Different Types of Butts and How to Identify Yours

Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with the perfect derrière. Drooping, flat or sagging butts have us desperate to find ways to make our butts look better.

The gym gals strive for a toned, athletic posterior, while the Insta influencers might lean towards a more voluptuous and curvy bottom. Even the ones who aren’t particularly chasing the latest booty trend have their own unique preferences. It’s not all about size, though. Some prefer a rounded, peach-like silhouette, and others might lean towards a more square or V-shaped form.

Understanding your bum type is essential, not just for vanity’s sake, but for your comfort too. It can help you find the right workout routine to tone and shape your rear, select the most flattering wardrobe, and even choose underwear that complements your shape, reduces chafing, and boosts your confidence.

Here’s everything you need to know about the different types of butts and how to identify yours.

What Are The Different Types of Buttocks?

The different types of booty shapes are; Round, Heart-shaped, Square, V-shaped, Upside Down “V”, A-line, and Long. Let’s look at each one of them in detail, with specific tips for identifying which category your butt belongs to.

Round Butt aka Bubble Butt

The round butt is the most desired shape that many women strive for. Also known as the bubble butt, this type of bum is full and rounded in shape with a considerable amount of volume. It tends to have a narrow waist, wide hips, and fuller thighs.

Visually, this butt type is most similar to a peach, with a curved bottom and lateral bulges that create the appearance of a lifted derrière.

Here are some pointers to help you identify a round or bubble butt:

• Symmetry: A round butt is symmetrical in shape, with equal volume on both sides.
• Perky and plump: This butt type is firm and plump, giving the appearance of lift and perkiness.
• Hip to waist ratio: Women with a round bottom usually have a smaller waist compared to their hips.
• Curved waistline: The waistline is curved, creating an hourglass figure.

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Heart-Shaped Butt

Similar to the round butt, the heart-shaped butt also has a narrow waist and curvy hips. However, it differs in the shape of the buttocks. This type of butt is narrower on top and fuller towards the bottom, resembling an upside-down heart.

Here’s how you can identify a heart-shaped butt:

• Narrow waist: This type of butt has a slim waist that is smaller than the hips.
• Wider bottom: The widest part of the buttocks is at the bottom, making it look plump and rounder in shape.
• Similar to a round butt: As mentioned earlier, this type also shares some similarities with the round butt, such as a curved waistline and symmetrical shape.

Square Butt

The square butt is more angular in shape compared to the previous two types. The buttocks’ width and hip measurements are similar, giving it a flatter appearance with less curvature.

It usually appears when one has a slightly higher body fat percentage, which results in an equal distribution of fat throughout the buttocks area.

Identifying features:

• Equal measurements: The hips and butt are almost the same width, giving it a square-like appearance.
• Less curvature: Compared to other types of butts, this one is relatively flat with less curvature.

V-Shaped Butt

The V-shaped butt has a smaller waist compared to the hips, with more volume at the top part of the buttocks and less at the bottom. This type of butt is usually seen in women with broader shoulders or those who are naturally slimmer on their bottom half.

Here’s how you can spot a V-shaped butt:

• Narrow waist: The waist is much smaller compared to the hips.
• Narrow hips: The width of the hips is narrower than other types of butts, giving it a V-shape.
• Volume at the top: This butt type has more volume at the top part of the buttocks and less towards the bottom.

Upside Down “V” Butt

The upside-down “V” butt is the inverted version of the previous type. The hips and waist measurements are similar, but this time there is more volume towards the bottom of the buttocks, giving it a triangular shape.

Identifying features:

• Narrow hips: As with the V-shaped butt, this one also has narrower hips than other types.
• Volume at the bottom: Unlike the V-shaped butt, the upside-down “V” has more volume towards the bottom part.

A-Line Butt

The A-line butt is a lesser-known type but still worth mentioning. This type of butt has wider hips and thighs compared to other parts of the body, giving it an A-like appearance.

Usually, people with this type of butt tend to have wider hips than their shoulders, making the lower body look more prominent.

Identifying features:

• Wider hips: The hips are wider compared to other types of butts.
• Straight waistline: Unlike the hourglass figure, the waistline is relatively straight and not as curved.

Long Butt

As the name suggests, the long butt is an elongated version of other types. It’s usually flat and lacks volume compared to other shapes but has longer buttocks.

This type of butt is most common in people with a taller and thinner body frame.

Identifying features:

• Longer shape: The buttocks are more elongated compared to other types.
• Less volume: This butt type has less volume and appears flatter compared to others.

Read more: Wall Pilates for Butt: A Quick Guide for Beginners

What Determines Your Butt Type?

