Online bra shopping makes buying bras so convenient. There are no lines to wait in and no crowds to walk through. You can scroll through dozens of gorgeous bras without leaving your couch. But, shopping for bras online poses a question: where do you get the bra fitting?

Some online lingerie stores offer self-bra fittings. There may be a tip sheet available to help you measure your bust yourself. Or perhaps there’s a questionnaire to guide you through determining your bra size. Should you go with the online bra fitting? Or, should you go to a local lingerie store to get fitted? Should you just use your last bra size and skip a fitting all together?

These are all common questions when bra shopping online. But, you should never skip the bra fitting. We’re going to talk through the differences between online and in-store bra fittings.

The trouble with online bra fittings

We’re not fans of getting bra fittings online. Online bra fittings require you to measure yourself, leaving room for error. And, measuring yourself can be difficult, even for professionals. You need to make sure the measuring tape doesn’t slip out of place on your back.

Bra fitting comes down to a science. You need to know exactly where to measure and how to read the measurement if it doesn’t fall exactly on a number. Reading the measurements one number too low or too high could put you in the wrong bra size.

Bra fitters are lingerie store are professionals. They’ve fit hundreds of women for bras, and they know the tricks behind determining your perfect bra size. We say leave it to the professionals when it comes to getting a bra fitting. Measuring yourself incorrectly could result in tedious returns or exchanges that could have easily been avoided.

Related: How To Find A Local Lingerie Store You Will Love

The perks of getting a bra fitting in-store

We suggest you get a bra fitting at a local lingerie store before purchasing new bras. This ensures you get accurate measurements of your bust. There’s no chance of getting the measurements wrong, which means you’re more likely to love the bra you buy. And, maybe you’ll finish all of your bra shopping in-store. No need to wait several days for an online order to reach you when you have a lingerie store nearby!

Online shopping can be tricky – especially when it comes to bras. You may be able to judge your size when shopping online for tops or dresses. However, bras are more intricate to fit than a shirt. It’s best to get a real bra fitting from a professional in a local lingerie store first before considering buying a bra online.

I know, I know – you’re probably thinking that eliminates the convenience aspect of shopping online. Getting an in-store fitting means you’ll need to do a little prep work before starting your online shopping. But, that prep work will lead to a more confident purchase. Put in the extra effort to get a local bra fitting, and you’ll love the bras you take home. No returns, no exchanges – just a good fitting bra to boost your confidence and your comfort.

Related: 5 Ways The Right Lingerie Can Boost Your Confidence

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Elissa Strapless Bra P5011 in Black

Elissa Strapless Bra P5011 in Pearl White

Related: Finding A Supportive Strapless Bra: 6 Do’s and Don’ts

Jeanie Strapless Contour Bra 4815 in Black

Related: 4 Strapless Bra Fit Issues and How To Fix Them

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Elissa Strapless Bra P5011 in Pearl White

Without a doubt, one of the top breast complaints among women is sagging. We all deal with it to some degree eventually. But still, why does it happen? And furthermore, is there anything we can do about it?

If it seems like your bust is battling gravity more than ever these days, this guide may help you understand the causes of sagging, as well as preventative measures you can take.

Aging

The reality is that one of the top causes of breast sagging is merely getting older. Breasts lack muscle — they’re mainly made up of fat, ligaments, and glands. Those ligaments, which are called the Cooper’s ligaments, are the main internal support system for the breasts, and they begin to gradually lose elasticity and stretch out over time. As a result of that connective tissue degrading, the breasts start to lose their perkiness and fullness. During menopause, this is likely to speed up, as fat replaces the glandular tissue during this stage due to hormonal shifts.

Weight changes

When you gain and lose a significant amount of weight, the breasts stretch out and deflate. This strain can lead to some premature sagging and can happen as a result of diet/exercise changes as well as pregnancy.

Related: Will My Bra Size Change If I Lose Weight?

