What Is the Best Bra for My Breast Shape?
Finding the Best Bras for Each Breast Shape
Not all breasts are created equal (though they are all equally beautiful) – they come in all shapes and sizes – and the shape of your breast can affect what kind of bra style fits you best. One of the most common questions that we receive is - what type of bra should I wear? To answer this, we’ll break down the nine most common breast shapes and the best type of bra for each to help you find a bra that truly fits you.
Best Bras for Each Breast Shape
Asymmetric: One Breast Is Larger Than the Other
You have asymmetric breasts if you find that one is larger than the other. In nature, perfect symmetry is not the norm, so when you think of the asymmetric breast shape, it is more common than you think!
Best Bra for Asymmetric Breasts
You might have gone up and down band sizes and cup sizes to try and find a comfortable fit, but you will find the best fit with a bra type that includes removable inserts! This will help you customize your bra and even out any difference between your breasts. Our plunge bras are perfect for asymmetric breasts as the angled cups are made to form to the natural curve of each breast, giving some added flexibility if one breast is smaller than the other. Our Uplift Plunge Bra is a great option for this breast shape!
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for asymmetric breasts.
Athletic: Wider, More Muscular Breasts with Less Tissue
The athletic breast shape is not exclusively seen on those of us that are athletic. While several athletes may identify with this shape, breast shapes are largely genetic and plenty of those that are not athletic can fall into this category. Athletic breasts tend to be more muscular, wide, and firm with less tissue.
Best Bra for Athletic Breasts
Cup gaping tends to be a common issue for Athletic shapes due to the lack of volume up top. Explore bra types that will form to your breasts and lift you comfortably. Our 24/7® Classic T-Shirt Bra is a perfect choice for this breast shape as its memory foam cups form to your unique shape to create a smooth silhouette.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for athletic breasts.
Bell Shape: Slimmer at the Top, Fuller at the Bottom
Bell Shape breasts are slimmer towards the top and rounder at the bottom. This shape is most commonly seen in women with larger cup sizes, and those with this shape may commonly experience overflow with minimal coverage styles like balconettes or demi bras.
Best Bra for Bell Shape Breasts
Explore bras with full coverage and padded straps that provide more support, comfort and lift. Our Perfect Coverage Bra is a great choice as the cups are designed to provide extra support for those with larger bust sizes, and its wider, memory foam straps provide support, but never dig in.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for bell shape breasts.
East West: Nipples Pointing Outward in Opposite Directions
Just as its name suggests, East West shapes are characterized by wide-set breasts that gravitate away from the chest center. Those with this shape may find that their nipples point outwards away from the center of their body.
Best Bra for East West Breasts
Those with East West shape breasts may find it difficult to achieve cleavage with certain tops. Bras styles that are full coverage and help bring your breasts up and together will provide comfort and lift for your shape. Our Lace Contour Plunge Bra would be perfect choice as the angled cups help to gather and redirect your breasts to the front of your body and prevent overflow on the sides.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for east west breasts.
Relaxed: Breasts with Lax Tissue and Nipples Pointing Downward
Relaxed breasts feature a softer shape that is longer than it is wide. Those with this breast shape may have more relaxed breast tissue and nipples that point downwards.
Best Bra for Relaxed Breasts
Relaxed shapes tend to have longer breasts that hang, so lifting support is crucial. Bra types that have a slightly shorter cup, like balconette and demi cups, will help lift your breasts for more fullness at the top. If you have this shape, try out Lace Balconette Bra which features shorter cups, wide-set bra straps, and wires that go all along the bottom of the breast to keep you comfortably in the cup.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for relaxed breasts.
Round: Equally Full At the Top and Bottom
Round breasts, as their name suggests, have a rounded shape that features an equal amount of tissue both at the top and bottom of the breast.
Best Bra for Round Breasts
Those with this shape may find that they don’t need a whole lot of coverage or support, making many padded bras unnecessary. Round breasts work with most styles, but try wireless bras for days when you only want light support and balconette styles for when you want an ultra-flattering fit. Our Seamless V-Neck Wireless Bra would be a great option for you on those days you’re seeking comfort.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for round breasts.
Slender: Thin Breasts with Nipples Pointing Down
Although more common in women with smaller breasts, slender breasts can come in all sizes. Breasts that are longer than they are wide fall into this category. Although not always the case, this breast shape may also identify with nipples that point downwards.
Best Bra for Slender Breasts
For those with this breast shape, we would recommend bras that give a natural, flattering lift. Our Classic Uplift Plunge Bra will help complement this shape and provide a comfortable lift.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for slender breasts.
Side Set: Wide Space between Breasts
Similar to East West shapes, Side Sets tend to have a center gap. However, this shape features fuller-shaped breasts and nipples that face more forward rather than to the side.
Best Bra for Side Set Breasts
Bras made to naturally lift and draw your breasts closer together would suit this shape the best. Our Lace Contour Plunge Bra would be the perfect fit for this shape as it provides high support and coverage to comfortably lift you up and hold you in throughout the day.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for side set breasts.
Tear Drop: Round, but Slightly Less Full at the Top
Tear Drops are similar to Bell Shapes in that they have less tissue at the top of their breasts than at the bottom. However, as the name would suggest, the curve of this shape is more gentle and round as the tissue difference between the top and bottom of the breast is not as significant.
Best Bra for Tear Drop Breasts
Those with this shape may experience cup gaping with full-coverage bras. For this shape, balconette or demi cups will help distribute breast volume evenly while also eliminating any cup gaping. Our Lace Balconette Bra is a great choice for this shape and will provide a subtle lift.
For more great options, check out our curated collection of bras for tear drop breasts.
What Determines Breast Shape?
As discussed, your breast shape will influence which styles of bras tend to be most supportive and attractive on you. There are a few different factors that determine which breast shape you have:
- Genetics. Genetics is a prominent factor in determining breast shape. Genes from both your mother’s and father’s side can influence this.
- Body fat. Having more or less body fat can influence your breast shape and size. For example, women who work out often tend to have less body fat. In some women, this gives them an “athletic” breast type, defined by breasts largely lacking in fatty tissue.
- Age. Breasts tend to sag with age, which can change their overall shape. In particular, it’s common for breasts to become less rounded and full over time.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, there’s a good chance your breasts have experienced changes in size and shape.
- Hormone levels. Your hormone levels can influence the shape and size of your breasts. For example, women on their period may experience fuller breasts.
How To Measure Your Breast Size
For the best results finding your breast size, visit our online Fitting Room or one of our physical locations for a professional fitting.
To find your breast size at home, you’ll need two measurements: your band size and your cup size. Follow the steps below to get your measurements.
- Band Size: Wearing an unpadded bra, use a soft tape measure to get your band measurement. Wrap the tape measure firmly (but not tightly) around where your bra band sits. Write down the measurement in inches. If the measurement is an even number, add two inches; if it’s an odd number, add three inches. This is your band size.
- Cup Size: Wearing an unpadded bra, use a soft tape measure to get your cup measurement. To do this, wrap the tape measure across your breasts at their fullest point (usually where the nipple rests). Write down the measurement in inches. Get your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. The number you end up with is called the over-bust differential, and it determines your cup size. 0 inches is an AA cup, 1 inch is an A cup, and so forth.
As you can see, depending on your breast shape, what you look for in a bra could vary widely. Still not sure which type of bra is perfect for your shape? Take our Fitting Room Quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your size and shape!
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