Your genetics play a significant role in determining your butt type. The shape and size of your buttocks are predetermined by the distribution of muscle, fat, and connective tissue in that area (1).

For example, certain ethnicities tend to have specific butt types, such as the round or bubble butt being more common in Latin and African descent. Conversely, the square butt is more typical in Asian descent.

Other factors that can affect your butt type include:

Pelvis and Hip Bone Structure

Your pelvis is responsible for supporting your body’s weight and connecting the upper body to the lower body. The width of your hips and the shape of your pelvis can influence the appearance of your butt.

Muscle Mass

The gluteal muscles, specifically the gluteus maximus, are responsible for shaping and defining the buttocks. People with a higher percentage of muscle mass in this area tend to have a more defined and perky butt.

Body Fat Percentage

As mentioned earlier, body fat distribution can also play a role in determining your butt type. People with a higher percentage of body fat distributed into the buttocks are more likely to have a rounder and fuller bum.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances or changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the shape and size of your butt. You may find that your butt changes shape and size as you go through significant hormonal shifts in your life.

Diet

What, and how much you eat can significantly impact your body’s fat distribution, which includes the buttocks. A high-calorie diet causes weight gain, and your body will store excess fat in different areas, including the buttocks.

Exercise

The type of exercise you do can also contribute to different butt shapes. For example, strength training and targeted glute exercises can help build and shape your buttocks, resulting in a rounder or heart-shaped butt. Also, cardio exercises such as running can help you achieve a more muscular and toned butt.

Can One Butt Cheek Be Bigger Than the Other?

Yes, it is entirely normal for one butt cheek to be bigger than the other. Just like how our faces are not perfectly symmetrical, the same goes for our buttocks.

Asymmetry in the buttocks can be caused by a difference in muscle mass or fat distribution between each side. It could also be due to factors such as posture or pelvic tilt.

In most cases, this asymmetry is not noticeable, but if it bothers you, you can try targeted single-leg exercises to build muscle in the smaller side and achieve a more balanced appearance.

Why Is My Butt Lumpy?

A lumpy butt is usually a result of cellulite, which is caused by the buildup of fat deposits under the skin. Cellulite can appear as dimples or bumps on the buttocks, thighs, and hips (2).

Cellulite is not a health concern and affects people of all body types. It doesn’t “hurt” or cause any physical discomfort, but it can make some people feel self-conscious about their bodies.

There are a number of causes for cellulite, including:

• Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to develop cellulite.
• Hormones: Changes in hormone levels, such as during puberty or pregnancy, can contribute to the development of cellulite.
• Poor diet and lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, high intake of processed foods, and excess body fat can all contribute to the formation of cellulite.
• Age: As we age, our skin loses elasticity, making cellulite more visible.
• Gender: Cellulite is more common in females due to differences in fat distribution and connective tissue structure compared to males.

While there is no surefire way to get rid of cellulite, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help improve its appearance. Additionally, certain treatments such as massage, dry brushing, and topical creams may also help reduce its appearance.

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What Is The Shape of The Buttocks Muscles?

The glutes (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus) are the main muscles responsible for shaping the buttocks. These muscles work together to help us move our legs and hips and maintain our posture (5).

The gluteus maximus is the largest of the three gluteal muscles and gives shape to the backside. It originates from the sacrum and inserts into the femur (thigh bone). The gluteus medius and minimus are located on the sides of the hip and help with stabilizing movements.

The glutes muscles can vary in shape and size, depending on genetics, exercise habits, and body fat percentage. Regular strength training exercises that target these muscles can help improve their appearance and give you a more defined butt.

6 Exercises to Shape Your Butt

Exercises, especially those that target the glutes, are essential for achieving a toned and shapely butt. Here are six exercises you can incorporate into your workout routine to help shape your buttocks (4):

Back/Front Barbell Squats

Squats are a compound exercise; they work multiple muscle groups, including the glutes. They are great buttocks exercises. Barbell squats can target both the front and back muscles of your legs and butt.

You’re doing this exercise right if you feel tension in your thighs, hips, and glutes while doing the squat. Your legs should be hip-width apart, and your feet parallel to each other. The weight of the barbell should be supported by your shoulders, not your neck when doing a back squat.

