Balconette: description of the bra style and who it suits

The stumbling block for many is the desire to wear an outfit with a deep neckline. After all, you can’t wear a simple bra under it, you need something special - something that won’t be visible under clothes, that will highlight your advantages and skillfully hide your flaws.

The optimal solution in such cases is to purchase a balconette. This particular bra model is able to show off breasts in a deep neckline as beautifully as possible.

It is believed that this piece of clothing got its name because of its shape - the cups are not located at an angle to each other, but straight, and resemble balconies in the Baroque style. Previously, it was believed that such a model should have a cup that covered the breasts only halfway, or at most 3/4. Today, balconettes offer a variety of styles, materials and colors. But in general, the style is approximately the same - this is exactly the comfortable shape that Marilyn Monroe offered to the world community in the middle of the last century.

For which breast?

The use of a balconette is possible for owners of any breast size. The main thing is to choose the appropriate size and take into account some features of the shapes.

Small

It is believed that the balconette is designed for small breasts. With the help of supporting bones, the balconette lifts the breasts, making them visually larger and fuller. For small breasts, special models have been created that are worn without straps. This allows you to choose a balconette for dresses or blouses with open shoulders, without straps.

Average

For those with medium-sized breasts, a balconette is indispensable. It suits any outfit; the model range includes balconette models in colored shades, with additional details, and made from different materials.

Big

Large busts need extra support. The balconette is suitable for ladies with large sizes not for daily wear, but for use to support or emphasize the breasts. They are especially in demand when wearing dresses with a deep neckline.

History of the balconette sconce

The balconette bra shape, which can be called legendary, was invented in 1938. At first it was a bodice that exposed the upper part of the chest while supporting the lower part, equipped with straps spread wide from the center.

The modern balconette, tailored to the needs of women, emerged in the 60s, differing significantly from the original version. Subsequently, the model was repeatedly modified and improved by designers. Film industry stars also contributed, for example, Marilyn Monroe in 1949 appeared in public in a revealing balconette, modeled personally. Currently, the degree of breast coverage with a bodice can vary from ½ to ¾.

In the era of feminism, there was a huge demand for anorexic models who showed bras that compressed the breasts by at least one size (minimizers), so the balconette did not have to bask in the glory for long. Only in the 80s, when the feminine figure was again in trend, the balconette sconce triumphantly returned to the fashion Olympus.

Types of models

The shape of the bra cups may vary. Depending on breast size and individual preferences, choose the appropriate model:

Push-up effect. This means that the lower part of the cup is filled with foam rubber or silicone inserts. They can be removable or sewn in. Due to the inlays, the overall size of the breast increases.
Silicone strips, strapless. These bras are suitable for women with small breasts; they fit tightly to the body thanks to the adhesive silicone base.
Horizontal or vertical seams. Cups may have distribution lines. Bottom seams are used for sewing models of small sizes, vertical seams help to lift and support large breasts.

Is balconette harmful?

Like any other bra, the balconette has its downsides:

wearing models with underwires is not recommended by doctors as elements that disrupt blood supply and lymphatic drainage;
push-up keeps the breasts in an anatomically unnatural position.

Important! In pursuit of the notorious pomp, models with a tight belt are sometimes purchased, which, supporting the breasts from below, seems to push them out from above. The desired effect of a seductive bust appearance is achieved by squeezing the tissues under the breasts, where the blood vessels are also compressed.

However, if you choose the model correctly and do not make it a mandatory daily wardrobe item, then the harm will be minimized .

Tips for choosing

Choosing a bra is an important process. Underwear should be comfortable and not squeeze your chest throughout the day.

Size

This part of underwear is selected according to the volume of the chest. The standard marker is indicated as one of the elements of the description of the bra size. Cups are priced separately. For example, with a volume under the bust equal to 70 centimeters and a cup size equal to C, select a bra marked: 70 C.

cups are marked: A, B, C, D;
for volume under the bust – 70,75,80, 85.

Model

The type and shape of the cup is selected according to taste. Many models can be worn with straps, and can also be detached if necessary.

Colors

The model range is represented by classic options:

white;
black;
bodily.

In addition, balconettes are made from lace of different shades. Burgundy, red, marsala, blue tones, as well as lace bodices with contrasting inserts are common.

