Both balconette and plunge bras are designed to open up the neckline — but they create very different shapes and effects.

Balconette bra

- Cups are cut more horizontally across the bust, giving a lifted, rounded look.

- Offers more coverage than a demi, but still leaves the top of the bust exposed.

- Straps are often set wider apart, making it ideal for square or wide necklines.

- Creates a flattering “balcony” effect where embroidery or lace can frame the bust.

Plunge bra

- Cups angle steeply toward the centre, forming a deep V neckline.

- Designed to pull the bust inward, enhancing cleavage.

- Offers less coverage at the centre front than a balconette, making it perfect under low-cut tops or dresses.

- Works especially well with bold embroidery that runs down the cup and centre.

- In short: balconette = horizontal lift and rounded coverage; plunge = deep V with inward cleavage.

At Somewhere Never, I design in both styles: balconettes (like Paint the Town and Desert Heat) for open rounded necklines, and plunges (like Super Fan, Disco Deco, Miami Nice and Running Wild) for dramatic V cuts. Both are engineered to sit securely on the body while showcasing embroidery as part of your outfit.

A bralette is the lighter end of the bra spectrum. It’s typically:

- Wire-free – no metal underwires, so the support comes from the fabric and cut.

- Unpadded – the shape is defined by darts, seams, or fabric, rather than moulded cups.

- Lightweight and flexible – often made from lace, mesh, or embroidery, with comfort as the priority.

An underwire bra, by contrast, has:

- Metal wires sewn into the cup base – these lift and separate the bust.

- More engineered shaping – either padded or unpadded, with precise cup construction.

- Added support – especially helpful for larger cup sizes or when a more sculpted shape is desired.

In short: bralettes are soft, lightweight, and flexible, while underwire bras are structured, supportive, and engineered for shaping.

At Somewhere Never, my current collection leans toward the bralette side — unpadded, sheer embroidered tulles that sit lightly on the body while still shaped with darts for fit. The Miami Nice and Running Wild bralettes are good examples of this approach. That said, I’m currently developing underwire bras that will bring more structure while keeping the same bold embroidery and design DNA.

Both demi bras and balconette bras are designed to show off the neckline, but the amount of coverage is what sets them apart.

Demi bra

- Known for offering the least coverage of any bra cup style.

- Cups cover only the lower half of the breast, often just covering the nipples (or in some cases, leaving them partly visible depending on cut).

- Creates a very open neckline and strong cleavage.

- More common in lingerie marketed for sensual appeal than everyday wear.

Balconette bra

- Cups cut more horizontally across the bust, covering more of the breast than a demi.

- Creates a rounded, lifted shape, with straps often set wider apart.

- Ideal under square or wide necklines and offers more secure coverage while still looking open and dramatic.

Plunge bra (for context)

- Cups are angled steeply toward the centre, forming a deep V shape.

- Designed to pull the bust inward and show cleavage under low-cut tops or dresses.

- Offers more coverage than a demi, but with a narrower, deeper neckline than a balconette.

In short: demi = the least coverage (sometimes nipple-revealing), balconette = horizontal, lifted coverage, plunge = deep V with inward cleavage.

At Somewhere Never, I design bras in several of these styles: plunge bras (like Disco Deco triangle bra, Miami Nice and Running Wild cross back bras), balconettes (like Paint the Town and Desert Heat), as well as bandeaus and crop tops (Give Me a Swirl and Disco Deco), which have a straight-across neckline for even more styling versatility.

A strapless bra is a structured bra designed to give support without shoulder straps. Key features include:

Underwires or firm seaming to lift and hold the bust.

Silicone grippers or strong elastic along the top edge to stop slipping.

Shaped cups (moulded or cut-and-sew) to define the bust even without straps.

Often includes boning at the sides to keep the bra upright.

A bandeau, by contrast, is a simple fabric band that wraps around the bust. Typically:

No underwires and often no cups.

Provides light support and coverage rather than structured lift.

