As women, we haven’t been able to talk about the most common boob shapes and our bodies very much in the past. Historically, not only was it taboo to talk about our bodies – its complexities like hormones, menstruations, our changing bodies from ageing and pregnancy. But also the obvious fact that up until recently, there has been a major lack of diversity in the media – we were exposed to a standard “beauty” size that was deemed more “desirable”. The message that this sends to us is – if we don’t measure up, we’re less worthy. And sadly so many of us have been exposed to this toxic media for so long, this ideal has been ingrained in us. And we wonder why we berate ourselves quietly within, perhaps even on a daily basis, that we don’t look like these “ideals”.
Fortunately, over the past few years, there has been a gradual shift away from this “one size beauty standard” and we’ve also become much more open to talk about our bodies as women. We’re finally talking about our unique bodies, our hormones, our periods, our pregnancies, etc. More of us are talking about inclusivity and championing representation. We recognise there’s beauty in all shapes and sizes.
Steering back to our favourite topic, boobs! Not only are our bodies unique – but so are our boobs. In the lingerie world, there’s a standard shape where bras designs are based on (See Archetype below). That’s why if you fall outside this standard shape, some bras may feel weird on you. In this post, we’ll look at the most common boob shapes. So you can understand your boobs better and see the variety of boob shapes that exists. This list by no means defines all shapes out there, because we are, after all, all unique. Use this as a general guide and nothing more. And remember, none of these shapes are better than the other.
BOOBS ARE LIKE SNOWFLAKES
Did you know there are no two boobs in the world that look exactly the same? Even our boobs are more like sisters than twins. We tend to have one boob bigger than the other. This can be determined by genetics, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breast feeding and where you are in your cycle.
THE MOST COMMON BOOB SHAPES
Archetype – Round and full with a small point at the nipple.
Bell shape – Resembles a bell, narrower top and rounder bottom
Athletic – Wider, they have more muscle than breast tissue
Conical – Cone-like rather than round
Slender – Narrow & long. Bottom is fuller than the top. The length is bigger than the width. Nipples tent to point downward.
Side set – Boobs are further apart than East West, with more space between them
Round – Equal amount of fullness at the top and bottom
WHAT AFFECTS OUR BOOBS?
- Genetics – this can determine the density, tissue & size.
- Weight – fat is stored in our tissue and contributes to the density. That’s why we notice a difference in size when we gain or lose weight. It’s advised to lose weight slowly because it helps our boobs to retain more of its elasticity and prevents sagging.
- Exercise – boobs may look firmer and perkier when we build up our chest muscles. As when we strengthen our pec muscles, our boobs – which sits over them, would look perkier and fuller.
- Age – As we grow older, we start to lose fullness and elasticity, therefore sagging may occur.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – makes boobs swell.
- Hormones – you may notice around your period, your boobs may be fuller.
- Certain medications – may cause swelling such as birth control pills.
