Boobs, Breasts, Bust, Chest: A Guide to the Words We Use
There are more words for breasts than almost any other part of the body. Some are clinical, some are cheeky, and some are so old-fashioned they belong in a Jane Austen novel. Which one you reach for probably depends on who you're talking to, and possibly how many cups of coffee you've had.
Here at Little Women, we spend our days talking about bras, so we thought it was time to break down the vocabulary. Whether you're brushing up for a bra fitting or just curious, here's your guide.
The Everyday Words
Breasts is the standard, all-purpose term. It works in a doctor's office, a magazine article, and a conversation with your mom.
Boobs is the friendly, casual cousin. It's probably the most common word in everyday American conversation, and it's warm rather than rude.
Chest is a neutral term that many people prefer, and it's often the most comfortable word for trans and non-binary people. It's also handy when you'd rather not get too specific.
Bust does double duty. It can mean the breasts in general, and it's also the measurement around the fullest part of your chest, which matters a lot for bra fitting.
Bosom is the vintage one. You'll mostly find it in historical novels and grandmothers' sayings, but it's got charm.
The Playful Ones
Then there's the long list of nicknames: the girls, ta-tas, the twins, and plenty more. These are best saved for friends who share your sense of humor. We're fans of a bit of fun, but it's worth knowing your audience.
Words Worth Rethinking
Not every word is a compliment. Terms like "flat-chested" and jokes about "nothing to fill a bra" treat a smaller bust as something missing. We don't see it that way. A smaller bust isn't a shortfall, it's just a shape, and one that deserves clothes and lingerie designed for it.
The same goes for cup sizes. An A cup or AA cup isn't a punchline, it's a measurement, and a perfectly lovely one.
Try our Tara set, made specifically for you.
The Anatomy Terms
If you'd like the clinical vocabulary, here are the basics:
- Breast tissue: the mix of glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue that gives breasts their shape
- Nipple: the raised center of the breast
- Areola: the pigmented area around the nipple
- Inframammary fold: the crease where the breast meets the ribcage, sometimes called the breast crease
Bra Fit Vocabulary
Once you start shopping, you'll run into a whole new set of words. A few worth knowing:
- Bust measurement: the measurement around the fullest part of your chest
- Underbust: the measurement around your ribcage, directly beneath the breasts. This is what determines your band size
- Band size: the number in your bra size (the 32 in 32A, for example). The band should feel snug and stay level around your back
- Cup size: the letter in your bra size. It reflects the difference between your bust and underbust measurements, so a cup letter means something different at every band size
- Sister sizes: sizes that share the same cup volume with a different band and cup combination. Going up a band size and down a cup size (32A to 34AA, for instance) is a common way to find a better fit
- Gore: the small center panel between the cups, which should sit flat against your breastbone
- Wings: the sides of the band that wrap around your ribcage
- Apex: the fullest point of the breast
What About AAA, AA, and A?
If you wear a smaller cup, you may have noticed that many brands stop at a B or leave the smallest sizes to a single shelf. Cup sizes AAA, AA, and A are real, common sizes, and they deserve well-designed bras just as much as any other. That's the whole reason Little Women exists: we design exclusively for AAA to A cups, so every fit detail is made with a smaller bust in mind.
Our new favourite in pink, meet Maddie.
Use the Word You Like Best
There's no wrong answer here. Call them breasts, boobs, your chest, or something entirely your own. What matters is that you feel comfortable, and that your bras fit as well as the words you use to describe them.
Ready to find your fit? Browse the collection or book a fitting with one of our specialists.