Finding the right bra can feel like a lifelong endeavor. Who hasn’t been left confused after navigating a lingerie section, wondering which bra option is best for them?
Bra and fashion expert Jenny Altman thinks you can avoid all this stress by simply going for a balconette cut. For her, the design checks off all the most important boxes, like support, comfort, and style. “A balconette bra is very French, in the way that it gives breasts a very natural push-up by concentrating on the underside of the breast,” she tells Bazaar. “They have underwire for lift and support, while the top remains open and unconstrained.” The wide-set straps also mean balconette bras are a great solution when you’re wearing a low-cut top or one with a wider neckline. (They can also help show off a little cleavage.)
- Best OverallCuup The Balconette MeshRead more
- Best UnlinedSkims Unlined Balconette BraRead more
- Best LaceMontelle Intimates Flirt Lace Underwire Demi BraRead more
Altman promises that anyone can wear the balconette style, but particularly recommends it for anyone with shallower breasts or mothers who may have lost some volume thanks to breastfeeding. Balconette bras can offer some natural lift, without the severity of a push-up, she says: “They provide a very rounded, natural, voluptuous shape to breasts that seem to have less lift on their own.”
Finding your fit is also just easier. “What’s nice with a balconette is that since they are not constrained on the top, you don’t have to worry about the bra being empty at the top,” Altman says. “With a full-cup bra, you can get baggy space, but not here.” What you do want to pay attention to is band size. “A good fit in the band is important, as that’s where you get all of your support,” she says. The most common mistake she sees is someone wearing a band size too large for the support and fit they need. “Almost every woman would benefit from going down a size in the band and up a size in the cup,” she suggests.
Below, with guidance from experts including Altman, we’ve rounded up the 15 best balconette bras.
Best Overall
Cuup The Balconette Mesh
Now 71% Off
With a wide range of band and cup sizes, this balconette could easily be “your go-to bra,” Altman says. “Cuup does it in every color—20!—in a smoothing, uplifting, breathable mesh.” It’s a customer favorite, clearly for good reason.
The extensive size range, diverse color options, and clean and classic design make this the bra you will rely on daily. The lightweight underwire won’t poke or prod either, maximizing all-day comfort.
Cup sizes: A–H
Band sizes: 30–44
What reviewers are saying: “I’ve been on the hunt for an unlined balconette bra ever since VS discontinued my favorite on a few years ago. I was hesitant about this one since it is mesh, but I couldn’t be happier with the feel! Ordered my normal size, and it fits perfectly. I can tell this is great quality. So light and airy feeling, my perfect summer bra! Just wish it had convertible straps….so you could make this racerback, or halter! This was my first CUUP purchase, but will not be my last!”
Best Unlined
Skims Unlined Balconette Bra
“For a no-show bra, this one has a wide back for smoothing and a seamless cup,” Altman says. “Doing what Skims does best, it comes in 10 skin tones, making it a truly no-show experience for women of all skin tones.”
There are also always a few limited-edition shades, for those who want to play and mix up their lingerie drawer with more than just neutrals. The real takeaway is the seamless, raw-edge finish that makes it invisible under clothes.
Cup sizes: A–F
Band sizes: 32–44
What reviewers are saying: “I loved the fabric, the fit is perfect and the back strap is wide and keeps everything under control. I loved it.”
Best Lace
Montelle Intimates Flirt Lace Underwire Demi Bra
“Featuring smooth, stretch-floral lace, lined with stretch mesh for support, the Flirt will show your décolletage beautifully and is the perfect pair to a sweetheart or low, round neckline,” Altman says.
Available in five different colors, from black to a purple pinot, this bra is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from plain mesh. The brand also notes that its strap widths and hook-and-eye columns increase with size, so you will be supported no matter what.
Cup sizes: C–E
Band sizes: 28–38
What reviewers are saying: “This bra is unbelievably comfortable, elegant and pretty. The lace is very soft and the underwires are comfortable. It gives great support, therefore a lovely silhouette. I purchased in my regular size 34DD and it fit perfectly. I will purchase more in the future. Would be nice to have a nude/beige shade.”
