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…

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

balconette shape

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

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!

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...

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

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.

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

You called?!

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.

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

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!

A-ha! I have found this explanation.

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".

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.