Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I am trying to find out the right way to measure for a bra any know?  i have herd of different ways  so if any one has instructios please put them on here thanks

Hey there,

Do a google on Bra Sizing and you will get a lot of info.  I got 880,000.  :)  I posted a couple of them for you to browse through to give you some ideas.  Remember that bras are mean't for women so the measurements apply to them.  For males, if you are not on HRT the cup size doesn't realy matter unless you plan on wearing breast forms.  Check them out.

http://www.sears.ca/e/info/womens/womans_sizing_bra.html (http://www.sears.ca/e/info/womens/womans_sizing_bra.html)
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/bra.html
http://www.shapings.com/bra_sizing.html
http://www.blooberry.com/bformfaq/measure.html

Chat later,

Steph :)

Kristin, Finding a bra that fits you can be a challenge. I think the most important measurement is the band size. I measure just below my breasts around my rib cage. My measurement is 36 in. I wear a 36 A or a AA. I wear mostly Maidenform padded teen bras. I find them very comfortable and they give me a nice shape. They are made in many colors.Also Barely They Make nice soft cup bras thaat fit well and are available with matching thong or bikini panties. Good Luck and welcome.
                                                                                  Bombi

Personally I perfer The clothing sizes article from the wiki (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Clothing_Sizes)

I think its most important to take care and patience with the tape measure. Each time I measure my chest and hips I seem to get a completely different reading.

With bras, and in particular th long line bras I prefer, I find comfort and fit is more important tan style and appearance.

Measuring is a skill and alas I still feel like a novice.

A bra is a joy and priviledge to wear. It is statement about you. Taking time to get a comfortable fit is well worth it.

I don't know about being a priviledge but I do know an uncomfortable fit can be like pergatory :)

Shelley

I can agree there Shell,

One of the first things that come off when I get home from work is my bra  ;D ;D ;D

Steph

I agree that bra measurements are a hastle.. Yet i still want one..

If i don't plan on getting breast forms soon.. since i don't have that much money.. can i buy padded one's?

Hello Night Scream,

There is a fairly inexpensive option to breast forms.  They are called breast enhancers called Body Wonders, I used to use them myself.  They are carried by most of the major department stores.

Check them out here: http://www.braboutique.com/Pages/St-0-1-1-0.htm

Something else to ponder  :)

Steph

Ohh thank you steph :D  I had never seen them before.. they looks very nice.. guess i will have to start saving up for either them or breast forms soon..

Could i use padded bra's for now?  and um.. how do i measure to um buy a bikini? just curious

Quote from: Stephanie Craxford on November 09, 2005, 07:17:55 PM
Hello Night Scream,

There is a fairly inexpensive option to breast forms.  They are called breast enhancers called Body Wonders, I used to use them myself.  They are carried by most of the major department stores.

Check them out here: http://www.braboutique.com/Pages/St-0-1-1-0.htm

Something else to ponder  :)

Steph

Hi NightScream,

There are no problems with padding a bra. You can just pad it out with folded underwear or use other items like bags of seed that add weight and give a more realistic feel.

Shelley

Thank you :D  I have tried the folded underwear thing but on my mom's bra.. and she's a D cup :(

I have heard of those bags of seed yet never seen one.. um how are they done?

Quote from: Shelley on November 10, 2005, 01:18:47 PM
Hi NightScream,

There are no problems with padding a bra. You can just pad it out with folded underwear or use other items like bags of seed that add weight and give a more realistic feel.

Shelley

Quoteand she's a D cup

That's a lot of seed.

Also it is suggested that you avoid spring showers as the sprouting look is not a good look.  ;D

Shelley

*giggles* i will then avoid them.. but can they really sprout?

Thought could be a good lck for halloween, i could use them saying i'm poison ivy :D

Quote from: Shelley on November 11, 2005, 05:54:56 AM
That's a lot of seed.

