Sport bras

[AnneK]

so no joy at this place

As I said, contact Erica.  She can probably help you.  Perhaps she can make a special order or have something that's not listed on the web site.

[Chris8080]

I am so envious of those that can pass in public because I can't see that ever being me. Thus the need to find the right bras. 6'4", 260 pounds and looking much like an NFL linebacker even though I'm not wearing the shoulder pads, size 13 shoe and hands that can easily palm a basketball and a voice that sounds much more like frog than a female. I can't see any amount of HRT, money spent on clothes, wigs and makeup would ever make me look like anything other than a man in women's clothes. Not my intent to complain, just stating it like it is. Something I had to face up to many years ago. On the bright side I am finally making big improvements and am much happier than I have ever been. I had to admit that I would never pass in public and it is what it is but the future looks brighter than ever.

[AnneK]

Also, you don't have to limit yourself to that one store.  There are plenty of bra shops around that are happy to fit men & trans women.  As a specialty shop, they'll have a much better selection and service than Walmart, Target etc..  I bought my bras from a store in Toronto that makes a point of serving men, trans women, cross dressers etc..  To even get hired there, you have to be comfortable fitting men.  They'll even fit cis women!   

So, check out the stores in your area.  You may be able to find a bra shop that has or can get what you need.  Perhaps others here can make some recommendations.

[Chris8080]

Thanks again AnneK. Yes a store like that would make things a bunch simpler. I imagine anyways. I live in the gender wilderness of the south, such a store assuming I could locate one would be at best a one way full day trip. I live in the largest town in quite a wide area, it's so big in fact that there are two stores in town where bras can be purchased, Walmart and a Stage store. Not everywhere has the attitude of the gender issue improved like it has in some bigger cities, there is little doubt that if I went into either of those stores here and asked to be fitted with a bra I would be tarred, feathered and hung from the nearest tree. Without exaggerating or trying to be funny it would make the front page of the local paper.

Thus my quest for the proper bra to keep things "private". So far I have gotten by with a snug T shirt and a loose shirt over that but progress now has that barely working.

I will perhaps contact Erica but I gotta admit that I am less than thrilled at the prospect of their prices. If it comes to that guess I'll have to bite the bullet.

I really do appreciate all the replies and suggestions, I have learned a bunch so please keep them coming.

[AnneK]

I will perhaps contact Erica but I gotta admit that I am less than thrilled at the prospect of their prices. If it comes to that guess I'll have to bite the bullet.

One thing I learned a long time ago is that the lowest price is very often not the best price.  You often lose something else to obtain that low price.  One of those things you lose is service.  Even stuff you buy in Walmart may be poorer quality than you'd get elsewhere, as the manufacturers have to cut somewhere, to meet the price Walmart is willing to pay.

As I understand it, you've already spent a lot on bras that don't work for you.  Perhaps it might have been cheaper to buy a good one, from a good store at the outset.  Also, by shopping at an independent store, you're helping a small business owner, not a large multi-national corporation that really doesn't need your help.

[Chris8080]

Oh sure, there she goes applying logic. 

You are of course correct and I do agree with the logic. I think after I find what I need that is what I will end up with. Until then I think it's a good thing the bras I have so far weren't $70 to $80 each. I found one place searching for plus sizes that has 44 B in stock and is at least close to the correct style at $40. Correct style is important, as I explained above it would be quite an ugly scene for me to go out around here looking like I am wearing a bra. Or look like I should be for that matter. Most of the bras I have are fine except for the fit, I think four different brands so far, all 42 inch bands and none of them are close to the same size.

[AnneK]

Until then I think it's a good thing the bras I have so far weren't $70 to $80 each.

And how does that compare with what you've spent already?  While buying "off the rack" at department stores often works, if you don't fit what's considered normal, you'll be disappointed.  This is where a proper shop, with experienced staff can make all the difference.

Even cis women often wear the wrong size bra because they've never been fitted to determine their proper size.  When I decided to start wearing a bra full time, I could have wasted a lot of time & money trying to find a cheap bra.  But instead, I went to a bra store that is happy to help men & trans women find a good bra.  I am quite happy with the results.  I've even recommended them to a female friend who needs a really large bra.

[RachelReaper]

If you want to get serious about it, try these garments made for the job:   http://www.f2mbinders.com/

Their garments work great and I have been using them to conceal mine.   

[Chris8080]

Wow, I had no idea of those. I had seen binders mentioned on this forum but didn't know what was meant. I just ordered 1 each of two different styles to try them. Book marked the site and if these fit well I think Chris will be a happy camper. Since it was my intention to wear a T shirt over the sports bra this could kill two birds with one stone. I wish they offered a better sizing system than XL, 2XL etc since some 2 XL shirts fit me and some don't but I will see when they arrive. Also no info on length, they say they can be tucked in but it's a rare off the shelf shirt that even reaches my belt.

Thank you so very much RachelReaper