Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I've been dressing femme in private for 2 decades now. Back when I started it was nearly impossible to find A (or even B) cups in band sizes larger than 36 so my go-to bra size for years has been a 36B that was a poor combination of usually far too tight in the band and cups that were mostly supporting air :-(. Also the few larger sizes I could find we're just about always utilitarian in design

It's awesome that I now fill out a B cup just fine but what's completely made of amazing is that in the last few years it's become easy to find a range of pretty styles in 38A, 40A, 40B etc.

I'd imagine I'm not the only one here to see this .... ?? What are other's experiences?

I was actually able to find a 38AA in one store!  Unfortunately, the cups were bigger than many B cups, so it didn't do me any good.  I have a "medium" regular bra and several "large" sports bras that fit.

I have given up on figuring out sizes.  If it looks like it might fit, I'll try it on.  The letters and numbers are just random.

I've finally found three brands that fit me consistently. I can wear a 38B or 40A and actually fill the cups without stuffing.
Unfortunately the color selections are still quite limited. My wife is constantly trying to buy me sexier bras but they never fit.
Hopefully, with a little more weight loss, I'll be able to fit into a 36 band size. That would open up a much larger selection for me.

Until I came out to me, filling the cup was very important. Now, I want to feel that I'm wearing it and I want the basic contour. I've found a couple of brands that work for me in 40B. Interestingly, my best fit is with minimizers. They hug me pretty completely, ie no air.

Quote from: Shannon14 on October 26, 2017, 08:13:53 AM
I've finally found three brands that fit me consistently. I can wear a 38B or 40A and actually fill the cups without stuffing.
Unfortunately the color selections are still quite limited. My wife is constantly trying to buy me sexier bras but they never fit.
Hopefully, with a little more weight loss, I'll be able to fit into a 36 band size. That would open up a much larger selection for me.

When I began to CD 30 years ago I had hard time to found bra that fit me, so I went to store that sale woman underwear to shop. I just ask the sale clerk for fitting the right bra size, and sale clerk always happy to bra fitting without any problems or questions. So from there on I always buying correct bra size.

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That's my issue now pre hrt. I have a 44B that the cup size feels a C. Band is a bit snug and I don't fill it out at all. So pretty much sports bras for me. The frustrating thing is that I measure at a D cup and I'm not even sure I'd fill an A cup right now.


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There are always bra band extenders that will give you a few extra inches around the ribcage.  If you order them online, you can get them in just about any color you want.  They also have them in fabric stores, on the notions wall next to things like bra clips.  If you need more than about 3" of extension, you can chain extenders together. 

Bra extenders are really useful things.  Theoretically, they should make you able to wear any bra you like that has the correct cup size.

Besides my sport bras the most comfortable one I have is a bralette that I got from Wal-Mart.  I'm a 36AA and wear a size large.  It fits good, no underwire and I think it looks good on me.

This is a great topic!!!!!! I have this issue as well. I am a 42a but, if I go to the 42 band the closest I can find is a b cup. But all the cups in this band size assume the woman has huge breasts so, the cups are huge. They may be a b size but, cup on the bra practically covers my whole chest. I am wearing a smaller size with slightly bigger cups which, yes has the air gap some. I also have some comfy sports bra's. One of the things I was told is not to invest to much in bra's initially because you will see more growth in your chest over a period taking hormones. So I spent very little waiting so I spent $100's on bras that will be obsolete in months. Glad to see I am not alone in this issue of bra's.

Quote from: Jailyn on October 26, 2017, 01:14:31 PM
This is a great topic!!!!!! I have this issue as well. I am a 42a but, if I go to the 42 band the closest I can find is a b cup. But all the cups in this band size assume the woman has huge breasts so, the cups are huge. They may be a b size but, cup on the bra practically covers my whole chest. I am wearing a smaller size with slightly bigger cups which, yes has the air gap some. I also have some comfy sports bra's. One of the things I was told is not to invest to much in bra's initially because you will see more growth in your chest over a period taking hormones. So I spent very little waiting so I spent $100's on bras that will be obsolete in months. Glad to see I am not alone in this issue of bra's.