Also it is suggested that you avoid spring showers as the sprouting look is not a good look.  ;D

Shelley

A quick, easy way to find your bra size?  What is your chest measurement?  get one in that band width in an A cup and it will fit, be small, or be large, if small, get a B, if big, pad it or try to find an AA in the band width.   something like a 36 band width will come in about anything from A to DD, so no problem.  when you go above 38 though, sizes usually start in B or C and go up from there in the common stores, a bit large for most.  I sometimes find a 40 B and when I do, I pick up a couple or three, as if you wait until you need a new bra, you won't be able to find anything less then a C which personally I could go swimming in.

If you are fit and trim, you can go with a smaller band, so if 40-44 you can go with a 38 A or B with little if any unsightlyness, but if carrying extra weight on the back and under the arms, doing such a thing will make you roll over the band and look horrible in a close fitting top.  The darn things streatch pretty good, but more then a couple or few inches is asking a bit much, especially in the confort zone.  If you can't keep the straps from falling down over your shoulder without making it to tight, pull the straps together in the back to lap them over and fasten them together with a small safety pin, this also works to add a little "perk".  Generally, the smaller the bandwidth of course, the more range in cups you have and the larger band widths assume a large cup.  Finding a 40 A can be an all day hunt if you get lucky or go to a specialty shop.

Hell, I preferr a dark colored "wife beater" worn braless, but then I'm wicked at times, I waited all those years to grow em, so sometimes I'm just juvenile enough to show em off.  Bras are for when you have to go somewhere or work in order to protect the boys from chewing thier fingertips off.  Personally, I get a kick out of fingerless males.

Terri

Quote from: Terri-Gene on November 12, 2005, 01:12:03 AM
A quick, easy way to find your bra size?  What is your chest measurement?  get one in that band width in an A cup and it will fit, be small, or be large, if small, get a B, if big, pad it or try to find an AA in the band width.   something like a 36 band width will come in about anything from A to DD, so no problem.  when you go above 38 though, sizes usually start in B or C and go up from there in the common stores, a bit large for most.  I sometimes find a 40 B and when I do, I pick up a couple or three, as if you wait until you need a new bra, you won't be able to find anything less then a C which personally I could go swimming in.

If you are fit and trim, you can go with a smaller band, so if 40-44 you can go with a 38 A or B with little if any unsightlyness, but if carrying extra weight on the back and under the arms, doing such a thing will make you roll over the band and look horrible in a close fitting top.  The darn things streatch pretty good, but more then a couple or few inches is asking a bit much, especially in the confort zone.  If you can't keep the straps from falling down over your shoulder without making it to tight, pull the straps together in the back to lap them over and fasten them together with a small safety pin, this also works to add a little "perk".  Generally, the smaller the bandwidth of course, the more range in cups you have and the larger band widths assume a large cup.  Finding a 40 A can be an all day hunt if you get lucky or go to a specialty shop.

Hell, I preferr a dark colored "wife beater" worn braless, but then I'm wicked at times, I waited all those years to grow em, so sometimes I'm just juvenile enough to show em off.  Bras are for when you have to go somewhere or work in order to protect the boys from chewing thier fingertips off.  Personally, I get a kick out of fingerless males.

Terri

Well i've measured my chest and i'm 38 inches wide and 16 in the point where my nipples kinda puff out.  I'm still uncertain about my cup size thought. :(

But i dunno i was thinking maybe an B cup thpought i dunno if i should go with a smaller size at first tp get used to the bra?

This is an unending source of fascination and frustration to me. Finding one that is comfortable and a firm fit is so difficult. I have some lvely bras and corselletes but they are either slightly too large or uncomfortably too tight.

I don't think it is just me. I suspect the sizes claimed on some garments are not standardised. One girls 42 is anothers 44.


I empathise. The other thing that nags me is that some back fasteners are easier ro snap than oothers

This dilemma is not just in the domain of lingerie but right across the fashion spectrum. Depending on the make there can be quite a difference. I find it most inconvenient when it is in the strap rather than the cup.

