Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Got a few bras in the mail yesterday. My wife wonders why I want them since my boobs aren't big enough to need them. I tried to explain how it feels. The symbolism is deep. There is a reason women burned them in protest. I feel it settles in my mind the femininity that is there. It is not a fetish, it is not sexual. I need to support my mind while I cannot yet be out publicly. Even if i don't need to support my itty bitty titties.

I wore one to work today, a constant hug to my true self.

I figured you ladies would understand a bit more than sbe did. She hates the damned things :)

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

Quote from: Tommi on May 02, 2017, 08:19:26 PM
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

LOL! More sliders, please!

The first time I tried it I found really didn't like it. Big surprise. It wasn't tight, but the constant feeling something around my chest.

These days, after years of HRT, I prefer to wear them and find it uncomfortable going without. If they are tight though, that's really bad. Such a relief then I take them off.

Getting the right size seems kinda weird for male bodies. I'm worrying about the band size more and sticking to sports bras

Quote from: AnonyMs on May 03, 2017, 01:01:27 AM
The first time I tried it I found really didn't like it. Big surprise. It wasn't tight, but the constant feeling something around my chest.

These days, after years of HRT, I prefer to wear them and find it uncomfortable going without. If they are tight though, that's really bad. Such a relief then I take them off.

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

I just didn't like feeling it after all those years having nothing there. Felt weird.

I need it now, and perhaps I've gotten used to it. It feels quite comforting, and not in the way it might have before I had breasts. Its hard to explain, and kind of hard to remember that far back as well.

I love my bras but after wearing them all day I just want to take them off no matter how comfortable they are at the end of the day and come the weekend they say in the draw unless I need to go out, and in time you will under stand why women find then a pain....

Cheers Tracy

Quote from: Tommi on May 02, 2017, 08:19:26 PMMy wife wonders why I want them since my boobs aren't big enough to need them. 

Most tween girls don't need them either, but wear them.

QuoteI tried to explain how it feels.

Ask her if she needed her first bra or did she get one to feel more grown up?
It's the same thing.

I fill out a 38A and wear one every day because it just feels right.  The only time it's an issue is on hot, sticky days.

Quote from: KarynMcD on May 03, 2017, 05:31:56 AM
Most tween girls don't need them either, but wear them.
Ask her if she needed her first bra or did she get one to feel more grown up?
It's the same thing.

She's needed it from the time she wore one. Which is why she isn't comprehending. It's always just been a necessity, for her.
As she puts it, "puberty is just a cruel joke played on happy children."

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

Quote from: Floritine on May 03, 2017, 03:30:21 AM
I love my bras but after wearing them all day I just want to take them off no matter how comfortable they are at the end of the day and come the weekend they say in the draw unless I need to go out, and in time you will under stand why women find then a pain....

Cheers Tracy

I've had that same love/hate relationship with corsets for 20 years, now! :)

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"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

I love wearing a bra, if they fit right they are really comfortable. Wearing a bra is part of being a female, it made me feel part of the club. I remember I was very excited when I needed to wear a bra for the first time

WIth D cup breasts, I need to wear one, and I am very happy

The right fit is important.  I was fitted at the bra store.  Apparently, many women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can make them uncomfortable.

My wife owns exactly one bra. same one for years and still in like new condition. she rarely wears it, preferring the natural swing and bounce.
I have 6 and she puts me in one about once a week, mostly it is a dominance thing with her. one sport bra and the others are lacy, girly show-off styles.
We are both 38C, perky, pokie nips. Neither of us has absolute need of the support.

Now I understand bra off weekend commercial

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I suppose it all goes back to personal preference. Boxers, briefs, or none. Dresses or pants. Hats or headbands... etc.

Some bras.. Cough, cough, enhance.  If you know what I mean.

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Quote from: Denise on May 04, 2017, 09:31:20 PM
Some bras.. Cough, cough, enhance.  If you know what I mean.

