Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Just wondering how many have gotten fitted for a bra.I haven't ,but I should

My bestie use to be a bra fitter at Nordstroms.  She pretty much got me set up years ago.  I found it helpful to have a friend who did fittings for a living.

yea, I'm afraid of the reaction from the fitter

Many have experience with trans clients, according to my friend.  It just kind of depends on the place.  Now I do live in trans-friendly Seattle, so it might have been easier for me.  I would as locally for recommendations.

I''m starting to go to trans groups at the lgbtq...ce'nter so I can find out

The trans support group I go to organized an after-hours session at Victoria's Secret a few months back.  In addition to shopping with some privacy, it was an opportunity for people to get properly fitted.  I didn't go (long drive) but it was a good idea.

You might want to see if a local group ever does that sort of thing.

Yes. I recommend it...  A properly fitted bra is life changing!  If you're going to be using one daily... all day every day... why would you not go for a proper fitting? 

My wife took me to the shop she visits for a professional fitting. It just happened that the owner was a personal friend of hers and had know me for years. It was a full line foundations shop, aimed more at fit than fashion. As most of the sales help had never fitted a male before, I was asked if they could assist. Of course I agreed. It was all very professional, they all measured, tucked, and poured me into everything in the shop and found that the tape can lie about your true cup size. It is more that just how far you are 'out there', it is also how pointy you are, how high or low you hang, the shape of your shoulders, and what style of clothes you will be wearing. Of course, it cost more dollars that off the rack at Wally World, but it was an eye opener for us. Everyone with breast tissue should be fitted, whether they are presenting as male or as female. Some males want to minimize their profile, I sorta like showing off!

Quote from: Inarasarah on January 05, 2017, 08:06:01 PM
Many have experience with trans clients, according to my friend.  It just kind of depends on the place.  Now I do live in trans-friendly Seattle, so it might have been easier for me.  I would as locally for recommendations.

I also live near Seattle ( Auburn) and wonder do you go to Ingersoll Gender Center? Perhaps you attend GASS at the Rainbow Center in Tacoma. I would love to speak to you if you have any experience with these support groups. I've been waffling and as a result I am still just a crossdresser who has been on HRT for 4 1/2 months.

I went to Ingersol back in the day (2002 - 2005), I haven't honestly been back in years, even though I have seen my dear friend Marsha Botzer several times over the years.  Feel free to PM me I can try to answer some questions, but mainly, I have nothing but positive things to say about Ingersol.

-Sarah

Quote from: DawnOday on January 06, 2017, 10:44:19 AM
I also live near Seattle ( Auburn) and wonder do you go to Ingersoll Gender Center? Perhaps you attend GASS at the Rainbow Center in Tacoma. I would love to speak to you if you have any experience with these support groups. I've been waffling and as a result I am still just a crossdresser who has been on HRT for 4 1/2 months.

Dear, if you are on HRT, and it's helping (and I bet it is, from your posts), you are definitely not 'just a crossdresser'.  Cross dressing is dressing against your gender identity. You have a definite feminine identity, and when you present in a feminine style you are just getting your gender presentation and gender identity lined up.  You feel better, relieved, perhaps even a dash of euphoria when you dress correctly, right?

It is when you dress with a male presentation, against your gender identity, that you are cross dressing. 

Joining a support group isn't what defines you.  YOU define you.

Now, get out there and join a support group. ;)

Hugs
- Michelle


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No, and I don't plan to.  It's really not necessary to my way of thinking, although I've read that 80% of natal women wear ill-fitting bras.  Generally, they wear bras which are too small.  The rules for assessing a good fit are straight forward, and every bra manufacturer's bras fit differently, so every purchase requires a try on to check for fit.  If a bra doesn't fit right, I return it or don't buy it.  Everyone who wears a bra daily should know how to fit a bra properly, so if you need professional help to learn the ropes, by all means go for it.

