Bra Interventionalists - please explain the pertinent differences between these two bras to me

[PacificDogwood]

Balconette bra

Half cup

I am confused.
Since my fateful visit to Bravissimo some 2 years ago, I seem to have acquired a fine collection of bras, mainly balconette style; a fair few from Fauve.
Some seem to be too high under the arm and the straps too far to the outside and cutting in to my underarms - should I try a half cup? I am confused…

[BOFster]

Both of those look like half-cups to me (are they the same?). I thought a balconette was cut straight across the breast.

[BOFster]

balconette shape

[BOFster]

half-cup shape- ie the full breast isn't enclosed.

[BOFster]

But to answer your question about strap-spacing, yes, a half-cup would tend to have the straps closer to the centre, I think.

I await the real experts for the final word!

[PacificDogwood]

See, I think both of the ones you linked to are balconettes, BOF, because the shoulder strap kind of 'arises' from the cup, rather than having the cut-across-the-breast cup with a separate strap.

The bras I linked to are both the same brand and style, but subtly different.

My brain hurst clicking back and forth between them...

[goodasitgets]

The half cup looks to have a lower centre gore and also padded, will probably give a much more cleavage look. If you are full on top then you will get overspill more than likely
The balconette will encase more, and likely be less "push up" style

[marriednotdead]

Definitely try the half cup. The outer edge is usually shorter, which make rubbing/chaffing in the manner you described less likely.

I have exactly the same problem with many bra styles. It's a combination of wide, high set but droopy boobs.

[PacificDogwood]

Statistically, get away from the IndiRef thread and help me!
Please.
I have to stop staring at underwear models - it's beginning to feel a bit wrong

bump

[StatisticallyChallenged]

You called?!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

The line between half cup and balconette, and balconette vs balcony isn't a clear one really - not helped by manufacturers calling things whatever they blooming feel like!

I'd say the one they're calling half cup is pretty much a half cup, maybe more on the half cup/balconette border. I'd actually say the one they call a balconette is closer to a balcony.

[PacificDogwood]

Thank you, Stats.

So it's not just me who finds this as clear as mud?!
I think I'll try the half cup one and see. 'Tis v pretty

[StatisticallyChallenged]

It's definitely not clearly defined or consistent that's for sure! To me halfcups are generally closer to the nipple about to escape line than balconettes!

[BOFster]

A-ha! I have found this explanation.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

TBH, I'm not sure that reflects what bras are sold as now. Plus you have a lot of hybrids going on - e.g. Freya with their "plunge balcony".

[PacificDogwood]

FFS 'plunge balcony' - what next?!

The only plunge bra I own is v comfortable, but gives me the dreaded 4-boob effect, but I refused to be a 34H so instead I just don't wear it outside the house

In me next life I am coming back as flat-chested boy. Humph.