Works well under strapless or off-the-shoulder clothing for smaller busts or as a fashion layering piece.

In short: strapless bras = engineered support without straps; bandeaus = soft, stylish coverage with lighter hold.

At Somewhere Never, my bandeau styles (Running Wild and Give Me a Swirl) are embroidered on fine tulle, offering a sleek, modern take on the classic bandeau. They’re designed less for hidden function and more as statement fashion pieces that can be styled visibly under or over outfits

A moulded bra is made from a single piece of fabric that’s heat-moulded over a rounded form to create a seamless cup. Key points:

- Creates a smooth, uniform look under clothing.

- Usually lightly padded or foam-lined to hold its shape.

- Offers consistency in size and silhouette, but less flexibility in terms of design details.

A cut-and-sew bra (also called seamed or darted) is constructed from multiple pieces of fabric stitched together to form a cup. Key points:

- Allows for more intricate design, shaping, and fit adjustments.

- Can use delicate fabrics like tulle, lace, or embroidery that don’t mould easily.

- Seams can be visible but also add to the aesthetic, giving structure and character.

In short: moulded = smooth and seamless, cut-and-sew = engineered and customisable.

At Somewhere Never, all of my bras are cut-and-sew, because this technique gives me complete freedom to showcase bold embroideries and unusual colour combinations while also fine-tuning the fit. It means each piece is more like a small-engineered garment than a mass-moulded shape.

A regular bra stops just under the bust, with a narrow underband (usually 1–3 cm / ½–1¼ inches). It’s designed primarily for bust support, leaving the waist and torso free.

A longline bra, by contrast, extends further down the torso — sometimes a few inches, sometimes all the way to the waist. Key features:

- Wider underband that distributes support more evenly across the ribcage.

- Often includes boning or extra panels for structure.

- Creates a smooth line under clothing, similar to a bustier but lighter.

- Adds an element of fashion drama, since the longer band can showcase embroidery or design detailing.

In short: regular bras = classic support under the bust, longline bras = extended support with added structure and style.

Both bustiers and corsets are structured lingerie garments that shape the torso, but they serve different purposes.

Corset

- Traditionally designed to cinch the waist and reshape the body.

- Uses rigid boning (historically whalebone or steel, now often metal or plastic) to create dramatic waist reduction.

- Typically fastens with lacing (at the back or sometimes front), allowing tight adjustment.

- Historically worn as everyday foundation garments, but today more often styled as statement or occasion wear.

Bustier

- A lighter, more modern garment that usually includes cups and underwires to lift and shape the bust.

- Extends from the bust down toward the waist or hips, but uses softer boning or paneling for smoothing rather than extreme cinching.

- Focuses on enhancing curves and providing support, creating a streamlined silhouette.

- Popular both as lingerie and as outerwear, especially when paired with high-waisted skirts or trousers.

In short: corsets = rigid waist-cinchers with strong boning and lacing; bustiers = structured lingerie with cups and underwires, offering lift and shaping with more flexibility.

At Somewhere Never, my designs take inspiration from both worlds: I use light boning in bandeau styles for structure, and in future collections I’ll explore bustier-inspired cuts — with embroidery, bold colour, and a focus on comfort as much as drama.

These three styles all offer minimal back coverage, but the details set them apart:

Thong

- Has a narrow strip of fabric at the back that connects the waistband to the gusset.

- Offers a little more coverage than a g-string, often with a slightly wider waistband or side straps.

- Feels more like a traditional brief in the front, but pared down in the back.

G-string

- The skinniest version of a thong.

- Uses a thin string or elastic at the back and sides, with only a small triangle of fabric in front.

- Extremely minimal and very lightweight to wear.

V-string

- Similar to a g-string, but the waistband meets the back strap in a V-shaped connector rather than forming a full loop.

- Creates a distinctive, barely-there silhouette.

In short: thong = minimal with a slim strip; g-string = ultra-minimal with string sides; v-string = a V-back variation of the g-string.

