Figuring out your breast type is pretty empowering. Why? Well, it helps you to better understand which bra styles will work best for your body! If you suspect you have shallow breasts, there are a few things you should know before shopping for some new unmentionables. In this guide, we’re sharing five styles that are ideal for accommodating and enhancing shallow breasts.
What are shallow breasts?
Before we dive into bras, let’s discuss what defines shallow breasts.
Feel like your breasts lie very close to your rib cage without protruding very much? That’s one of the key characteristics of shallow breasts. They also tend to start a tad higher up on the chest. Shallow breasts usually lack volume toward the top of the breasts and are broader toward the bottom.
It’s worth noting that shallow breasts can be close set or wide set, and can also range in size.
Bras to try
The idea with shallow breasts is to seek out styles with ample support, but not too much coverage up top.
Balconette bra
Since maximum support and minimal to moderate coverage is the name of the game with shallow breasts, an underwire balconette bra is a spectacular choice. Balconette bras only cover a little more than half of the breasts, meaning you won’t have to worry about the cups cutting into the breast tissue (and causing the dreaded quad-boob). Seek out a balconette bra with three-part cups. Ideally, the cups will have vertical seams, which provide lift (horizontal seams provide projection, and shallow breasts may not fill out the cups completely).
Demi-cup bra
Your best bet with shallow breasts are bras that have less coverage in the cups. That’s where a demi-cup bra comes in: It only covers about two-thirds of the breast, so you don’t have to worry about not filling up the top of the cups. Look for one that has a little spandex or other material to give the cups some stretch for a flawless fit. And if your breasts are wider set, find a demi-cup bra that has side boning built in.
Related: How To Find The Right Bra For Your Breast Shape
Contour bra
This type of molded bra, which includes the ever-popular T-shirt bra, sculpts your breasts into a nicely rounded shape, so it’s super flattering on shallow breasts. As an added bonus, contour bras have smooth, seamless cups, so you don’t have to worry about them showing through your top or dress.
Padded bra
While unlined bras are great when you want to feel a bit more au naturel, they don’t offer much in the shaping department. A padded bra will contour your breasts and offer the appearance of overall fullness so that they look less shallow on top. Plus, padded bras are phenomenal for preventing your nipples from showing.
Push-up bra
The reason why this style works so well is that it pushes the breast tissue upward, and that’s where your breasts are the most shallow. Just make it a point to find a push-up bra that doesn’t have too much coverage in the cups to ensure you can fill them out.
While shallow breasts certainly come with some unique challenges in regards to bra shopping, they also come with some benefits. They’re typically pretty firm — and better yet, they’re self-supporting! So don’t let any insecurities creep in about your shape. Besides, the previously mentioned bra styles can help to address any concerns you have about your shape while also allowing you to feel more confident in your own skin.
Related: Projected vs Shallow Breasts: What’s The Difference Between Projected and Shallow Breasts?
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!