Inadequate support

While it’s always advisable to wear a supportive bra, it’s especially crucial to do so during exercise. That’s because when you work out, particularly in high-intensity forms like running, dancing, and plyometrics, your breasts move in a multitude of different directions. They’re not only bouncing up and down and shifting from side to side — in fact, they can move in a figure eight motion.

If your sports bra isn’t keeping your breasts in place, that movement can put major strain on the aforementioned Cooper’s ligaments, thus causing them to droop over time. Trust us: It’s worth it to get fitted and find a sports bra that fits the kind of physical activity you’re engaging in if you want to keep your bust looking perky.

UV rays

Soaking up some sun may give you an enviable tan, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Namely, UV rays are damaging in that they break down the skin’s collagen and cause it to lose elasticity — both factors that cause sagging.

Smoking

In case you needed one more reason to quit smoking: A 2008 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that lighting up a cigarette poses a major risk for breast sagging. This is likely because the carcinogens in cigarettes destroy elastin, and the lower the levels of elastin in your skin, the more likely your breasts are to droop.

Obviously, you can’t control the natural aging process. But rest assured that there are still many behaviors you can change to prevent unwanted breast sagging, such as maintaining a healthy weight, wearing a supportive sports bra, and avoiding significant sun exposure as well as smoking. Remember, though: Sagging is something all women experience at some point. How you choose to hinder it or deal with it is up to you!

Related: 7 Best Bras For Pendulous and Sagging Breasts

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

When it comes to how a bra fits, one of the major factors to take into account is projection. Projection refers to breast depth — in other words, how much they extend outward from the body. And understanding whether your boobs are projected or shallow (or somewhere in between) will allow you to find bras that mold to your shape and thus, fit better.

Still wondering what the difference is? Or how to determine which type of breasts you have? Read on for everything you need to know about projected breasts and shallow breasts.

Projected breasts

The short explanation is this: Projected breasts stick out more in the front. Of course, it’s a little more complicated than that. This type tends to be more common among those with larger breasts (E or above) or augmented breasts (especially moderate to high profile implants). And there are a few indicators that can hint you may have projected breasts as well. Do you often experience spillage out of one part of the cups (a.k.a. quad-boob) with gaping in another part of them?  Do the cups crease at the bottom of the cups by the underwire? Do you have trouble finding molded bras that fit flawlessly? These are all signs you may have projected breasts.

There are also a few tests you can perform to confirm your suspicion. Without a bra on, bend at the waist and lean over. If you notice that your breasts look like they’re lengthening toward the floor, you likely have projected ones. You can also measure your bust while lying down, standing up straight, and leaning forward — and if you notice a major difference between the measurement you got while you were lying down and the other two, you probably have projected boobs.

It’s important to opt for bras that feature support that extends outwards if you have projected breasts. In other words, you’ll want to seek out bras with deeper cups to ensure your breast tissue doesn’t feel squashed down. If you’re buying a bra with two- or three-part cups, look for horizontal seams: These help to accommodate projection.

Shallow breasts

On the other side of the spectrum are shallow breasts. These are set closer to the torso, thus appearing less voluminous. Whereas projected breast tissue extends farther outward from the body, shallow breast tissue is spread out closer to the body.

So, how do you know if your breasts are shallow? Some common signs include: underwire tending to sit on the breast tissue, not filling up the cups evenly, and the center of the cup tending to wrinkle even when it fits tightly elsewhere. Typically, shallow breasts are medium to small sized (but not always, of course).

When bra shopping, opt for styles that have a little less coverage — like a demi-cup bra, which only covers roughly two-thirds of the breast, or a balconette bra, which covers your breasts to just above the nipple line. These styles are great choices because you’re more likely to fill out the cups. With full-cup bras, you may not, and therefore may notice some wrinkling or gaping toward the top. It’s also worth pointing out that cups with vertical seams, which provide lift, can be super helpful.