At Somewhere Never, I design thongs and string briefs to be seen as fashion pieces rather than disappearing under clothing. With bold embroidery, sheer tulles, and adjustable sides, they’re made to sit beautifully on the body and style high on the hip for a modern, confident look.

Both bikini briefs and hipster briefs are everyday underwear styles, but they sit differently on the body:

Bikini brief

Has a lower rise at the front and sits just below the natural waist.

Offers moderate back coverage with higher-cut leg openings.

Known for being versatile and flattering under most outfits.

Hipster brief

Has a slightly lower rise than a bikini, sitting closer to the hips (hence the name).

Features wider side panels for a sportier, fuller look.

Provides a bit more coverage at the back and sides, making them comfortable for everyday wear.

In short: bikinis sit a little higher with higher-cut legs; hipsters sit lower on the hips with more side and back coverage.

Both boyshorts and French knickers are fuller-coverage styles, but their origins and silhouettes differ:

Boyshorts

- Inspired by men’s boxer shorts.

- Have a straight-across waistline and extend down the hips with short, square-cut legs.

- Provide moderate to full back coverage and a sporty, streamlined fit.

- Popular for comfort and invisibility under skirts or dresses.

French knickers

- Originated in the 1920s and 1930s as glamorous silk shorts.

- Cut looser on the leg with a fluttery, flowing silhouette.

- Usually made in finer fabrics like silk, satin, or chiffon, often with lace trims.

- More of a boudoir or special-occasion piece than everyday underwear.

In short: boyshorts = fitted, square-cut shorts; French knickers = looser, flowing, vintage-inspired shorts.

Cheeky briefs (often called Brazilian briefs) and thongs are both minimal-coverage underwear, but they reveal the body in different ways:

Cheeky/Brazilian briefs

- Cut higher at the back than a standard bikini brief, exposing the lower half of the buttocks.

- Provide a little more coverage than a thong, but still create a sexy, playful silhouette.

- The leg line is curved, giving a flattering lifted effect.

- Often chosen when you want something in-between full coverage and very minimal.

Thong

- Has a narrow strip of fabric or elastic at the back.

- Offers very minimal coverage, leaving the buttocks almost completely bare.

- Designed for a lighter feel and a more daring look.

In short: cheeky/Brazilian = half coverage, flirty and curved; thong = almost no coverage, sleek and minimal.

A high-waisted brief is a style of underwear that sits at or above the natural waistline, covering the stomach and hips.

Design features

- Offers fuller coverage at the front and back compared to bikini or hipster briefs.

- Has a longer rise, reaching up to or just below the belly button.

- Can smooth the waistline and create a vintage-inspired silhouette.

History & fashion

- High-waisted briefs were standard in the 1940s–50s, often paired with bullet bras in pin-up fashion.

- They re-emerged as a retro trend in the 2010s, embraced for both comfort and their dramatic, sculptural look.

In short: high-waisted briefs = fuller coverage, vintage feel, and flattering waist emphasis.

At Somewhere Never, I design embroidered high-waisted briefs as bold statement pieces. Styles like Disco Deco and Running Wild use high-rise cuts as a dramatic canvas for embroidery, while still sitting comfortably on the waist and highlighting the hip line.

A Brazilian brief (also called a cheeky brief) is a style that sits between a thong and a bikini brief in terms of coverage.

Cut & fit

Has a low- to mid-rise waistband.

Offers more back coverage than a thong but less than a bikini brief.

The back is cut in a curved, high-leg shape, exposing the lower part of the buttocks.

Designed to give a flattering, lifted look while still feeling wearable for everyday.

Fashion & origin

Popularised in Brazil during the rise of the “Brazilian bikini” in the 1970s–80s.

Known for its balance of sexy and playful without going fully minimal.

In short: Brazilian briefs = low-rise, curved cut, half-coverage — a flirty middle ground between thong and bikini.