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Indeed, Madam! I have a friend taking me bra shopping tomorrow. I already have enough for a bit of cleavage, but only with some help to present it!

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

Quote from: AnneK on May 03, 2017, 10:28:03 AM
The right fit is important.  I was fitted at the bra store.  Apparently, many women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can make them uncomfortable.

That is very true. I was one of those women, I went for a bra fitting and it turned out I was wearing the wrong cup size and band size. When a bra fits you right, then you don't even feel like you wearing it.

Bras are kind of a love/hate thing.  Like if I don't wear them the boobs will hurt more (often a lot)... but if I do wear them, they get pretty uncomfortable after a couple hours.  Kind of a persistent irritating necessity.   The most comfy bra I've found is a sports bra.. on account especially when I am exercising a lot.

These days, a bra is a practical necessity, not something sexy.  No, I don't need it for support, yet.  But, shortly after I started HRT, I had to start wearing one for abrasion protection.  And now that I am full-time, vanity demands that I wear one for a bit of padding.  Hopefully, I'll need it for support soon.  :)

 I am not new to wearing a bra. When you've been a crossdresser most of your life you get used to them and there is something satisfying about feeling them hugging your chest. Unfortunately there was always a missing component in the feel. I can not say that missing component is now being filled (pun intended) I can now feel the insides of the cups pressing on my skin instead of just lying there. Oh gosh that feels sooo nice and reassuring. It tells me I finally have boobs!! Something I have dreamed of having almost all my life also. If there is one thing that tells me I am a woman it is having boobs. So I love wearing my bras. I'm still small and do not quite fill the cups up properly but I can feel them now!  Grow babies grow!

Hugs,
    Laurie

https://www.google.com/search?q=ode+to+joy&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Come on Laurie. Pick up the pace a little bit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ekQ1RTmzBc

You asked for it Dena..

How is this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKxZVJl6rBg

I love wearing a bra. I prefer underwire bras. I'm now a very full A and heading to a B and bounce when walking. I finally wore one to work today and it feels great and it's a little hard to hide but really I'm past caring now. Bring on bigger boobs!


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Can totally understand that. I was wearing bras 20 yrs ago and my boobies were pretty small. Now as the result of HRT i am a D cup and strangely enough, now that i really need to wear a bra with most outfits, the attraction to them has lost some of its luster.

I try and go braless when i am able.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fconflag.com%2Fimages%2FFB_IMG_1494365150350.jpg&hash=6ea75c014a6f64f24c62adbc846a1ebb92d1b367)

I may tire of it one day. But even the hassle of it has its own appeal, to me :)

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

Yep I get it. It was a huge deal for me before I had boobs. I felt like the bra helped create the general shape I wanted/needed even when my boobs couldn't yet.

Nowadays, it's great to go free-boobing :)

Bras make me show more. Im not out to anybody so no bra in public. When they fit good I love wearing them. Just feels like I am supposed to have one. I actually wore one to the store just now. But under a big hoodie. For me it just feels like I am supposed to have one on. But after a few hours it has to come off.


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QuoteIm not out to anybody so no bra in public.

I wear one every day under my male shirts.  To work, out with friends, shopping, everywhere.  No problems.
I fill a 38A.

I have worn bras since I was a child. I would get into the hamper and put on my sister's bra, while in the bathroom with the door locked. It just felt right. As I got older, I started picking up bras when and where I could, but had to hide the fact that I even had them. Since I got out on my own as an adult, I haven't stopped wearing one. It's been difficult to find bras in my size, but as it sits I'm a 44B. Since I started hormones my breasts are definitely bigger. I'm hoping to reach a D cup eventually, but that will definitely take some time.

Either way, if I don't put a bra on when I wake up, I feel naked until I do.

