It has been suggested that some of the sexiest femme fatales in history, including the indomitable Cleopatra, wore a balconette bra – that is, when she was wearing anything at all. Beloved bombshell Marilyn Monroe brought it to mainstream va-va-voom fame when she modeled it in the early 50s. We’re not sure if it’s rumor or history, but according to Wikipedia, the origin of the term “balcony” or balconette bra comes from the days of when men in movie theatre balconies looked down on women’s cleavage from above. (One reason why some people still love those old- fashioned movie theatres.)

Whatever its orgin, the balconette bra is indeed one of the sexiest and perhaps least understood bras around. So what is it, exactly?

The balconette bra is a low cut often three- quarter coverage bra that both reveals and supports your bust with wide straps. It accommodates most types of low-cut necklines and is ingeniously designed so that even full- busted femmes can celebrate their cleavage and give it a comfortable ride. Contrary to public opinion, you don’t need a full-coverage bra if you’re full-busted and want the perfect mix of support, style, and seduction.