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Which Type of Breast Shape Is Yours?

Which Type of Breast Shape Is Yours? featured image
Cavan Images / Darya Kisialiova / Getty Images

ThirdLove knows a lot about breasts and the retailer’s breast shape dictionary gives an informative and eye-opening look into the diversity and uniqueness of breast shapes. With breasts varying in size and form, the illustrated guide serves as a valuable resource for shoppers seeking the ideal bra fit. While it serves as a helpful starting point for understanding where breasts may fit into any one of these categories, the spectrum of breast shapes remains vast and varied.

We talked to a few of our breast experts and they agree that a guide like this is helpful for identifying a general shape; after all, no two breasts are created equal.

Featured Experts

  • B. Aviva Preminger, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
  • Alan Durkin, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Vero Beach, FL
  • Simona V. Pautler, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in McMurray, PA

Understanding Your Breast Shape

“Breasts do indeed come in all shapes and sizes! In fact, not only are there differences in breast shape among women, but most women also have differences in shape and size between their two breasts to some degree. I like to say that a set of breasts are sisters, not twins,” says New York plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger, MD.

It’s understandable that breast shapes have fluctuated in popularity since the introduction of breast augmentations. McMurray, PA plastic surgeon Simona V. Pautler, MD notes, “Round implants often provide a fuller, perkier appearance, while teardrop-shaped implants are designed to replicate a more natural breast contour. However, due to the risk of rotation, surgeons often favor round implants.”

Vero Beach, FL, plastic surgeon Alan Durkin, MD, adds, “Women should recognize that their individual breasts will always have subtle differences compared to a certain type, and they shouldn’t get frustrated if their breast shape does not fit the mold of a flow chart. There are going to be differences between each breast. In other words, everyone has a good boob and a bad boob.’

Even if your breasts don’t perfectly match any of the seven breast shapes below, ThirdLove’s dictionary can still assist you in finding the ever-elusive perfect bra you’ve always dreamed of.

The 7 Most Common Breast Shapes

1 / 7

Breast Shape: Round

Equally full on top and bottom, often surgically enhanced but not always. Balconette styles are suitable for showcasing their perky shape.

Bra Fitting Tip

For round breasts, ThirdLove recommends a thin bra without underwire. This eliminates the need to change the position of your breasts to achieve the right fit. 

round breasts
Thirdlove
2 / 7

Breast Shape: East West

Breasts with a gentle slope from top to bottom, but pointing outward in opposite directions.

Bra Fitting Tip

A T-shirt bra will help pull east west shaped breasts in, giving them a smoother silhouette and a streamlined shape.

east west breasts
Thirdlove
3 / 7

Breast Shape: Side Set

These breasts have a wide space in between, with nipples pointing slightly more forward than East West.

Bra Fitting Tip

Side set breasts can benefit from a plunge bra to help add lift. Extra padding can also help to enhance the silhouette. Balconette styles work best to disguise the gap between breasts.

side set breasts
Thirdlove
4 / 7

Breast Shape: Asymmetric

One breast is larger than the other, ranging from barely noticeable to more pronounced.

Bra Fitting Tip

Bras with removable padding work best for this shape. This allows you to add to the smaller side or remove padding from the larger breast. 

asymmetric breasts
Thirdlove
5 / 7

Breast Shape: Bell Shape

Characterized by heavier breasts that are narrower at the top and fuller towards the bottom.

Bra Fitting Tip

Avoid bras like the balconette style that offer less coverage. Full-coverage styles are ideal for this shape.

bell shaped breasts
Thirdlove
6 / 7

Breast Shape: Slender

Breasts that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, often with minimal breast tissue.

Bra Fitting Tip

Just like the side set shape, extra padding will give slender shaped breasts a larger silhouette and a plunge bra will help create cleavage and add lift.

Slender breasts
Thirdlove
7 / 7

Breast Shape: Tear Drop

Similar to Bell Shape but with a gentler slope and less fullness at the top.

Bra Fitting Tip

The tear drop shape will work well with most bra styles, from strapless to push-up. 

tear drop breasts
Thirdlove

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