The Best Bras for Bell-Shaped Breasts: A Comprehensive Guide
September 20, 2024
by Sophie Weiss
Though we dislike comparing women’s bodies to objects or shapes (ahem, women’s bodies are not fruits!), the widely accepted term for breasts that are thin at the top and full on the bottom is bell shaped because, conveniently, they resemble the proportions of a bell.
If you have this shape, you may have struggled to find bras that provide the right fit and support. The good news is, with a little knowledge about your unique shape and the key features to look for in a bra, you can find styles that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Here's what you need to know about shopping for bras when you have bell-shaped breasts.
What Are Bell-Shaped Breasts?
Bell-shaped breasts are fuller at the bottom and thinner at the top, resembling the gentle slope and curves of a bell. This shape is common in women with larger cup sizes. The nipples often point slightly downward due to the concentration of breast tissue at the bottom of the breast.
While bell-shaped breasts are just as normal as any other shape, the challenge often lies in finding bras that encapsulate your curves without gaps at the top or spillage at the bottom.
The Perfect Bra Fit for Bell-Shaped Breasts
The key to a great fit is finding bras that work with your natural shape rather than against it. Look for styles that:
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Provide full coverage to contain and support the lower fullness of your breasts
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Have wide, cushioned straps to evenly distribute weight without digging in
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Feature seamed cups or shaping panels to lift breast tissue and create a smooth silhouette
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Offer a tacking gore (center panel) for separation and support
Best Bra Styles for Bell-Shaped Breasts
While every woman's shape is unique, certain bra styles tend to work well for bell-shaped breasts:
Balconette Bras
The lower cut and horizontal neckline of a balconette bra provide lift from the bottom, making it an excellent match for bell shapes. It reshapes the breasts into a more rounded, uplifted silhouette.
Demi Cup Bras
Demi cup bras have a lower cut than full coverage styles. The lower placement of the straps helps lift and redistribute fullness.
Plunge Bras
Plunge bras have angled cups and a lower gore (center panel), which is great for lower necklines. They create a lifted, centered shape that works well with the natural contours of bell-shaped breasts.
Full-Cup Bras
Full-cup bras offer maximum coverage and support, fully encapsulating the breasts and helping distribute tissue evenly. This is a great everyday style if you're looking for a bra that contains and shapes.
Underwire Bras
Underwire bras are designed to lift the breasts and provide a naturally rounded shape. The wire supports the bottom fullness common with bell shapes.
Push-Up Bras
Push-up bras have padding at the bottom of the cups to lift the breasts and enhance cleavage. This padding can help fill out the top of the bra cup if you have less fullness there.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bra
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Get professionally fitted or measure yourself to determine your size.
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Try on a variety of styles to see what feels best on your unique shape. You may be surprised by what works.
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Look for bras with adjustable straps and back closures so you can customize the fit.
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Seek out supportive fabrics like power mesh that smooth and contour your curves.
There's no singular "perfect bra" for bell-shaped breasts. The key is finding styles that celebrate your natural shape and make you feel supported and confident. Don't be afraid to experiment with different bras until you find your ideal fit.
Ready to find your perfect fit? At Honeylove, we're here to help you feel supported, confident, and comfortable in your own skin with our collection of bras designed for a variety of shapes and sizes.
Sophie Weiss
Sophie Weiss is a writer and bra expert based in Los Angeles.