Breast shapes and the bras that suit them

Breast shape describes where your breast tissue sits, not how big it is. The useful questions are: is tissue fuller at the top or bottom, are your breasts close together or wide set, and do they project forward or spread wide and shallow? Each answer points to bra styles that fit better.

Fuller at the bottom

Tissue sits mainly in the lower half. Cups that are open at the top, such as balconettes, avoid gaping. See balconette bras.

Fuller at the top

Tissue sits evenly or higher up. Full cups and stretch-lace top edges stop spill at the neckline.

Close set

There is little space between your breasts. A plunge with a low, narrow centre sits flat without poking. See plunge bras.

Wide set

There is a wider gap in the middle. Look for a wider centre and cups that bring tissue forward from the sides, such as side-support full cups.

Shallow

Tissue spreads over a wider base and does not project far. Shallow cups, balconettes and soft cups usually fit better than deep moulded cups, which can gape at the top.

Projected

Tissue sits on a narrower base and projects forward. Seamed cups with depth fit better than shallow moulded ones.

Asymmetric

Almost everyone has one breast slightly larger. Fit the larger side and use a removable pad on the other if you want balance.

Shape and size together

Your bra size calculator result gives the size; shape picks the style. Our bra styles guide shows how each style changes the fit.