Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Yes that old topic!

Looking for advice from those of you who have been to a professional bra fitting if possible.

I have been assuming my bra size is correct at 40/42 DD but it does not matter how comfortable my bra starts out, after 5 hours maybe the band really does start to painfully dig in at the sides. I am also over spilling at the sides and the wire digs into the breast tissue at that point too. I have therefore been looking at bra sizing advice online.

The advice I found says to measure your underbust after exhaling and then measure the fullest part around the breasts across the nipples. The under bust is your band size and the difference between the fullest part of the breast and the underbust is used to find your cup size.

For me, this is 44" under and 57" over (bigger that I thought, need to double down on the diet!) but this would give me a bra size of 44 K which is of course ridiculous. Google AI suggests that bra calculators over estimate cup size for AMAB women by around 2-3 cup sizes. As my bra sits quite nicely at the front with the wires resting against my sternum it is suggesting that I try a 44 F bra for maximum comfort.

I still find that hard to believe so I have ordered 2 good quality 44 and 46 E bras to test the theory.

From the professional bra fitting sessions, if you had one, did they look at anything else that might steer me in the right direction? It is an absolute minefield of information out there.

For the record I am significantly overweight which will skew results somewhat but the digging in is real.

And yes I know I should go for a fitting myself but I am not turning up for a fitting while in male mode!

I have never been professionally fitted, but I have the same concerns. I am 40 under and 45 bust, which comes out to an E cup. Not even close. I wear a 40B comfortably.

The issue is that standard sizes are estimates of volume. Then different manufacturers have their own sizing recommendations that also don't work. Part of the problem is that AMAB breasts sit differently on the chest (farther apart), torso (rib cage) dimensions are larger regardless of breast volume, and these throw the whole formula out of whack.

In my opinion, a professional fitting CAN be useful, but if they are looking at my Bs and recommending Es, that is not helpful. I have purchased various sizes of band/cup combinations and found what works.

If the band is digging in, you need a bigger band, so drop a cup size to keep the band/cup ratio similar. Check out Sister Sizes for how that works. Look into Warner brand bras. I have a few, and they are very soft and comfy, with a nice side panel that helps prevent side discomfort. This could also help with side spillage.

This is just my experience.

Same never fitted of course, I had to try a few different sizes based on my measurements. Once I found a bra that was comfortable and gave me the needed support I bought 4 of them. So unfortunately I think there is a little trial and error. I can wear my all day with out it digging in. It is a relief to take it off at the end of the day. I gave up on underwires almost immediately.

Also they need to have a disclaimer on the estrogen box "Warning! This product causes boob sweat use at your own risk!"

Good luck finding the one that works for you!

This is my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/PLAYTEX-Womens-Smoothing-Wireless-Available/dp/B00CZ7TXI6/ref=sr_1_18?

This is the most comfortable for me:
https://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Hour-Ultimate-Lift-Support/dp/B0007YXTQQ/ref=sr_1_11?th=1&psc=1

I suggest buying bra extenders.  In the USA they can be found in the sewing department of Walmart.

Marion

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 05, 2026, 12:06:47 PMI have never been professionally fitted, but I have the same concerns. I am 40 under and 45 bust, which comes out to an E cup. Not even close. I wear a 40B comfortably.

The issue is that standard sizes are estimates of volume. Then different manufacturers have their own sizing recommendations that also don't work. Part of the problem is that AMAB breasts sit differently on the chest (farther apart), torso (rib cage) dimensions are larger regardless of breast volume, and these throw the whole formula out of whack.

In my opinion, a professional fitting CAN be useful, but if they are looking at my Bs and recommending Es, that is not helpful. I have purchased various sizes of band/cup combinations and found what works.

If the band is digging in, you need a bigger band, so drop a cup size to keep the band/cup ratio similar. Check out Sister Sizes for how that works. Look into Warner brand bras. I have a few, and they are very soft and comfy, with a nice side panel that helps prevent side discomfort. This could also help with side spillage.

This is just my experience.

Absolutely agree about the band which is why I'm trying larger sizes but I think the cup size is definitely wrong if the wire digs in and there is overspill at the sides. I am easily filling the cups at the front there is no spare room there, possibly a little bit of overspill if anything. I'm wearing unpadded full cup or plunge bras if that makes any difference. If I wear a strapless bra the cups dissect my boobs horizontally, it looks awful!

