Susan's Place Transgender Resources

What makes for the best bras?

There are lots of attributes of bras.  My most important one is comfort.

What do you look for when you buy a bra?


Chrissy

I'm going to have to say fit.  A bra has to be comfortable but it needs to do its job too.

A bra that fits right will be comfortable and support too.

It has to be pretty too, some lace and maybe a little bow between the cups. 

Paulie.

Comfort and fit. It if doesn't fit, it won't be comfortable. If it isn't comfortable, you won't want to wear it.

I prefer front-closing, lightly padded bras. On long drives, the back-buckle bras can become quite uncomfortable when the buckle puts pressure in the middle of your back. You also don't have to do the 'twist' to wear a front-closing bra.

Initially, I loved wearing a bra. They are one of the most affirming pieces of clothing I have. after a few summers, I realized how hot and uncomfortable they are. Now I rarely wear one.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: crm36 on January 16, 2024, 06:15:36 PMI am so happy today!! I am wearing a 34C bra and I never thought I would get to a c cup at all.

Fantastic!  I wear a 34D nowadays, but I had a little... err... "help".  ;D

Without said "help", I probably would be a small B cup still!

~Sara

Quote from: TXSara on January 17, 2024, 06:05:05 AMFantastic!  I wear a 34D nowadays, but I had a little... err... "help".  ;D

Without said "help", I probably would be a small B cup still!

~Sara

Wow!  A D cup!  Does that make your back hurt Sara?  I developed to a B cup but I think they may not grow any larger. 

Chrissy

Quote from: Paulie on January 16, 2024, 11:08:40 PMI'm going to have to say fit.  A bra has to be comfortable but it needs to do its job too.

A bra that fits right will be comfortable and support too.

It has to be pretty too, some lace and maybe a little bow between the cups. 

Paulie.

Well you are right of course Paulie.  When I said comfortable I also assumed a good fit.  A good fit is essential.

Chrissy

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 17, 2024, 05:14:50 AMComfort and fit. It if doesn't fit, it won't be comfortable. If it isn't comfortable, you won't want to wear it.

I prefer front-closing, lightly padded bras. On long drives, the back-buckle bras can become quite uncomfortable when the buckle puts pressure in the middle of your back. You also don't have to do the 'twist' to wear a front-closing bra.

Initially, I loved wearing a bra. They are one of the most affirming pieces of clothing I have. after a few summers, I realized how hot and uncomfortable they are. Now I rarely wear one.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I have not tried a front closing bra.  Maybe I should.

Chrissy

I used to wear them all day and even at home after wearing them all day.
Now I just let my "girls" be there at home unless I plan on going out about town or if I  know that I will have guests.  Modesty is always in order for me but I do tend to wear two layers of clothing, less if it is hot of course.  Also, nipples can be provocative, especially if they are cold, if you know what I mean.

Hugs,

Chrissy

QuoteI realized how hot and uncomfortable they are. Now I rarely wear one.

Amen, sister. I might wear one seven times a year. The ones I own do flatten my chest nicely, which give me a trim, athletic look, so I'll don one here and there, but most days, I'm choosing comfort, which means no bra. I live in hoodies half the year with a t-shirt and they give me all the coverage I need.

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 17, 2024, 05:14:50 AMComfort and fit. It if doesn't fit, it won't be comfortable. If it isn't comfortable, you won't want to wear it.

I prefer front-closing, lightly padded bras. On long drives, the back-buckle bras can become quite uncomfortable when the buckle puts pressure in the middle of your back. You also don't have to do the 'twist' to wear a front-closing bra.

Initially, I loved wearing a bra. They are one of the most affirming pieces of clothing I have. after a few summers, I realized how hot and uncomfortable they are. Now I rarely wear one.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Well said!  Front close are the best!  Comfort rules the choice certainly.  Yet I still can't resist a bit of lace, a bow or a little jewel.  Light padding is good especially to hide nips.  I'll not sleep with one, but it's likely the second thing donned in the morning.  The first item being clean panties, matching to the bra fabric and color where possible.

