NSFW note: This article contains example breast map photos of uncovered breasts for educational purposes. If you are not in a private setting, you may want to read this later.
Images included below are shared with permission. Any images or completed analyses will not be shared without permission.
Finding a bra that supports well is not just about band and cup size. Shape matters. Root width, root height, how the tissue extends from the chest, where the centerline sits, and whether the breasts are projected, shallow, close-set, wide-set, full on top, full on bottom, or asymmetric all change which wires, cup heights, and styles will actually work.
Tape measures cannot show all of that, which is what 99% of bra shopping relies on. Photos show more, and an analysis can mean the difference between months of frustration or finding your best fit within a few try-ons.
Billy’s now offers a private breast shape mapping service. It's super simple and free! You send your photos. We trace and analyze them. You get a clear, personalized, practical breakdown you can use when shopping—here or anywhere else.
Example of average height, average-narrow roots with mild east-west lay, some outer fullness combined with full-on-bottom (FOB) shape. Your analysis will differ and include more discussion and details.
What we map
From your photos we can identify and mark them with:
- Root width — how wide each breast attaches to the chest (narrow, average, wide, or mixed)
- Root height — how tall the attachment is on the chest wall (short, average, tall)
- Root trace — the outline of where breast tissue meets the chest, including the inframammary fold (IMF)
- Centerline / gore space — how close-set, average, or wide-set the roots are
- Shape details — projection vs. shallowness, fullness (top/bottom/even/outer/inner), softness or firmness clues, ptosis, and left/right differences
- Practical fit notes — what those findings mean for wire width, cup height, gore width, and style choice
We map each breast on its own to account for very common asymmetry.
The four photos that give the best map
While we can use nearly any photo to analyze at least some information, a high-quality photo or photos will provide the best opportunity for maximum information in the map and analysis. The four views listed below work together to provide the most information for an accurate analysis (but you are welcome to share additional if you believe they'll be helpful):
Front, relaxed, arms down
Shows centerline, inner roots, overall width, and how tissue sits at rest.
Front, arms raised
Lifts tissue so the IMF and outer root are easier to see. Helps separate hanging tissue from the actual root.
Side view, relaxed, arm held back
Shows projection, root height, and how far tissue extends forward from the chest wall.
Front view, leaning forward
Reveals true volume, IMF location when tissue is off the chest, and how the root behaves when gravity is not flattening everything against the body.
Tips that help the analysis:
Bare is best since you need an analysis of your breast unsupported. You are welcome to wear nipple covers/pasties if you're more comfortable with those.
Stand straight, camera at chest height. Try not to slouch or arch your back as this can alter your shape or hide aspects of your chest. A straight-on view is best as it will show a balance of the top and bottoms of your breasts.
Good even lighting, no heavy filter/editing. Overly dark, grainy or noisy images can be difficult to trace accurately. It doesn't need to have professional lighting, but at least enough so your camera doesn't struggle. Try to avoid flashes or other lighting that casts heavy, sharp shadows.
Include enough torso to see collarbone to below the bottom of your breasts. We don't need to see more than that, so you are welcome to crop the image if you prefer. Err on the side of "too much" above your breasts since many women are unaware of how tall their roots really are.
If one breast is noticeably different, we still want both in frame. You are welcome to take additional photos to show any specific details or differences you'd like us to pay close attention to.
You do not need a perfect photoshoot. Phone photos in a bathroom with the door locked are fine provided they are in focus, well-lit and clear. You cannot send too many photos as more are always helpful, though we may only trace on 2-3.
If you only have one or two photos, you're welcome to simply send those. We will tell you what we can and cannot see and offer the most complete analysis we can.
How the service works
- Email photos to BillysBras@gmail.com(or use the contact form and note that photos are coming).
- Include anything useful: current size, what bras almost work, pain points (wires on tissue, gaping, east-west, etc.), surgery history if relevant.
- We review, trace, and write up the analysis.
- You get a reply with marked images and plain-language notes you can keep.
If you later want help matching that map to specific bras in stock—or bras we can stock for you—we already do that through Billy’s Brassierge. The mapping just makes those recommendations sharper.
Example of short, narrow roots with east-west lay, notable outer fullness combined with full-on-bottom (FOB) shape, and mild ptosis and asymmetry. Your analysis will differ and include more discussion and details.
Privacy, discretion, and how we treat your photos
This is intimate and ultra-private; we treat it that way.
Zero judgment. We see and fit breasts of every shape, size and appearance. Our goal is to help you find your most comfortable and best supporting bra you've ever had.
Photos are used only for your shape and fit analysis. They are not posted or shared unless you grant us permission (which is a great way to help other women if you choose!)
If you are more comfortable cropping the face, covering tattoos, or using a throwaway email and pseudonym, that is fine. Send what you are willing to send and we will get you as much information as possible in return.
Who this helps most
Anyone who has measured carefully and still cannot get a comfortable, supportive fit.
People with projected, shallow, pendulous, close-set, wide-set, or omega-shaped tissue that struggle with finding bras that truly fit well.
Asymmetry that makes one cup empty and the other overflow and confusion about what all is actually going on with their breasts.
Women with postpartum, post-reduction, post-augmentation, or weight-change shifts that have changed your shape as much as size.
Shoppers tired of buying three sister sizes “just in case”
If you already understand your shape, you may not need this. If you keep reading about root width and still cannot see yours in the mirror, photos plus a second pair of trained eyes can close that gap.
FAQ
Do the photos have to be nude / topless?
Ideally, yes. Wearing nipple covers or pasties is absolutely fine, but not required. Beyond those, wearing anything on or over your breasts can hide or change their shape, which will negatively affect the analysis' accuracy.
Will you tell me my bra size from photos alone?
Photos are strongest for shape. Size still needs measurements (and trying on). We can combine both if you send numbers too. We recommend the ABraThatFits calculator's six measurement system found HERE.
What if my photos are awkward or imperfect?
Most are and that's OK! We work with what we have and will ask for a retake only if something critical is missing.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is fit education for choosing bras.
Can I use this even if I do not buy from Billy’s?
Yes. The analysis is yours. Our goal is to help speed you on your way to bras that you love. We will send you a Billy's Bras discount code with your analysis, though!
Are there any restrictions or requirements?
You need to be 18 or older to send photos and be the owner of the photos (or have permission if you're sending on behalf of another).
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