Here's a useful guide:

http://lingerie.about.com/od/FitGuide/ss/6-Steps-to-Check-the-Fit-of-Your-Bra.htm#showall (http://lingerie.about.com/od/FitGuide/ss/6-Steps-to-Check-the-Fit-of-Your-Bra.htm#showall)

Quote from: Michelle_P on January 06, 2017, 11:04:58 AM
Dear, if you are on HRT, and it's helping (and I bet it is, from your posts), you are definitely not 'just a crossdresser'.  Cross dressing is dressing against your gender identity. You have a definite feminine identity, and when you present in a feminine style you are just getting your gender presentation and gender identity lined up.  You feel better, relieved, perhaps even a dash of euphoria when you dress correctly, right?

It is when you dress with a male presentation, against your gender identity, that you are cross dressing. 

Joining a support group isn't what defines you.  YOU define you.

Now, get out there and join a support group. ;)

Hugs
- Michelle


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Of course you are right. I appreciate so much your continued commentary. This has been a singular activity for so long that it is hard to come forward. My feelings have been repressed and although I have felt female forever I have never gone out of my way to present female in public, except when I tried ballet before I was twelve but by then it was getting increasingly difficult because I was already over 6' tall. I always had that vienna sausage, or cocktail weiner if you prefer, whichever, the only place it fit was in a can. which never really allowed me to fit in. So far I have met only a handful or less of people like me. I want to be in a room full of people just like me. Once again thanks for being there for me. Oh and I have been averaging about 3500 steps a day. Not bad for temperatures in the 20's.

I continually see women that measure under there breast and around their back and assume that's their band size. As an for instance, if that measurement were 40 inches, your band size is not a 40...it's a 44 and possibly a 46. If you measure 33 inches under your breast, you're a 36. So yeah.... there's a lot of gals out their wearing ill fitting bras.

Stephaniec I totally recomend getting a propper bra fitting first and when your body changes sizes esp when your wearing them all day, but when you buy bras you will find the size changes according to the store / brand your buying them from,,
I know Im a 18c/d but recently I went to target amd other big chain stores and I went up to a 20, but went back to my normal store and guess what I was still a 18 and they bras fitted way better.

Cheers Tracy

Absolutely. It was so pampering to have someone recommend bras I would have never thought to try myself and an intimate girl bonding experience to be in the dressing room with all the other women pushing and tugging their boobs!

I did and it was a great experience.  The ladies were very helpful and accepting.

I have and its the best thing I ever did

It turned out I was wearing the incorrect band and cup size..

Since I have gone, a bra is so comfortable. I was told if a bra fits right, u will not even feel its there and its true

A bra must not cut into you and should not leave marks when you take it off and be not too high on your back. I correctly fitting bra should be about half way down you back,

nollen111, you said it all "if a bra fits right, u will not even feel its there and its true" that is the best test that you have a correct bra for you, don't go by measurements. They only give to place to start, then start trying on different sizes, styles, etc until you find the best one for you.

I haven't been for a bra fitting; however, for the time being, I'm quite content not wearing a bra (:

I have had several. At first I was really scared of all these female rites of passage but I got used to the idea pretty quick. I have breasts. I need a bra to put them in. End of story.

I haven't had any problems at all.


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Quote from: jentay1367 on January 06, 2017, 04:55:45 PM
I continually see women that measure under there breast and around their back and assume that's their band size. As an for instance, if that measurement were 40 inches, your band size is not a 40...it's a 44 and possibly a 46. If you measure 33 inches under your breast, you're a 36. So yeah.... there's a lot of gals out their wearing ill fitting bras.

If your ribcage measures 40 inches, your band size is 40. If your ribcage is 34", you should wear a 34 band.

If, for example, you go over a smidge, say 32.5", a 34 band may be more comfortable. Adding 4" to your ribcage diameter is archaic.

