Opt For A Half-Cup Bra If You're After A Little Something Extra

If you grew up in the early-2000s era when Victoria's Secret's bombshell bra was all the rage, you know how much of a difference the structure of a good bra can make to your chest. However, you'll likely also be keenly aware of how uncomfortable those structures can be. With two fist-sized pads shoving your boobs together, up, and out, most push-up bras are not exactly an easy-breezy undergarment for everyday use. Thankfully, another bra can give you the same "oomph" without the ouch.

You may have heard the half-cup bra also being referred to, or labeled in shops, as a "demi cup" or "shelf bra." Better Fit explains that the French translation of the word "demi" is half, while its connection to the other names is self-explanatory. Naturally, the "half" title is also relatively straightforward. Put simply, the half-cup bra is very similar to the balconette, with a U-shape underwire and a broad set of straps. However, this is where the "half" comes in since the cup only offers 50% to 75% coverage. 

So, how does less bra make for more cleavage? Simply by focusing the support entirely on the bottom half as opposed to all around. As Bra Stop explains, the half-cup pushes your breasts up, creating a fuller, plumper top half. Rather than pushing the boobs together, this wider set bra emphasizes a more rotund, perky appearance. Think of the classic corset look, which makes women appear like their chest is sitting on a shelf. 

If you always wanted to know how to get that kind of to-the-brim boost, it comes from this low neckline and extra lift from the bottom up. With a half-cup bra, you can opt for padded or un-padded depending on the level of support you're looking for. Some bra lines will even offer additional pushup padding with the half-cup design if you really want to double up on your volume, per The Better Fit. 

Whatever you choose, the half-cup will place more emphasis on your chest. Wearing clothes over your half-cup bra or on its own as lingerie, it's a versatile and super sexy look. 

The half-cup bra is a great way to give your boobs a boost, but it's important to remember that everyone's chest and specific needs are different. Bra fitting specialist Josie-Anne Le Diouron told Real Simple that a half-cup bra is especially ideal if you have "tear-drop" boobs. They describe this shape as one where your chest is fuller on its lower half and becomes less ample above the nipple. According to Le Diouron, the demi-bra will be ideal for shifting some of the lower mass to areas where you lack dimension.

However, if you have a "shallow" breast shape — boobs that are on the smaller side and spread somewhat evenly across the breast bone — you might want to avoid the half-cup because it could lead to uncomfortable gaps. The Better Fit also points out that if you have narrow shoulders, the wide strap placement could potentially lead to annoying slippage. If you're concerned, opt for adjustable straps to combat this. 

But, regardless of your body shape, there are thousands of lingerie lines out there. If you are conscious of what you need for a well-fitting bra, you can certainly find a half-cup bra that's right for your body.