Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Ok, so I've been on HRT for four months and I'm satisfied with things so far, including breast growth.

I wear a sports bra every day to keep things in place and inconspicuous, but I'm not at all sure what cup size I am.

So I put my numbers into this:

http://www.calculator.net/bra-size-calculator.html?bustsize=100&bustsizeunit=centimeter&framesize=89&framesizeunit=centimeter&x=-297&y=-363 (http://www.calculator.net/bra-size-calculator.html?bustsize=100&bustsizeunit=centimeter&framesize=89&framesizeunit=centimeter&x=-297&y=-363)

And the result is this:

Result:
For US: Size: 40 inches* Cup: D

For UK: Size: 40 inches Cup: D

For Other EU Countries: Size: 90 centimeters Cup: D

For Australia and New Zealand: Size: dress size 18 Cup: D

Which has me feeling rather pleased ;). But can I really be a D cup already?  They don't look like D cups to me...

And I see conflicting advice on how to measure the over size.  Standing up or leaning over perpendicular to the ground?

How do you calculate breast size, really? ???

It also requires you to measure under the breast also. My understanding is it needs to be the supported measurement (so presumably leaning forward) because the larger breasts become the more they sag and the less likely you'll get the right measurement.

Anyway, congrats! Doesn't matter sounds like they're developing well! :)

When I put my measurements into that site it says 40B, yet I have been comfortably wearing and pretty much filling a 34B for the last 2 weeks.
From what I have read there are 2 measurement systems and the measurements on this site suggest the older system which might explain it. My bra size is in the 'modern' system I believe.
I think the 'modern' system requires measuring below the breasts and measuring your breasts while bending over a bit, so they hang. The band size is your chest size in inches. The cup is  chest - bust, where 1 inch difference = A, 2 = B, and so on.

http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Your-Bra-Size (http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Your-Bra-Size)
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/bra.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle# (http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/bra.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle#)

I've tried the on line calculators never getting the best results. I tried the one on Victoria secrets site and it said that I better head to a store for help. Well I didn't go there but to a local bra shop then macys had this $2 for ta ta's if you got measured and they both came back the same. Both using 2 different techniques

I never put much faith into measuring techniques. Buy based on what gives you the best support and comfort, not what the measure tape says.

I measure 32.8" at the chest and 37 bust, but I can't wear a 32" strap (Unless it's the cheap Walmart bras) and I am definitely not a D. In reality, I wear a 34 or 36 B, with some Bs being too small and all Cs being too big (except push ups).

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on May 25, 2014, 12:00:11 PM
I never put much faith into measuring techniques. Buy based on what gives you the best support and comfort, not what the measure tape says.

I measure 32.8" at the chest and 37 bust, but I can't wear a 32" strap (Unless it's the cheap Walmart bras) and I am definitely not a D. In reality, I wear a 34 or 36 B, with some Bs being too small and all Cs being too big (except push ups).

Have to agree with Alaina. I mesure 35" below the breasts and leaning forward, I'm 38,5" around them which in theory would make me a respectable C. However, in reality what works best for me is a 36B bra along with an insert.

Why the difference between theory and practise? Basically because my breasts do not have the fullness  required ie. there is pretty good forward projection but not a huge amount of coverage across my chest.

I am therefore doing BA surgery shortly, the aim being to get the fullness that is presently lacking across a much wider area. End of the day, I just want to fill my 36B without having to use an insert....

Quote from: Donna E on May 25, 2014, 12:21:40 PM
Have to agree with Alaina. I mesure 35" below the breasts and leaning forward, I'm 38,5" around them which in theory would make me a respectable C. However, in reality what works best for me is a 36B bra along with an insert.

Why the difference between theory and practise? Basically because my breasts do not have the fullness  required ie. there is pretty good forward projection but not a huge amount of coverage across my chest.

I am therefore doing BA surgery shortly, the aim being to get the fullness that is presently lacking across a much wider area. End of the day, I just want to fill my 36B without having to use an insert....