I went to Macy's in the gayborhood. They have a trans woman in the shoe department and they are in a neighborhood with a lot of trans. When I go in the store there are several trans. Anyhow, I went to the bra department and walked up to the desk. There were 3 sales people working with ringing out customers and there were several woman in the area. When asked how they could help me I said I need a bra fitting. In a few minutes I was being fitted. I told the fitter I was a little embarrassed. She said why, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Yes;
I went to Marks & spencer (book on line) and the fitter spent over 1 hour with me. We decided that I had grown and now I am either 42C or 44B. 42C fits much better on me now. I bought 3 matching panty & bra sets (i gorgeous turquoise set, one pink and one black (to go with my black lacy suspender belt and stockings)
Judith

Quote from: ChloëAri on January 16, 2017, 06:33:31 PM
If your ribcage measures 40 inches, your band size is 40. If your ribcage is 34", you should wear a 34 band.

If, for example, you go over a smidge, say 32.5", a 34 band may be more comfortable. Adding 4" to your ribcage diameter is archaic.

I never said to add four inches. It's variable for your ribcage size
On every noted point,  you're simply incorrect.

The first time I went for a fitting I still had a beard and a hairy chest and the woman who assisted me was way more calm than I was back in the early 90s.  I still have one of those bras and it was the best fit ever.  Of course it is worn out and I have been to several other places including Victorias Secret and still don't have a comfortable fitting Bra.  Its cool because I often just go braless anyway.

Part of my/our challenge is the size and shape of our chest.  i have a barrel chest and what could be called "walleye" boobs that point a bit to the sides rather than snuggling in for that sweet cleavage look.  I will keep shopping and tried online too but ended up with too many to return.  I like shopping but my 40+B chest makes for a much smaller market of available products and no winners at the local stores.   Still, tis wonderful to have them bras or not. :D 

Quote from: jentay1367 on January 16, 2017, 07:34:14 PM
I never said to add four inches. It's variable for your ribcage size
On every noted point,  you're simply incorrect.

Well adding four inches was the old standard. If you're adding anything to your ribcage measurement, other than rounding up to the nearest size, it's too big to be a "proper" fit. My ribcage is 30.5" in diameter, and anything over a 32 band rides up like crazy. That being said, it's not inherently bad to like an improper fit, much as why I like wearing mens' XL hoodies for comfort. 

I very strongly recommend Nordstrom's; I had a wonderful experience there, and they're very competent. Plus I have heard many comments from friends that they were extremely trans-friendly (I didn't out myself, personally, as I was nervous enough as it was).

Quote from: ChloëAri on January 17, 2017, 07:32:07 AM
Well adding four inches was the old standard. If you're adding anything to your ribcage measurement, other than rounding up to the nearest size, it's too big to be a "proper" fit. My ribcage is 30.5" in diameter, and anything over a 32 band rides up like crazy. That being said, it's not inherently bad to like an improper fit, much as why I like wearing mens' XL hoodies for comfort.

Mind providing where you're getting your erroneous information??? I can provide any number of Apparel sites that suggest using the method I've prescribed. Please provide a link that suggest what I've stated is "archaic".
     My rib cage measures 35 inches and a 36 inch bra strangles me. So by your standards, I'd be wearing a bra that makes me absolutely miserable. Love to have that link!

Bras are sized differently from different makers. I wear Platex 18 hour or Glamorize, and the 40 D fits my 39 inch under bust chest. Whatever size you get it should be a little snug on the largest hooks, because they stretch and in a few months you might be using the middle hooks. Also never put a bra in the clothes dryer. And yes, I went to a professional fitter.

