Bra Cup Styles

Within each bra style, there is a subset of cup styles. So, it's important to understand the many different cup styles in order for your bra choice to meet your requirements. Here is a list of the many bra cup styles. 

Balconette Cups
Balconette cups are a little smaller than demi cups. A true balconette cup will be cut horizontally just above the bust line and give ones breasts the look of fullness and uplift. They will also have vertical seams just under the bust to give added boost. Many manufacturers call bras balconette bras when in fact they are not. A balconette cup usually has a little padding to enhance bust size as well. The name balconette comes from men in the balcony of a theater looking down upon women -- a balconette bra could not be seen from above. 



Balcony Cups
Balcony style cups give a sweetheart shape to the neckline. The center panel is usually lower to achieve this look, and a balcony cup has less coverage than a full coverage cup. 



Contour Cups
Contour cups hold their shape, even when not worn. These cups have an underwire and are lined with a thin layer of foam or fiberfill lining that is molded into a specific shape. Contour cups are a perfect choice for any woman seeking a sculpted silhouette, as they offer a specific round and symmetrical breast shape. A contour cup can also add definition (not size) to the breast, a smooth shape, and elimination of nipple contours. 

Today’s contour cups come 2 ways: cups which hold their shape and thus should not be crushed or fear of creases, and malleable contour cups that can be crushed without worry of creases. 

Contour cups are a good choice for in-between bra sizes, or a woman with uneven breasts. 


Demi Cups
A demi cup means the cup has less upper breast coverage. The industry generally cuts a demi cup to 1" above the nipple point. Most push-up bras are demi cups to show more cleavage. The underwires of a demi cup are much shorter than other bras, so a demi cup can be a good choice for a woman who has issues with her underwires poking under her arms. Also, most demi cups are designed with a slight inward tilt to push the breasts towards the center for more cleavage. The demi cup design is great for a petite woman because the bra proportion is smaller and better accommodates their small frame.

 

Seamed Cups

cups (also called cut & sew cups, and multi-part cups) are made with 2 or more fabric pieces. Before molded cups, seamed cups were the only bra cup option. Seaming on a cup allows more variations in cup shapes. Vertical and diagonal cup seams add to the cups support and tend to be more flattering to one's breasts. Seamed cups (especially 3-part and 4-part cups) will always be more supportive than a molded cup. A bra cup with seams can be made out of many more fabrics such as lace, satin, silk, etc. Bras with beautiful details are almost always made with seamed cups. And, if you need subtle altering for a better fit, seamed cups are the way to go. 

The drawback to seamed cups is that they may be visible under t-shirts and form-fitting fashions. For this reason, women should have both styles of cups in their lingerie wardrobe. 

There are several seamed cup variations:

Horizontal seams - This seam design tends to give a more projected and slightly conical shape to the cup.

Vertical center seams - More commonly found in demi or balconette cup shapes, this vertical center seam is very supportive and gives an uplifting effect to the breasts.

Transversal seams - This seam type is arched or curved in shape, and thus gives a more rounded shape to the breast tissue while also being very supportive.

Diagonal Seams - provide support, centering and lift to the breasts. And the diagonal design (generally starting low in the center and getting higher at the sides) also gives a very flattering appearance to the wearer.