Bra Type
Balconette Bras
A balconette cup cuts horizontally across the chest, low enough to sit under most necklines while still lifting and shaping the bust. The cup is shallower than a full cup, so it relies on width rather than depth for containment.
Construction
Straps are usually set wide, close to the shoulder edge, and the top of the cup runs in a straight or gently curved line rather than rising toward the centre. Coverage is moderate, more than a plunge and less than a full cup.
Common fit challenge
Because the top edge sits low by design, a balconette is less forgiving of extra cup volume than a full cup. Tissue that would stay contained in a higher-cut style can spill over a balconette's straight top edge.
What to check
- Watch the top edge specifically for spillage, separate from checking overall band and cup fit.
- Confirm the straps aren't slipping off the shoulder, since they sit wider than most other styles.
- If the top edge gapes instead, that's more likely a shape or construction mismatch than a size one.