The year is 2024. I have a supercomputer that fits in the palm of my hand (an iphone), providing me with access to near-infinite knowledge. Yet, somehow, in this advanced technological age, I can’t say with any real certainty what my bra size is.
Studies suggest this statement rings true for about 80% of women. Lack of standardized industry sizing and a lifetime of confusing sizing charts have left women hanging (pun intended?), with bands riding up and strap marks on shoulders.
But we’re not just here to point out problems. We have solutions—the first being a quiz that will tell you your definitive Knix size and provide recommended bra styles for everyday wear. The second, is thinking of your perfect bra (she’s out there, we know it) as more than just a combination of the right cup letter and band number, but an alchemy of those variables and your breast shape.
The interplay of breast tissue volume, positioning, and shape determines breast shape. And, below, you’ll find a glossary of common breast shapes—including how to ID your own breasts and find your ideal everyday bra styles.
Before diving in, remember: there's no ideal breast shape. Breasts also aren't static. They change with age and child-rearing—not to mention throughout the course of your monthly hormonal cycle. Basically, breasts are transformers, which is both cool and very annoying.
Have you ever heard the saying each breast is as unique as a fingerprint? That’s because we just made it up. Still, we’re sure tons of different breast shapes exist outside of the spectrum of generic “breast types.” So, don’t sweat it if you don’t neatly fall into any one description—you may be a combination of a few.
Breast Shape: Teardrop
Let’s shed a tear for gorgeous teardrop shaped breasts, which tend to have a round breast shape that's full at the bottom with slightly less volume towards the top. You’ll know you have this shape if most of your breast tissue falls below nipple height. For everyday wear, that means you might prefer a semi-cup or a fit that really molds to the chest, helping evenly distribute breast volume while providing a subtle lift.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Neck Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette
Breast Shape: Asymmetrical
OK, here’s a saying we didn’t make up: breasts are sisters, not twins. If you have one breast that’s noticeably larger or a different shape than the other, you likely have asymmetric shaped breasts. In nature, symmetry isn’t the norm, which is why most people have some degree of breast asymmetry. A common bra fit related issue experienced by those with asymmetric breasts is cup gaping. That means you may want to opt for a bra fit that forms to your natural shape. Padded bras (with removable pads) and adjustable straps are also a great option.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra, Lace Racerback Bralette
Breast Shape: Bell-Shaped
To all those with bell shaped breasts, you’ll know this is your breast type if your boobs are slimmer at the top and fuller (with more breast tissue) at the bottom. You may also find your nipples point downward. If your (bra) cup overfloweth, know this is a common grievance among those with bell shaped breasts. The fix is finding a bra fit with extra support, full coverage, and adjustable straps that will lift and provide more volume on top.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: WingWoman Contour Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra
Breast Shape: Side Set
Even breasts need some space—and some more than others. If your breasts are spaced farther apart on your chest or if there’s a wide separation, you likely have side set breasts. This is a common shape among those with smaller breasts. To achieve a comfortable bra fit that feels more centered, you may want to opt for a bra style that lifts up and inwards, like a plunging neckline.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: Revolution V-Neck Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, WingWoman Contour Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette
Breast Shape: Close-set
If your breasts are besties that like to stick together through thick (bad bras) and thin (more bad bras), then your breast shape is probably close-set. You can tell if there’s very little space between them on your chest—and, honestly, we love that your breasts are such great friends. For a comfortable bra fit, however, your breasts should also consider making friends with a wire free balconette or plunge bra.
Recommended Everyday Bra: One&Only Scoop Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Knixy Lace Bralette
Breast Shape: Round
Breasts, by definition, are usually round—but you’ll recognize round shaped breasts as being equally full at the top and bottom. You’re a proportionate queen, we get it. As a result, you may not find you need full coverage or support (lucky!), though those with lots of top-volume and larger breasts may experience issues with cup overflow. If you’re on the lookout for more coverage, a t-shirt bra is the way to go for everyday wear, otherwise wire free plunge and balconette bra styles are also ultra flattering for this shape.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Longline Lace Bra
Breast Shape: Athletic
You don’t have to be an athlete to identify with this breast shape, especially since—fun fact—breast shape is largely genetic. Characterized by less breast tissue, you may find your breasts are smaller, or more narrow and firm. And, you guessed it, cup size and gaping tends to plague those with athletic breasts or smaller breast size who may not have as much volume. If that’s the case, you may want to opt for a padded bra, or one that fits close and molds to your shape for everyday wear.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: Knixy Lace Deep-V Bralette, Micro Modal Rib Bralette, Longevity Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra
Breast Shape: East West
As the name suggests, you can spot this breast shape by its outward-facing nipple placement. If your breasts tend to gravitate towards your armpits or torso and are more wide-set, you likely have east west breasts. If you’re looking to stray from bras that cause side-spillage and want a bra fit that provides comfort and lift, make friends with contoured and angled cups.
Everyday Bra Recommendations: WingWoman Contour Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra
Breast Shape: Nursing
Your breasts are leaky and change shape by the hour: you’re a new parent in need of a functional, but comfy, bra that can adapt to the demands of breastfeeding. We’ve got just the thing for everyday wear—and it means never having to worry about leaking through your favorite shirt.
Everyday Bra Recommendation: BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra
Breast Shape: Mastectomy & Prosthetics
Calling all post-surgery baddies. If you’re recovering from a recent procedure, including a mastectomy or top surgery, only the most gentle of bras will do. You’ll also want something that’s easy to take on and off, and may prefer an option that’s prosthetic-friendly. Creating a bra for the healing body is no easy feat, but we see you.
Everyday Bra Recommendation: Ultra-soft Front Closure Bra
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The too-tight straps, the piercing underwire, the gaping-cups—we’ve all been dismayed by ill-fitting bras at some point. Finding a bra fit for everyday wear that best suits your natural breast shape may be the secret to leaving those days behind. For more recommendations and styles, take the quiz or shop the full collection.