QuoteIt's been difficult to find bras in my size

Have you had a proper fitting at a bra store?  They'll help you find one that fits properly.  It sure beats trial & error.  The store where I bought mine has a policy that men shopping for themselves are welcome.  In fact, employees working at that store are expected to be comfortable fitting men.  So, they welcome cis men, cross dressers, trans, even CIS women!  ;)

I had a proper fitting done at Victorias Secret. The girls there aren't particularly comfortable measuring t-girls, but the store policy states that they can't turn anyone away unless they are specifically causing a disturbance. The problem with finding bras in my size is that most places don't make them with a 44 band size. I've looked at places online that do make 44's but they start with a C cup. Nothing lower in that band size. JC Penny is where I've bought all my bras. They're about all I can find in my size that I can actually afford.

Quote from: Jennifer RachaelAnn on May 17, 2017, 04:40:53 PM
I had a proper fitting done at Victorias Secret. The girls there aren't particularly comfortable measuring t-girls, but the store policy states that they can't turn anyone away unless they are specifically causing a disturbance. The problem with finding bras in my size is that most places don't make them with a 44 band size. I've looked at places online that do make 44's but they start with a C cup. Nothing lower in that band size. JC Penny is where I've bought all my bras. They're about all I can find in my size that I can actually afford.

If you haven't already found it, Hanes (http://www.hanes.com) has stuff that near impossible to find anywhere else. I have been buying hose and bras from them for years as I had the problem of locating something with a large band size and a AA cup. With me it's not weight that the problem but a large rib cage.

I have never minded wearing a bra. Actually I used to sleep in a bra. My grandmother has very perky boobs that hardly sag . She said when she was young a doctor told her if she wore a bra regularly and even slept in one then her boobs wouldn't sag. Evidently it worked. Her boobs look great. A lot if women her age need a pair of tight tube socks instead of a bra. Sleeping in a bra is fine once you get used to it. I don't sleep in one anymore only because my bf likes easy access to them.

QuoteI had a proper fitting done at Victorias Secret.

When I said bra store, I meant bra store, not a lingerie shop.  The store where I bought mine sells bras almost exclusively.

Interesting, maybe there are two types of trans women, those who can't wait to get home to take off a bra and those who can't wait to get home to put one on. I have been both at different times. lol
Moni

Quote from: HappyMoni on May 17, 2017, 08:20:46 PM
Interesting, maybe there are two types of trans women, those who can't wait to get home to take off a bra

Transexual

Quote
and those who can't wait to get home to put one on.

Crossdresser

Quote
I have been both at different times. lol
Moni

Haven't we all been there as well?  :angel:

Quotethose who can't wait to get home to take off a bra

The only time I'm not comfortable wearing a bra is on hot, sticky days.

Quote from: Dena on May 17, 2017, 07:27:21 PM
If you haven't already found it, Hanes (http://www.hanes.com) has stuff that near impossible to find anywhere else. I have been buying hose and bras from them for years as I had the problem of locating something with a large band size and a AA cup. With me it's not weight that the problem but a large rib cage.

Hi Dena,

You must be going to a different Hanes.com site than I just did. The smallest bra cup siz they had was an A and those were only available in 34 an 36 band size.  With 38 they jumped to a B cup. It looked pretty much the same size offering as most of the others sites.

Hugs,
Laurie

Quote from: HappyMoni on May 17, 2017, 08:20:46 PM
Interesting, maybe there are two types of trans women, those who can't wait to get home to take off a bra and those who can't wait to get home to put one on. I have been both at different times. lol
Moni

That's because you're just weird Moni. WEIRD!, I tells ya!!

Hugs,
   Laurie

Quote from: Laurie on May 17, 2017, 09:05:36 PM
Hi Dena,

You must be going to a different Hanes.com site than I just did. The smallest bra cup siz they had was an A and those were only available in 34 an 36 band size.  With 38 they jumped to a B cup. It looked pretty much the same size offering as most of the others sites.

Hugs,
Laurie

Try this link (http://www.hanes.com/shop/hanes/women/bras/bras-all#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:20&) then go to the left side of the page and select the bra size you are interested in. I found 44b thought in a 44 band size, that was the smallest cup available. They don't have every possible size but they do carry some that are difficult to find anywhere else.