Shelley

QuoteBut i dunno i was thinking maybe an B cup thpought i dunno if i should go with a smaller size at first tp get used to the bra?

Aww don't worry about it, you say your nipples "Puff Out".  An A cup will actually be to big for you and you don't need a lot of size, just personality and presentability.  Lots of very cute and sexy women are actually a little physically lost in a B cup. they wear such or bigger for the same reason most TS's or CD's do.  They just don't feel like a natural or sexy woman with what they have.

But then, get what makes you feel good, need it or not.   or go extravagant and get forms to fill it.  Hell, it it made any difference in womans world, I'd pop on a C, but I'd never take it off in front of anyone ..... Yuk no.  And whats comforable?  Bras are rarely "comfortable" regardless of size, at least when you have to wear them all day at work or other places which they are expected to be worn by both women and men and arn't supposed to take them off and just hang out.

But thats just rust bucket female mentality.

Terri

Well i bought my first bra.. it said size M.. since i was confused on bra cup size i thought it would fit me.. it's really tight.. and it looks bigger when not on.. i guess i chosse wrong right?
i did fill it up using socks.. to kinda see what it would be like to have breasts, i loved the image thougth  the bra hurt a bit

Quotei loved the image thougth  the bra hurt a bit

Welcome to wonderland  :)  Bras can be the most uncomfortable things to wear if they don't fit properly.  Remember there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to sizes.  Until you actually have breasts it is going to be difficult to find a cup size that is suitable and one that is proportionate to your overall physic.  Also bra sizes and sizing charts will get you close, but then you will  have to try several until you find a make and style that fits and that you are comfortable with.

Many women are in the same situation when they start out, and finding the one type that you can comfortably wear all day is difficult, given the huge selection that's available.  You will find that there are bras whose straps will not stay up, some where the band or straps cut into the skin and then there are others where the way the clasps are sew-en in can be rough and irritating.  One point worth mentioning is that sexy is not always comfy.  My own preference is for lightly padded, soft,  cotton blend bras that breath.  However, having said that I'm always glad to take it off when I get home.

Now you can practice taking off your bra without taking of your blouse or top.  It's neat, you never know when that trick will come in handy :)

Steph

QuoteNow you can practice taking off your bra without taking of your blouse or top.

I do this and it just drives my wife nuts. She say's she's never been able to do this. Took me about 2 minutes to figure it out. I was in a hurry and couldn't take it another minute but couldn't take my blouse off. Neccessity is the mother of invention.

Cassie

Ooh i found out about that trick  when i first tried getting the bra out. since my parents came back home and was fully drssed and strugled and pop it came off and hid it under the sofa cushion, then later at night i put it on again and practiced getting it on and off..

I really like having my own bra now.. thought i still have to save to buy another one and also get enougth courage to buy another one

As you have found out being able to take a bra off without taking your top off is more than just a neat trick.

Shelley

I've been wearing my bra for some days allmost weeks, and i've noticed that my nipples kinda seem tobe a bit puff out around the cup areas, is this normal or is it just me imagining things.

you might check the fit of the bra.  if too loose it will rub back and forth on the sensitive area of the nipples and that may be your problem.  You have to get used to the problem that bras are uncomfortable though and that they do things like that, thats why those that must wear them at work or whatever, natureal born women included, don't care much for the dang things and don't wear them much other then haveing to for social modesty purposes though they would  rather jut "hang out" without one.

Terri

Quote from: Terri Gene on December 28, 2005, 11:11:09 AM
you might check the fit of the bra.  if too loose it will rub back and forth on the sensitive area of the nipples and that may be your problem.  You have to get used to the problem that bras are uncomfortable though and that they do things like that, thats why those that must wear them at work or whatever, natureal born women included, don't care much for the dang things and don't wear them much other then haveing to for social modesty purposes though they would  rather jut "hang out" without one.

Terri

Well on my bra which seems to be the opossite its really tight and i've  put the strap to their maximum and still feel very tight..