We all new about breasts and bra's things so we could lean on each other for learning. I'm glad Susan's allow us place to talk and learn. As I have read most cis women are wear the wrong size bra. So we not alone with this bra's stuff.

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Quote from: The Flying Lemur on October 26, 2017, 11:31:39 AM
There are always bra band extenders that will give you a few extra inches around the ribcage.  If you order them online, you can get them in just about any color you want.  They also have them in fabric stores, on the notions wall next to things like bra clips.  If you need more than about 3" of extension, you can chain extenders together. 

Bra extenders are really useful things.  Theoretically, they should make you able to wear any bra you like that has the correct cup size.

That does sound really useful.  I'm making a note of that.  Thanks.

Look at this site:

http://www.ittybittybra.com/index (http://www.ittybittybra.com/index)

In particular, the "flatter me" style.

Steph

What makes bra sizing difficult is that in reality many more more factors than just cup size and underbust circumference come to play. The shape and length of the inframammary crease, torso shape, breast angle and height are just a few. Fashioning a quality brassier requires quite a bit of engineering skills, which is why good undergarment designers are few and far between.

This also means that most manufacturers just cannot afford to cater to every body shape. I once went to Victoria's Secret when passing through the U.S., as I'd heard many people praise them. However, to tell the truth I was surprised at how limited the offering seemed. Although they had flashy designs, it seemed to me that the company was just a high-priced mass market retailer—and to be quite honest I thought people must be buying from them more because they have good marketing staff than because of product quality.

In contrast, while few, there are some companies that circumvent the sizing problem by stocking just the parts and assembling them after fitting the customer. The largest where I live is Wacoal. Their Dublevé line offers 3,030 size variations, and the cost—from $70 to around $150—isn't that bad either, if you consider the time saved and disappointments avoided. After all, what you get is guaranteed to fit perfectly every time.

This of course means that to make the initial purchase you must first have a fitting done and then wait a few days for the item to arrive. They do keep the sizing data, though, so you can then make further purchases online. (Of course this only applies as long as your measurements don't change...)

Quote from: zirconia on October 27, 2017, 06:53:51 AM
What makes bra sizing difficult is that in reality many more more factors than just cup size and underbust circumference come to play. The shape and length of the inframammary crease, torso shape, breast angle and height are just a few. Fashioning a quality brassier requires quite a bit of engineering skills, which is why good undergarment designers are few and far between.

This also means that most manufacturers just cannot afford to cater to every body shape. I once went to Victoria's Secret when passing through the U.S., as I'd heard many people praise them. However, to tell the truth I was surprised at how limited the offering seemed. Although they had flashy designs, it seemed to me that the company was just a high-priced mass market retailer—and to be quite honest I thought people must be buying from them more because they have good marketing staff than because of product quality.

In contrast, while few, there are some companies that circumvent the sizing problem by stocking just the parts and assembling them after fitting the customer. The largest where I live is Wacoal. Their Dublevé line offers 3,030 size variations, and the cost—from $70 to around $150—isn't that bad either, if you consider the time saved and disappointments avoided. After all, what you get is guaranteed to fit perfectly every time.

This of course means that to make the initial purchase you must first have a fitting done and then wait a few days for the item to arrive. They do keep the sizing data, though, so you can then make further purchases online. (Of course this only applies as long as your measurements don't change...)

That why I always going to store to get my bra's fitting done properly so I don't have to worry about purchase wrong size bra and wasted money.

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Quote from: Steph Eigen on October 26, 2017, 05:17:43 PM
Look at this site:

http://www.ittybittybra.com/index (http://www.ittybittybra.com/index)

In particular, the "flatter me" style.