Final thoughts

Do you have to fall into one of the two aforementioned categories? You certainly don’t! Some women have boobs with average projection, meaning they fall somewhere in between projected and shallow. If that’s you, then you may not face as many challenges finding bra styles that fit well. Breasts come in a vast range of shapes, and there is no “normal” or “perfect.” Whether you’re shallow, projected, or somewhere in the middle, a little knowledge about how different bra features function will help you to find the ideal styles for you.

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Kelsey: Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Icy Blue

Tanesha: Marion Contour Padded Bra P5391 | Marion Hipster P5395 in Lapis Blue

One thing’s for sure: The balconette bra is one of the most in-demand bra styles, and with good reason. It’s a style that flatters a range of shapes and sizes, can showcase some cleavage without looking over-the-top, provide ample support despite less coverage, and works incredibly well with low-cut tops and dresses. Did we mention it’s impossibly sexy?

Of course, the key to finding a balconette bra that’s going to make you look and feel your best is to ensure it fits properly. As such, here are some top fit tips to keep in mind while shopping for some new balconette bras.

The cups

Since the balconette bra only covers the lower half of your breasts (coming up to just above the nipple line), one of the main fit concerns regarding the cups is spillage. So if you’re noticing that the top of the cups seem to be cutting into the breast tissue, or that your breasts are not fully contained by the cups (spillage can happen out of the sides or bottom, too), then you’ll likely want to go up a cup size. First, though, lean forward and adjust your breasts into the cups to make sure that they’re positioned properly. Also, note that there shouldn’t be any gaping toward the top of the cups, either — that’s a sign that the cups are too big.

Notice a gap between the band under your bust and your body? This typically indicates that you need to go up a cup size.

The straps

Another defining feature of the balconette bra is wider set straps. Since they’re set farther out, they may slip off your shoulders if the bra doesn’t fit perfectly. If they are slipping off, that often is a sign that you should go for a larger band size.

Conversely, if the straps are digging into your shoulders, the band may very well be too large. That’s because when the band is too big, it can’t provide adequate support — and as a result, you end up tightening the straps to compensate for that. The straps should lie snugly against your shoulders (you shouldn’t be able to fit more than a finger or two underneath them) but shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

Related: What Is A Balconette Bra?

The band

Since the band is responsible for most of the bra’s support, it’s extra crucial that it fits perfectly. Scope out the balconette bra in the mirror to ensure that it lies level all the way around your torso. Also, make sure you can fit two fingers underneath the band in the back and one underneath it in the front — and if that’s not possible, you probably need to try a larger band size (or loosen the hook-and-eye closures).

If the band is riding up in the back, you’ll know you need a smaller size.

The center gore

The panel that lies in between the cups at the middle front of the bra is called the center gore. This panel should lay flat against your skin. You’ll know that you need to try a bigger cup size if the center gore is sitting on top of the breast tissue, or if there’s a gap between your body and the panel itself.

These simple fit tests should help guide you to find a balconette bra that works for your specific shape and size. Of course, it’s always a good idea to get fitted by a professional if you haven’t done so in the last few months — particularly if you’re trying out a new style for the first time! A pro will not only be able to help you determine your proper size, but also suggest specific balconette bras that are tailored to your needs and preferences.

Related: 7 Bra Styles Made For Large Busts

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

So, your breasts are looking — well, a little less than perky lately. First off: don’t fret. Deflated boobs are extremely common, and nothing to be concerned or ashamed about. In fact, they can be a result of many different factors you have no control over, such as aging, breastfeeding, or rapid weight loss. The good news? There’s something you can do about it.

The following bras are constructed to specifically address the issues women with pendulous breasts face.

Wendy Plunge Padded Bra

Underwire is pretty much a must for women with deflated breasts: A sturdy wire can counteract the drooping, bringing the tissue upward and keeping it there. The Wendy Plunge Padded Bra also features seamed contour cups — and that vertical seaming offers some extra lift as well. Add in some geometric lace for visual appeal and a microfiber band for maximum comfort, and this bra somehow manages to strike a balance between pretty and practical.

