What Do ‘Normal’ Labia Look Like?

Labia come in a range of looks because the inner and outer lips vary in size and form. Although there are many variations, every set of labia has features that make it distinct.

Your labia are one of a kind

Vaginas — more precisely, vulvas and their parts — present in different shapes, dimensions, and hues. They can also have different scents.

Many people worry their genitals don’t look “normal,” but there isn’t a single normal. The only normal is what’s normal for you. And unless your normal includes pain or discomfort, everything is likely fine.

Still uncertain? View these photos of real labia to appreciate how diverse they can be, and continue reading to learn more about typical appearances.

Labia pictures: What’s the common shape?

When folks talk about vaginal appearance (“asymmetrical” or otherwise), they’re generally referring to the labia, or “vaginal lips.”

The fleshy outer folds of the vulva are called the labia majora. The inner folds, which often lead to the vaginal opening, are the labia minora.

Even if your labia resemble a familiar “type,” they likely have nuances that make them unique. Some labia show traits linked to several types and can’t be neatly categorized.

Want a closer look? Take a handheld mirror into a private space. Use this opportunity to explore your anatomy and become more familiar with your body.

Asymmetrical inner lips

If one inner lip is longer, thicker, or larger than the other, it’s considered asymmetrical. It’s actually very common for vulvas to have labia minora that aren’t identical.

Curved outer lips

Picture the outer lips like an inverted horseshoe — a smooth curve that meets evenly at the ends. When this shape occurs, the inner lips are often exposed. They may or may not extend beyond the labia majora.

Prominent inner lips

Often, the inner lips are longer and protrude beyond the outer lips. This size difference can be subtle, with the inner lips barely visible, or more obvious and pronounced.

Prominent outer lips

Prominent outer lips extend farther down the vulva. The skin might be thick and cushioned or thin and slightly lax — or anywhere between those extremes.

Long, dangling inner lips

These are a subtype of prominent inner lips. They can hang an inch (or more) past the outer lips and might even extend beyond your underwear. You may notice extra skin or additional folds.

Long, dangling outer lips

These are a type of prominent outer lips. They tend to be on the larger side, often with thin, loose skin. As with dangling inner lips, the folds can protrude beyond underwear, which may expose the inner lips more.

Small, open outer lips

Here, the outer lips are flat and rest near the pubic bone but are slightly separated, revealing the labia minora.

Small, closed outer lips

In this case, the outer lips aren’t spaced apart, so they fully hide the inner lips. While this appearance is often portrayed in adult media, it is actually the least common vulva type overall.

Visible inner lips

With this form, the inner and outer lips are generally similar in size. The inner lips are visible not because they hang beyond the outer folds but because the outer folds naturally sit or pull to the sides. They can usually be seen from the top down along the outer lips.

What’s the typical length and width?

There isn’t a wealth of data on labial dimensions, but a large cross-sectional study has been the most extensive examination of external genital length to date.

The study included 657 participants aged 15 to 84 and confirmed some earlier observations.

For example, the researchers found a link between body mass index (BMI) and labia majora size, and a relationship between vaginal childbirth and labia majora length.

Their findings indicate the following average measurements:

• The right labia majora averages 79.71 millimeters (mm), or about 3.1 inches (in), in length.
• The left labia majora averages 79.99 mm (just over 3.1 in) in length.
• The right labia minora averages 42.1 mm (about 1.6 in) in length and 13.4 mm (about 0.5 in) in width.
• The left labia minora averages 42.97 mm (about 1.7 in) in length and 14.15 mm (just over 0.5 in) in width.

Despite being the largest study of its kind, it had limitations:

• It included few cisgender women aged 75–84 because of eligibility and willingness to participate.
• Researchers deliberately enrolled only white women to form a large, homogeneous group without ethnic diversity.

The study nonetheless illustrated variation in sizes across ages and body types and emphasized how healthy vulvas can look very different.

No matter the average size, if your labia minora or majora are particularly sensitive or cause pain and discomfort, you might have labial hypertrophy — the medical term for enlarged labia.

