Like me, you might have had a bra fitter tell you that your breasts are "shallow." It's common to hear this word when you're in the fitting room trying on a gazillion bras in an attempt to find the one that fits and looks best.

What does it mean to have shallow breasts? For me, having both the shallow and dense breast designations made me think there was something not quite right about my boobs. In bra fit terminology, it's a label for breasts that appear to be wider at the root/base and less full on top. And the goal of any good bra fit experience is to match size and breast shape to the perfect style.

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Your breasts can be shallow and still firm and perky. It's just one way to compare and contrast them to those that rest in a different place, with greater volume higher up on the chest. Breast volume comes and goes as you age, and shifts with weight changes, pregnancy, and menopause. Sometimes it is temporary, or it may be how Mother Nature made you. There's nothing wrong with having more shallow breasts, but it might present bra fitting or shopping challenges.

What design elements should those of us with shallow breasts look for in a bra? Avoid full coverage and heavily padded contour bra styles that overwhelm your upper torso. Instead, try demi-cup, half-cup, or balconette bras. These styles typically feature shorter underwires and cover less of the top half of the chest. Single vertical seams will lift and center everything. Look for bras and bralettes made of mesh or stretch lace to easily conform to your shape. Even some plunge and push-up styles work, depending on the location of the padding.

Here are some brands and styles you might try the next time you're looking for new bras for your beautiful and amazing shallow breasts:

 

Are shallow breasts an issue for you? Have you tried any of these brands or styles?