Bra Styles 101: Because We've All Asked, 'Wait, Is This A Demi?'

If we had a loonie for every time someone came into the store and wanted a bra fitting with the only stipulation being they were looking for a "demi bra", we'd be rich. The only issue is that a demi bra means different things to different people.

Demi means half or half-size. So it broadly categorizes any bra that's not a full cup bra. Thats a very broad range of styles all encompassed under one umbrella.

The photo above shows 6 styles different stores have all labelled as 'demi'.

So, here is a simplified explanation of how we categorize bra styles. 

Full Cup Bra

Full Cup bras are designed to fully encompass all of the breast tissue, making them especially comfortable and secure for fuller busts. Full cup bras are the go-to for anyone who wants complete coverage and dependable support. 

While alot of T-shirt bras are full cups, this is not mutually exclusive, meaning not all Full cup bras are beige and boring. The most supportive bra is actually a 3 or 4 part (meaning the cup has been sewn in 3 or 4 pieces of fabric creating more support) full cup bra which is typically lacey and pretty.

Typical Features:

• The underwires are typically taller creating a higher gore (the center panel between the cups) giving good seperation and support
• The higher underwire on the sides also typically creates the need for a wider band giving a smooting affect around the underarms and back.
• Full coverage
• Straps are typically centered and start higher up on the chest

Balconette Bra - Sweetheart neckline

With a neckline that mimics a sweetheart shape, it gives the bust a flattering, rounded look while providing about ¾ coverage. The gore tends to sit mid rise, and the cups are cut in a way that pushes the breasts slightly upward and inward, making it a fabulous choice for open necklines and fitted tops.

This is a very versatile style and a go to for many women who don't have the fullness in the top half of their breast as required of a full cup. Alot of the time these bras are lacey and pretty, but some T-shirt bras do come in this style as well. 

Typical Features:

• The gore is typically a mid height the giving good seperation and support
  
• The coverage for a balconette can change a bit from medium to almost full coverage depending on how high the gore is, and how the cups are cut.
• Alot of balconette bras come in a 3 or 4 part cup, meaning the cup has been sewn in 3 or 4 seperate pieces with the seamline creating more tension on the lace and therefore more support.

Half Cup bra - Square Neckline

Half cup bras, offer less coverage than a balconette, with cups that cut straight across the bust for a horizontal, square neckline. They typically cover only the lower half of the breast, enhancing cleavage and creating a lifted, rounded appearance. These straps are set wide apart to emphasize the neckline.

This style while less popular as an everyday bra, is a great "date night" style.  This style works great for breast that are either smaller or larger but firm and require less shaping that more coverage bras offer on the top half of the breast tissue.

Typical Features:

• The gore is typically a low to med height 
• Straps are wide accentuating the neckline
• The coverage for a Half cup is low to medium depending on how high the gore is, and how the cups are cut. Some half cups may stop directly above the nipple while others may have a few centimetres between the top of the nipple and the top of the cup
• Alot of half cup bras come with a vertical center seam allowing the bottom of the cup to be a little bit more shallow, thus forcing the breasts upward. Some do come in a 3-part style as well though.

Plunge Bras - V neck

Plunge bras are designed for drama—with a low center gore and angled cups, they create a deep “V” shape perfect for low-cut tops and dresses. What’s great about plunge bras is their versatility; they can range from full coverage to low-coverage depending on the style, giving you options whether you want a subtle look or a bold lift.

This is the most versatile style. The gore can range be low creating a deep plunge, or high creating more coverage. The gore also may be more narrow, creating less seperation and more coverage to wider creating more seperation and less drama This is also a popular style for both everyday or "date night". With both T-shirt bras and lacey bras coming in this style in spades. 

Comparison:

Let’s Find Your Perfect Fit

At our boutique, we believe lingerie should make you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. Whether you’re exploring new styles or shopping for your everyday favorites, we’re here to guide you through the process. Visit us in-store or browse our online collection to find the bra styles that match your needs—and elevate your wardrobe.