Quote from: Laurie on May 17, 2017, 09:05:36 PM
Hi Dena,

You must be going to a different Hanes.com site than I just did. The smallest bra cup siz they had was an A and those were only available in 34 an 36 band size.  With 38 they jumped to a B cup. It looked pretty much the same size offering as most of the others sites.

Hugs,
Laurie

Try herroom.com

They have lots of different styles and brands some even  claim to be AAA. 

Takes a bit of searching to find the bigger bands with smaller cups but they are out there

I've gotten a few from them but the front close styles I've ordered  (have tried 2) seem to be at least B cup and not the AA that the label states. 

I used to think I'd be happy with cute little A cup boobs, now I'm thinking I want at least B for easier bra shopping.

Strange thing also, back in October when I first thought that transition was something that might be in the cards I started wearing a bra almost every day.
Didn't bother me then and became almost necessity for moral support.

Now about 3 months on HRT and I'm starting to need one (for cushioning at least, if not support yet) I'm finding they're starting to bother me. 

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Quote from: Jennifer RachaelAnn on May 17, 2017, 03:50:57 PM
I have worn bras since I was a child. I would get into the hamper and put on my sister's bra, while in the bathroom with the door locked. It just felt right.

I remember that when I was a young child, I believed that you wore a bra to make your breasts grow. Oh how I tried...

All the best,
--AshleyP

Quote from: Laurie on May 17, 2017, 09:07:36 PM
That's because you're just weird Moni. WEIRD!, I tells ya!!

Hugs,
   Laurie

Awe Laurie, you are such a sweet talker. Now behave!

I have found 38" bands with A cup at Walmart. It's the only thing I buy there.

When I was early in my being out in public, I went to an outlet store that specialized in bras. My partner was there and neither one of us could find anything. I stood there watching woman after woman go in, confident of finding what they needed, acting so bored with the process, and there I was finding nothing, feeling  horrible. I ran out of the store and cried my eyes out. At some point, I will get back there and walk in like I own the joint.
Moni

Quote from: HappyMoni on May 18, 2017, 05:05:02 PM
Awe Laurie, you are such a sweet talker. Now behave!

I have found 38" bands with A cup at Walmart. It's the only thing I buy there.

When I was early in my being out in public, I went to an outlet store that specialized in bras. My partner was there and neither one of us could find anything. I stood there watching woman after woman go in, confident of finding what they needed, acting so bored with the process, and there I was finding nothing, feeling  horrible. I ran out of the store and cried my eyes out. At some point, I will get back there and walk in like I own the joint.
Moni

  See? I told you you were weird.

Hugs,
   Laurie

I need my bra, I love my bra, I supports me, it makes me feel confident, it also makes me feel so feminine, submissive and vulnerable.

I really can't go without one, partly because my breast pumping has blessed me with rather extravagant nipples.

I love to wear tops where my straps are just visible to the keen observer. Strapless is not an option!

Quote from: AnneK on May 17, 2017, 08:03:45 PM
When I said bra store, I meant bra store, not a lingerie shop.  The store where I bought mine sells bras almost exclusively.

I know what you meant, but VS isn't just some kind of lingerie store. they do fittings a hundred times a day. it's where my wife and her mother both go when they feel they need a fit.

Quote from: Jennifer RachaelAnn on May 22, 2017, 06:38:42 PM
I know what you meant, but VS isn't just some kind of lingerie store. they do fittings a hundred times a day. it's where my wife and her mother both go when they feel they need a fit.

How are they on selection both in brands and sizes?

Quote from: AnneK on May 22, 2017, 08:45:51 PM
How are they on selection both in brands and sizes?

They only have one brand - Victoria's Secret Brand.  Sizing is tailored to college girls (cis).  They do have larger band and cup sizes, but they are not offered for many of their styles.  I happen to be a 38C/D and can usually find my size in their offerings.  Go to a 40 band size and your options drop off quite a bit.  32-36 band size, bralettes, etc., is their mainstay.