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Best Black
Journelle Isabel Balconette Bra
“Basic black, but so much more,” Altman says. “This wide-set balconette bra has lace-trimmed straps and cups for a delicate design on an uplifting, two-part design.” Soft mesh is double-lined with lace overtop and finished off with scalloped straps, giving it a French-girl chic approach to underpinnings. J’adore.
Cup sizes: A–G
Band sizes: 30–36
What reviewers are saying: “The quality of items from Journelle is great. Wears well and is soft, not itchy.”
Best for Small Breasts
OnGossamer Gossamer Mesh Half-Cup Demi Bra
Now 57% Off
Altman recommends this simple, On Gossamer bra based on its unique half-cup design. “Mesh overlays a lightly lined demi pad for a demure and sexy neckline,” she says.
Since the cup sizing is only available from A to D, we recommend this style for those with a smaller bust. The light lining provides just the lift you need, and the elasticated neckline ensures the material will lie flat across the chest and prevent gapping.
Cup sizes: A–D
Band sizes: 32–36
What reviewers are saying: “Perfect fit.”
Best Novelty
Fleur du Mal Rose and Vine Embroidered Balconette Bra
Fleur du Mal consistently makes drool-worthy lingerie that is both sexy and sweet. If you are looking to add a little something extra to your drawer, stat, this set is downright perfect. There’s no skimping on the high-end design details—you’ll find satin straps, beautiful embroidery, and a little bow (complete with a mini rosette!) at center front to round things out.
Cup sizes: B–D
Band sizes: 32–36
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Best for Small Band, Large Busts
Skarlett Blue Entice Balconette Bra
Another suggestion from Altman’s list, Skarlett Blue’s Entice balconette is a popular style that is always in the brand’s catalog, and often made in new colors each season. “Delicate eyelash lace is meant to show, so let it,” she says. “This bra is great for small-band, large-bust girls, going up to a DDD.”
As the reviews confirm, this bra has great support for the larger cup sizes. Extra details that set it apart include the brushed elastic at the underarm for containment and adjustable straps at the front.
Cup sizes: A–DDD
Band sizes: 30–38
What reviewers are saying: “This is an absolutely beautiful bra. Even in a size 36DDD it has good support.”
Best Convertible
Lively Spacer Balconette Bra
Lively’s best-loved bra has been reimagined in balconette form. The brand’s signature fabric is smooth and silky (ideal for a no-show look under T-shirts), while the “space” padding is designed with small pockets of air, to allow the skin to breathe. The best part? The J-hook at the back converts to a racerback in no time flat for easy convertibility.
Cup sizes: A–DDD
Band sizes: 32–38
What reviewers are saying: “This bra is my new all time favorite. It’s so comfortable & breathable. It’s supportive, but still feels light. Keeps the nipples under control without feeling like I’m drowning in padding. And I especially love the silkier band on this bra (compared to the mesh on the everyday t-shirt bra). Buying more right after writing this review!”
Best Budget
Adore Me Tiana Unlined Balconette Bra
Now 25% Off
A classic style in the Adore Me archive, the Tiana is an unlined balconette with delicately embroidered, tulle cups. The fabric has a high-quality feel unheard of for the under-$50 price point. Underwire and adjustable straps provide natural lift. It’s a winner in our book.
Cup sizes: A–DDD
Band sizes: 30–38
What reviewers are saying: “I have been shopping at AdoreMe for several years, and as a loyal customer I have tried many styles of their beautiful lingerie. Tiana is absolutely one of my favorites. The fit is so flattering, the cups provide just the right amount of shape and lift, the embroidery adds a subtle but very elegant style, and the set is so well made.”
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Best for Petites
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra
Inspired by its first (and top-selling) bra, ThirdLove took the feel and light lining of the 24/7 T-shirt bra, but made it a little more minimal in coverage and added removable push-up pads.