In your case you seem to be in agreement with google AI in the AMAB being around 3 sizes smaller (I know that would be a 40C but it's close). In my case, if I go up to an E cup from where I am now that is NINE cup sizes smaller than the charts suggest! The charts must be useless with larger breasts which is why I'm looking for pointers from people who had a fitting. I am sure they didn't just take the measurements otherwise why bother going for a fitting, you can do it at home. They must be looking at HOW the bra fits and that is what I'm trying to figure out.

Proabably a daft comparison but If I gather the breast tissue I can fit roughly a third to a half of one breast in my hand and I have a large glove size due to long fingers.

Has anyone found a trans specific calculator or has the world just decided we don't count!

Quote from: Maid Marion on June 05, 2026, 12:32:01 PMI suggest buying bra extenders.  In the USA they can be found in the sewing department of Walmart.

Marion

I've got several different types of extenders to fit different band widths but I don't like wearing them as it make the straps too far apart at the back. Plus it's a faff putting the bra on compared to bare.

Have you tried the 'A Bra That Fits' calculator?  You can easily Google it.  I've found it's the best online calculator to establish a starting point.  It can compensate for AMAB bodies.  Once you have a ballpark size, go for a professional fitting. 

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 05, 2026, 12:40:21 PMHas anyone found a trans specific calculator or has the world just decided we don't count!

Try 'A Bra That Fits' calculator.  It has a selector for AMAB bodies.  The people running the site are very trans inclusive and will offer advice.

I just dragged myself into Victoria's secret and told them I was transgender and needed my first bra because I had recently grown breasts. The girl was great, she came across as genuinely happy for me.

Yeah I did, just before I posted actually! I followed all the instructions measuring the different band widths, the standing bust, bent over bust and the lying down bust and it came up with.......46 GG! but a 44 H might be more supportive. Can't win!

Appreciate the suggestion though Liz.

Quote from: Devlyn on June 05, 2026, 01:39:50 PMI just dragged myself into Victoria's secret and told them I was transgender and needed my first bra because I had recently grown breasts. The girl was great, she came across as genuinely happy for me.

Well that's great if you have the confidence to do that Dev, I know Courtney did something similar and I am aware it is probably the right way but I just couldn't do it at this point in my journey.

These fitters must be following a set of guidelines in order to make their recommendations, they aren't mystics or using the force!

A tape measure. They use a tape measure. 🙂

Quote from: Devlyn on June 05, 2026, 02:28:34 PMA tape measure. They use a tape measure. 🙂

That is better than using cold hands.

🤣

Speak for yourself. 🤣😈

Breasts come in many of shapes and sizes.  If you go to Victoria's Secret they can find the bras that fit you.

Ladies, this is a serious matter! 🤣

Of course it is, that's why I put myself in the hands of professionals.






What?! 🤣

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 05, 2026, 01:46:41 PMWell that's great if you have the confidence to do that Dev, I know Courtney did something similar and I am aware it is probably the right way but I just couldn't do it at this point in my journey.

These fitters must be following a set of guidelines in order to make their recommendations, they aren't mystics or using the force!

I will tell you that some of my confidence came from listening to the smart people who were here before me. I'd like you to read this post. It's about makeup, not bras, but the message hits the same. Pay particular attention to the "walking wallet" part. 🙂

https://www.susans.org/index.php?msg=806509

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 05, 2026, 01:46:41 PMWell that's great if you have the confidence to do that Dev, I know Courtney did something similar and I am aware it is probably the right way but I just couldn't do it at this point in my journey.

Yes, I did, indeed and I was happy that I did, but I also know that it took me some time to feel ready to do it.

(I'm talking U.S. sizing here)
So, my underbust measures about 33.5" (snug tape) and I measure around 41" across my breasts - more or less, depending on the bra. I had worked through a bunch of sizes before going to Victoria's Secret and was wearing a 36D (U.S.) when I went for my sizing, which turned out to be my size.