I was actually a bit surprised to learn how snug a properly fitted bra should be; I am 39" underbust, but the fitter immediately said I should be in a 38 band, and then she reassured me that it really should feel that "tight" at first. She was right - the support was amazing, and it rapidly became more comfortable. She also explained that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of support is provided by the band; if it isn't fitted well, the bra will not be that useful, even if the cups and straps are perfect. I guess that's how strapless bras work. ;)

(I ended up being fitted as a 38DD even though I'd been wearing a 42D in my favorite bra... and even now that I've added one more cup size, I still love the style of bra that the fitter recommended. Annoyingly, though, the 40DD had MUCH bigger cups than the 38DDD, even though they're *supposed* to be the same cup volume. I had to return the 40DD bras.)

If you are wearing forms, all bets are off. Natal women generally don't carry around silicone filled pouches in their bra. So in essence, none of the rules are going to apply if you're in a position to be wearing them. Natal Womens breast are attached, so to speak and have no need to support the full weight of the breast but rather merely provide support. So a comfortable bra strap is going to be essential to them. I've never met a natal woman that feels a super tight bra strap is either comfortable or necessary.  Now when you're supporting the free weight of a form that wants to shift and sag, you're going to need a very tight strap as well as a super structured cup to look correct and do its job. Bras simply aren't designed to handle the rigors or day to day use that many CD and TS Women's needs when they're using forms.

Jentay: On the off chance that was directed at me, I'm all natural (no implants, either). I was also referring to the band, not the strap. I do agree that breast forms require additional bra considerations, but I hadn't seen that mentioned in the thread before now; maybe a post was deleted.

Quote from: Jenna Marie on January 17, 2017, 04:21:24 PM
Jentay: On the off chance that was directed at me, I'm all natural (no implants, either). I was also referring to the band, not the strap. I do agree that breast forms require additional bra considerations, but I hadn't seen that mentioned in the thread before now; maybe a post was deleted.

No, Jenna. This is a direct response to ChloëAri. I don't want Women to order on line based on her assertions only to find they are disappointed. Hugs! Lisa

Jentay: Fair enough! :) I actually recommend a fitting (apropos of the thread) because all of the "do it yourself" methods can work for some women and not others. The only good way to find a bra that fits is trial and error and/or consulting an expert - and the latter is quicker, anyway.

I got fitted before HRT (i has smaller breasts from gynecomastia) and have since I've experienced growth from HRT. Proper fit is very important.

Quote from: Tessa James on January 16, 2017, 10:14:23 PM
The first time I went for a fitting I still had a beard and a hairy chest and the woman who assisted me was way more calm than I was back in the early 90s.  I still have one of those bras and it was the best fit ever.  Of course it is worn out and I have been to several other places including Victorias Secret and still don't have a comfortable fitting Bra.  Its cool because I often just go braless anyway.

Part of my/our challenge is the size and shape of our chest.  i have a barrel chest and what could be called "walleye" boobs that point a bit to the sides rather than snuggling in for that sweet cleavage look.  I will keep shopping and tried online too but ended up with too many to return.  I like shopping but my 40+B chest makes for a much smaller market of available products and no winners at the local stores.   Still, tis wonderful to have them bras or not. :D

Tessa if you shop in plus size stores they have a nice range of pretty bras as low as B cups, CityChic is my fav store for getting them from as Im a 18c/d and I find the moulded cups are better than the usual fabric ones as it gives a nice shape...
But I find some chain stores plus size bras are boring in color / prints, and I always try on first as the sizing varies a bit,

Cheers Tracy

The cheap Chinese lingerie typically uses the chest + 4-6" = band size sizing.  Most of the US and European brands are currently sized underbreast snug measurement = band size.  My favorites are Bali and Chantelle, both size bands this way and result in a reliably fitting band.  Carnival in the larger sizes seem to run large in the band.  I need downsize from my usual 40 to 38.

Google "A Bra that Fits" which will take you to a wonderful website that contains more bra fitting information than probably anywhere else on earth.  You will enjoy the information and end up a far more competent bra shopper wearing better fitting bras.

