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If there is a bra style that immediately conjures up the mystical allure of Hollywood starlets from the 1920s to 1950s it’s the balconette bra. The style has its origins in French fashion of the 1930s. So yes, that’s why its name sounds just like it’s out of a French textbook. Yet it really gained popularity when Marilyn Monroe claimed the style as her own in the 1950s. But if you thought the bra balconette is all about vintage allure, think again! The style continues to be embraced by women all over the world and has a pivotal place in your lingerie wardrobes today. So, in this guide we show you how you can use the balconette bra too and use it to pad up your look.
What’s a balconette bra?
A balconette bra, sometimes called a "balcony bra," has cups that give you a lifted, rounded shape with a horizontal neckline. It is also how it gets its name because it is designed so that your breasts can rest on it like on a balcony. This how it literally lifts your breasts to improve your appearance and also enhance your cleavage. It covers about half to three-quarters of your breast and its wide-set straps that sit closer to the edge of your shoulders.
The padded version of the balconette bra takes all of these features and adds structured padding to add volume, and smooth the silhouette under clothing. In short, a padded balconette bra is where sexy meets support, and the results are nothing short of stunning.
Read this article to know more about bra cups: What are the different types of bra cups?
The balconette bra in the Wacoal collection
At Wacoal, we understand this, and that why the balconette bra has a pivotal place in our lingerie collection. Let’s help you spot padded balconette bra styles that bring together sexy allure and support to create a stunning combination.
Basic Mold Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Strapless Multiway Bra - Beige: This brings the ultimate invisible look to the balconette style. It works well for everyday wear and is great under strapless, halter, tank tops, tube tops, low neckline tops and under western and ethnic outfits.
Balcony & Beyond Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Smooth Finish Fashion Bra - Orange: This wired balconette fashion bra combines support and a comfortable fit for everyday wear. It uses soft and smooth lace at the wings further enhances its appearance and adds to its stylish finish.
Who should wear it?
The balconette bra works best for women with firm shoulders and wide breasts, women with narrow or sloping shoulders could find this style uncomfortable. Women who have loose breast tissue may even find the balconette bra ends up making their breasts look flatter.
Read this article to know about more types of bra for daily use: Lingerie 101: Which Type of Bra is the Best for Daily Use?
How it elevates your wardrobe?
The balconette bra style is usually sexy, but almost invisible. That’s why it works so well with wide neckline blouses since its straps are set wider. It is also what makes a padded balconette bra a great option, both under a sari blouse or a T-shirt. However, since it is also a stylish piece of lingerie, it could also be used under a sheer top or tank top that exposes what you are wearing underneath.
Here are four ways that you could use the padded balconette bra to elevate your wardrobe:
#1. Gain a flattering lift and shape: The balconette bra offers you a natural-looking boost without excessive push-up, which never fails to enhance your curves and posture.
#2. Get versatile Styling Options: It is the best lingerie to accompany a wide range of outfits. You could use it set off both fitted or structured clothing, making it your go-to option for everything, including square, scoop, off-shoulder, and sweetheart necklines.
#3. Enjoy comfort without compromise: When you slip into a padded balconette bra under your T-shirt or blouse, you’ll immediately notice the difference. The padded cups smooth out unevenness and give your figure a lift, which enhances posture and changes how your clothes fit.
#4. Find suitable options for various body types: Just like it accompanies various clothing styles with elegance, it also supports diverse body types. The balconette bra both adds volume to smaller busts and offers lift and containment for fuller busts.
How to choose the right one for you?
#1. Find the correct size: Since a well-fitted bra can have so many benefits, it is essential to know your true fit. This detail is crucial irrespective of whether you choose a wire-free bra or underwire bra when selecting a push-up bra. The first step to finding the perfect-fitting bra is determining your measurements
Read this article to buy a bra and keep in mind: Looking to buy a bra online Here's what to keep in mind
#2. Select the right padding level: The balconette bra usually comes with both a lightly lined and a more padded look. Choose your bra based on the effect you want to create. If you’re looking for a more natural look, go for minimal padding. For a dramatic boost, choose thicker padding or gel inserts.
#3. Decide on the material and fabric: Include a mix of fabric options for the padded balconette bras in your wardrobe. While cotton and microfiber work well for everyday use, lace or satin are best suited for special occasions.
#4. Consider strap design and flexibility: Choose a balconette with adjustable or convertible straps for more versatility. Wide-set straps provide more lift and are often more flattering under wide-neck tops.
Nailing Your Look
The padded balconette bra is a versatile style for all seasons. While it is a great option for a whole range of necklines, when you are wearing it as formal wear, avoid plunging necklines, unless your balconette is specifically designed with a deep centre gore. Finally, strap placement matters too. Balconette bras typically have wide-set straps, which can peek out under narrow or racerback necklines. This is when a convertible balconette with adjustable straps or a strapless balconette is a good option.
From its vintage French roots to its place in the spotlight of 1950s Hollywood glamour, the padded balconette bra has come a long way—and it’s not just about old-school allure anymore. Today, it’s a wardrobe essential that blends timeless sophistication with modern functionality. Whether you're dressing for work, a wedding.
Take a look on this variety of options of balconette bra:
Basic Mold Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Strapless Multiway Bra - Beige
Balcony & Beyond Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Smooth Finish Fashion Bra - Dark Green
Basic Mold Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Strapless Multiway Bra - Black
Balcony & Beyond Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Smooth Finish Fashion Bra - Orange
Balcony & Beyond Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Smooth Finish Fashion Bra - Grey