When is it time for a bra?

[Bari Jo]

I could swear I had one of these threads but couldn't find it when doing searches.  Anyway, I need a reminder.  I wear ladies large t-shirts which fit very well.  I do notice that my girls are noticeable.  I actually love the feeling from them against the t-shirt, so I don't mind not wearing a bra.  However, I'm wondering at what point should I absolutely start. I BTW have a jean jacket addiction, so if I'm wearing a jean jacket over, you can't see anything. I really don't care at this point if people do see.  So if I'm wearing a bra and the jean jackets well, it's about the same:)

Bari Jo

[Anne Blake]

Needing a bra fits into a few categories

Socially sensitive situations, sometimes it just isn't "Proper" to have your headlights on high beam all the time or if you have gotten big enough, too bouncy. Sometimes it is fun but sometimes it just bothers some folks.

Pain control, jogging, dancing, bouncing too much can just hurt.

Personal enjoyment, If you like wearing them, do it.

[Dani]

In addition to the above post, I will add when you need the support. My first bra was a 42 C. I now wear a 40 D. I skipped the A and B sizes because I was in male mode most of the time and I really did not feel like the twins needed any support.

The best answer is when you are ready. No need to hurry things along.

[Mendi]

I moved to use padded bra´s most of the time after about 3 months of hrt, when they just got so sensitive, that even shirt touching them hurt. Especially at work, where it seems every other thing touches your breasts (nurse).

At home I don´t wear bra always, at least not at the moment, because the pain isn´t so strong anymore. They are now more of itchy, than painful.

[Northern Star Girl]

I could swear I had one of these threads but couldn't find it when doing searches.  Anyway, I need a reminder.  I wear ladies large t-shirts which fit very well.  I do notice that my girls are noticeable.  I actually love the feeling from them against the t-shirt, so I don't mind not wearing a bra.  However, I'm wondering at what point should I absolutely start. I BTW have a jean jacket addiction, so if I'm wearing a jean jacket over, you can't see anything. I really don't care at this point if people do see.  So if I'm wearing a bra and the jean jackets well, it's about the same:)

Bari Jo

@Bari Jo  ... When I read your thread today I also was trying to find an older post reply on one of the Forum threads that discussed your very question about  "When is it a time for a bra?"
Obviously as others have said, breast comfort and visual appearance are important factors but here is the answer I remember on that posting....

"If you can place a pencil horizontally underneath your breast and let go of the pencil and it stays there tucked under the breast then for sure it is time for a bra." 

Clever answer but in most cases and in my own past experience I would think that it would be way past the time for needing or wanting a bra.
 
My opinion is that if you think you may need a bra, or perhaps just want to wear a bra to feel more feminine and to improve your feminine appearance then by all means... you should wear a bra. Then the confusion and fun begins... all kinds of styles, sizing differences and features to consider for your own body shape. 

Best wishes to you and HUGS,
Danielle

[zirconia]

Hi, Bari Jo

Perhaps you meant one of these?
When did you start wearing a bra?
When is a bra necessary?

The way I see it, you should absolutely wear one when necessary... as in when not doing so is likely to be a distraction or an impediment where the occasion or outfit is concerned.

Asians in general have smallish breasts, which gives more leeway to play around. I've lovely-figured friends in the fashion business who just tie one or two turns of cloth around their chests and wear an open T on top. These same friends will sometimes pad a bra to fit a more elaborate outfit. The bra is just one factor in the outfit as a whole, and a convenient way to adjust the figure to the occasion.

For those with large breasts—well, I do believe the same rule applies. It's best to wear a bra when not doing so is likely to be a distraction or an impediment.

If modesty is the only issue for now, to me your current strategy sounds perfectly fine for the jeans jacket outfit you describe...

[Shy]

I'm pre HRT and wear a bra every day. I had a fitting recently and fell into a standard size which really helped with the dysphoria. I personally don't believe in rules, just do what you feel is right for you and if that means wearing a bra more power to you.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[KathyLauren]

I still fail the pencil test, but I need a bra. 

I started wearing a plain sports bra while still in male mode, about a month after I started HRT, to protect my growing boobies from chafing against my shirt when I exercised.  As they started to become visible through a shirt, I started wearing it all the time for concealment, as I was still in male mode.

When I went full-time, I switched to a padded sports bra, for visual enhancement.  I stuck with the sports style because that was the only thing that would fit small enough.  I have since moved up to a "real" 38A bra.