Steph

Anyone bought the Flatter Me style?
I've not tried this one because is $62 and would really want to try it on before spending that much. 

I've bought some others that claimed to be  44a where  I'd be more than happy if I could fill that a-cup.

Problem I find with larger band sizes is that they all seem to be larger every thing, when really all I want or need at this point is the larger band.  And a problem for me with getting like a 34a and multiple extenders is that the shoulder straps would be too small. 

The real issue is that 12 to 13 year old girls  aren't 6'3" and 200+ pounds.  They don't make training bras to fit that size.

I've  found a few Fruit of the Loom brand  that have been decent.  Size is XXL and think they were sold as a sport bra but they do have the clasps in the back so you can use extenders with them.  Removable  pads also  (which I did before coming out at work) and only about $5 at Wal-Mart. 

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Quote from: TonyaW on October 27, 2017, 08:21:20 AM
Anyone bought the Flatter Me style?
I've not tried this one because is $62 and would really want to try it on before spending that much. 

I've bought some others that claimed to be  44a where  I'd be more than happy if I could fill that a-cup.

Problem I find with larger band sizes is that they all seem to be larger every thing, when really all I want or need at this point is the larger band.  And a problem for me with getting like a 34a and multiple extenders is that the shoulder straps would be too small. 

The real issue is that 12 to 13 year old girls  aren't 6'3" and 200+ pounds.  They don't make training bras to fit that size.

I've  found a few Fruit of the Loom brand  that have been decent.  Size is XXL and think they were sold as a sport bra but they do have the clasps in the back so you can use extenders with them.  Removable  pads also  (which I did before coming out at work) and only about $5 at Wal-Mart. 

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How about trying tube top that could hold your breast in place so they will not move around while you're moving.

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Search on "large band small cup", it's the way the industry refers to it. Leadinglady.com is a good source for what you are asking for.

Quote from: 2.B.Dana on October 27, 2017, 10:04:01 AM
Search on "large band small cup", it's the way the industry refers to it. Leadinglady.com is a good source for what you are asking for.

I will look up the site to see. Thanks

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We I started out I used a barrette. As my breasts grew, I call mine my baby B's, I found that the Warner bras worked. I was able to get a 38 B. Even thought I did not totally fill the cups, I did OK and the cups did not collapse. My favourite bras as my Victoria Secret Sexy push up bras. Fit and comfort are great. I don't know if I will grow much more. I find that the underwire bras are best for me as I can lock and load my babies better. Good luck in your search. Hugs!

Quote from: RobynTx on October 26, 2017, 01:06:26 PM
Besides my sport bras the most comfortable one I have is a bralette that I got from Wal-Mart.  I'm a 36AA and wear a size large.  It fits good, no underwire and I think it looks good on me.

Hi Robyn,

I just ran across this. It sounds like exactly what I need. Can you give me any details?

Stephanie

This is what I mostly wear, size large.  As a sport bra, it tends to want to squish my boobs, but the padding does give me a nice shape and plausible size.  The straps are a bit of a nuisance.  Basically, it's what they had that fit.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/gr16407500-george-strappy-back-seamless-sports-bra-black/6000196496674 (https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/gr16407500-george-strappy-back-seamless-sports-bra-black/6000196496674)

Last time I went to the local dept store they didn't have. The 38 b/c that I needed. They did have a size 14/16 mini tank top that did the job pretty well though. Various sports bras work pretty well though. I'm hoping that muscle and fat reduction will make a 36 more comfortable, or my girls be nice and grow some more for me. They certainly feel like they are growing fairly often these days.

Quote from: SadieBlake on October 26, 2017, 07:00:06 AM
I've been dressing femme in private for 2 decades now. Back when I started it was nearly impossible to find A (or even B) cups in band sizes larger than 36 so my go-to bra size for years has been a 36B that was a poor combination of usually far too tight in the band and cups that were mostly supporting air :-(. Also the few larger sizes I could find we're just about always utilitarian in design

It's awesome that I now fill out a B cup just fine but what's completely made of amazing is that in the last few years it's become easy to find a range of pretty styles in 38A, 40A, 40B etc.