Glamorise has a good selection especially in usable band sizes, but then they don't do panties, as does Wacoal where matching undies are almost always found.  I've tried Third Love off and on, hoping they get the fit figured out, but they never do. the left strap is frequently falling off my shoulder.  I've not reached the part where they are uncomfortable or even too hot for that matter, even though we reach triple digits (Fahrenheit) many many days in season.  I think sizing plays a good part in that, no?  Of course I wouldn't wear a push-up in the heat and sports bras are never comfortable or fit well.  I'll often use Honey Cloudz as nip shields particularly with thin and lacy unless intimacy and romance is on my mind.  Look out, darlin'!

My boobs are very very affirming and thus the bra is part of that.  Maybe in 10-15 years I won't care so much?  Right now either the the girls or my brain are happier with said garments.

Agreed!  I'm so very tickled for you!  C cup is the holy grail, was the grail cause' I'm there too.

I tried to merge this with another post, and it got mixed up a bit, I apologize for any inconvenience.

Quote from: Oldandcreaky on January 17, 2024, 07:40:21 AMAmen, sister. I might wear one seven times a year. The ones I own do flatten my chest nicely, which give me a trim, athletic look, so I'll don one here and there, but most days, I'm choosing comfort, which means no bra. I live in hoodies half the year with a t-shirt and they give me all the coverage I need.

I would never think of trying to recall the number of times each year I wear mine O&C!
But I get your meaning.

By the way, I am so glad you are here.  You leave such good comments.  I enjoy reading them.

Chrissy

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 17, 2024, 04:15:14 PMAgreed!  I'm so very tickled for you!  C cup is the holy grail, was the grail cause' I'm there too.

Sometimes I yearn for C cups but then I realize that I should grateful for my Bs.
C cups may be the best size, I am unsure, but I am pleased that my breasts are there now for me.  There is satisfaction in filling up my bras and the bras provide some nice shaping.

Hugs,

Chrissy

I have tried bralettes, having no clasps, and one I really like wearing.

Chrissy

Bralettes are like halter tops.  Can't abide them. 
Full coverage are the most confirming, and likely the most comfortable to me.  T-shirt bras are comfy and practical, yet usually so plain.  Camisole over bra is a very good solution for me.

I wore a camisole over my bras when I was trying to hid my bras.  I still do once in a while, maybe a dozen times a year.  I probably wear a bra 360 days out of the year.  From when I first get dressed till bed time, most days.  Maybe when I've developed more breast size, I'll be inclined to wear bras a little less. 

Paulie

I have always been amazed at the size differences between bra manufactures. Most I'm a C cup but some a B all with the same band.
I usually wear a pushup to show off the girls. Sometimes if doing hard work I will opt for a long line as it gives me some back support. Once I ordered a bullet bra just to see how I would look in it. Very pointy. I would never wear it out but very unique.
Gina

A 'bullet bra' sounds like it could be used for self defense. But like most derringers, it only holds two rounds.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 20, 2024, 08:14:05 AMA 'bullet bra' sounds like it could be used for self defense. But like most derringers, it only holds two rounds.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

LOL.


Chrissy

What do you think any advantages of a front closure bra are?

Chrissy

I always thought they were called Torpedo Bras.  Looks like Bullet Bra is the correct term and the results is Torpedo T**s.  I love the look of the 50's. I'm not sure how appealing the look would be now with the much larger waist lines then in the 50's.

Paulie

For me it's sport bras. Easy on, easy off, a little bit of padding, as I'm probably about a B cup. I just find them sooooooo comfortable.

I really do not like the look of the bullet bras.  I have not tried one on, and actually never seen one at Kohl's but I have also not looked for any.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 20, 2024, 02:03:13 PMLOL.


Chrissy

Okay, okay, okaaay!  Calibre matters!  What a Derringer round! 

I love this discussion!  Thanks, ladies!  Your mileage may vary, but my take is this on the front close question.

For me, once I find a manufacturer I like with the sizing sorted for my body type, front close is the best. A front close lies smoother on the back, yet supports my C's very sell.  I use the Glamorise front clip style.  So easy to put on and the underwire is very defining and comfy.  I've damaged shoulders and limited range of motion and flexibility, so front clips are a clever choice for me.  Besides, doesn't one feel strange hooking a standard bra then spinning it around to bring the cups around to front position?  I sure do!  A fiddle to get the final settlement too, where the tag tends to never wind up under the bra smoothly and Merde! what a chore to adjust the band to the smooth silhouette.