The "old" rule was that band size is snug underbust plus 4". I'd heard that was deprecated but she did size my band up a bit after taking three measurements (all standing up straight). V.S. has some sort of proprietary measuring system. Maybe you can find it on the web.

Quote from: Courtney G on June 05, 2026, 04:11:59 PMYes, I did, indeed and I was happy that I did, but I also know that it took me some time to feel ready to do it.

(I'm talking U.S. sizing here)
So, my underbust measures about 33.5" (snug tape) and I measure around 41" across my breasts - more or less, depending on the bra. I had worked through a bunch of sizes before going to Victoria's Secret and was wearing a 36D (U.S.) when I went for my sizing, which turned out to be my size.

The "old" rule was that band size is snug underbust plus 4". I'd heard that was deprecated but she did size my band up a bit after taking three measurements (all standing up straight). V.S. has some sort of proprietary measuring system. Maybe you can find it on the web.

Thanks Courtney. I've decided to take a punt with larger band sizes and go up one cup size. After all the research, it has just boiled down to me doing trial and error like I was before ha ha! 13" difference in over bust to underbust probably does mean they are bigger than I think but we will find out in a couple of days I guess. They'll probably be worse 🤣🤣

I cannot imagine how big one's breasts need to be to need anything beyond DD for the appropriate band size.

I am happy that mine fill my Sweetie's hands!  That is big enough.  She does have small hands though.

Except some days I seem to want mine to be a bit larger, like a full C cup.


Chrissy

Well I got my delivery and I'm more than a little disapointed to find that the best fit band size is 46 😥 I'm halfway between a 44 and a 46 sadly but I am on the diet full time now and my mind has focused in on the weight loss goal. To get back down to 36 again would be awesome.

My instinct about the cup size was bang on though, I am definitely a UK E cup so new bra size is, drumroll please.... 46 E which according to conversion charts is 46 DDD/F in US money. I must say I am a little astounded I have had that much growth in my late 40's. They will shrink as I slim but so will the surrounding area so I am likely to stay around an E cup even after I've lost the weight, give or take a cup size. Plus I still have boob growth pain even after 4 years and Tanner stage V.

The bra feels amazing! I think all my other bras have been trying to cut me in two and the wires sticking into the sides of my boobs weren't fun either.

So the moral of the story is bra calculators are a complete and utter waste of time for us trans women. Buy three bras the same and pick the best fit is the easiest course of action I think! The good news is that, as the largest is my size, I can slim into the other ones as I loose weight so no money wasted really. plus the bras were on sale too.

I remeasured mone today and no change from 8 months ago. Still 38 band and 40 breasts. Its really hard to not get dysphoric as they look exactly like man boobs. Even the areola are tiny which doesn't seem right. For me im not interested in the time between now and February. The sooner its gone the better!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 08, 2026, 02:33:52 PMI remeasured mone today and no change from 8 months ago. Still 38 band and 40 breasts. Its really hard to not get dysphoric as they look exactly like man boobs. Even the areola are tiny which doesn't seem right. For me im not interested in the time between now and February. The sooner its gone the better!

well to be fair the wider areola comes later, at least it did for me. The nips don't fully mature for around 3 years or so. It's funny, if the nipples are erect then the areolas shrink and when the nips are relaxed they go wide to 2"+ discs, they change all the time depending on temp and physical contact (TMI?).

I would kill for a 38 band right now!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 08, 2026, 02:56:24 PMwell to be fair the wider areola comes later, at least it did for me. The nips don't fully mature for around 3 years or so. It's funny, if the nipples are erect then the areolas shrink and when the nips are relaxed they go wide to 2"+ discs, they change all the time depending on temp and physical contact (TMI?).

I would kill for a 38 band right now!

You wouldn't want the 40 breasts to go with the 38 band though! No one would!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 08, 2026, 03:07:48 PMYou wouldn't want the 40 breasts to go with the 38 band though! No one would!

well you wouldn't want the 46 band either so right back at ya 😜😜

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 08, 2026, 03:34:23 PMwell you wouldn't want the 46 band either so right back at ya 😜😜

Hehe well..maybe hehe...you just need to see the kinds of body that I kinda wish I had and also like in other women. I think its only down to practicality that I'm not aiming for a body around double my current size! I find larger women much more appealing!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 08, 2026, 02:56:24 PMwell to be fair the wider areola comes later, at least it did for me. The nips don't fully mature for around 3 years or so. It's funny, if the nipples are erect then the areolas shrink and when the nips are relaxed they go wide to 2"+ discs, they change all the time depending on temp and physical contact (TMI?).

