Bras again

[Katy]

Two bra posts in two days.  I'm a bit worried that you will think I have bras on the brain.  (The image of which sort of haunts me.)  I have come to the conclusion that all bras are not created equal.  Some are better than others, some are decidedly more comfortable than others, some are considerably more expensive than others, and there are many styles.  My question is with regard to the latter.  To be honest until this week I didn't know there were as many styles as there are.  My new word for the week is bralette.  Given the wealth of experience in our community I would be interested in reading opinions about various types of bras: bralette, t-shirt bra, cross-backed bra, etc. 

Thank you for considering this request for information. 

All the best. 

[DawnOday]

At about six months into HRT, my girls are getting out of hand. Literally. They are outgrowing my hand. Time to tame those puppies. I am looking to a sports bra that will limit the bounce and somewhat hide the projecting nipples. At twenty they would be perfect. At my age, not so much. My problem is a long torso so the straps which really don't do much as they only carry about 10% of the weight. But they are definitely necessary to keep them in place. I have noticed other bras where the straps can be replaced by longer ones. But unfortunately I have not seen a sports bra with these features. I do have a longline bra that fits perfectly for my prosthetics which I don't need any more. It does clear up the side bulges for the most part. I was looking into a balconette for showing them off. A balcony bra, or balconette bra, is typically a half or three-quarter coverage bra that covers the nipples and lifts the top half of your breasts. It creates nice, rounded cleavage, but doesn't fully cover your breasts. But a t-shirt bra would be more for everyday, I believe. T-shirt bras are bras that are designed to be invisible under tight-fitted t-shirts, form-hugging fabrics and clingy outfits. T-shirt bras are seamless, with smooth, molded cups that provide a natural, rounded shape under your shirts and dress.

[JeanetteLW]

Perhaps this link will help.

http://ultimatebraguide.com/bra-types/

  Jeanette

[Katy]

Thank you, Dawn and Jeanette.  Your kindness is appreciated.  Jeanette, the link you provided is brilliant, a gold mine of descriptive information.  And while it lacks that all important element of personal experience, it provides plenty of useful information.  Thanks again.

All the best.

[Wanda Jane]

This is another good link, I found it very enlightening.

http://lingerie.about.com/od/FitGuide/ss/6-Steps-to-Check-the-Fit-of-Your-Bra.htm#showall

[JeanetteLW]

   LOL Katy,

  I just got started on my chest. As soon as I have enough, I'll get started on that "personal experience" for you.

  You can bet on it,

    Jeanette

[RobynD]

Also google "Cooby Bras" - two sizes fit all. Very good for an expanding bust.

[Ubiq]

One important thing that I'd like to mention is that even cis-women aren't typically educated on the importance of getting both your accurate band size (the number before the letter), and your cup size, because it's possible to "fit" in a cup size too small for you if your band size is large enough to compensate, and vice versa. Many women think they're a DD and are actually a G, once they get the proper band size for their frame! The cup size alone means little without the band; it's the difference between the same cup on a slender short person and a tall stocky one. So that's something important to keep in mind.

[Anne Blake]

Yes, bras are a complicated topic; so many sizes and types plus each brand fits differently. After seven and a half months of hrt I am transitioning between a 36a and 36b. I have many different bras, different styles, colors and sizes but I have found my go to bras are Victoria's Secret braletts. The are very comfortable for all day wear (at least for my size girls, this may not be the case for larger breasts). Another sales point is that they fit me well when I was a small a cup and will probably work well if I ever grow to a c cup, and they come in all kinds of colors and styles for just $20. - Anne

[Denise]

I found this store: La Senza - http://www.lasenza.com/
They just opened in my area and there are only a few in the US as they originated in Canada.  Their stuff is really nice.  My wife walked out with 3 bras and 14 panties on her first trip.  The second trip was almost as "bad."

I can contest - it's comfortable.  The sales girls are nice (at least by me).  I would recommend them.  It was my first "try on the bra in the store experience"  I was a little nervous the first trip to the dressing room.  The second time wasn't as bad.