Our breasts are a beautiful rainbow of unique shapes and sizes!
But sadly, the media usually doesn’t do a great job of accurately representing this diversity. When you don’t see your boob types represented on social media or ads, it’s natural to feel insecure. You may get worried, wondering, “Are my breasts even normal?”
Here is the good news, they are perfectly normal!
That’s why you must understand the basics of varying breast shapes and sizes. So, we’re here to clear the confusion and misconceptions surrounding the different types of boobs.
It’s time to feel comfortable and confident in knowing the unique features of your breasts that make you the most you!
What are the Common Types of Breast Shapes?
Each breast is as unique as a fingerprint. They’ll often vary in shape, size, or positioning. So, if we were to list down every single type of boob to ever exist, we may be here for a while.
However, certain breast types share some similarities that allow us to categorize them into different groups. In this section, we’ll discuss the common types of boob shapes most women have been reported to have. But, that’s not to say that these are the only types of boobs that exist.
They are simply the breast shapes that have been identified up to date. So, don’t be alarmed if you don’t fall into any of the categories we mention here. You may find your breasts fall between two or more types of boobs, which is also completely normal.
Now that we’re clear on that, here are the common breast shapes so far:
1. Archetype
This is the breast shape we’ve all grown up seeing in lingerie commercials or bra ads. They are characterized as full and round breasts, with nipples being small points that usually point up above the fold line.
This is supposedly the most common breast shape among women. So, bra manufacturers use it as a standard when designing bras. But that doesn’t mean that these types of boobs are the “normal ones”. It’s just one among a long list of many breast shapes.
2. Round
Most people confuse archetype breasts for round breasts. While both are round and full, round breasts have a more consistent and uniform circular appearance. This is because of the equal volume and weight distribution at the top and bottom of the breast. The nipples are also usually at the center (or in some cases slightly off to the side).
According to Dr. Thomas Bell, an experienced surgeon at the Toronto Plastic Surgeons, this is the type of breast shape most patients ask for when undergoing breast augmentation. And why not? After all, they’re what you’d call well-rounded breasts.
3. Conical
This breast type is common among women with a smaller frame. It gets its name from the cone-like boob shape. From a side profile, you’ll notice the top of the breast slopes down, while the base of the breast is small.
Another major characteristic is that the erect nipples point outward - although this doesn’t apply to all women with this boob shape.
Such breasts go by many names, however, the correct medical term used is tubular breasts. Experts state that tubular breasts are a result of the abnormal development of breast tissue during puberty. But don’t worry, it is absolutely harmless.
4. Bell-shaped
Just like the name suggests, this type of breast shape resembles a bell. Also known as bottom-heavy breasts, these types of breast shapes are characterized by a narrower top and a full and round bottom. Some bell-shaped breasts may also have large nipples and areolas (the dark areas surrounding your nipples). Typically, this breast shape is more likely if you have a larger breast size, but is still normal for all breast sizes.
5. Teardrop
Like the bell-shaped breasts, teardrop breasts are also bottom-heavy. However, the difference is that overall the breast is rounder than the bell-shapes and the downward slope from the top of the breast is less pronounced in teardrop boob shapes.
6. Relaxed
Relaxed breasts are characterized by looser breast tissue and the nipples point downwards (typically). Because of this, they appear longer and as if they are hanging - hence the name.
Although your breasts may not be relaxed initially, they may develop later in life. Breast changes, especially during breastfeeding, aging, etc., could cause this.
7. Slender
Also called thin breasts, these types of breast shapes are narrower than they are wide. Slender breasts are the exact opposite of round breasts. Instead of appearing fuller, they have a longer appearance with nipples pointing downward like relaxed breasts (but less fuller).
But just because slender breasts don’t take up the entire chest space, shouldn’t fool you into thinking you need to go down a cup size. Larger breasts can be slender too.
8. Close Set
As the name suggests, these types of breasts are positioned very close together at the center of the chest. They have a tightly packed appearance leaving little to no space in between the breasts, but at times a noticeable space between the breast and the underarm.
9. Side Set
These are the exact opposite of close-set breasts. Side-set breasts are typically positioned far apart with a noticeable space in between. Other defining characteristics are that such breasts are typically full (although not as much as a rounded breast) and the nipples point forward in the same direction.
10. East-West
East-west breasts are a type of side-set boobs with significant space in between the breasts, only they are less fuller. But the most distinguishing factor that gives these breasts their name, is the nipples that point outwards in opposite directions.
11. Athletic
This type of breast shape has nothing to do with how much you exercise. The name comes from the wider, muscular appearance of the breasts. It’s because athletic breasts have less breast tissue, resulting in fewer breast fat cells. Given the low breast volume, this shape is most common for a smaller breast size.
12. Asymmetric
Asymmetric breasts simply mean that one breast is not proportional to the other. It can be in shape, size, volume, or positioning. Even though the differences between the breasts may be more pronounced in some women, it’s not a concern in most cases.
You may even naturally develop uneven breasts over time as your body changes. For example, it’s possible to experience breast asymmetry during or after menopause. Either way, having uneven breasts is totally normal.
No one has perfectly symmetrical breasts - unless, of course, you get a well-done boob job.
NOTE: Images used in this section were inspired by images from torontoplasticsurgeon.com
Are Nipples Different Too?
Yes, they can be different - your areolas too! You may fall under a particular breast shape category but have varied nipples compared to other women in the same category. So, here are the most common nipple variations to familiarize yourself with:
NOTE: Like breast shape types, the list of nipple types is endless and not limited to the ones we’ve mentioned here.
Can Breast Change Over Time?
Absolutely! It’s natural for your breasts to change over time. They can change in size, shape, positioning, or all of the above. Several factors can cause these changes and often determine your breast size and shape. The common factors are as follows:
- Genetics - Your genes determine things like the distribution of fat cells or the elasticity and thickness of your skin, which in turn determines your breast structure and appearance.
- Weight - Your breast tissue is primarily made up of fat. So gaining or losing weight may affect the size and shape of your breasts, especially with drastic weight fluctuations.
- Age - As you grow older, your breasts may naturally start to sag as your breast tissue becomes less firm and the skin around your breast loses elasticity.
- Hormonal changes - The hormone balance in your body, especially at significant stages like pregnancy, menopause, or during a menstruation cycle, can affect your breast size and shape.
But there is no need to be alarmed. Just consistently monitor the changes. You can consult a doctor if you feel any pain, see any redness or discharge, or if the changes are sudden and you’re unsure.
Best Bra Styles for Different Types of Boobs
Still, feeling insecure and uncomfortable about your breasts? Well, it’s nothing a good bra can’t fix. Luckily, you have an endless option of bra styles to explore, from a t-shirt bra to a plunge bra. All you need to do is find the right bra - and fit - for your unique boob shape!
So here is our guide to the most suited bras for each breast type:
Celebrate the Beauty and Uniqueness of Your Breasts!
Our breasts come in many wonderful shapes and sizes. They are part of what makes us so unique. So learn to stop comparing and instead embrace and celebrate your natural differences.
But with the varied breast types comes the challenge of finding the right bra style and fit, especially for asymmetric breasts.
That’s where we come in.
At Symmetrista we specialize in designing custom-fit bras that offer you perfectly balanced comfort and a huge boost in confidence.
You’re just one bra away from embracing your natural beauties! Shop for our Signature Bra today and feel the difference yourself!