At Somewhere Never, I design Brazilian briefs as part of my core collections. The Miami Nice and Paint the Town briefs both use this cut — framing the embroidery across the back while highlighting the hip and elongating the leg line.

Shapewear is a subcategory of lingerie designed with a very specific purpose: to smooth, compress, or contour the body under clothing. Regular lingerie, by contrast, is about support, comfort, and style — and doesn’t aim to change the body’s outline.

Shapewear

- Uses firm stretch fabrics like power mesh or microfibre.

- Targets areas like the waist, hips, thighs, or stomach to create a smoother silhouette.

- Often includes high-waisted briefs, bodysuits, or slip dresses.

Lingerie

- Includes bras, briefs, bodysuits, and other pieces that provide everyday support and comfort.

- Uses fabrics such as lace, embroidery, mesh, or silk, chosen as much for their beauty as their function.

- Designed to be supportive and stylish, rather than compressive.

In short: shapewear is lingerie with a functional focus on contouring, while lingerie more broadly includes supportive and decorative undergarments.

A push-up bra is designed to enhance cleavage by lifting the bust upwards and inwards.

Construction

Uses padding (either removable inserts or built-in foam) at the base or sides of the cups.

The padding pushes the breasts upward and toward the centre, creating fuller cleavage.

Often combined with an underwire for added support and shape.

Best for

Low-cut tops or dresses where extra cleavage is desired.

Smaller cup sizes looking for added volume, though push-ups are made across the size spectrum.

In short: push-up bras = lift + volume, achieved through padding and strategic cup design.

At Somewhere Never, my designs are currently unpadded, focusing instead on sheer tulles and embroidery that show off the natural bust shape.

A bandeau bra is a strapless style made from a continuous band of fabric that wraps around the bust.

Construction

- Usually has no underwires and minimal or no padding.

- Provides light support and coverage, relying on elastic or firm fabric to stay in place.

- Can include boning or grippers for extra security in some designs.

Best for

- Strapless or off-the-shoulder clothing.

- Smaller to medium busts, or for occasions where comfort and style matter more than heavy support.

- Fashion layering, as bandeaus create a clean line across the chest.

In short: bandeau bras = simple strapless bands, light support, versatile for layering.

At Somewhere Never, my bandeaus (Running Wild and Give Me a Swirl) are embroidered on fine tulle, designed less for staying hidden and more as statement lingerie. They work beautifully styled under sheer tops or as bold layering pieces.

A halter bra is a bra where the straps fasten or tie behind the neck instead of over the shoulders.

Construction

The strap (or straps) loop around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders bare.

Cups are often angled inwards to suit halter necklines.

Can be made with or without underwires, depending on the design.

Best for

Halter tops, dresses, or backless outfits, where traditional bra straps would show.

Creates a lifted look, as the weight is pulled upward by the neck strap.

In short: halter bras = neck-fastening bras designed for halter or open-shoulder clothing.

At Somewhere Never, I don’t currently make halter bras, but many of my styles feature adjustable straps with plenty of length. For customers who need a halter fit, straps can sometimes be adapted with hooks or alterations — and I’m always happy to advise if you’re unsure which styles might work for your outfit.

Convertible bra straps are straps that can be reconfigured into different positions to suit various outfits.

Construction

Designed with detachable hooks at the front and/or back.

Can be worn in multiple ways: straight over the shoulders, crossed at the back, halter style, or sometimes strapless (if fully removed).

Made from elastic with sliders so the length can be adjusted for comfort.

Best for

Versatility — one bra can work under many different necklines.

Outfits like halter tops, racerback dresses, or off-the-shoulder looks.

In short: convertible straps = one bra, multiple strap options.

At Somewhere Never, while most of my bras are designed with fixed strap positions, a few styles do allow crossover at the back thanks to e-hooks — including the Running Wild and Give Me a Swirl bandeaus, as well as the Disco Deco crop top bra. This gives extra flexibility for outfits with open backs or unique necklines, while still keeping the bold embroidered look intact.