I'd imagine I'm not the only one here to see this .... ?? What are other's experiences?

Interesting havent used a bra yet, but will probably eventually . Been told by women before , some of them sleep without an braa lol, i didnt know its such a different about them, these days.

Interesting havent used a bra yet, but will probably eventually . Been told by women before , some of them sleep without an braa lol, i didnt know its such a different about them, these days.

Sleeping without at least a crop top is painful. They don't like getting squashed. I'm still not used to their presence and forget sometimes...

Reading the comments on this post were so confusing. I was like "Wow these women are huge!"  :o then I realised in Australia it's unique that we have a different bra sizing that matches dress size. Like I'm a 20 B which is a pretty wide band and smallish cup size. My main issue isn't finding a bra that fits, it's more about finding cute bras in such a rare size.  :-\

I would suggest going to a plus size store as they tend to have the rarer sizes for plus size women (similar sizing for wide chested women) coupled with small boobs.

Much love. <3

This may sound so messed up but go to a shop or store that is dedicated to bras, panties and lingerie. It is pretty much like a wig shop in all they want is your business and repeat business. But if you are just starting out do not buy from wal mart or any other big box store. Get fitted if you don't know how to do that yourself and if need be then get one custom made. I suggest three at least if you have to wear them all the time. With three you can pretty much guarantee they won't start stinking from too much wear before washing them. And when you wash them hand wash them only.

Look we are trans women. We need to wear a bra a lot of times. So look up shops in your area that cater to trans women. There is no one that knows more about bras and finding your right size than another trans woman or someone that caters to them. You may have to travel a few miles but it will be well worth it. So going to a shop specifically is a good idea but remember them by repeat business every once in a while at least.

I mean seriously I buy shoes, jeans, blouses, Ts, tanks and even a couple of skirts and dresses at big box stores but my undies are closer to me than those other clothes and I want quality panties and bras. Even the lingerie I buy from small shops BTW and personally I would rather buy bras, panties and "naughties" from another trans woman or someone that caters to them. Usually within a four hour drive you can hit a trans specific shop somewhere.  But I drove a truck most of my life so eight hours round trip ain't crap driving for me.  :embarrassed:

But seriously being trans compared to cis. With cis a 36A is the same as a 34B but we aren't cis women though. So I really would suggest what I just did about the trans specific shops or at least a custom shop. It does suck when you are top naked and someone measuring you no matter what but they have seen it before.

Maybe this will help with the different sizes...

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0305/6249/files/size_chart-main_1024x1024.png?v=1500418658

There is so much to learn about breasts and bras, or not. More women than not know very little about proper fit and how & what to do when it comes to bras. Unfortunately it just isn't discussed as something to really be knowledgeable about. My wife is terrible about it and has passed that along to our three girls. I have tried to encourage the older ones but they can't handle it from me. My youngest, in a 32DD, listens and I pick out most of her items for her.

The chart listed earlier really doesn't have enough info on it to be helpful. A quick search will give plenty of charts to look at. I would suggest Sophisticated Pair.com as a shop with a great bra size calculator and info videos.

Bare necessities and HerRoom have great selections, order a bunch and have a try on party, then send them back. Considering where I live it's much cheaper than gas to just mail the ones you don't want back. Leading lady is another great spot to get large band/small cup options. If you are not in a popular size I wouldn't even waste my time looking for a local source. It is way to frustrating. Much better selection and values online. Once you know the right size you can find great deals and enjoy wearing some fine bras. And they do fit & feel better s you go up the price ranges.

I would highly suggest not wearing sports bras on a daily basis. The squish factor does not allow for good formation in the growth phase. Happy growing ...