Types of Boobs

Like bodies, the boobs that are attached to them come in all shapes and sizes. You are familiar with your size because you’ve probably been measured multiple times throughout your lifetime.

But you might not be as familiar with your breast shape.

This is one of the key factors in how bras fit and how clothing drapes on your body.

Knowing your boobs can help you pick out clothing and undergarments that help you look your best.

Boob Types Defined

Archetypal boobs are considered standard. They are full and round with a small nipple point. Since this shape is most common, it is the one for which most bras are designed. 

Most bras are made for this type, so you will probably look good in any style. 

The athletic shape is less rounded, and they tend to be set wider than other shapes. Athletic boobs have less tissue and are usually smaller – between an A and a C. 

Use a t-shirt bra or push-up bra to enhance fullness. Choose a bralette or sports bra to embrace your natural shape. 

Asymmetrical boobs refer to those that aren’t the same size. Many people are at least slightly asymmetrical, but sometimes, you might have a noticeable difference in the shape and volume of each breast. 

The best bra for this shape depends on the level of asymmetry. Use a padded bra with removable pads if one is noticeably larger than the other. Otherwise, opt for uplift and support. 

Bell-shaped breasts are narrower at the top and rounded at the bottom. This style is more common in women with larger breasts. 

Since your breasts have less tissue on top, choose a supportive bra that lifts and helps fill out the breast like a balconette or a push-up bra. 

While many women have round breasts, some have breasts that are shaped more like cones. Conical breasts are more common in women with smaller breasts. 

To embrace the natural width between your breasts, choose a plunge bra. If you’re interested in closing the gap, opt for a push-up bra. 

East-West boobs can be round or more conical, but they are characterized by nipples that point in opposite directions. This shape is more wide-set and situated closer to the sides of the chest. 

A balconette bra will offer the most support and help your breasts meet closer to the middle of your chest. Pick a padded style to enhance fullness. 

A woman with close-set breasts doesn’t have as much separation between them. They are situated closer to the center of the chest than the sides. 

This shape makes it hard to find a bra that fits on the sternum. Use a plunge bra or an underwire bra to help separate your breasts. 

Women whose breasts are equally full on the top and the bottom are said to have round boobs. 

Like the archetypal shape, round breasts look good in most bra styles. If your breasts are larger, opt for one with more support. 

The teardrop shape is round, but there is less fullness at the top than at the bottom. This shape is reminiscent of the bell shape, but with more roundness. 

The balconette style bra will support your breasts at the bottom and enhance fullness at the top. 

Women with looser breast tissue whose nipples point downward have a relaxed shape. 

Since relaxed boobs have lax breast tissue, support is key. Choose a style that takes the weight off your breasts and uplifts them. 

Side set breasts can be round or curved, but they are always situated closer to the sides of the chest. Women with this breast shape have more space between their breasts. 

For this shape, choose a bra that has a wide space between the cups and helps contour. 

More common in women with smaller breasts, the slender shape refers to narrow boobs with nipples that point downward. This shape differs from the relaxed shape because the tissue isn’t necessarily lax. 

A classic t-shirt bra or a lightly padded style will help add fullness to your breasts. 

Wide-set breasts feature a larger gap between the breasts. They are situated closer to the sides of the chest. 

Choose a bra that shapes your breasts and helps push them closer together. Or embrace your shape with a plunge bra. 

How to Determine Your Breast Shape

If you’re not sure of your breast shape, take off your bra and take a look in the mirror. 

1. Look at the placement of your nipple: This will help you narrow down your shape. If they point outward and are situated toward the sides of your breasts, you likely have an east-west shape. If they point downward, you might have relaxed or slender breasts. 
2. Look at the fullness: look at how full your breasts are at the top and at the bottom to gage what shape they are. 
3. See how close set they are: Look at the gap in between your breasts to determine how their overall shape. They could be round and close-set, wide and conical, or any variation thereof. 
4. Know that they might not fit into just one category: Breasts are different, and they might not fit all the criteria for a certain shape. Just pick the one that matches most closely and look for bras that fit. 

What Impacts Your Breast Shape

• Genetics: Your breast shape is widely determined by genetics, which contribute to their density and roundness. 
• Weight loss or weight gain: Losing dramatic amounts of weight can not only impact your cup size but also the firmness of your skin. You might find your breasts to be less perky after significant changes in weight. 
• Nursing: Breasts are made for nursing. But having and nursing a baby can permanently alter their size and shape. 

Knowing your breast shape will help you find bras and clothing that either highlight your assets or reshape your silhouette. 

If you’ve never considered your size, look in the mirror and assess your breasts to see how you can find lingerie that works for you.