While I like seeing my boobs through a T-shirt, it is not an image I want to impose on the general public.  That's not how a 63 year old lady would look.  When it comes to dress and deportment, I seem to channel my mother.    So I always wear one in public.

I wear one around the house and yard when I am working on something.  That's for protection: it is just too easy to bonk the girls on something.  And I discovered that they need support if I trot down stairs.  I always used to trot down stairs, but I have had to learn to glide down stairs when I am not wearing a bra.  Even my little A's let me know if they jiggle too much!

[Bari Jo]

When I went full-time, I switched to a padded sports bra, for visual enhancement.  I stuck with the sports style because that was the only thing that would fit small enough.  I have since moved up to a "real" 38A bra.

While I like seeing my boobs through a T-shirt, it is not an image I want to impose on the general public.  That's not how a 63 year old lady would look.  When it comes to dress and deportment, I seem to channel my mother.    So I always wear one in public.

I'm probably in the same boat as you Kathy Lauren. I've never measured, so I don't know if it's real A cup yet. I feel weird about going for a fitting, since I just don't look femme right now.  I may just purchase a 38a on Amazon and hope for the best.  I'm 5'6" and about 150.  Is this about the same as you?

Bari Jo

[KatieP]

@Bari Jo

"If you can place a pencil horizontally underneath your breast and let go of the pencil and it stays there tucked under the breast then for sure it is time for a bra." 

I think that was the Anne Landers answer in her column, when she was asked during the bra-burning years...

Not that I am old enough to remember all that or anything... :-)

[KathyLauren]

I'm probably in the same boat as you Kathy Lauren. I've never measured, so I don't know if it's real A cup yet. I feel weird about going for a fitting, since I just don't look femme right now.  I may just purchase a 38a on Amazon and hope for the best.  I'm 5'6" and about 150.  Is this about the same as you?

Bari Jo

I am 5'8", 150-ish lbs, so a tad taller, but similar build.  My bust measurement has been 38 1/2" since forever: what I gained in breast tissue, I lost in fat and muscle.  Unless I am measuring it wrong.  I have been for two proper bra fittings, and both times, I came up as a 38A.

There is no substitute for trying one on.  I would recommend going to a store and buying one in person.  (Yes, scary, I know!)  I have done it in total male mode, with a 2-day growth of beard for electrolysis, and the world didn't end, so you'll be fine.  Though finding a 38A might be easier on Amazon than in real life.

[Harley Quinn]

You never really "Need" one until they flop around uncontrolably.  I utilize them for the days when my boobs hurt, or when I need a little extra "umph" for an outfit.  Most of the time I just roll with a slip or go without and layer with a soft undershirt, as of late. 

[Janes Groove]

I wear a bra for the same reason a lot of cis women wear bras.  For their lifting and shaping capabilities.  Some bras today really are wonders of modern civil engineering science.  I find it all very uplifting.

[KittyKat]

I pretty much like wearing my bras just because i think my breasts look better in one. They get more shape and more centered, otherwise they tend to grow out towards my side almost.

[Lyric]

Q: "When is it time for a bra?"
A: Whenever you want one.

You could go bra-less with a chest size in the middle of the alphabet if you want. Alternately, you could, like I did, start wearing cute little bralettes when you're still basically flat. While some situations may suggest a physical usefulness, by and large, the wearing of a brassiere is a social ritual, as is the case with much of fashion. Every opinion here is a bit different because everyone's tastes and social orientation is a bit different. Create your own rules.

[cargurl72]

I started wearing camis with the built in shelf bra. That has worked out really well for me so far. I'm sure before long I'll probably go for a fitting. I feel like I'm about to that point.

[Donna]

My first bra was a 46 C and it was more to stop the nipple chafe against my shirts. I was rubbing them bare. I'm now wearing a 40DD and have a choice as they are very perky still but I prefer the support and comfort. No rubbing and no bouncing. Lots comes down to personal preference

[MissyMay2.0]

If your nipples are showing through your garment, or if your boobs need support, or if a bra will make what you are wearing look better, then a bra may be in order, but I can get away with just wearing a camisole a lot of the time.

[RobynTx]

Whenever Victoria's Secret is having a bra sale.

[noleen111]

I starting wearing a bra every day when my nipples started getting sensitive and I needed some protection against them rubbing against my clothes. I started out wearing padded sports bras. THis was on day 3 of HRT, my breast area reacted very quickly to estrogen. Then things slowed down..  The padded sports bra does help protect sensitive nipples from everyday life.

I only starting wearing proper bras when I reached an A cup which was about 1 month into HRT.