This is exactly why our numbers seem a little "off" from our cis gender counterparts. Because we have wider chests and most of our initial puberty wasn't one a typical female would go through. I'd fit a C just fine if I could fill out the top and middle a little better. Plus, we haven't had our breasts for a very long time. One guy I was with compared mine to a 15 yr old because they don't sag at all.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on May 25, 2014, 12:53:38 PM
This is exactly why our numbers seem a little "off" from our cis gender counterparts. Because we have wider chests and most of our initial puberty wasn't one a typical female would go through. I'd fit a C just fine if I could fill out the top and middle a little better. Plus, we haven't had our breasts for a very long time. One guy I was with compared mine to a 15 yr old because they don't sag at all.

yes it's nice they don't sag

Quote from: stephaniec on May 25, 2014, 12:55:56 PM
yes it's nice they don't sag

... yet! lol...

That's very true, for a lot of us older transitioners with teen like breasts I imagine a lot of cis women our comparable age would kill to have breasts like ours again.

You're right about cis girl booby jealousy. lol  My daughter's response was "S**t brand new rock hard boobies, it's not fair"  That was almost a year ago, now they've filled out, rounded up and are a comfy B/C depending on the manufacturer and style.  Sure do make me smile with gratitude and appreciation.  Funny that...
j

This thread title, lol.

I wear 36B and I only fill that up about 3/4's of the way. But it at least gives them some shape.

Thanks for replying everyone and sharing your knowledge.

Yes, that filling the cup things must be the key.  I have a pretty decent 'lump' in there on each side, but I guess our breasts never will fill out like cis women's.  I have some some 85Bs and 85Cs (biggest band size I can find locally), and despite what the calculator says I certainly don't fill the Cs.

On the other hand, definitely no sign of any sagging yet ;)

Quote from: Joan on May 25, 2014, 05:27:38 PM
Yes, that filling the cup things must be the key.  I have a pretty decent 'lump' in there on each side, but I guess our breasts never will fill out like cis women's.

Is there any reason they shouldn't though? I thought they generally grow outwards and then 'expand' to turn the 'cone' shape into a more full, rounded shape much later on? (Can't remember the source). Since development can takes years wouldn't it be reasonable to assume it can take a couple of years or more for the rounded shape which is fuller at the sides?

I think it really depends on your body type. I have gone to several different sites on what bra size or measurements to get the perfect bra. I have measured both below and above chest to determine band size. Both measurements are 44", then measuring at chest or bust is 47" which by all bra charts I should be a C cup. Wrong!  I fill out a A cup but still to small for a B even with a push up. I have a very athletic body shape. As a note very happy with current female breast development for being on HRT or just less than 3 months. They are changing to female shape and jiggle.

The bra calculators are *at best* an educated guess, and each method will work better for some women (and body shapes) than others. The only real guarantee is to be professionally fitted. :) Failing that, go and try on a bunch of bras and see if they help you triangulate. And don't forget about "sister sizes" : a 34C has the same cup volume as a 36B and 38A. (Basically, every time you go up/down a band a size, you will go down/up one cup size.) If you don't fill the cup, it's a sign that the bra either doesn't fit or the style doesn't work with your body, or both. It doesn't mean your breasts are defective!

I don't see any reason why our breasts won't fill out like a cis woman's, but it takes time, just as it does for them. We start out with those super perky teenage cone breasts, as others have said, and with time fat is layered on and they start to round out and be less "rock hard." I definitely have nicely rounded/normal-shaped breasts now.  It is true that they're a bit widely spaced on my chest, but not out of the range of what I've seen on cis women either. We *tend* to have slightly broader chests than a cis woman of the same height/weight/body frame, but there's SO much variation that we'll usually fit easily within the total range.

Quote from: Goldfish on May 25, 2014, 05:53:52 PM
Is there any reason they shouldn't though? I thought they generally grow outwards and then 'expand' to turn the 'cone' shape into a more full, rounded shape much later on? (Can't remember the source). Since development can takes years wouldn't it be reasonable to assume it can take a couple of years or more for the rounded shape which is fuller at the sides?

Because we typically have more muscle in the top of the chest, this causes breast development to start more outwardly towards the armpit. So even when those muscles atrophy, we still have splayed breasts.