Matilda Push-Up Bra

The name of the game with pendulous boobs, which are much shallower on the top and slightly fuller at the bottom is lift and support. And the Matilda Push-Up Bra offers both — after all, this style of bra is designed to push the breasts up and inward, which is exactly what they need when they’re looking a tad deflated.

Casey Plunge Molded Bra

This bra is smooth and seamless, so it’s perfect to wear under your favorite T-shirts and tank tops, but also a phenomenal option for those low-cut styles, too, thanks to the plunge style neck. Perhaps the best feature of the Casey Plunge Molded Bra is the light foam padding that’s graduated, thus giving your breasts a subtle boost and putting your decolletage on display. To boot, the underwire is surrounded in a soft plush casing, thus maximizing comfort. Elastic along the top and bottom of the powermesh side panels ensure a flawless fit, and boning along the sides lends extra support and prevents any side “spillage.” Did we mention the gorgeous stretch lace detailing and accent bow at the center panel?

Emma Plunge Molded Bra

A plunge bra isn’t just helpful for those low-cut tops and dresses — it’s also pretty much universally flattering. The Emma Plunge Molded Bra offers bonus benefits for pendulous breasts: A plunging neckline, which still offers ample coverage while showcasing a hint of cleavage, and seamless, molded cups with soft padding to sculpt your breasts into a nicely rounded shape.

Related: The Complete Guide To Breast Shapes

Jeanie Plunge Molded Bra

Ladies who have pendulous breasts that are also large will love the Jeanie Plunge Molded Bra. This underwire bra features a stretchy powermesh backband for extra comfort and back smoothing power, as well as to help keep the breasts in place. It also boasts seamless molded cups for superior shaping and a naturally rounded silhouette. Elastic along the underarms ensure a more customized fit, boning on the side seam lends additional support, and wide elastic straps keep your shoulders happy. Plus, delicate satin bow with silver heart accent at the center panel provides a dash of visual intrigue.

Lynn Super Push Up Bra

Defy gravity in the Lynn Super Push Up Bra. The name says it all: This is a super push-up, which means sagging is no match for its advanced supportive features. Those features include underwire, artfully placed padding, seamless cups, and a plunging center panel.

Lynn Push-Up Strapless Bra

Every woman should have a strapless bra in her arsenal to accommodate certain dresses and tops, and this one is spectacular for those with pendulous breasts. The Lynn Push-Up Strapless Bra boasts a super supportive band and seamless padded cups, meaning it stays invisible under any ensemble. Plus, the removable straps offer major versatility: they can be converted to such styles as halter, criss-cross, one-shoulder.

The right bras can do wonders for giving your deflated boobs the lift and shape you desire. As you gear up for some shopping, consider the previous options for ample support plus a much-deserved confidence boost.

Related: How To Find The Right Bra For Your Breast Shape

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Wendy Plunge Padded Bra P5411 | Wendy Bikini P5413 in Victorian Rose

Nursing bras play a pivotal role in your breastfeeding experience. Not only do they make nursing your infant far more convenient, but they can also help you to feel more comfortable throughout.

Of course, as with your traditional bras, you’ll need to wash them regularly. But how often? Read on to find out!

General guidance

Your nursing bras have to withstand a lot. Between night sweats (if you’re wearing them to sleep), milk leakage, and some stray dribble from your little one, they can get soiled much faster than your other bras. And if you’re wearing them during the summer, you can add perspiration to the list. As such, it’s best to wash your bra after every wear — about every 24 hours.

Related: How To Wash Nursing Bras

The rotation rule

It’s important to have at least three nursing bras in your collection. That way, when you’re washing one, you still have a clean one to wear as well as a backup (which is super helpful if you don’t do laundry daily). Wearing the same nursing bra throughout your pregnancy will cause a lot of wear and tear on it, loosening the elasticity and quickly compromising the support it can offer. So when you’re shopping for nursing bras, pick up a few so that you can rotate them throughout the week.

