The 7 breast types and the bra that is the best fit for each one

• Lingerie firm Third Love say breast shape is just as important as size
• Company has identified shapes including 'Teardrops', 'Side set' and 'Bell' 
• Plunge is best choice for Side set and Slender, but Bells need coverage
• 'East West' suit t-shirt bras and removable padding good for 'Asymmetrics' 

Finding a supportive, well-fitting bra can be a struggle for women of any age and we've long been told that getting measured every time you buy new underwear is crucial.

However, according to lingerie firm Third Love, based in San Francisco, it's not just a case of wearing the correct size - the shape of your breasts also dictates what type of bra you should buy. 

The company's designers say they have identified seven different breast shapes and outlined what kind of bra suits each one the best.

The 7 breast types and the bra that is the best fit for each one

1)Round

If your breasts are a round shape and are equally full on top and bottom, then you're lucky enough not to need too much support. 

You can probably get away with a thin bra without underwire as you don't need to change the position of your breasts.

2)East West

If you have smaller breasts that gravitate to the outside of the chest then you're an East West. 

Another sign is nipples that point outwards and a gap between your cleavage.  

A t-shirt bra will help to create a smooth silhouette and pull the breasts in, giving you a more streamlined shape

3).Side Set

Side set breasts are fuller than East Wests but still fall outwards, and there's also a wide space between breasts.

The best bra for you is a plunge bra, which will pull the breasts up and in. 

You may be particularly prone to your breasts spilling out of the side because of their position if the cup is too small. So you may need a cup size bigger than you normally go for if you find this happening. 

4)Slender

Breasts that are smaller at the top than they are at the bottom and are longer than they are wide are considered slender, especially if they're on the small side. 

A plunge bra will help to lift the breasts and you might want to consider padding for extra oomph. 

5)Bell Shape

If your breasts are slimmer at the top and fuller at the bottom, then you're a Bell Shape. 

You should avoid skimpy balconette-style bras and choose something with plenty of material that offers good coverage.   

And because women with Bell shaped breasts tend to have fuller busts, it will also offer more support and lift the breasts. 

6)Asymmetric

Almost all women have one breast that is larger than the other to some degree, and even Jennifer Lawrence has spoken out about the perils of having lopsided boobs. 

Often it's barely noticeable, but some people do struggle to find a bra that fits and others feel self conscious. 

If your asymmetry is significant enough to cause a problem, then a bra with removable padding is your friend as you can remove it on the side of your larger breast.

7)Teardrop

If your breasts are rounded but slightly less full at the top then you're lucky enough to be teardrop shaped. 

These kind of breasts are easy to accommodate in any style of bra, say the experts, making shopping a lot easier when all you have to worry about is size. 

You can probably get away with anything from a balconette to a plunge, and even the notoriously tricky strapless bra