Main advantages

The main advantages of this style:

This model looks most advantageous on bust sizes 1 and 2, as it visually increases its volume;
no restriction of movement - with the correct size, the product does not rub the skin, does not squeeze, does not constrain;
suitable for almost any clothing, ideal for a deep neckline, open outfit;
there are many varieties of balconettes (fabric, color, model);
Almost every bra has a sewn-in silicone insert that prevents it from sliding down.

Brands

Lingerie brands are making balconette bodices, trying to come up with a detail that will be in demand. Manufacturers use certain colors, creating their own shade catalogs.

Milavitsa

The well-known Belarusian factory for sewing women's underwear is a leader among manufacturers of this item of clothing in Eastern Europe. The company is characterized by:

sewing high-quality linen;
thoughtful approach to model design;
model range designed for any age, size.

A special feature of sewing balconettes is the use of an elongated lower insert. The shape of the Milavitsa model resembles a mini-corset.

Calvin Klein

An American brand known for producing jeans, accessories, and underwear. The balconette of the American brand is distinguished by laconicism, the use of the same material, and a strict classic color scheme. The cups are usually made of polyamide with the addition of elastane. The classic shape is suitable for daily wear.

Faberlic

A manufacturer of decorative cosmetics and face and body care products has developed its own line of underwear for women. Faberlic produces balconettes from smooth fabric with molded cups. The lines of silicone inserts allow you to wear models without straps. Faberlic produces balconettes in flesh-colored, white and black colors.

Intimissimi

The popular lingerie brand focuses on female sexuality. The models of this manufacturer are distinguished by a variety of models, the use of unusual types of fasteners, many colors and lace inserts. The bras of this company have models of different types:

with a loop strap that fastens behind the neck;
with additional decorative straps;
with silicone straps on the back, allowing you to wear clothes with an open back.

Dimanche Lingerie

An underwear brand that represents an Italian holding company in the wholesale lingerie market. The balconette of this manufacturer is distinguished by:

convenience and comfort for daily wear;
use of high-quality materials when sewing;
Availability of classic models for breast sizes 1, 2, 3.

Orhideja

Manufacturer of women's underwear, which sews models in Latvia. The underwear is distinguished by the quality of its fabrics, comfort for daily wear, durability and long period of use. The balconette of this brand is made of cotton, with combined inserts.

"Orchid" produces a line of correctional underwear. This is one of the manufacturers that has developed a line of seamless balconettes. Molded designs are comfortable to wear under open wardrobe items, do not cause discomfort due to the presence of seams, and are suitable for any breast size.

Diorella fashion

Large supplier of underwear for mass markets. The manufacturer presents different models made from combined fabrics. The model range consists of balconette bras made of lace of different shades, with additional inserts. The linen is affordable and convenient to use. Most often these are items with straps that cannot be detached. The lower part of the cups is supplemented with foam inserts that can be pulled out.

When choosing underwear, they focus on the style, bust size, and quality of materials. The cup should not restrict the chest or cause discomfort. Too wide, inappropriate cups are not chosen because they will stand out noticeably under the dress and can ruin the look.

Who invented the bra

There are many versions explaining the appearance of the bra, and each of them claims to be original. It is known for certain that even in ancient times, women covered their breasts with pieces of fabric, bandages, and ribbons in order to fix them in this way.

Egyptian women deliberately tried to hide their busts, since small sizes were considered a sign of aristocracy; Roman women wore special strophies - leather straps. Some fashion historians consider this piece of clothing to be the prototype of the bra, in the form in which we are accustomed to seeing it.

During the Middle Ages, women began to go crazy with corsets, which, in addition to the chest, also tightened the waist. This complex design remained almost the main thing in a woman's wardrobe until the beginning of the 20th century, before the advent of the bra. Several European countries applied for this innovation.

At least patents for inventions were issued more than once. In France it was given to fashion designer Frederic Worth, in Germany to Hugo Schindler and Christina Hardt.

The first balconette bra looked rather primitive and was a regular corset, cut off along the chest line. Elastic bands were sewn to the bodice.

Officially, the inventor of the bra is considered to be an American of aristocratic origin, Mary Phelps Jacobs. The idea to cut off the corset came to her mind after she wanted to go to a reception in an outfit that completely exposed her back. As you understand, this was impossible with a corset, and without it it was too bold and revolutionary. The compromise was a “backless bra,” which Mary, with the help of her maid, constructed from a cut-off corset, adding two scarves and elastic bands for convenience. This event took place in 1914.

The enterprising aristocrat was not slow to patent her invention, which immediately became incredibly popular. She subsequently sold the patent to a well-known company specializing in sewing underwear. The asking price was $15,000.