Have you tried the multi-hook front style?  Oh! What a dissapointment.  The gore never sits right, Can't stand the industrial strength feel of them and its not pretty! No matter what you tell me!?  :icon_userfriendly: 

As for the bullet?  NOT comfy at all.  The cups shaping feels either too tight or too sloppy as it tries to squeeze my boobs into a point, to fill cups.  I've an intense dislike for unfilled cups.  Jane Russell I'm not, and Howard Hughes isn't my boyfriend.  (Did I loose anyof you on that one?)  Sure I could use cheaters, but that's...um...cheating.  Cups must fit properly or that bra finds itself at the Salvation Army store.  Once I've put something on at home, it's mine I won't take it back.  Anyone else feel that way? 

End state is:  Pretty, front clip underwire is the ticket  :icon_love: I'm alowed to be opinionated, my wife says i can.

[/quote]

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 17, 2024, 07:11:23 AMI have not tried a front closing bra.  Maybe I should.

Chrissy

I forgot to say, one needs the national budget of a small o>-bleeped-<ry to get really really good long lasting undergarmetnts these days, no?  Like with food, you can eat for health or you can eat cheaply.  You can't do both.  Bras are the same.  Go cheap and they won't last, even hand washed.

One more thing!  Has anyone the secret to keeping white cotton whites bright white after a few months?  They always seem to turn dingy.  Momm said I can machine wash as long as I line dry.

Hand wash is so dreary and I'm so lazy about the wash! Maybe another topic, Susan?

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 23, 2024, 05:05:03 PMI forgot to say, one needs the national budget of a small o>-bleeped-<ry to get really really good long lasting undergarmetnts these days, no?  Like with food, you can eat for health or you can eat cheaply.  You can't do both.  Bras are the same.  Go cheap and they won't last, even hand washed.

Oh I am with you 100% on getting higher quality.  I also rotate through my bras and air dry all of them.  I do put them through the clothes washer though. 

Chrissy

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 23, 2024, 05:09:06 PMOne more thing!  Has anyone the secret to keeping white cotton whites bright white after a few months?  They always seem to turn dingy.  Momm said I can machine wash as long as I line dry.

Hand wash is so dreary and I'm so lazy about the wash! Maybe another topic, Susan?

Do you have a lot of iron in your water?  If so, get a water filter or use some Iron Out powder in your wash.  The powder may help with even municipal tap water.  Use cold water, and the delicate cycle, and see what happens.  Wash bras separately from other clothes.  If I think of anything else that may help, I will write more.  I do not add fabric softeners or anything scented to my wash.

Chrissy

Good thoughts, Chrissy.  Machine wash on delicate, cold, light on the detergent and no softener in wash loads or dryer.  Not that I put my bras in the dryer!  I don't!  No bleach either in wash loads with elastisized fabrics. Our water comes out of the Rockies, naturally mineral rich. So we do have hard water, yet I've avoided a softener system due to the ongoing maintenance such systems require. 

Mom said perhaps add table salt to the wash?  Does that make sense to you?  At 94, she's not as sharp as she used to be although I've never known her to be wrong about ANY household chore, EVER.  I get that salt will help preserve colors if you use it especially early in their life span.  Just never though it'd do anything for whites.

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 23, 2024, 05:01:35 PMI love this discussion!  Thanks, ladies!  Your mileage may vary, but my take is this on the front close question.

For me, once I find a manufacturer I like with the sizing sorted for my body type, front close is the best. A front close lies smoother on the back, yet supports my C's very sell.  I use the Glamorise front clip style.  So easy to put on and the underwire is very defining and comfy.  I've damaged shoulders and limited range of motion and flexibility, so front clips are a clever choice for me.  Besides, doesn't one feel strange hooking a standard bra then spinning it around to bring the cups around to front position?  I sure do!  A fiddle to get the final settlement too, where the tag tends to never wind up under the bra smoothly and Merde! what a chore to adjust the band to the smooth silhouette.

Have you tried the multi-hook front style?  Oh! What a dissapointment.  The gore never sits right, Can't stand the industrial strength feel of them and its not pretty! No matter what you tell me!?  :icon_userfriendly: 

As for the bullet?  NOT comfy at all.  The cups shaping feels either too tight or too sloppy as it tries to squeeze my boobs into a point, to fill cups.  I've an intense dislike for unfilled cups.  Jane Russell I'm not, and Howard Hughes isn't my boyfriend.  (Did I loose anyof you on that one?)  Sure I could use cheaters, but that's...um...cheating.  Cups must fit properly or that bra finds itself at the Salvation Army store.  Once I've put something on at home, it's mine I won't take it back.  Anyone else feel that way? 

