You likely know that breasts come in a multitude of different shapes. And hopefully, you also knowwhich shape yours are, as this can help guide your bra shopping tochoose stylesthat can meet your needs. Pendulous breasts are one of the many shape possibilities. Suspect you have them? Then there’s much you need to know about their appearance, why they happen, and what bras are ideal to wear.Luckily, we’ve covered it all in this helpful guide.
What do they look like?
Some characteristics of pendulous boobs include soft breast tissue that’s fuller at the bottom of the breast and much shallower at the top, downward facing nipples, and an overall elongated shape.
Why do they become pendulous?
There are several factors that can contribute to pendulous breasts. Have you just lost a significant amount of weight? That’s one common cause. Also, women who have gone through nursing a child (especially more than one) may experience deflated breasts. The reality is, sometimes it’s simply a result of aging.
The Cooper’s ligaments are largely what keep your boobs looking perky and lifted. When strain is put on the breasts because they don’t have adequate support, these ligaments can stretch out over time, which then leads to sagging. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to wear a quality, well-fitting sports bra with ample support. During exercise, your breasts are more prone to a lot of movement, which can damage the Cooper’s ligaments if a sports bra isn’t expertly constructed to control bounce and keep them in place.
Which bras are best for this shape?
If the aforementioned traits sound familiar, don’t stress: There are lots of bra styles that are well-suited to deflated boobs.
For example, cut-and-sew bras are a phenomenal choice. Bras that contain three-part or even four-part cups feature artfully placed seams that are designed to help with both shaping and lift simultaneously — two key concerns for those with pendulous breasts. It can also be a good idea to seek out bras that are made with a sturdier, more rigid fabric (i.e., not a ton of stretch) on the cups, as this will help sculpt and maintain their shape more effectively.
Obviously, underwire will go a long way for those with deflated breasts. And if you happen to be large-busted as well, you may want to opt for bras that have side boning as well.
Contour bras are a nice option as well, as they can lend incredible lift and definition. Ideally, you’ll want to select a contour bra from a brand that specializes in full-figure bras if you have a large bust just to be sure it provides adequate support.
Women with deflated upper breast tissue may also appreciate push-up bras. Try a style that has padding specifically placed at the bottom of the cups, as this will push your breast tissue upward, creating the illusion of fullness at the top.
Remember
Understanding more about your breast shape is empowering. Why? Because the more you know, the better chance you have of finding bras that make you look and feel your best! If you suspect you have pendulous breasts, take the previous tips into account on your next shopping trip, and you’ll be more likely to make some informed purchases. One last note: Pendulous boobs are not only totally normal but also common. And fortunately, there is no shortage of stunning bras for drooping breasts that can help you to embrace your shape while lending you a solid dose of confidence.
FAQs
Pendulous breasts have more soft tissue and a longer drop, with most of the weight sitting closer to the nipple. We especially love full coverage bras for pendulous breasts, as they provide all the lift and support you need without sacrificing comfort.
Are pendulous breasts normal? ›
Sagging breasts are a natural, normal part of life. Over time, the effects of gravity decreased estrogen, and the stretching of ligaments can cause your breasts to sag. If you want to change the look of your breasts, you may consider undergoing surgery.
How do you measure pendulous breasts? ›
If breast is pendulous, measure across the fullest part of the breast (not necessarily the nipple). If measuring pendulous breasts without help, consider taking two measurements - one standing and one leaning over - then averaging the two.
What do conical breasts look like? ›
Conical: Conical breasts are shaped more like a cone than a circle. This shape is considered common among people with small breasts. East-West Bust: If your bust has nipples that point outward, away from the center of your body, your bust type is East-West.
How do I get rid of pendulous breasts? ›
As you age, it's natural for the shape of your breasts to lose elasticity and droop. While you can't restore the original curve of your bust, chest exercises, diet, and bra support can minimize sagging.
What grade are saggy breasts? ›
They quantified the classification using distance in centimeter metrics as follows: (1) grade 1 or minor ptosis: nipple position lies within 1 cm of the level of the IMF; (2) grade 2 or moderate ptosis: nipple position lies 1–3 cm below the IMF; and (3) grade 3 or major ptosis: nipple position lies more than 3 cm below ...
What bras to wear with saggy breasts? ›
Demi Bra or Balconette Bra
Balconette bras are cut more straight across and the straps are more widely spaced. As a result, both of these bra styles have less coverage at the top of the cups and more at the bottom, which is the design often well-suited to sagging breasts.
What cup shape is best for saggy breasts? ›
It comes with moulded cups which allow your breasts to look in shape. So for those whose breasts are sagging or not in shape, a full-cup bra is the best option for them.
Are pendulous breasts hereditary? ›
Breast sagging
Some women use the pencil test to determine if their breasts are sagging. However, some degree of ptosis is normal and natural. Sagging is partly determined by inherited traits like skin elasticity and breast density, which affects the ratio of lightweight fat to heavier mammary glands.
Which is the proper method to examine large pendulous breasts? ›
If your breasts are large or pendulous, you will be better able to feel them if you immobilize a breast with one hand (first supporting from below, then pressing down from above) and examine it with the other hand (first from above, and then from below).
Sleeping in a bra will not make a girl's breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer. Some women want to wear a bra to bed because it feels more comfortable for them. Your best bet is to choose a lightweight bra without underwire.
At what age do women's breasts start to sag? ›
Breast sagging can begin in your twenties or thirties. It can also happen later in life. There is no set age at which breast sagging starts.
What do unhealthy breasts look like? ›
Breasts turning red or your skin looking like an orange peel are also signs of unhealthy breasts. These signs are important, as unhealthy breasts could mean you have breast cancer. But fear not, as the expert says that this disease is generally discovered early.
What are the three types of breast? ›
Side set (widely set) — The shape is similar to east west, with a wider space between the breasts. Teardrop — The breasts are round. The bottoms are slightly wider than the tops, characterized by very smooth lines. Narrow — The breasts are thin, and the nipples point down.
What is the best breast form shape? ›
Triangle shape
The most popular and widely available shape, this is a symmetrical breast form which can used on either side of the body. It mimics the shape of a natural breast and is available in shallow, average or full volumes. It is most suited to ladies who have not had extensive surgery to the lymph glands.
What is a pendulous breast in medical terms? ›
A pendulous breast appears droopy and positioned lower than normal.
What are the classification of breasts? ›
The four breast density categories are shown in this image. Breasts can be almost entirely fatty (A), have scattered areas of dense fibroglandular breast tissue (B), have many areas of glandular and connective tissue (C), or be extremely dense (D).
What is Type 3 breast sagging? ›
The nipple is below the breast fold, but still pointing upward. Grade 3. The nipple is below the fold and is pointing downward. Glandular ptosis. The nipple remains above the fold of the breast, but the breast sags below the fold.
