It is common knowledge that breasts can be big, small or somewhere in between, but what is not such common knowledge is that they can also come in various shapes. From bell-shaped to round, and from asymmetrical to east-west, there are several shapes your breasts can be. It is helpful to understand what shape yours is when referring to a bra cup size chart.
Archetype
As its name implies, the archetype breast is the standard breast shape. Archetypal breasts are full and round, with a small, pointed nipple. Most bra manufacturers model their products after this breast shape, making it easy for archetype breasted-women to find perfectly-fitted bras.
Athletic
Athletic women may develop athletic breasts after long periods of working out. Athletic breasts are firmer, with less breast tissue and more muscle.
Asymmetrical
Women have asymmetrical breasts when their breasts are two different shapes and/or sizes. Having two different-sized breasts is completely normal. In fact, many women have breasts that are uneven by a whole cup size, and more than half have some level of variation between the size of their breasts. If you have asymmetrical breasts, you will need to take proper bra size measurements to find the best-fitting bra.
Close-Set
Close-set breasts are those that have little gap between them. They sit closer to the center of the chest, leaving more space between the underarm and outside the breast tissue.
Bell-Shaped
Bell-shaped breasts resemble bells, with a narrower top and rounded bottom. This breast shape is also common. However, a standard bra may not be comfortable for bell-breasted women. Instead, you may prefer a more flexible t-shirt bra or lifting bra.
Conical
Women who have smaller breasts may have what bra manufacturers refer to as “conical breasts.” Conical breasts are breasts that have more of a cone shape rather than a rounded, full shape. They may point outward as opposed to inward.
East-West
East-west breasts are breasts that’s nipples point outward in opposite directions. This feature is actually fairly common in women, as not many women have nipples that point directly forward. The directions in which your nipples face will not necessarily affect bra fit, meaning you will likely find comfort with the classic bra.
Slender
Slender breasts are not necessarily smaller breasts. Rather, they take up less space on the chest than, say, rounded breasts or bell-shaped breasts. Though many slender breasts can be on the bigger side, a standard bra may not be enough to do them justice. If you have slender breasts, you may want to invest in a bra with a deep plunge, which could help to push them up toward the center of your chest.
Knowing your breast size is important, which is why many bra manufacturers and retailers use the bra measurement system. However, knowing your breast shape is equally as important as it may dictate the type of bra in which you are most comfortable. If you are in the market for a new, better-fitting bra, take a few minutes to really examine your breasts and determine the most accurate shape.
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