Labial hypertrophy seldom causes symptoms. For some people, though, it can make hygiene awkward or uncomfortable and may increase the risk of infection.

If this sounds familiar, seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend next steps.

Can labia size influence your sex life?

Research from 2020 suggested labial size doesn’t seem to impact sexual function or the ability to orgasm.

That said, if you feel self-conscious about the size or look of your labia, it can affect your confidence and reduce enjoyment during sex.

Labial hypertrophy can also make sexual activity uncomfortable.

In either case, it’s worthwhile to discuss concerns with a clinician.

Should labia match the skin color of the rest of your body?

It’s normal for both sets of labia to be darker than surrounding skin. But there’s no single “labia color.” Some people have pink or purplish labia, while others show reddish or brown tones.

Darker genital skin is due to melanocytes, cells in the basal layer of the skin that produce melanin, the brown pigment responsible for skin color.

Genital skin contains a high density of melanocytes — more than any other region of the body. These cells respond to factors that affect the area, like hormonal shifts and trauma.

Consequently, changes in estrogen with age, combined with friction from sexual activity and everyday wear (hello, tight jeans), tend to darken the skin as you get older.

It’s also normal for the clitoris and inner lips to darken during arousal because of increased blood flow; they return to their usual shade after climax or when the sensation subsides.

Contrary to some beliefs, hair removal does not change the color of your labia (just as it doesn’t change the color of your legs). The skin may appear lighter simply because hair no longer covers it.

A change in color alone usually isn’t worrying unless accompanied by other symptoms.

See a healthcare professional if:

• the color doesn’t fade after a day or two
• your labia are swollen or itchy
• your discharge is green or yellow
• you notice an unusual or strong odor
• you see small patches of color change on the skin

These signs could point to a yeast infection or other irritation.

Other ways your vulva is distinctive

Your vaginal area is unique in more ways than labia shape. Your clitoris, pubic hair, and scent all contribute to what makes your vulva individual.

Clitoral glans

The clitoral glans is typically covered by a hood and sits where the inner lips meet at the top of the vulva.

Not all clitorises are the same: there’s no standard clitoral glans size, and some people have a larger or smaller hood.

Hair

Most people develop pubic hair during puberty due to rising testosterone. How that hair grows varies by person and hormones.

You might have thick hair, fine hair, abundant hair, sparse hair, hair only on the pubic bone, or hair across the vulva — and yes, the carpets may not match the drapes.

Discharge

Some vaginal discharge is normal. It’s usually caused by:

• natural lubrication (often milky white)
• sexual arousal (clear and watery)
• the start of a period (a flushed deep pink)
• irregular menstruation (often dried red or brown)

Sometimes shifts in discharge color or consistency signal an underlying issue. See a clinician if your vaginal discharge:

• is cloudy or gray
• has a foul smell
• is “frothy” or resembles cottage cheese

Abnormal discharge is commonly paired with symptoms such as:

• itching
• pain
• burning

These usually indicate infection, like vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.

Scent

All vaginas have a mild odor. Your scent is influenced by factors including diet and hormones.

Although it’s normal for smells to be stronger during your period or after exercise, the scent should normalize after washing.

See a healthcare provider if an odor persists or if you have other symptoms like itching or burning.

Bumps and lumps on the labia

It’s common for temporary bumps and lumps to appear. Bumps from ingrown hairs, pimples, swollen veins, or harmless cysts usually resolve within a week or so.

Consult a clinician if a bump doesn’t go away or is accompanied by itching, burning, or other unusual signs. It might be due to a sexually transmitted infection or another condition.

When to visit a doctor or healthcare professional

Labia come in countless natural variations. They may be small or large, visible or concealed, uneven or symmetrical. All are normal and part of what makes your vulva uniquely yours.

The only thing that isn’t acceptable is pain or persistent discomfort. If you have unusual tenderness, itching, or other symptoms, it’s important to see a clinician. They can determine the cause and help you find relief.

You can schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

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