Mine are fairly round, but they don't fill out a C very well because they don't really sag. Since 1 points to about 10 o clock and the other points to about 2 o clock, this makes them appear more cone shaped.

careful with the online calculators. I buy bras iwith a D cup but the online calculators judged he do be a G or H cup which is insane... ;)

LMAO, rock hard teen boobies.  I guess I shouldnt laugh but that was on my mind while lifeguarding a couple pool parties this weekend.
I like the idea of having non sagging boobs in my 30s

Quote from: Goldfish on May 25, 2014, 05:53:52 PM
Is there any reason they shouldn't though? I thought they generally grow outwards and then 'expand' to turn the 'cone' shape into a more full, rounded shape much later on? (Can't remember the source). Since development can takes years wouldn't it be reasonable to assume it can take a couple of years or more for the rounded shape which is fuller at the sides?

Grow some, you'll see.

They all say do something different, and then there is vanity sizing.  I just looked up how google says to measure, looked at three sites and literally found three different methods.  I think if you go under the breast you are supposed to add inches to that measurement and the cup size it relative to that sum, but like you all say, some places don't say to do that.  You just have to try them on and find your fit, and it isn't always easy even then.

only 4 months?

I'm at 6 months and mine are just conical with puffy nipples.. haha... They have no adult shape to them whatsoever, except for some rounding on their sides near my armpits (Side boob, yay). I'm 35' under bust and 38' over my nipple line (which is like the only part of the breasts that reach out that far).

Am I slow on development? How far into HRT do people normally get adult shaped (not necessary adult sized) breasts?

Quote from: TiffanyT on May 26, 2014, 05:15:46 PM
Grow some, you'll see.

I'm getting there, but it's only been about 5 months.

Quote from: Debussy on May 26, 2014, 07:03:24 PM
only 4 months?

I'm at 6 months and mine are just conical with puffy nipples.. haha... They have no adult shape to them whatsoever, except for some rounding on their sides near my armpits (Side boob, yay). I'm 35' under bust and 38' over my nipple line (which is like the only part of the breasts that reach out that far).

Am I slow on development? How far into HRT do people normally get adult shaped (not necessary adult sized) breasts?

Sounds kinda like how mine are shaped atm. I'm about 35', 37.8'. Still it's enough to notice unless I cover up with a jumper. Even then, if I'm wearing a bra then it becomes sort of noticeable under the jumper if you pay attention. If it makes a difference, I'm still at my initial E dose without any AA's. Everyone develops at different rates, some early, some late, some stop-start, some slow continuous, so I wouldn't worry too much as long as your hrt is sorted.

Is bigger better anyway?  When I visited Washington DC i cruised the art museums and noted that most classical sculptures of nude women featured wineglass shaped breasts.
Is it really larger breasts that make someone a real woman?  Are we falling for the playboy bunny cultural model of beauty?  How many cisgender women and models do we know that are considered beautiful and relatively petite?

It's vulgar but isn't a handful more than enough?  Big or petite we have the same nerve endings and sensation is, well, part of making love.  Many very ample women actually find them a curse and something that does not correspond to positive attention.  Many want and get a reduction to reduce back strain, fit into regular sizes and stop the stares.

All that being said I too monitor my growth closely and jealously.  It is validation to finally have the breasts I always felt were there in the first place.  But it is how I feel that is the critical difference and that starts, for all of us, between the ears.  Enjoy the differences.  Women are more than boobs ;)

As leader of the Virginia Chapter of the IBTC (Itty Bitty Titty Committee) I salute your achievement!

I come from a long line of flat women; all these girls up in here poppin' out their shirts, while I'm just sitting here 1 year HRT flat as Nebraska... :P

Tessa - I have a large upper body thanks to testosterone and I'd like to have enough to unmistakeably pass as female but not so much as to be a spectacle. With the larger upper torso I need a lot more than the A's I currently have. I'm thinking that I probably need D's to have the appearance that I want. Natal females have a smaller band width and a smaller rib cage so less is more with them.

^ibtc lol  :D

For US: Size: 34 inches* Cup: F

For UK: Size: 34 inches Cup: G

For Other EU Countries: Size: 75 centimeters Cup: F

For Australia and New Zealand: Size: dress size 12 Cup: G

I tried it but I definitely don't have a F Cup.

Well, there is that dilemma with the large ribcage. Small breasts look like a guy who drank too  much beer in that case. larger breasts on the other hand give that Airport tower look (smaller hips and legs but wide torso which is even larger because of the breasts). I wosh there was a ribcage shrinking magic - then one can just have smaller breasts and be fina and not look like a tower.