Examples from my reviews

Demi-bra from Huit

Yes, the cut is similar to a balconette, but the wide placement of the straps, the almost horizontal cut and the effect only upwards, they say that this is demi.

A photo posted by GB {Garterblog} (@garterblog) on Feb 11, 2016 at 12:24am PST

The same Chantal Thomass bandeau sconce

The cut and effect are similar to demi, but since this bra can be worn without straps, thanks to the reinforced bodice, it is a bandeau.

A photo posted by GB {Garterblog} (@garterblog) on Feb 6, 2016 at 5:17am PST

This sconce from my Made by Niki review is related to plunge. And here is another demi-sconce from Huit, maximizing a balconette.

The rest of the details and tricks for selecting sconces are in the following parts of the guide. Ask questions in the comments!

Part 2. Types of sconces without pits

For whom

Pureform Contour balconette bra

For small breasts

This piece of women's clothing looks best on small breasts. It is suitable for adult women and teenage girls. The bust looks voluminous and elastic due to the good supporting base at the bottom of the bra.

If the owner of small breasts wants to visually enlarge her mammary glands by 1-2 sizes, then it is better to choose a push-up balconette. The products lift the bust, “push” it up, and gather it towards the center. As a result, the accessory beautifully models the breasts and gives them volume.

There are also combined models in which the push-up corrector is removed from the cup. This is the most successful option as a universal bra “for every day” and “for going out”.

For medium bust

Owners of this size can afford almost all models of bras. It is easier for them than others to find a suitable bra model. Such breasts are considered the “golden mean”, as well as a certain standard of female attractiveness. But the natural desire of the fair sex to look more seductive in the eyes of men forces them to look for various measures for breast enlargement.

A properly selected bra in this case is an excellent solution to the problem. Women with average size can also visually enlarge their breasts using a balconette. The main thing is to choose the right size and model so that wearing underwear is as comfortable as possible.

For large breasts

Those with large breasts can also afford a similar accessory, since the balconette perfectly emphasizes any bust. But women should choose the right model. It should have wide straps, otherwise the product will slide down and simply will not be able to hold the chest when tilted. The size of the cup is also important; it should not be smaller or larger than the mammary glands.

Push up is inappropriate in this case, because its function is to visually enlarge the mammary glands - this is of no use to those with large breasts. You should choose your outfit with caution, since too much open neckline with this bra model can look vulgar.

Questions

The topic of bra models is endless. For example, you ask how to make the breasts sit even closer, I will answer you that halter bras (those with straps fastened at the neck) will suit you. But there are also more hardcore options for bringing parts of the chest closer to each other, for example, when the bra straps overlap on the chest. Here's a great example from Agent Provocateur.

Or you ask what to do if you have very large breasts that require shaping and support, but you want to wear something other than closed bras, and voila, here is the Plunge-bra option from Mimi Holliday (they call it a Shoulder bra and there is an option where the cup completely lace).

How to choose?

Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the following factors:

Size. The comfort of wearing will depend on how correctly it is selected. An incorrectly chosen size can lead to squeezing, rubbing of the skin or, conversely, to insufficient breast fixation. To determine this parameter, it is necessary to measure the exhaust gas under the mammary glands and at the highest point.
Sewing. Whether it is a bra with seams, straps, underwires or without them depends on the purpose of purchase (for daily wear it is better without underwires), the size of the breast (for large ones, straps are needed), the clothes for which the product is selected (for thin, translucent or smooth ones, seamless bras are needed , otherwise the relief will be noticeable).
Textile. The material must be hypoallergenic and breathable. Ideally, it will be natural (for example, satin, silk, cotton). But the following safe synthetic materials are suitable as an alternative: elastane, lycra, tactel, polyamide, nylon.
Manufacturer, price. High-quality underwear cannot be cheap. It is better to purchase a product from a well-known manufacturer whose products have earned the trust of women.

Colors

The balconette bra has no restrictions on the color palette. The most popular colors are the basic ones: black, white and beige. Most of all, ladies love beige color because it blends with the skin and is not noticeable, even if it peeks out from under the outfit. Modern brands offer bras of any shade for purchase. Bright and muted colors look decent, the choice depends on personal preferences. Emerald, indigo, turquoise, fuchsia - an endless variety of colors. The bras combine a beautiful external design and a balconette style.

In addition to plain models, there are bras with interesting prints. Brave and temperamental people can opt for a bra with a print of tiger or leopard skin.