Breasts come in different shapes and sizes for both men and women. It makes sense that there are different types of nipples too. Let’s check them out.
The great thing about the human body is that it varies from person to person. Wouldn’t it be boring if we all had exactly the same appearance to our bodies? What if everyone had a freckle in the same place? A mole on exactly the same spot? Breasts the same size, or a penis that was 100% the same across the board? How about no different types of nipples, just nips that were uniform for everyone?
Life would be pretty boring, that’s for sure.
While it’s normal to pick fault with your own body (not advised however, you should learn to love yourself), it’s interesting to learn about bodily differences too. Ironically, that can help you learn to embrace your own body and love it for what it is. We’re all a little weird and a little different, but that’s what makes us all so wonderfully individual. [Read: 11 Fun and fascinating facts about breasts]
Let’s talk nipples
Yes, we’re going there. You might be surprised to learn that there are many different types of nipples out there and they’re all perfectly wonderful and healthy. There are dark ones, small ones, inverted one, pointy ones, rounded ones, the list goes on.
You’re probably looking down right now and trying to figure your own right now – we see you! Or, maybe you’re totally transfixed on a particular issue with your own nipples and you want some reassurance that you’re normal.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
To be clear for breast novices out there, the nipple consists of two familiar parts. [Read: Nipple play: How to pleasure a girl by focusing on her breasts]
1. The areola
This is the pigmented shape surrounding the nipple itself. The areola is darker in color than the rest of the skin and takes on a circular shape. These can be extremely large, medium, or small in size. All of the above are normal, including the size of the areola too – some are large discs, whilst others are small. Some are different on both sides!
2. The nipple itself
The nipple is the raised bit within the areola. This is where the breast releases milk post-pregnancy. Nipples often get hard in the cold or during arousal and can have some tantalizing effects when played with in the bedroom. *Or in many cases—feel like nothing at all. But hey, the men sure love ’em!* [Read: 11 sexiest hot spots to kiss a woman and arouse her]
Perhaps you were like me; believing a medium areola and medium protruding nip was the standard of breasts everywhere! Well, I’ve come to shatter the mystery. Without further ado, we’re looking at eight different types of nipples—you definitely haven’t seen them all!
Different types of nipples
So you think you’ve seen it all? We think not. We’re looking at eight perfectly normal, but definitely different types of nipples available for the world to experience! [Read: Nipple orgasm: Does it even exist? 10 Ways to feel the pleasure]
1. Hairy nipples
Just as some men can grow hair around their areola, so too can women! Nipple hairs are common in females. That’s right, women can have pubic-like hairs growing around the outside of their nipples. While in some cases this may be due to more serious issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing syndrome, in most cases it is just one of those completely normal *but never talked about* things that happen to regular ole boobs!
And for those frowning down upon those with female nipple hairs, we say this: All it takes is a couple of tweezer plucks for her to look good as new. Who knows, your gal may be sporting hidden hairy nips and you may be none the wiser! [Read: 15 Advantages of having itty bitty titties and why men love them]
2. The THIRD nipple
That’s right—they do exist! A third nipple, or more professionally referred to as a supernumerary nipple, is a tiny, well, nipple that appears on the body. While these nips can grow anywhere, including the face, they are more commonly referred to as third nipples when they appear on the chest. While science can’t seem to narrow down exactly why people are born with this phenomenon, rest assured—it’s rare, but it happens!
3. Bumpy nipples
Have you ever noticed tiny bumps around your nipples? These may look similar to pimples but never grow a “head” on them. While you may be feeling like your breasts are outside of the box, they are actually completely normal!
These bumps are called Montgomery Glands, and all women have them! These glands secrete oil and help keep your nipples lubricated and supple. Much like the rest of your body parts, these bumps vary from person to person. Some may be more or less noticeable and may differ in color or size, but all are totally healthy and normal.
4. Inverted nipples
You know how belly-buttons can either be considered an “innie” or an “outie”? Well, the same can be said for nipples. Inverted nipples are breasts where the nipples point inward instead of out. Some doctors suggest massaging the nipples to encourage them to come out, while others have their mates suck on them to draw them into the foreground *and hey, just for fun!* A small number of women may have difficulty breastfeeding with their innie’; however, breastfeeding is definitely not impossible.
5. Long nipples
When someone says a nipple is long, they are likely referring to the protrusion itself. Some girls have very long nipples, making sucking and teasing an absolute breeze. This normal nipple type even has its own porn fetish! [Read: 11 most common sexual fetishes + 5 super weird ones!]
6. Very large nipples
This loose term often refers to a larger than average areola, as opposed to the nipple itself. The female areolae grows larger as she goes through puberty. While most areolae grow in proportion to the female’s breast size, some can get massively huge–even on smaller breasts! These large pigmented areas are totally normal and definitely kinked after. *Then again, what isn’t these days?*
7. Very small nipples
Small nipples *consisting of the nipple itself, or the areola* are another brand of nipple that has to do with genetics. While most nipples expand in size during puberty, this isn’t always the case. But hey, small nipples are sexy, too! [Read: No bra no problem: Why going braless and freeing the boob is better]
8. Flat or puffy nipples
As the name suggests, these nipples often take on a bloated, puffy look, or may lay entirely flat *as my man suggested his ex’s were* to the breast. These are more common during teenage years; nevertheless, all nips are different and you may carry on as flat or puffy or straight into your adult years!
Were you traumatized thinking your nip wasn’t the norm? Don’t sweat it. Now you know there is a rainbow’s variety of nipples on the market, each more fabulous than the last.
What about men’s nipples?
All of the above exist for men too! Whilst we tend to think about women when it comes to breasts and nipples, of course men have breasts too and that means they have nipples. [Read: 33 Absolutely fascinating facts about sex you never knew]
Some men don’t really notice much of a sensation when you touch their nipples, yet others totally adore it and can’t get enough. It’s a really personal deal and something to play around with and see how he reacts.
Of course, that also means that men can have different types of nipples too. You might see a guy with really hair nipples, or a guy with really large ones. Again, all are normal and wonderful in their own right.
When are nipples NOT normal?
As we’ve discussed, there are different types of nipples and they’re all totally normal and nothing to be at all concerned about. If anything, you should learn to love your nip exactly as they are. However, there are times when it’s best to go and get a doctor to have a look and see if there may be something going on. [Read: What to expect at your first gynecologist appointment]
We all know that we need to check our breasts regularly for lumps, bumps, or irregularities, and the same goes for your nipples too. It’s important to check your nipples when doing your regular breast check – men too!
If you notice any of the signs below, just head to see your doctor and get things checked out. For the most part, it may be nothing to worry about, but it’s always better to be safer than sorry.
- Discharge from the nipple that cannot be breastmilk
- An un-healing area on the nipple, usually red and a little wet
- Any change in how your nipples are positioned or how they point
Simply know what it is normal for you and if you notice any changes, just go and get things checked out.
[Read: Boob talk – Yes! Your breasts are perfectly normal!]
There are many different types of nipple – did we leave one off the list? What’s your favorite kind of nipple to encounter? Share your answer in the comments below and let the nipple knowledge continue!