Steph

Quote from: jentay1367 on January 17, 2017, 11:15:06 AM
Mind providing where you're getting your erroneous information??? I can provide any number of Apparel sites that suggest using the method I've prescribed. Please provide a link that suggest what I've stated is "archaic".
     My rib cage measures 35 inches and a 36 inch bra strangles me. So by your standards, I'd be wearing a bra that makes me absolutely miserable. Love to have that link!

I have seen most of the apparel sites. Their sizing techniques are designed to give you an improper fit so that they have a larger range of women that can fit into their size range. As Steph says, the sub->-bleeped-<- "Abrathatfits" is a great resource.

Also, if you're ordering online, you're probably going to have a bad time anyway. Every brand is different, especially between American, European, and British brands. 

Quote from: jentay1367 on January 17, 2017, 03:53:05 PM
If you are wearing forms, all bets are off. Natal women generally don't carry around silicone filled pouches in their bra. So in essence, none of the rules are going to apply if you're in a position to be wearing them. Natal Womens breast are attached, so to speak and have no need to support the full weight of the breast but rather merely provide support. So a comfortable bra strap is going to be essential to them. I've never met a natal woman that feels a super tight bra strap is either comfortable or necessary.  Now when you're supporting the free weight of a form that wants to shift and sag, you're going to need a very tight strap as well as a super structured cup to look correct and do its job. Bras simply aren't designed to handle the rigors or day to day use that many CD and TS Women's needs when they're using forms.

The only people I know that use breast forms are drag queens. Most of the time, a push-up should suffice. The band provides 80% of the support, and anyone with large breasts that is properly sized will tell you what a difference a snug band makes. If one has limited boob and a skinny ribcage, going up a bandsize or two may actually be more comfortable, and that's okay. But that's not what should be tried from the get-go.

There are alot of reasons why girls wear breast forms (sort of why they make them in the first place). It's very important if you have a mastectomy to help balance your body. And there's not much you can do when your girlfriend picks out a low cut strapless bridesmaid's dress and you don't have the boobs to fill it out. Twenty years ago the average bust was 34B, now its a 34DD. Styles are crazy! Alot of tops just won't fit right you without a chicken fillet or pushup.

Quote from: flytrap on January 18, 2017, 09:45:18 AM
There are alot of reasons why girls wear breast forms (sort of why they make them in the first place). It's very important if you have a mastectomy to help balance your body. And there's not much you can do when your girlfriend picks out a low cut strapless bridesmaid's dress and you don't have the boobs to fill it out. Twenty years ago the average bust was 34B, now its a 34DD. Styles are crazy! Alot of tops just won't fit right you without a chicken fillet or pushup.

Wow...Women with mastectomies and many Trans Women are shuddering everywhere....I'm out. This threads going to get me in trouble.

Quote from: flytrap on January 18, 2017, 09:45:18 AM
There are alot of reasons why girls wear breast forms (sort of why they make them in the first place). It's very important if you have a mastectomy to help balance your body. And there's not much you can do when your girlfriend picks out a low cut strapless bridesmaid's dress and you don't have the boobs to fill it out. Twenty years ago the average bust was 34B, now its a 34DD. Styles are crazy! Alot of tops just won't fit right you without a chicken fillet or pushup.

Oh that's true; I completely gapped mastectomies. Thank you for bringing that up.

I have.  I went to a bra store in Toronto where men are welcome.  I had never been fitted before and found the bras I had purchased before didn't fit properly.  I bought a few bras and have been wearing every day since I bought my first one there.

According to what I've been reading elsewhere, buying the wrong size bra is common, because the person has never known their correct size, which can change.

Quoteyea, I'm afraid of the reaction from the fitter

Why?  An experience fitter has probably seen it all.  As I mentioned in another note, I go to a bra shop that welcomes men, transsexuals and others.

 Do not forget the Susan B. Komen Fit For the Cure fundraiser each year. They provide free bra fittings and donate $2 to the breast cancer fund for each fitting they do.  It is advertised each year and I've seen many guys go have it done for the cause.