This style is also offered in half cup sizes, a rarity in the lingerie market, which makes finding your best fit even easier (no gapping!). Recommended by the brand for petite frames, this style is also great for low-cut necklines, thanks to the plunging front.
Cup sizes: AA–H
Band sizes: 32–44
What reviewers are saying: “I finally have a bra that fits well. The sizing guide was accurate and resulted in the most comfortable bra that I have had in a decade.”
Best for Brides
Natori Plush Romance Lace Underwire Balconette Bra
Whether you are looking for a gift for the bride-to-be in your life or want something for yourself on your big day, this balconette bra has just the right amount of romance. With sheer, floral lace fabrication, a scalloped neckline, and underwire, you’ll get some marital bliss with a side of extra lift.
Cup sizes: B–DDD
Band sizes: 32–36
What reviewers are saying: “Best bra I’ve had in years, looks amazing on, the lace is super soft and so is the band that goes around. It stays in place which is huge for a lace bra! I ended up buying it in two colors and am planning on getting it in more colors!”
Best Sexy
Kiki de Montparnasse Les Follies Balconette Bra
Named for the infamous Parisian cabaret performer, who served as a muse to many artists in the 1920s, Kiki de Montparnasse is a New York–based lingerie brand that focuses on sensuality and seduction. And its take on the balconette embodies those themes.
Completely unlined, the sheer tulle has a delicate, metallic thread throughout that creates a geometric design that feels ultra-special. Trimmed with ruffles and satin, it is truly a work of art.
Cup sizes: A–DDD
Band sizes: 32–36
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Best for Curvy
Curvy Couture Tulip Lace Balconette Bra
Specializing in lingerie made specifically for full and plus-size figures, Curvy Couture has a balconette bra that is a major bestseller. Rather than being bulked up with extra padding, this design has natural lift pads that gradually add boost without excess volume.
We love the lace overlay and the perfect shade of chocolate brown—a refreshing take on a classic lingerie color. It’s available in black and champagne, as well.
Cup sizes: C–H
Band sizes: 34–46
What reviewers are saying: “Beautiful to look at and beautiful to wear! Comfortable on- sexy to boot. Can’t go wrong if you are full busted and want some ‘oomph’ in other words– some uplifting. The sides hold the girls front and center giving you a sensuous shape. There is also gorgeous lace and a rhinestone drop in the center. You get great support and real comfort- a must have if you want that push up look. I wore it with a t- shirt and dress- both times getting admiring glances. My new favorite bra!”
Best Wireless
Cou Cou The Balconette
If you hate padding and underwire or both, Cou Cou’s bralette is for you. The brand’s signature cotton-pointelle fabrication is comfortable, breathable, and extremely sexy. We adore the subtle ribbons that trim the straps, giving it that dolce vita–inspired touch. Everything Cou Cou does is inspired by retro Italian undergarments from the 1930s—and we feel instantly transported to that era every time we wear one of the brand’s pieces.
Band sizes: XXS–XXL
Best Push-Up
Paramour by Felina Tempting Plush All-Over Lace Underwire Bra
If you’re looking for a little oomph, try Felina’s Tempting Plush bra. This underwire style features a deep plunge and half cups with a little extra padding. It is also discreetly concealed under beautiful, all-over-lace, adding a refined look to the overall shape. Reviewers agree, the level of support for this medium-coverage bra is undeniable—it was definitely designed with C+ cups in mind.
Cup sizes: C–H
Band sizes: 34–42
What reviewers are saying: “I have a hard time finding bras. I’m not that oddball of a size (34-36 DDD). But finding cute bras that hold my tattas in place is frustrating to say the least. Mine are not perky on their own and need a lot of assistance. These bras fit great and are equally supporting. I can wear low cut tanks and other cute summer clothes. The price is great for the product. I’d recommend to anyone looking for a cute supportive bra!”
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