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 canβt say with any real certainty what my bra size is.Β
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.Β
But weβre not just here to point out problems. We have solutionsβthe 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 (sheβs 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.Β
The interplay of breast tissue volume, positioning, and shapeΒ determines breast shape.Β And, below, youβll find a glossary of common breast shapesβincluding how to ID your own breasts and find your ideal everydayΒ bra styles.Β
Before diving in, remember: there's no ideal breast shape. Breasts also aren't static.Β They change with age and child-rearingβnot to mention throughout the course of your monthly hormonal cycle. Basically, breasts are transformers, which is both cool and very annoying.Β
Have you ever heard the saying each breast is as unique as a fingerprint? Thatβs because we just made it up. Still, weβre sure tons of different breast shapes exist outside of the spectrum of generic βbreast types.β So, donβt sweat it if you donβt neatly fall into any one descriptionβyou may be a combination of a few.Β
Breast Shape: Teardrop
Letβs shed a tear for gorgeous teardrop shaped breasts, which tend to have a round breast shape that'sΒ full at the bottom with slightly less volume towards the top. Youβll 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.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Neck Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette
Breast Shape: AsymmetricalΒ
OK, hereβs a saying we didnβt make up: breasts are sisters, not twins. If you have one breast thatβs noticeably larger or a different shape than the other, you likely have asymmetric shaped breasts. In nature, symmetry isnβt the norm, which is why most peopleΒ have some degree of breast asymmetry. A common bra fit relatedΒ issue experienced by those with asymmetric breasts is cup gaping.Β That means you may want to opt for a bra fit that forms to your natural shape.Β Padded bras (with removable pads) and adjustable straps are also a great option.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendations:Β 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, youβll 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.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendations: WingWoman Contour Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra
Breast Shape: Side SetΒ
Even breasts need some spaceβand some more than others. If your breasts are spaced farther apart on your chest or if thereβs 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.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendations:Β 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 thereβs very little space between them on your chestβand, 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 orΒ plunge bra.Β
Recommended Everyday Bra: One&Only Scoop Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Knixy Lace Bralette
Breast Shape: RoundΒ
Breasts, by definition, are usually roundβbut youβll recognize round shaped breastsΒ as being equally full at the top and bottom. Youβre 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 youβre 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.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendations:Β One&Only Scoop Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Longline Lace Bra
Breast Shape: Athletic
You donβt have to be an athlete to identify with this breast shape, especially sinceβfun factβbreast shape is largely genetic. Characterized by lessΒ breast tissue, you may find your breasts are smaller, or more narrow and firm. And, you guessed it, cup size and gapingΒ tends to plague those with athletic breasts or smaller breast size who may not have as much volume. If thatβs the case,Β you may want to opt for a paddedΒ 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 WestΒ
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, youΒ likely have east west breasts. If youβre 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.Β
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: youβre a new parent in need of a functional, but comfy, bra that can adapt to the demands of breastfeeding. Weβve got just the thing for everyday wearβand it means never having to worry about leaking through your favorite shirt.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendation: BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra
Breast Shape: Mastectomy & Prosthetics
Calling all post-surgery baddies. If youβre recovering from a recent procedure, including a mastectomy or top surgery, only the most gentle of bras will do. Youβll also want something thatβs easy to take on and off, and may prefer an option thatβs prosthetic-friendly. Creating a bra for the healing body is no easy feat, but we see you.Β
Everyday Bra Recommendation: Ultra-soft Front Closure Bra
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The too-tight straps, the piercing underwire, the gaping-cupsβweβve 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.