End state is:  Pretty, front clip underwire is the ticket  :icon_love: I'm alowed to be opinionated, my wife says i can.

I went to Kohl's to look at the front closing bras.  I found it interesting that there were various strap styles for them too.  I guess that makes sense.

I was surprised to see sliding plastic front connects rather than clasps in the front.
I actually was encased in the first one for about a minute until I figured out how to get it disconnected!  It did not want to disconnect.  It was a good connection!

I also tried for the first time a significantly padded push-up bra.  I mean there was a lot more than a very thin cushioning in the cup or a little lifting pad in the lower cups.  These were significant pads in the cup.

Well I tried it and must admit it made my boobs look rather big, impressive in a way.
This must be what I would look like if a true D cup.  However I decided this would draw too much attention to my body for sure plus I knew it was fakey, so that was it for that bra.

In the end I decided to not get any of these bras but will keep them in mind.
I have enough bras to rotate through regardless, plus they are not inexpensive.

I will look for the ones with the clip style you suggested D'Amalie, perhaps it will be an online purchase or I can take a more thorough look at the store.

Chrissy

I just noticed my typos in the post.  It's alright.  They don't pay me to type.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Back to the bras, I only have the single push-up bra and I love the feel.  Very soft inside.  The subtle strain on my blouses is devine.  Wow cleavage!  But for every day do you find that the cheaper ones, like from walmart are suffcient?  My wife buys hers ar Walmart or Target, I refuse.  Hers wear out so quickly.

Do you have trouble keeping staps in place?  The racer back front clip stops that.

By the by, stretchy size 20S Jeans at Torrids.  The best!  Size 3 cotton spaghetti strap camis in colors, vary by season!  Over my bras. Perfect anti-nipple show devices  :-X  I like my nipples make no mistake, just don't need to show them to the world, especially in the office! 

Mom would be proud, my wife surely is.

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 26, 2024, 04:47:58 PMI just noticed my typos in the post.  It's alright.  They don't pay me to type.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Back to the bras, I only have the single push-up bra and I love the feel.  Very soft inside.  The subtle strain on my blouses is devine.  Wow cleavage!  But for every day do you find that the cheaper ones, like from walmart are suffcient?  My wife buys hers ar Walmart or Target, I refuse.  Hers wear out so quickly.

Do you have trouble keeping staps in place?  The racer back front clip stops that.

A lot of times I have needed to slide back the straps.  With a bralette that had thicker straps like a tank top, there has been no slippage.

Before I finally got a good fit after I developed more, I did get cheaper bras. They did not last long and they did not feel all that comfy.

Insofar as what my true size was, at those times that was from the most current purchase back then, not from a good fit.  When I thought I was a B cup I was truly just an A  cup. 

In reality today I am a B but there seems to be a little more room in one bra, so maybe I am a B minus!  LOL.  Then again, it does feel good filling them up and for it to be comfortable. 


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 26, 2024, 04:33:48 PMI went to Kohl's to look at the front closing bras.  I found it interesting that there were various strap styles for them too.  I guess that makes sense.

I was surprised to see sliding plastic front connects rather than clasps in the front.
I actually was encased in the first one for about a minute until I figured out how to get it disconnected!  It did not want to disconnect.  It was a good connection!

....

Chrissy

In looking back at this first attempt with a front closing bra, it was sort of a funny experience.  With that first try on, I had trouble getting th bra off because it took me a little while to realize that I had to turn the plastic slide 90 degrees to lift it out of the other side of the front closure.  Just moving it up or down then out would not work.  I was momentarily stuck in the bra!  It seemed like a minute or longer but it maybe have been less time.

Silly me.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 27, 2024, 07:48:10 AMI had trouble getting th bra off because it took me a little while to realize that I had to turn the plastic slide 90 degrees to lift it out of the other side of the front closure.  Just moving it up or down then out would not work.  I was momentarily stuck in the bra!  It seemed like a minute or longer but it maybe have been less time.

Chrissy

I have a sports bra with that kind of front clip, it took me a bit to figure that out too. 

