What are teardrop breasts?
Teardrop breasts (also spelled "tear drop") are a breast shape that's slightly less full at the top and fuller toward the bottom, tapering gently upward like a teardrop. It's one of the most common and most natural shapes — rounded at the base, softer up top — and it's very versatile to dress. Because the fullness sits low, the most flattering bras lift the base and lightly shape the softer top: balconette, molded contour, and plunge styles, with the one caveat that very high full-coverage cups can gape up top.
In plain terms: fuller below, softer on top — completely normal, very common, and easy to dress once you choose lifting, lower-cut styles. Not sure this is your shape? Check the breast shapes chart.
Quick note on terms: this is about your breast shape (fuller-bottom, softer-top), not your size. Teardrop breasts come in every size. It's very close to a round shape, and our breast shapes guide shows where it sits among all the shapes; for your size, see the bra sizes guide.
Lift the Base, Shape the Top
Balconettes that lift and round, contour bras that smooth, and plunges for low necklines — styles that follow a teardrop shape instead of fighting it.
Shop All Bras → See the Best Styles →- Teardrop = fuller bottom, softer top, tapering gently upward.
- Balconette — lifts the full base and rounds out the softer top.
- Molded contour / t-shirt — smooths and lightly fills the top for every day.
- Plunge & demi — flatter low necklines and the natural slope.
- Push-up — optional; adds upper fullness when you want it.
- Watch high full-coverage cups — they can gape at the softer top.
- Top gaping? Switch to a lower-cut lifting style, or check your cup size.
- Very versatile — second only to round in the styles it can wear.
What Are Teardrop Breasts?
Teardrop breasts are slightly less full at the top and fuller toward the bottom, tapering gently upward — rounded at the base, softer up top, like a teardrop. It's extremely close to a round shape; the difference is simply that a round shape is evenly full top and bottom, while a teardrop carries more of its fullness low.
That bottom-weighted fullness is why a teardrop shape sits so naturally and suits most styles. The only practical nuance is the softer top: a cup cut high and full can gape there, so the most flattering bras are the ones that lift the fuller base and lightly shape the top rather than expecting a full upper breast to fill them.
How to Identify Teardrop Breasts
It's an easy check. Look at your breasts from the front and side: if they're fuller and rounded at the bottom and gently taper to a softer, less full top — sloping upward like a teardrop — that's a teardrop shape. A few reliable tells:
- The fullness sits low. Most of the volume is in the lower half, with a gentle slope up to the top.
- Your full-coverage bras gape slightly at the top. That softer upper fullness is the classic teardrop giveaway.
- Forward-facing, not pointing out. Teardrop breasts generally face forward — if yours point outward, you may lean east-west instead.
If your breasts are instead evenly full top and bottom, you're likely a round shape — the two are close cousins, and round simply carries more fullness up top. It's also completely normal to be teardrop on one side and slightly different on the other.
Are Teardrop Breasts Common — and Normal?
Yes on both counts. Teardrop is one of the most common breast shapes, alongside round — many people who think of their shape as "average" or "natural" are teardrop: fuller at the base, softly tapering at the top. There is no "better" or "worse" breast shape; teardrop is simply one of the most frequently occurring, and one of the easiest to dress because it suits so many styles.
It's worth saying plainly: every breast shape is normal and healthy, and shapes change over a lifetime with age, weight, pregnancy, and hormones. A teardrop shape needs no "fixing" — the only reason to think about it at all is the practical one of choosing bras that flatter it. (For how shape relates to size and the body more broadly, see our breast sizes guide.)
Best Bras for Teardrop Breasts
The most flattering picks lift the fuller bottom and lightly shape the softer top. Here's the shortlist for a teardrop shape.
| Style | Why it flatters a teardrop shape | Best for & shop |
|---|---|---|
| Balconette | Lifts and supports the full base while rounding out and presenting the softer top | Lift & upper shaping · Shop Balconette |
| Molded / Contour T-Shirt | Smooths the line and lightly fills the upper slope so nothing gapes | Everyday, under fitted tops · Shop T-Shirt |
| Plunge / Demi | Lower-cut cups follow the natural slope and flatter low necklines | Low & V-necklines · Shop Plunge |
| Push-Up (optional) | Adds upper fullness and cleavage when you want it — takes light padding well | Extra lift on demand · Shop Push-Up |
Balconette Bra
For a teardrop shape, a balconette is the most flattering match. Its lower-cut, horizontal cup lifts and supports the fuller bottom — exactly where a teardrop carries its weight — while rounding out and presenting the softer top for a balanced, lifted look. The lower neckline means it never expects a full upper breast to fill it, so it follows your shape instead of gaping.
Molded / Contour T-Shirt Bra
A molded contour t-shirt bra is the everyday workhorse for a teardrop shape. The pre-formed cup gently fills and smooths the softer top, giving a rounded line under fitted clothes with no top gaping — while still supporting the fuller base. It's the most forgiving daily option and a clean reference fit to judge other styles against.
Plunge & Demi
Lower-cut plunge and demi styles work beautifully with a teardrop shape because they follow its natural upward slope rather than cutting across a full top. They flatter V- and low necklines and give a lifted, open look. As with the balconette, the lower cut is the secret — it never relies on a full upper breast.
What to Watch For
There's really only one thing to be mindful of with a teardrop shape: very high, full-coverage molded cups. Because your top is softer, a cup cut high and full can gape or wrinkle at the upper edge — there simply isn't enough upper fullness to fill it. That's not a flaw in your shape; it's a cup-style mismatch. If you love full-coverage support, look for a contour version or check your size; otherwise, a balconette, demi, or plunge follows a teardrop shape far better.
In fact, top gaping is the most common teardrop fit complaint — and it's almost always solved by switching to a lower-cut, lifting style or going down a cup size. (See the bra sizes guide if you suspect sizing.)
Teardrop Breasts & Bras FAQ
What are teardrop breasts?
What is the best bra for teardrop breasts?
How do I know if I have teardrop breasts?
What is the difference between teardrop and round breasts?
Can teardrop breasts wear a balconette bra?
What bras should I avoid with teardrop breasts?
Are teardrop breasts common?
Are teardrop breasts normal?
Are teardrop breasts the same as teardrop implants?
Do teardrop breasts need a push-up bra?
Why does my bra gape at the top with teardrop breasts?
This guide is educational and is about breast shape, not size; every shape is normal. Bra fit varies by brand and style, so treat these as starting points and confirm with a fit check. If a bra consistently gapes or spills regardless of style, it's usually a sizing issue — see our bra sizes guide. Last reviewed: May 23, 2026.