When I was about 18, I was a very androgenous young man with no beard, shoulder length hair and big breasts. My mother, who was delighted with my development, took me to the foundation department of a large department store. She told the clerk she wanted her "daughter" fitted in a support bra. I was stunned- she never referred to me with the female pronoun. I removed my blouse and the bra borrowed from Mother, and I sat there in a daze while the clerk measured me. 38C was the verdict and several were soon fetched. The clerk pointed out the various features and mother purchased several. She then sent the clerk out for a black lace push up bra that made me look like a DD- and the lace cups could be folded in to reveal even more. "I don't know where you will wear it dear" mother said, "but every girl ought to have one".

QuoteMy mother, who was delighted with my development, took me to the foundation department of a large department store.

You were very fortunate.  While I would have loved to have my mother buy me things, I was terrified she'd find out what I liked to wear.  In retrospect, I suspect she would have been OK with it, but at the time I certainly didn't see it.

Rhonda,
What a delightful story.  Sounds like you were pretty shocked to be approached by your mother in that way at age 18. What followed?  Did you transition following this event?

Steph

No Steph I transitioned much later. Mother and I often went out as mother and daughter and we grew very much closer. I had a sister a little older but she was completely uninterested in being a girl. Mother had me as her very own Barbie doll- and I loved it.

I assume then your mother is happy with your transition or perhaps encouraged it.

Mom is correct Rhonda,
Every girl (and most boys too) really need some sexy things in their drawer to keep the juices flowing.
And you just never know when you will want them...

Quote from: Rhonda333 on February 26, 2017, 04:30:42 PM
When I was about 18, I was a very androgenous young man with no beard, shoulder length hair and big breasts. My mother, who was delighted with my development, took me to the foundation department of a large department store. She told the clerk she wanted her "daughter" fitted in a support bra. I was stunned- she never referred to me with the female pronoun. I removed my blouse and the bra borrowed from Mother, and I sat there in a daze while the clerk measured me. 38C was the verdict and several were soon fetched. The clerk pointed out the various features and mother purchased several. She then sent the clerk out for a black lace push up bra that made me look like a DD- and the lace cups could be folded in to reveal even more. "I don't know where you will wear it dear" mother said, "but every girl ought to have one".

Well hello Rhonda!

My goodness your experiences almost sounds like a few trans fantasy books I have seen.  What a wonderfully fun and supportive response from your mom.  Yes, if only every mom was so cool.  Welcome aboard by the way.

I haven't been fitted but should've already since I have had breasts since 6th grade. Now that I'm on HRT they ache and hurt to the touch. I really like the feeling and support of a comfortable bra.

Now, because I had boobs to begin with, I'm over 50 and I'm on HRT, my doctor has scheduled me for a mammography at my next visit. Anyone had one yet? Is it as painful as they say? I'm sure a bra fitting would be more pleasurable  :)

yes I've had regular mammograms most of my adult life- even in male mode. Its much easier now as a woman who is expected to have breasts.

Yes I have, but unfortunately, I went to the one place I should not have gone....since I went in dressed as a male. The sales person was very friendly, but literally bent over in laughter when I told her what I was there for. She regained her composure and did my measurements. But by that time I was too embarrassed to purchase a new bra. Next time, I will go dressed in my feminine attire.

Roni

@Roni-jalyn

One thing I did before finding a bra shop was search on bra men and my city name.  That turned up a bra shop that makes a point of serving men.  In fact, if someone wants to work there, they have to be comfortable fitting men.  It's a job requirement.

James, I did not know that. Thanks for the tip. Roni

For the reference of anyone in the area, here's a link to their page on serving men.
http://secretsfromyoursister.com/blog/shopping-with-sfys-transwomen-cisgender-men-and-everyone-else/ (http://secretsfromyoursister.com/blog/shopping-with-sfys-transwomen-cisgender-men-and-everyone-else/)
Hopefully this link is OK here.