To execute a back squat:

1. Hold the barbell behind your head, resting on top of your shoulders.
2. Keep your core tight and push through your heels to lift the weight up.
3. Once standing upright, take one step out of the j hooks and lower yourself into a squat position by bending at the knees and pushing your hips back.
4. Push back up using your glutes and leg muscles, pressing your feet into the floor.
5. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

To execute a front squat:

1. Hold the barbell in front of your shoulders, resting on top of your collarbone and deltoids.
2. Keep your core tight and push through your heels to lift the weight up.
3. Once standing upright, take one step out of the j hooks and lower yourself into a squat position by bending at the knees and pushing your hips back.
4. Push back up using your glutes and leg muscles, pressing your feet into the floor.
5. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Romanian Deadlifts

Deadlifts primarily work your hamstrings, but they also engage the glutes and lower back muscles. The Romanian deadlift specifically targets the glutes and hamstrings.

To execute a Romanian deadlift:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and hold a barbell in front of you using an overhand grip.
2. Keep your core tight and spine straight and push through your heels to lift the weight up.
3. Hinge at the hips, keeping your back straight and lowering the barbell towards the ground.
4. Once you feel a stretch in the hamstrings, squeeze your glutes and pull yourself back up to standing position.
5. Repeat for desired number of reps.

Walking Lunges

Walking lunges are a great exercise for targeting the glutes, while also working your quads and hamstrings. They introduce a “balance” element, which engages the core muscles as well.

To execute walking lunges:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells at your sides.
2. Step forward with one leg, bending both knees to 90 degrees until your back knee is 1-2 inches from the ground.
3. Push yourself back up using your front leg and bring your other leg forward into a standing position.
4. Repeat on the other side and continue walking forward for the desired number of reps.

Bulgarian Split Squats

Similar to lunges, Bulgarian split squats target the glutes and legs, but with more emphasis on the glutes. The single-leg aspect also adds a balance challenge. 

You’ll know you’re doing this exercise right if you feel tension in your glutes, thighs, and core. To better engage your glutes, focus on pushing through your heel as you stand back up.

To execute Bulgarian split squats:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place one foot behind you on a bench or step-up box.
2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand by your sides.
3. Lower yourself into a lunge position by bending at the front knee and dropping your back knee towards the floor.
4. Push yourself back up to standing position using your glutes and front leg.
5. Repeat for desired number of reps before switching legs.

Glute Bridges

Glute bridges are a great exercise that isolates the glutes, helping to tone and shape them. This exercise also engages the core muscles and can help improve posture. 

Unlike compound exercises, glute bridges isolate the glutes and should be performed with a slow and controlled movement.

To execute a glute bridge:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart, flat on the ground.
2. Raise your hips off the ground while squeezing your glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles.
3. Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position.
4. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Read more: Beginner Workout for Lower Butt (Exercises, Sample Routine and More)

Kickbacks

Kickbacks are a targeted exercise that engages the glutes, specifically the gluteus maximus. You’ll need resistance bands or ankle weights to perform this exercise.

To execute kickbacks:

1. Start on your hands and knees with your back flat and core engaged.
2. Loop a resistance band around your foot or attach an ankle weight.
3. Slowly kick one heel back and up, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement.
4. Lower your leg back down to starting position.
5. Repeat for desired number of reps before switching legs.

FAQs

• What Is a Bubble Butt?

A bubble butt is a popular term used to describe a round, lifted, and firm buttocks. It’s often associated with physical fitness and an attractive figure.

Find out more in our previous post: Bubble Butt Workout 101: Achieve Your Booty Goals with These Proven Exercises

• How to Lift Your Butt?

You can lift and shape your butt by targeting the glute muscles through strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges, bridges, and kickbacks. Also, implementing a healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce body fat and reveal toned muscles.

• Is It Hard To Get a Bigger Bum?

Getting a bigger bum can be challenging for some people, as it requires consistency and dedication in both exercise and diet. It also depends on individual factors such as genetics and body composition. However, with proper training and nutrition, anyone can achieve their desired results over time.

• Do Squats Make Your Butt Bigger?

Squats mainly shape and tone the glute muscles (6), making them appear firmer and larger. However, genetics also play a role in the size of your butt. 

The key to getting a bigger bum with squats is to increase weight and intensity gradually as you progress. A protein-rich diet can also help support muscle growth (3).

• What Happens If I Do 100 Squats a Day?

If you do 100 squats a day, you’ll likely see an improvement in your glute strength and endurance, leading to a firmer and more toned appearance. 

However, it’s important to gradually increase the number of squats you do over time rather than rush to achieve a number overnight. It’s also essential to have rest days and proper nutrition for muscle recovery and growth.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, there is no “perfect” or “ideal” butt shape. What’s important is embracing your body and being confident in your own skin, regardless of your butt type. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can also improve the appearance of your buttocks, regardless of its shape.