Stain smarts

Does your nursing bra smell like rotten milk? While washing it by hand (which we always recommend over machine washing), simply scrub it with some baking soda and then leave it to soak in warm water overnight. You can also add some essential oil, such as lavender, to lend a pleasant scent that counteracts the stain. The next morning, rinse the bra a few times before laying it flat to dry.

Cleaning these crucial undergarments at the right frequency will ensure that they last longer. If you do rotate them and care for them properly — which means hand washing them after every use and air drying them — then they should last you through your entire breastfeeding experience.

Related: How To Buy The Right Nursing Bra Size

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Leila Nursing Bra NB502 in Bare

You likely know that breasts come in a multitude of different shapes. And hopefully, you also know which shape yours are, as this can help guide your bra shopping to choose styles that can meet your needs. Pendulous breasts are one of the many shape possibilities. Suspect you have them? Then there’s much you need to know about their appearance, why they happen, and what bras are ideal to wear. Luckily, we’ve covered it all in this helpful guide.

What do they look like?

Some characteristics of pendulous boobs include soft breast tissue that’s fuller at the bottom of the breast and much shallower at the top, downward facing nipples, and an overall elongated shape.

Why do they become pendulous?

There are several factors that can contribute to pendulous breasts. Have you just lost a significant amount of weight? That’s one common cause. Also, women who have gone through nursing a child (especially more than one) may experience deflated breasts. The reality is, sometimes it’s simply a result of aging.

The Cooper’s ligaments are largely what keep your boobs looking perky and lifted. When strain is put on the breasts because they don’t have adequate support, these ligaments can stretch out over time, which then leads to sagging. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to wear a quality, well-fitting sports bra with ample support. During exercise, your breasts are more prone to a lot of movement, which can damage the Cooper’s ligaments if a sports bra isn’t expertly constructed to control bounce and keep them in place.

Related: The Complete Guide To Breast Shapes

Which bras are best for this shape?

If the aforementioned traits sound familiar, don’t stress: There are lots of bra styles that are well-suited to deflated boobs.

For example, cut-and-sew bras are a phenomenal choice. Bras that contain three-part or even four-part cups feature artfully placed seams that are designed to help with both shaping and lift simultaneously — two key concerns for those with pendulous breasts. It can also be a good idea to seek out bras that are made with a sturdier, more rigid fabric (i.e., not a ton of stretch) on the cups, as this will help sculpt and maintain their shape more effectively.

Obviously, underwire will go a long way for those with deflated breasts. And if you happen to be large-busted as well, you may want to opt for bras that have side boning as well.

Contour bras are a nice option as well, as they can lend incredible lift and definition. Ideally, you’ll want to select a contour bra from a brand that specializes in full-figure bras if you have a large bust just to be sure it provides adequate support.

Women with deflated upper breast tissue may also appreciate push-up bras. Try a style that has padding specifically placed at the bottom of the cups, as this will push your breast tissue upward, creating the illusion of fullness at the top.

Remember

Understanding more about your breast shape is empowering. Why? Because the more you know, the better chance you have of finding bras that make you look and feel your best! If you suspect you have pendulous breasts, take the previous tips into account on your next shopping trip, and you’ll be more likely to make some informed purchases. One last note: Pendulous boobs are not only totally normal but also common. And fortunately, there is no shortage of stunning bras for drooping breasts that can help you to embrace your shape while lending you a solid dose of confidence.

Related: Which Breast Shape Do You Have?

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

As you know, there is a multitude of different bra styles — each with their own unique constructions, shapes, and advantages. The balconette bra is one style that arguably has a place in any woman’s collection. Why? It’s a multitasking undergarment that’s universally flattering and somehow manages to be practical as well as sexy at the same time.

Considering picking up a balconette bra? Then you’ll want to know all the ins and outs of this popular style. In the guide, we’ve covered everything from the origins and construction to the benefits.

