Half Cup Bras Explained

Demi bras and their sister style, balconettes, are both half-cup bras. Half cup means the cups cover one-half to three-quarters of your breasts. The style has some appealing perks: a natural looking shape and an alluring plunge neckline that works with low-cut tops.

Types of Demi Bras

Like most bras, demi cups can be combined with other bra style which means you can come away with your ultimate favorite bra. Do you like the support of racerback straps or the seamless edges of t-shirt bras? Good news: you can shop these styles and more as demi bras at Victoria's Secret.

Lightly Lined and Unlined Demi Bras

Since demi bras have natural shaping, it's no wonder why women love lightly lined or unlined options. These bras provide just the right amount of coverage and support without any extra padding. It allows the natural shape of the breasts to show—more so for unlined demi bras. Both unlined and lightly lined demi bras have a lightweight barely-there feel with minimal bulk under clothes. Whether you are at work, out for a casual day, or dressing for a special occasion, lightly lined and unlined demi bras are versatile and comfortable.

Wireless Demi Bras

It's common to find demi bras with underwire since the wire helps provide support with minimal coverage and padding. However, if you love wireless styles, then get ready to fall in love with wireless demi bras. With a more relaxed fit that gently contours to your body, wireless demis are great for casual wear. Indulge in soft, stretchy fabrics that enhance comfort.

T-shirt Demi Bras

Combine the seamless and smoothing design of t-shirt bras with the natural rounded shape of demi bras for the ultimate sexy everyday bra. T-shirt demi bras are designed to be near-invisible under clothes, with seamless edges that prevent any unwanted lines. They often come in neutral shades like skin tones, black, white, and blue. With their comfortable fit and natural lift, T-shirt demi bras create a sleek silhouette.

Racerback Demi Bras

Racerback demi bras have a different take on comfort and structure. Racerback straps form a "Y" or "V" shape in the back which helps keep straps in place and, more importantly, evenly distribute weight across your back and shoulders. The added layer of support and lift is especially more comfortable for large breasts, so you can enjoy the sexy cut of demi bras with more support.

Padded and Push-up Demi Bras

Push-up pads are another classic style that adds extra volume and lift. Additional padding in the cups helps fill them for a rounded appearance. Combined with the low-cup style of demi bras, these bras create pronounced cleavage for a full look. Plus, push-up demi bras have a high lift feel.

Demi Bras in Comparison

Demi vs. Balconette Bras

Demi bras and balconette bras share many similarities that make it hard to tell the difference. Both have less cup coverage, around one-half to three-quarters of the breast, which generally creates less bulk for a natural look. The biggest difference lies in how it plunges to create cleavage.

The cups of a demi bra are tilted at a slight angle, creating a round appearance and a deep plunge in the center. Here, the cups and straps cover more of the top corners of your chest—think V-neck and scoop-neck tops. A balconette lifts horizontally from the base with wide-set straps for a straight-across silhouette. The straps and flat cut expose more skin at the top of the breasts, which is better for square necklines and wide-cut tops.

Demi vs. Full Coverage Bras

The difference between demi bras and full-coverage bras is how much skin the cup covers. Like the name suggests, full-coverage bras cover a larger area of skin, which helps provide more support and a secure fit. On the flip side, half cup bras enhance cleavage by shaping and revealing more skin. Both are great for everyday wear, but if you're used to full coverage bras, you'll notice that demi bras have a unique look and feel.