QuoteThey only have one brand - Victoria's Secret Brand.  Sizing is tailored to college girls (cis).  They do have larger band and cup sizes, but they are not offered for many of their styles.

That's why I suggested a bra store.  When it's the focus of your business, you have a better selection than other stores, where it's just another part.

The store where I bought my bras makes it their policy to serve men, cross dressers, trans women etc.  There is another store I'm aware of, in North Carolina, that has a similar policy.  There are probably others.

Also, I prefer to support independent stores, not chains.

Quote from: AnneK on May 24, 2017, 09:23:05 AM
That's why I suggested a bra store.  When it's the focus of your business, you have a better selection than other stores, where it's just another part.

The store where I bought my bras makes it their policy to serve men, cross dressers, trans women etc.  There is another store I'm aware of, in North Carolina, that has a similar policy.  There are probably others.

Also, I prefer to support independent stores, not chains.

Yep, unless you are a VS girl and are average cis girl size, steer clear of VS. 

I don't care much about supporting one or the other, I just want what I want and if you don't have what I want, then I don't want you. LOL

CC's Lingerie, in Phoenix, does similarly. MrBra, online. I haven't been in almost 20 years, but they are a mainstay

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

I mentioned this on another subject line. I have used www.barenecessities.com They have a wide variety of styles and sizes in all types of lingerie.

I like the sites mentioned here, but buying bras online is trial and error and more than a few trips to the post office to return them. A bra shop is tough to beat because they measure you and help you find ones that work. I'm a 38D and i am amazed at how two bras even from the same company in that size, can fit so differently.

Bras are precisely engineered garments that we seek to attach to a very non-engineered object, our bodies.

I won't ruin the bra party by saying how miserable bras make me.  I will admit to being a 58F, and I know all about not being able to find the right size in stores.  For years I've gotten mine here:

http://www.roamans.com/Plus-Size-Bras.aspx?DeptId=29309 (http://www.roamans.com/Plus-Size-Bras.aspx?DeptId=29309)

Don't be put off by the "plus size" label--you don't have to be big to shop there.  They have plenty of smaller cups in larger band sizes.  I just checked and they have 100+ 44B cups, and 24 38A's.  To find out if they have your size, scroll down and look to the left for the "bra size" header. 

You can also buy bra extenders at most fabric stores, in the notions section.   You can also order them online.  Amazon has tons.   If you're not familiar with what a bra extender is, it's one of these:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi531.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd359%2Fophelia_interrupted%2Fbra%2520extender_zpsprrvsxhs.gif&hash=1fccdc83e9724c9e197fc0991ba10792731b15d7)

You use them to add 1-3 extra inches to your bra band.  You can also chain them together to get more than 3 inches of extension. 

With a few good bra extenders in your wardrobe, your choice of bras should really not be limited by a large band size.  Shop wherever you want.

Edit:  It's also easy to find your bra size at home.  All you need is a tape measure and these directions:

https://www.barenecessities.com/feature.aspx?pagename=fit_sizing (https://www.barenecessities.com/feature.aspx?pagename=fit_sizing)

Think I posted earlier that I've been wearing a bra or camisole etc pretty much full time since around October last.  Not sleeping in one so not like all the time.  Put on just a t-shirt today and now I feel naked.

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Wearing a bra doesn't make you a woman. With no tits and a man's build with a broader chest they are uncomfortable.

Quote from: karenk1959 on June 16, 2017, 08:05:56 AM
Wearing a bra doesn't make you a woman. With no tits and a man's build with a broader chest they are uncomfortable.

No, you're correct, and I think everyone here knows that it is one's gender identity that "makes you a woman" or a man.   ::)

Quote from: karenk1959 on June 16, 2017, 08:05:56 AM
Wearing a bra doesn't make you a woman. With no tits and a man's build with a broader chest they are uncomfortable.

Well, I wear a bra every day and find them quite comfortable, except on hot, sticky days.