I've tried to take photos of mine when I first get out of bed and I'm warm but as soon as I take my shirt off, my really large areolae become way less impressive. I've been in contact with a fair amount of breasts but I never realized how moody and quick-responding they were until I grew a pair of my own.

Yeah they are weird and sometimes they don't react the same either! warmth definitely makes them bigger. mine can reach nearly 3" but then shrink to 1" by the time I've gone to the cold bathroom! the things you discover on this journey ha ha!

I didn't even know they changed so much lol

Neither did I until they did! I had to google it, I thought there was something wrong with me!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 08, 2026, 03:07:48 PMYou wouldn't want the 40 breasts to go with the 38 band though! No one would!

Can't tell you how thrilled I am to find out that pretty much my band and cup size are so undesirable! 🤣

My wife dug up this awesome chart:

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/breast-size-by-country

Yay! UK takes the bronze medal 🤣🤣

I just tried the BraThatFits calculator. 40DD

Yeah, right. In my dreams.

If 40B fits and 40C cups are too big, how is 40DD supposed to be better? I'm not seeing the logic.

Quote from: Devlyn on June 09, 2026, 01:10:17 PMCan't tell you how thrilled I am to find out that pretty much my band and cup size are so undesirable! 🤣

Thats surprising to hear considering your profile pic! Although i dont really fill the cups, there is a gap all around. Only the very centre makes contact! Probably measures B but voulme of A for me. If i lay down im basically flat chested!

In February its getting fixed and ill be getting them to put in the biggest theyll allow!

Quote from: Devlyn on June 09, 2026, 01:10:17 PMCan't tell you how thrilled I am to find out that pretty much my band and cup size are so undesirable! 🤣

Is that 38B then? That doesn't sound that bad compared to national averages.

As I've said on here before smaller boobs open up more fashion choices because the high street designers don't design for larger ladies. No shift dresses, no halter tops, no button down tops, no spaghetti strap tops or dresses for us bigger ladies. Plus it might lead to back pain in later life.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 09, 2026, 02:30:05 PMThats surprising to hear considering your profile pic! Although i dont really fill the cups, there is a gap all around. Only the very centre makes contact! Probably measures B but voulme of A for me. If i lay down im basically flat chested!

In February its getting fixed and ill be getting them to put in the biggest theyll allow!

Yeah but that's because your boobs are still teenagers boobs Charlotte! At one year in you are probably only at tanner stage 2. They haven't had a chance to round out yet. It will happen, plus it's not uniform either, you get growth spurts where it suddenly grows quite rapidly. after stage 2 they round out more. Patience Charlotte, all good things come to those who wait!

When I went to VS for my first bra, she measured me at a 36A and said "Since you're growing, it would be a good idea to get a 36B and you'll grow into it." She was right. I'm only in a 38B now because... too much tapas! 🤣

Quote from: Devlyn on June 09, 2026, 02:39:13 PMWhen I went to VS for my first bra, she measured me at a 36A and said "Since you're growing, it would be a good idea to get a 36B and you'll grow into it." She was right. I'm only in a 38B now because... too much tapas! 🤣

Do you not mean too much tatas?🤣

You know, when someone comes to the site and says...

"Which surgeon will give me the best, most natural looking, 102% passable (with a 2% margin of error) vagina?"

...we send them to the Great Wall of Vagina (seriously, look it up) and we ask them which was the perfect one?

I would say that the same will apply to breasts. In fact I looked before I made this post. Not all breasts are big, they're not all round, and most are a bit unequal. 🙂

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 09, 2026, 02:46:13 PMDo you not mean too much tatas?🤣

DING DING DING!

Somebody just won the internet!

Quote from: Devlyn on June 09, 2026, 02:47:46 PMYou know, when someone comes to the site and says...

"Which surgeon will give me the best, most natural looking, 102% passable (with a 2% margin of error) vagina?"