If it is too tight that is probably because the band size is too small.  Measure your chest below your breasts (where the band goes); this should be the same measurement as the band size of the bra.

QuoteWell on my bra which seems to be the opossite its really tight and i've  put the strap to their maximum and still feel very tight..

Well hell yes, if it feels to tight and you know it is to tight then yea, that isn't going to feel very comfortable for a lot of reasons.  You need a bigger band width for sure.  Fit is everything just like for any article of clothing if you want to look and feel as good as possible.  For those that are large chested and need a band width of around 40 or so, you can obtain a band with a couple inches short and if you are a slim and trim type you can even find some that are comfortable even though they are small, but if you have extra weight under your arms and back it will dig in letting the weight roll over and that looks like sh*t if you wear a tight top.  So give it a little thought.  Most of us in full transition run into this problem because of cup sizes.  in a band width of 38 or less you can obtain virtually any cup size in most any department store, but in 40 or above it gets extreamly hard to find any with a B cup or smaller, so unless you want to go to a specialty shop and pay perhaps $30 - $40 you have to go down in band width, but like I said, that takes a nice tight healthy wieght ratio.  I have that problem in that I really need a 40 but as i'm highly fit, I get by with a 38 B perfectly with no discomfort at all.  To dependably find a 40 I would have to use C cups and frankly, I couldn't fill that big a cup and would feel silly in it.

Terri

Quote from: Terri Gene on December 30, 2005, 12:40:06 AM
Well hell yes, if it feels to tight and you know it is to tight then yea, that isn't going to feel very comfortable for a lot of reasons.  You need a bigger band width for sure.  Fit is everything just like for any article of clothing if you want to look and feel as good as possible.  For those that are large chested and need a band width of around 40 or so, you can obtain a band with a couple inches short and if you are a slim and trim type you can even find some that are comfortable even though they are small, but if you have extra weight under your arms and back it will dig in letting the weight roll over and that looks like sh*t if you wear a tight top.  So give it a little thought.  Most of us in full transition run into this problem because of cup sizes.  in a band width of 38 or less you can obtain virtually any cup size in most any department store, but in 40 or above it gets extreamly hard to find any with a B cup or smaller, so unless you want to go to a specialty shop and pay perhaps $30 - $40 you have to go down in band width, but like I said, that takes a nice tight healthy wieght ratio.  I have that problem in that I really need a 40 but as i'm highly fit, I get by with a 38 B perfectly with no discomfort at all.  To dependably find a 40 I would have to use C cups and frankly, I couldn't fill that big a cup and would feel silly in it.

Terri

I see.. darn so i guess i will have to buy one of those $15 bra or up.. Um is there a different feel on the type of bra i choose? the current one i have is like a sport bra style.. i think

As someone new to bra 'engineering' I am finding size a somewhat fascinating and frustrating exercise.

QuoteUm is there a different feel on the type of bra i choose?

Bet your lilly white there are different feels in the type.  I like the kind where the shoulder straps are connected close together in the back and are front hooks.  The shoulder strap arrangement helps keep the straps from sliding down your shoulders onto your arms if they get loose and the front hook takes the connection away from the middle of your back, no scratch or gouging.  Then too, the front hook for me at least keeps me looking somewhat rounder and fuller.

Using regular straps, you can also keep them from falling off the shoulders by pulling them together in back down low near the band and pin or sew then together at that point.  It makes them pull toward the neck rather then fall over the shoulder.  I hate it when one falls down like that, I don't like standing in the middle of a street or group of people appearing to be playing with myself to snag it back up.

Material is another thing affecting comfort.  Very light, thin material with no underwires or padding is about as comfortable as you can get.  Pay attention to how well the seams are stitched also and how they are formed together.  Any bra with excess padding or wire will detract from a comfortable feel and like I said, pay attention to the stitching where materials are sewed together, some bras can be a little rough in that regard.

