For those who embrace it when the time feels right, it's more than just a sun-kissed look—it's about discovering a style that makes you feel your absolute best. From timeless triangle bikini tops and classic one-piece swimsuits to bold, statement-making swimwear designs that enhance your natural shape, the options feel endless when it comes to finding the right swim style. 

But among all the current choices, underwire balconette bikini top styles have made a significant mark. While not entirely new, this unique silhouette brings a distinct charm that sets it apart from other swimwear. If you’re curious and wondering if it’s right for you, here’s everything you need to know about this bikini style.

Like many bikini top styles, the underwire balconette bikini top is deeply influenced by the evolution of women’s undergarments, such as bras, corsets, and other forms of shapewear. These foundational pieces played a significant role in shaping current swimwear designs, with the underwire bikini top emerging as a key development around the mid 1900s.

The Evolution of the Bikini Top

Believe it or not, bathing suits were once primarily made of wool or cotton and often covered most of the body, including the arms and legs. At the time, modesty was the primary focus, with little attention given to style or comfort. It wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that bare midriffs started to gain social acceptance, but this was as a result of wartime fabric shortages. During this period, swimsuits became more minimalist, requiring less material, which also helped reduce costs. Then Hollywood began playing a pivotal role in popularizing swimwear, with icons like Brigitte Bardot bringing the bikini to mainstream media.

In Came the Underwire Bikini

The time period’s demand for more flattering, functional, and sexy swimsuits paved the way for the underwire bikini top. Marilyn Monroe, among other famous and influential Hollywood Golden Age figures, helped elevate the underwire bikini as a go-to for women everywhere. The style itself combined a flattering fit with built-in structure that provided coverage, lift, and shape while still remaining sexy. Throughout the decades, the underwire balconette bikini top continued to evolve with the times and the trends, but nevertheless, remained a popular staple for frequent beachgoers.

Underwire balconette bikini tops deliver the perfect balance of shape, lift, and support while still maintaining a flattering and tailored fit. The name of this bikini style was inspired by the French word balcon (meaning “little balcony”), as the balconette design creates a "balcony effect" by lifting and highlighting the bust area with horizontal emphasis, much like a balcony supports and displays its view.

ViX underwire bikini tops often come with a sweetheart or straight neckline, and cups designed to showcase moderate cleavage. For smaller busts, the underwire balconette bikini top provides support while offering some coverage too; for bigger busts, one can expect balconette tops to provide the same support but with a little less coverage than your standard full-cup style. If you’re someone who loves blending aesthetics like vintage charm with modern sophistication, the balconette bikini is a great choice to keep top of mind. 

In the latest Sea Wanderer collection for Spring 2025, ViX balconette style bikini tops with underwire come in various colors like Ruby and White and fan-favorite materials including eyelet bikini tops and the iconic Firenze, as seen in our Kiana Mel Top. 

Reimagined from its lingerie origins, the underwire balconette bikini top brings elegance and functionality to your beach wardrobe, offering a secure and effortlessly chic look for sun-drenched days. Explore all bikini tops from ViX.