...we send them to the Great Wall of Vagina (seriously, look it up) and we ask them which was the perfect one?

I would say that the same will apply to breasts. In fact I looked before I made this post. Not all breasts are big, they're not all round, and most are a bit unequal. 🙂

So true, mine are a bit pendulous, I wish they were perkier. My right one is probably close to a half size bigger than the left too. But they are still growing so I hope things will even out as they finally mature. If not well, it's not the end of the world.

Point is no two boobs will be the same. If you want perfection there is no such thing, it depends on the your own perception. You always have options if you do not like where the ride stops.

I doubt whether HRT or breast augmentation would make my boobs any more passable.
They are totally within the expected size range in a women with my current BMI.
The left one is slightly larger than the one on the right.  32A is the current bra size.

Boob greed is a real thing. I never thought I'd get past an A cup or a small B. I'm a 36D now and I'm thinking "double D would be nice."

Oh, and I'm wearing a new bra I bought for sleeping in warm weather. Cotton pullover. Comfy. A 4 pack was cheap. And I just LOVE every new bra. I want a whole room full of them, in every color and style.

Quote from: Courtney G on June 09, 2026, 09:49:12 PMBoob greed is a real thing. I never thought I'd get past an A cup or a small B. I'm a 36D now and I'm thinking "double D would be nice."

Oh, and I'm wearing a new bra I bought for sleeping in warm weather. Cotton pullover. Comfy. A 4 pack was cheap. And I just LOVE every new bra. I want a whole room full of them, in every color and style.

This is a perfect example of what I was talking about. You appear to have a slim athletic body and 36 D boobs on that is slightly above average, you still have all your clothing options, you aren't going to get a sore back, they are probably perkier than mine, you can buy bras from the high street not specialist online shops. To me, yours are perfect but to you no, you want more.

I am a little concered about mine as I have been reading about sister sizing and the fact that for each band size you drop you need to size up a cup. I will loose fat in them but because of hormones I will likely loose weight around them faster which means even though the boobs loose volume they are proportionately bigger. Back when I was 13 stone I was a 36 band projecting that forward would mean I am possibly going to land in the vicinity of 36H (UK). I fear that is too much boobage! I have narrow shoulders and my boobs are only 1" apart at the root so they are going to be very prominant. I'm worried that is going to present problems with people staring at them in public. I think I would be very happy with a D cup personally.

Wow 36H sounds perfect to me!! If I had that I would be rapidly joining a certain place where you make money from fans.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 10, 2026, 04:07:27 AMWow 36H sounds perfect to me!! If I had that I would be rapidly joining a certain place where you make money from fans.

Hmmmm I'm too shy for anything like that Charlotte! You're a wild one at heart aren't you!

All of what I've been saying is just boob theory, only time will tell I guess. The bra that I just bought that feels sooo comfy  (the 46 E) is too loose in the band at the back, I can get my fist behind the band on the tightest hooks. But the 44E band was too tight. According to the sister size theory, this is because the cup size at 44E is too small and the boobs are pushing the band out too tightly and pulling the band too tight. This could be right as I flipped the 44E bra upside down with the cups pointing downwards and lo and behold the 44 strap was no longer too tight.

The caveat here is that the bras I have been testing are the Curvy Kate Spacer Plunge Bras. They have 3D spacer material instead of rigid fabric for the cups (think shapewear for your boobs) these mould to your boob and may not give the true representation of boob size. Soooo. I've ordered an unpadded balcony bra in 44F to test the theory. Balcony bras have rigid fabric across the bottom half of the cups so they will not distort under boob pressure. Thus, if the bra cups fit and the band size feels right then I am a true 44F.

Are you sure you want big boobs ha ha!!!!! What a rigmarole! it's like a science project!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 10, 2026, 03:34:13 AMThis is a perfect example of what I was talking about. You appear to have a slim athletic body and 36 D boobs on that is slightly above average, you still have all your clothing options, you aren't going to get a sore back, they are probably perkier than mine, you can buy bras from the high street not specialist online shops. To me, yours are perfect but to you no, you want more.