Defining the style

Also referred to as a shelf bra or balcony bra, the balconette bra is mainly defined by its cups, which only cover a little more than half of the breasts (up to just above the nipple line). Many balconette bras have wider set straps. They almost always have underwire, and sometimes also include vertical seams at the bottom of the cups — these features combined result in serious uplift. It’s no wonder why the balconette bra is known for being a stellar option for showcasing cleavage.

The balconette bra can sometimes be confused with the demi-cup bra. While they do look similar, the balconette style is more revealing than the demi-cup style, which covers more like two-thirds of the breasts. Moreover, unlike the demi-cup bra, the balconette bra’s cups are cut horizontally across the bust.

American origins

The balconette bra entered mainstream fashion around the early 1950s but was designed about a decade earlier. Marilyn Monroe sported this style during her rise to fame in the late ‘40s, which may explain why it surged in popularity.

Related: How To Find The Right Bra For Your Breast Shape

A bevy of benefits

The balconette bra is both undeniably attractive and also super supportive. That means you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style.

Strong support from the underwire at the bottom (and occasionally, seaming as well) means major cleavage enhancement. The bust not only appears rounder but also slightly fuller at the top, which is a major benefit for those with slender or drooping breasts.

Balconette bras are also remarkably versatile. As they come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and cuts, you’re bound to find one that suits you. In fact, you can find balconette T-shirt bras, plunge bras, and longline bras, among other styles.

While balconette bras are typically unlined, if you prefer a little extra coverage (whether due to concerns about nipples showing or otherwise) you can also find lined or very lightly padded options as well.

Remember:

The beauty of a balconette bra is that it can really come in handy for those low-cut dresses and tops — particularly with a boatneck cut, due to the wider set straps and horizontally cut cups.  This style offers a phenomenal alternative to push-up bras or plunge bras when you want to showcase your decolletage without losing out on support. So, what are you waiting for? Somewhere out there, there’s a balconette bra that’s sure to give you a little boost of cleavage — and confidence.

Related: 7 Bra Styles Made For Large Busts

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Estelle Balconette Bra P52312 in Black

When you buy a stunning new lace demi-cup bra or a seductive satin plunge bra, you basically can’t wait to wear it, right? Maybe you find an excuse to slip it on that very night, or you eagerly search for an occasion in the upcoming weekend. But hold on a second — should you wash it first? Or can you give into the impatience and sport it straight away?

We totally get the temptation. Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when making that decision. Here’s what you need to know:

Possible irritants

Many dyes used to give fabrics their hues as well as finishing resins sprayed on yarns contain recognized skin irritants. Of course, these vary based on the country the textiles were manufactured in (the laws on chemical use differ). Still, the thing about bras is that they’re worn directly against the skin. So washing them before you wear them is especially crucial if you happen to have dermatitis, eczema, or other skin conditions that are prone to frequent flare-ups. And the last thing you want is red patches of inflamed skin or an itchy rash, right?

Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras

The ick factor

Real talk: When you buy a bra from a store, you’ll never know how many other women tried it on before you. And beyond that, there are even more women who may have touched it or picked it up while considering it without ever taking it into the fitting room. If that doesn’t freak you out, consider this: Even if that bra you bought was taken from the back stockroom and never tried on, there are still lots of people who have handled it, from store employees to the workers who made and packaged it.

Obviously, hands play host to a ton of germs. So if you wear your new bra without washing it first, you’re exposing yourself to that bacteria — plus dead skin cells from others who tried it on before you. These concerns are clearly not as applicable to bras purchased online, as far fewer people have handled them.

So, should you wash your new bras?

Yes! You should definitely wash your new bras before wearing them. Of course, looking back, you’ll likely remember many times that you purchased some new bras and put them on right away without suffering any consequences. The bottom line is that washing bras before you wear them is an advisable cautionary measure, especially if your skin is sensitive. It may seem like a nuisance, and we know you’re antsy to take advantage of your new purchases. But washing them first will give you peace of mind. Think of it this way: When you finally slip that exciting new piece on, you can rest assured that it’s truly clean.

Related: 5 Tips To Keep Your Bras Looking New For Longer

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra P5311 in Bisque