HOW SHOULD A BALCONETTE BRA FIT?

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.

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.