lots of movement in a demi bra because so much of the breast tissue is out of the top of the cup. While it is sexy, it is not very practical. A demi bra is definitely a date night bra or a special occasion bra necessary for a certain outfit. When Mom and I would shop together and I tried on one, she would exclaim "Hello Queen Victoria" because that is the look. Lots of breast tissue out of the bra. Just imagine Reese Witherspoon in Vanity Fair. And let's remember, that was the access for the ladies of that time period to nurse their babies – from the top of the dress.

A balcony bra also gives less coverage than a full cup bra, and some people attest that a balcony bra gives less support. But I disagree.







The balcony bras from the full bust brands (freya, panache, fantasie, ruby pink, miss mandaly, etc.) have excellent support. And better than a full cup bra, the balcony gives superb shape and positioning of the bustline. A balcony, or balconette, bra is my everyday out of the house bra. It is plenty comfortable for an 8+ hour day. It’s the seaming difference and shape of the cup in the balcony bra that gives the improved shape and uplift.





You can tell by this picture that the full cup is more bra, and can be difficult to wear under certain tops like wide scoop necks, square necks, etc. Even more importantly, a full cup bra does not give as much of an up front and together look. The shape of a full cup bra is more natural, which means the breasts can sometimes go directionally under the arms. The opposite of together, as in apart from one another. I know several full busted ladies who refuse to wear a full-cup bra when they want to feel put together and sharply dressed. That being said, I do wear a full cup bra everyday: only at home and only without wires.