Women come in all different shapes and sizes and so do their breasts – no surprise there. But you might be surprised to learn how many different breast shapes there are, all of which are “normal.” There’s no wrong or right type of breast shape, but there is a right or wrong type of bra based on what your breast shape is.
Back in 2011, True&Co. founder Michelle Lam realized just how important (and varied) breast shapes are after holding focus groups in her living room and listening to women talk about their breasts. How could women be expected to find the right bra if they didn’t know about their breast shape?
There are, of course, way more nuances in types of breasts that that fall into or blend between those categories, which we’ll cover in this article, as well as the best bra styles for them.
Types of Boobs and Breasts:
Asymmetrical
The asymmetrical breast shape is probably the most common breast shape out there. It’s actually not so much about shape than it is about size; asymmetrical breasts usually comes down to one being larger than the other, but they’ll both have the same general appearance.
Best Bra Match: If you have smaller breasts, wireless bras and bralettes are good styles that let your breasts define how the bra supports them. The bra molds to you.
For larger breast sizes that need underwire support, a t-shirt bra or balconette bra style are great for flattering your natural shape and silhouette.
If you want to balance them out a bit, try a bra with removable pads like True Body.
Athletic
Athletic breast shapes are wider and more muscular. Breast volume largely correlates with body fat, which a lot of athletes don’t have much of, so they’ll often have less breast tissue than most.
Best Bra Match: To give your breasts a lift and accentuate them, go for a push-up bra. A demi-cup or balconette bra are great for supporting your breasts without adding bulky coverage.
Round
Round breast shapes, or what we call “well-rounded” breasts, are equally full all around, top and bottom.
Best Bra Match: Round breast shapes don’t need much in the way of padding or enhancement, so an unlined bra is ideal. Want less coverage? Triangle bra styles are just as flattering.
East West
East West breast shapes are also what we call “taking sides” — the nipples point outward in opposite directions. East West breast shapes that are fuller on bottom are what we refer to as “bottom and sides.”
Best Bra Match: T-shirt bras and padded bras have cups that help give East West breast shapes a more rounded shape. T-shirt bras are a great everyday go-to, and you can choose from a variety of bra types that are padded, including True Body.
Side Set
Side-set, or “bottom and sides,” are a different type of breast shape from “taking sides” in that there’s more spacing between each breast, though the nipples may be facing forward.
Best Bra Match: Bra styles with more flexibility in the center such as plunge and demi-cup are a good match for side set breasts. Push-up bras will also provide lift and enhance cleavage.
Tear Drop
Tear drop breast shapes are similar to round, but less full at the top. This breast shape is one that falls into what we refer to as “bottom happy” breast shapes, where the volume is concentrated lower. If you’ve lost weight, you probably noticed that your breasts are more bottom happy, which also includes slender, relaxed, and bell shapes. It’s really common and just means it’s time to go bra shopping!
Best Bra Match: Padded and push-up bras are great for lifting your breasts and evening out the shape for a smooth silhouette. Balconettes are another good one to have in your wardrobe, especially if you don’t prefer pads or too much lift. The underwire and minimal cup still give the right amount of support.
Bell Shape
Bell breast shapes, another bottom happy breast shape, are slimmer at the top and fuller at the bottom. The fullness toward the bottom means you’ll need plenty of support to help keep them at a level that’s both flattering with clothes and to nip back pain in the bud.
Best Bra Match: Whatever your breast size, you’ll want a bra that provides lift. True Body Lift and True Body Underwire are the perfect styles. Don’t let the buttery-soft fabric fool you. It’s just as supportive as it is comfortable. Balconettes are another underwire bra style that will flatter bell shapes.
Relaxed
Relaxed breast shapes have lax tissue with nipples pointing downward. Breast shapes can change throughout your life (just like size can) with things like age, weight fluctuations, and having children. So it’s not uncommon for women to develop relaxed breast shapes later in life.
Best Bra Match: Bras that offer more support, lift, and coverage are just what relaxed breast shapes need. That includes bras with underwires and padding.
Slender
Slender breast shapes are thin breasts often with nipples pointing downward, similar to relaxed breast shapes, but not quite as full. Slender breasts are also smaller on top and are likely longer than they are wide.
Best Bra Match: Plunge bras are a universally flattering silhouette, so one with padding is a great choice to give slender breasts just the right amount of lift. That doesn’t mean an unlined bra is out of the question, just try one that’s also plunge with an underwire that’ll help with lift.
When it comes to bras and finding your bra size, bra makers have to go beyond cup and band size – shape, nipples, and all. If your bra is slipping, riding, sliding, or gaping, you likley need a new size bra. While millions of women share common types of boobs our bodies are all unique; that’s something we embrace our bras and our community .