Don't get me wrong, I love mine and I'm very satisfied. I've gotten more than I dreamed possible. I often feel guilty about it and I sometimes hesitate to mention or display them in trans spaces because I've spent a lifetime feeling inadequate and I certainly don't want to make others feel that way. Yes, on my slim frame, they're really something. But I would love for them to be more of a focal point of my appearance, a little more "wow, those are really exceptional" in the cis world, rather than just the trans one. In the cis world, they're "nice", which is great, but I find myself hoping I get a little more. Part of this is that I'm on the tall side at 5' 10 1/2". Perhaps I want to be sure to prevent men from looking too closely at the rest of me.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on June 10, 2026, 04:07:27 AMWow 36H sounds perfect to me!! If I had that I would be rapidly joining a certain place where you make money from fans.

In my case, I've considered this as a "plan B" more than once. I figured that if I got divorced and started to have financial problems, I could wear a mask or just be visible from the neck down. Before coming out to myself, I did what many did: look at that sort of stuff and wish I could be like them. So I know that I'm exceptional and that I could make a lot of money. Life is strange sometimes.

Quote from: Courtney G on June 10, 2026, 09:18:52 AMIn my case, I've considered this as a "plan B" more than once. I figured that if I got divorced and started to have financial problems, I could wear a mask or just be visible from the neck down. Before coming out to myself, I did what many did: look at that sort of stuff and wish I could be like them. So I know that I'm exceptional and that I could make a lot of money. Life is strange sometimes.

Definitely don't wear a mask as then would be missing the best part!!

I get where you are coming from Courtney and I do not wish to make anyone feel inadequate either but those of us who have had good growth need to be able to discuss these things, they don't come with a manual and as you can see with all my deliberations and experimenting, it's bloody complicated. I do not have anyone to talk to about this stuff, Are you having lengthy discussions with your wife about boob growth and bra sizing? If you are then great but I do not think we should be forced to be quiet and not try to find answers.

For balance I am very keen to highlight the negatives as much as the positives. Of course I love that they have grown so much but it does have it's bad points too.

Regarding the likes of Onlyfans, it does not matter how big my boobs are, when I loose the weight I'm not going to have a super tight holywood starlet figure in the buff! There will be excess skin, and if I get rid of that there will be tummy tuck scars. Nobody is going to pay good money to see that ha ha! If you two think you can rock that lifestyle then have at it but I can't see me raking in the funds at 50 years old!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on June 10, 2026, 10:28:12 AMI do not have anyone to talk to about this stuff, Are you having lengthy discussions with your wife about boob growth and bra sizing? If you are then great but I do not think we should be forced to be quiet and not try to find answers.

I'm a bit similar, but I have a couple of close female friends who are able to help a bit, as well as the older of my sisters. Discussing breasts and clothing with my sister is something I'd never imagined would happen, but she's a good person who loves me.

My wife offers me acceptance with a limited amount of encouragement. She encourages me to walk around/go out as myself. To quote her "What's the worst that can happen? The world isn't going to come to an end." But I don't know that she'd want to go out to a restaurant with me in full-on Courtney mode. Perhaps she would.

She did give me a bunch of her old bras, including some frilly ones and a lacy pink camisole that is clearly lingerie rather than practical boob-supporting in its function. But she's never bought me any girl clothes.

She has commented on my breasts a bit, joking that they're "terrifying" and "so big" but she hasn't said they're "nice" or anything like that. It's like she doesn't want to encourage me, which is understandable. So when I have questions, I generally don't ask her. I've mentioned my development and timeline and the possibility that I can grow more over the coming years and she acts a bit like it's impossible. I tell her I'm really only about 17 years old in puberty years and she laughs as if to dismiss the thought. She's quite smart but I think there's a bit of cognitive dissonance there. Again, understandable.

Wow! You're very lucky Courtney, you have such a great support network there. I have no sisters, I'm not talking about this stuff with my mum either! I do have one female friend but I don't see her often and she does not know, well at least I have not told her, she might know in truth, the funbags are getting hard to hide! I'm going to have to tell her soon I think.

You're wife seems like a bit of an enigma on the one hand you say she is unhappy about the fact you are transitioning (albeit partially) but on the other she's assisting you with free lingerie! They are nice Courtney and she knows it! Any women knows it.