Breasts come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. No two people have breasts that look exactly the same.
So, what’s “normal” when it comes to breasts? How do your breasts measure up?
The answer is that your breasts are unique, and it’s perfectly OK that they have their own distinctive shape and size.
The only thing that isn’t normal is unexplained pain and sensitivity.
If you need more convincing, read on to learn about the many variations of breast shapes and how to identify yours among them.
Even if your breasts take after a common “type,” they probably have variations that set them apart from the next person’s.
Some breasts have characteristics associated with multiple types and can’t be boxed into one specific category.
Want to get a closer look? Slip into something comfortable and go somewhere private, preferably with a mirror.
Use this time to explore your unique anatomy and learn more about your body.
Archetype
The archetypal breast — round and full with a small point at the nipple — is considered the “standard” for breast type.
It’s said to be the most common shape, so it’s what most bra manufacturers model their designs after.
Asymmetrical
Asymmetrical breasts are of two different sizes. It’s pretty common for breasts to be uneven by a cup size or less, and more than half of people have some variation between breast size.
Athletic
Athletic breasts are wider, with more muscle and less breast tissue.
Bell shape
Bell-shaped breasts resemble a bell, with a narrow top and a rounder bottom.
Close set
Close-set breasts have no separation or a very small gap between them. They sit closer to the center of your chest, creating more distance between your underarm and your breast.
Conical
Conical breasts are shaped more like cones, rather than round. This shape is considered to be more common in smaller breasts than larger ones.
East West
If your nipples point outward, away from the center of your body, then your breast type is East West.
Relaxed
Relaxed breasts have looser breast tissue and nipples that point downward.
Round
Round breasts have an equal amount of fullness at the top and the bottom.
Side set
Side-set breasts are further apart, with more space between them.
Slender
Slender breasts are narrow and long, with nipples pointing downwards.
Teardrop
The teardrop shape is round and the bottom is just a little fuller than the top.
Once you’ve identified your shape, you may wonder: How did your breasts get to be that shape?
A few factors can determine why your breasts are the way they are.
Genetics have the biggest say, by far. Youryour breast density, tissue, size, and more.
Other factors that shape your breasts include:
- Weight. Fat is a large part of your breast tissue and density, so you may notice a difference in your breast shape as you gain or lose weight.
- Exercise. Your breasts might look firmer or perkier if you build up the muscles behind your breast tissue by strengthening your pecs.
- Age. Your breasts will naturally sagas you get older, so over time, your breasts may become longer and shift to face downward.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your hormones during pregnancy and breastfeeding can make your breasts swell and change the way the fat and tissue are distributed throughout your breasts.
