A balconette brassiere, sometimes known as a shelf bra, is a design of brassiere which lifts the breasts to enhance their appearance, shape, size, and cleavage. It is similar to the demi-cup bra. The name is borrowed from the idea that when looking at the breasts from above, as from a balcony, the bra cannot be seen.[1][2] The balconette was first designed in the United States in 1938, and came into mainstream fashion in the 1950s, as large breasts were popular. It can also be included in a top, and might have removable shoulder straps. Compare to full-cup and demi-cup bra.