All the rest of my Bras are the standard rear hook and loop.  If they have 1 or 2 hooks, I can almost always get them hooked the first try.  Better than 90% of the time.  If I don't get it on the first try then it can take me 3 of 4 try's, I don't know why that is.  I do have some bustiers with 7 hooks.  Those I need to put on backwards and then spin around.

Paulie

Quote from: Paulie on January 28, 2024, 01:03:06 AMI have a sports bra with that kind of front clip, it took me a bit to figure that out too. 

All the rest of my Bras are the standard rear hook and loop.  If they have 1 or 2 hooks, I can almost always get them hooked the first try.  Better than 90% of the time.  If I don't get it on the first try then it can take me 3 of 4 try's, I don't know why that is.  I do have some bustiers with 7 hooks.  Those I need to put on backwards and then spin around.

Paulie

I do not seem to have any trouble with the back clasps, they have all been two or three hook styles.  I do find the razor back style a bit harder for me to put on so I never bought one.  I suppose I would get used to them though and the straps would be harder to slip. 

Chrissy

Three front closing bras arrived this evening but I have not tried them on.  It's been a busy day and I am settled in bed.  I have a nice warm floral, nearly ankle length nightgown to keep me warm and cozy. 

I remember the days when I just could not wait to try them on but wearing them regularly for awhile now I guess has subdued this anticipatory rush.

Maybe one of these will work out, I will see tomorrow.  I tried some on last week but I did not care for any of those front closing bras.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 29, 2024, 10:07:52 PMI remember the days when I just could not wait to try them on but wearing them regularly for awhile now I guess has subdued this anticipatory rush.

Same here Chrissy, I now wait til bedtime or the following morning to try most new things on.

Pauline.

Quote from: Paulie on January 30, 2024, 01:21:27 AMSame here Chrissy, I now wait til bedtime or the following morning to try most new things on.

Pauline.

I'm still excited hwen something new comes in.  Can't wait to try.  Have to make myself wait to the next day :)

Quote from: D'Amalie on January 30, 2024, 03:59:25 PMI'm still excited hwen something new comes in.  Can't wait to try.  Have to make myself wait to the next day :)

It is fun to try on outfits for sure!

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 29, 2024, 10:07:52 PMThree front closing bras arrived this evening but I have not tried them on.  It's been a busy day and I am settled in bed.  I have a nice warm floral, nearly ankle length nightgown to keep me warm and cozy. 

I remember the days when I just could not wait to try them on but wearing them regularly for awhile now I guess has subdued this anticipatory rush.

Maybe one of these will work out, I will see tomorrow.  I tried some on last week but I did not care for any of those front closing bras.

Chrissy

Well I laid out on my bed three outfits for the day. I tried each of these front closing bras.  I guess any of these bras I would have to get used to using.  I think I will keep at most one of them, if that.  They just feel different somehow when wearing.  Maybe it is my imagination. 

I need to get ready for the day.  I hope you all have a nice day.

Hugs,

Chrissy

I may need to try another bra because of my choice of top.
I have been wearing a tank top at home that drops low with a big U shape from the shoulders straps down to the top of my breasts.  Then I wear an unbuttoned shirt over it, it is a nice layered casual look.  But this does show the top of the cups, although most of that can be covered up with the shirt.  But it is not a clean look to see the cup material.

So I will need to not wear this blue tank top that goes down that far from my neckline or get a bra that has less top of cup material.  Probably will not wear this particular top unless I do not wear a bra, that seems to be a simpler solution and cheaper than getting a different bra.  Plus I may not like that type bra for some reason.

Oh I wonder if I will ever really be ready for full time. 

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on February 07, 2024, 09:32:09 PMOh I wonder if I will ever really be ready for full time. 

Oh Chrissy, I love ya.  It's awesome that your care so much about this.  Caring how you look and spending extra time is more normal for female than male. 

I also spend a lot of time figuring what bra goes with what top.

Sometimes (more often than I want to admit), I spend too much time figuring out what top goes with what bra.  :laugh: 

Warm Regards,

Paulie.

They do make 'plunge' bras which work well with deeply cut necklines. I have a few that I found at Victoria's Secret, but you may be able to find them at places like Nordstroms, Dillard's or Macy's. There is also a style called 'demi cup' that may work, in addition the the stores already mentioned, you may be able to find those at Walmart or Target. Although you won't be able to try them on first, Amazon would probably have all of those styles.

Love always -- Jess