Decent Bras can be purchased for $10 or less if you look around.  Good advice with them is hand wash (especially if padded, and air dry).  Use a washer if you have to, but my word is never dry in a dryer.  I put mine on hangers until they are dry and then hang them in my closet to make them easily accessable.

Terri

Quote from: Terri Gene on January 01, 2006, 01:06:57 AM


Bet your lilly white there are different feels in the type.  I like the kind where the shoulder straps are connected close together in the back and are front hooks.  The shoulder strap arrangement helps keep the straps from sliding down your shoulders onto your arms if they get loose and the front hook takes the connection away from the middle of your back, no scratch or gouging.  Then too, the front hook for me at least keeps me looking somewhat rounder and fuller.

Using regular straps, you can also keep them from falling off the shoulders by pulling them together in back down low near the band and pin or sew then together at that point.  It makes them pull toward the neck rather then fall over the shoulder.  I hate it when one falls down like that, I don't like standing in the middle of a street or group of people appearing to be playing with myself to snag it back up.

Material is another thing affecting comfort.  Very light, thin material with no underwires or padding is about as comfortable as you can get.  Pay attention to how well the seams are stitched also and how they are formed together.  Any bra with excess padding or wire will detract from a comfortable feel and like I said, pay attention to the stitching where materials are sewed together, some bras can be a little rough in that regard.

Decent Bras can be purchased for $10 or less if you look around.  Good advice with them is hand wash (especially if padded, and air dry).  Use a washer if you have to, but my word is never dry in a dryer.  I put mine on hangers until they are dry and then hang them in my closet to make them easily accessable.

Terri

WOuld a padded bra be better for me? i find thought i stuff mine with hand towels, they aren'e enought and i saw one with gel padding thing, dunno if it;s good

QuoteWOuld a padded bra be better for me? i find thought i stuff mine with hand towels

Strange as this might sound, I wouldn't know.  I've had some bras that have a thin stuffed lining, but I've never put anything into one but what is supposed to be there.  Before developing my own homegrown set I only rarely wore a bra and after growing my own, I still wouldn't wear a bra until I got told by the girls I work with that it was time to.  So ..... cant tell you much of anything but what I've heard from others about stuffing bras.  There are a lot of CD's here though who I'm sure can give you clues to the various variations right up to store bought paddings and life like forms.

Terri, who thinks bras are a waste of good material.  Let em bounce like they were grown to do.

Quote from: Terri Gene on January 07, 2006, 12:32:01 AM
Strange as this might sound, I wouldn't know.  I've had some bras that have a thin stuffed lining, but I've never put anything into one but what is supposed to be there.  Before developing my own homegrown set I only rarely wore a bra and after growing my own, I still wouldn't wear a bra until I got told by the girls I work with that it was time to.  So ..... cant tell you much of anything but what I've heard from others about stuffing bras.  There are a lot of CD's here though who I'm sure can give you clues to the various variations right up to store bought paddings and life like forms.

Terri, who thinks bras are a waste of good material.  Let em bounce like they were grown to do.

*giggled* I agree, they should be free to bounce :)
I can't wait to have my very own amd to have a decent health insurance so that i don't have to pay for the seccion on my own.. doctors/phyquiatrist are so expensive...

Quotedoctors/phyquiatrist are so expensive...

Yes they are.  I'm one of the fortunate ones who has insurance that is perfectly willing to cover my theraputic, pharmasuitical and medical costs,  It would have been a terrifically harder road without that insurance and am grateful I had it.

Terri

When I was a little girl with a penis it was easy to find the correct bra.  I just borrowed my mom's and I looked better than the little girls.

As a large muscular person it is more difficult.  I walked into a major department store and went to the odd size bras.  It is tough to find a large band with a little cup.  I guessed a 44B.  The B was a little big and the 44 was a little small.  However it was a lot more comfortable to do jumping jacks with a less than perfect bra than doing jumping jacks without the bra!  In fact it has become downright painful to do jumping jacks without a bra!

Any ideas on a sports bra?