Just as beauty norms have been imposed on every other part of our bodies, many of us have been exposed to harmful misconceptions that there is a singular way for a labia to look. We have been taught to feel unnatural in celebrating uniquity – even in the most natural of things.

Like the rest of our bodies, every labia is unique. The incredible Labia Library is living proof of this.

Here, we explore labia and delve into seven fascinating ‘categories’. As we embark, let’s show curiosity and care to our bodies, embracing all that makes us interesting, beautiful, and unique.

Where is the labia?

When people talk about ‘the vagina’, they’re often referring to the labia. ‘Labia’ (meaning ‘lips’ in Latin) are the lips or folds of skin on the outside the vaginal opening, that form part of the vulva (along with the other external sex organs like the clitoris, vaginal opening and urethra).

‘Labia’ is an umbrella term that captures both the labia minora (inner lips) and labia majora (outer lips). The labia minora are more delicate and thinner than the labia majora and have no hair follicles or sweat glands, while the majora are less sensitive and are where most people grow public hair.

What does the labia do?

The labia minora plays an important role in protecting the clitoris, urinary opening, and vaginal opening while the majora covers and protects the inner structures of the perineum (the soft tissue between the public bones and coccyx).

The labia changes during puberty and often starts to show more pigment with the shift in hormones. They continue to change throughout life, along with hormone shifts experienced during pregnancy, menopause or menstruation.

Labia colour

Labia can be the same colour as the person’s skin but are often slightly lighter or darker (just like the lips on a face.) They may vary from pink to purple, reddish or brown.

These colours are all completely regular. The only time for concern is if the labia is usually one colour and suddenly turns another, is feeling itchy, painful, irritated, or swollen. In these cases, it may be time to check in with a doctor or your health care professional.

Types of labia

ASYMMETRICAL INNER LIPS

Just like most body parts, the lips of the labia are often asymmetrical. One inner lip may be longer, thicker, or bigger than the other.

CURVED OUTER LIPS

Some outer lips might curve in an upside-down U-shape rather than drop down straight. This will create a space in the middle where the outer lips part to reveal the inner lips, and then join up again at the end. This is often the shape for people before they hit puberty.

PROMINENT INNER LIPS

When the labia minora are longer than the labia majora (colloquially known as “an outie”). This is very common – in fact, about half of all people with a labia have inner lips longer than the outer.

PROMINENT OUTER LIPS

When the outer lips are bigger or longer to the point where the labia minora might not be visible. The outer lips might be thicker and puffy, or even ‘droop’ slightly and hang beyond underwear.

SMALL, CLOSED LIPS

Here, the outer lips appear to be closed or ‘neatly’ touch and hide the inner lips. This is the ‘slit’ look which, thanks to pornography and the design of Barbie dolls, is often thought to be the ‘normal’ appearance of a labia. It is the type most sought in labiaplasty surgery, although it is not particularly common naturally.

SMALL, OPEN LIPS

When the outer lips are small but far apart from each other and reveal more of the labia minora.

VISIBLE INNER LIPS

For this type of labia, the outer lips appear pulled outward, creating a ‘curtain’ effect that reveals the inner lips. While it may sound theatrical, it is very regular and likely means the inner and outer lips are a similar size.

Different shapes, sizes and shades are a biological fact of life. Treating ourselves with curiosity and care as we (re-)discover our bodies is the greatest gift we can give. And as we eagerly reach for our hand-mirrors, remember that your labia is no less normal if they aren’t represented in these groups. For even more representation of our beautiful bodies, we encourage spending some time with the Labia Library photo gallery and discover just how wonderful and diverse the world of the labia can be.