Hi girls, ever have to scratch your head while figuring out your bra size? I know I have!
Each bra size method or calculator comes up with similar projections (pun intended) but never one that worked out to a proper fit.
I found one that uses six measurements and differentiates between male or female designation at birth.
When I plugged in the numbers, the size for born as male was 1 cup size less than born as female. I hope this will give me a better fitting bra size.
Now I have to find one that "points" me in the right direction....forward.
I want headlights, not side reflectors.
Try it out!....... A Bra That Fits (https://www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php)
Hugs and smiles, Jessica
Hey you since I'm still technically female I just gonna give advice to FTM peeps... if you're not ready to use a binder yet- try a sports bra, it makes my breast look smaller without feeling uncomfortable!
Quote from: SallyChoasAura on July 23, 2018, 05:57:35 PM
Hey you since I'm still technically female I just gonna give advice to FTM peeps... if you're not ready to use a binder yet- try a sports bra, it makes my breast look smaller without feeling uncomfortable!
Hi Sally that's a great topic for the ftm transsexual talk forum, I think you should post that suggestion there, more ftm members will find it better.
I had this in the crossdresser forum, but think since it is directed more towards mtf members, I moved it to MtF transsexual talk
Okay!!! Er... how do I do that?😅
Hi Sally, click here (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,27.0.html)
Then click new topic, add a subject, then make a comment, click post
Thanks for this post.
I found it marvelously uplifting.
Thanks for the bra calculator.
I have used two other methods in the past. 1) I have been sized twice ( once before my BA and once after) and purchased 4 bras after my BA. 2) buy on line using the size that you know fits and if it does not fit return it.
I have been sized twice. The first time I was super nervous and the second time after my BA a few years later I was fine.
I have found sizers difficult. When I was sized in the stores they use a under the breast and a cross for the band and across the breast. Then it is so may inches difference per cup.
Quote from: Jessica on July 23, 2018, 06:13:17 PM
Hi Sally, click here (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,27.0.html)
Then click new topic, add a subject, then make a comment, click post
Thank you! Ima gonna head on over there now!
Interesting. I pretty much gave up on calculators. I just go and try on 100 of them and take the ones that look/feel the best. I'll have to see how the calculator stacks up with my choices.
Even if you use the bra size calculator it is still just a guess.... it may get you close to the right size, but the bra still has to be tried on, along with other close sizes and similar sizes... different brands and styles all in the same size will fit a little differently..
Trying them on is the sure fire method to find your size.
Danielle
@Alaskan Danielle Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on July 23, 2018, 06:39:21 PM
Even if you use the bra size calculator it is still just a guess.... it may get you close to the right size, but the bra still has to be tried on, along with other close sizes and similar sizes... different brands and styles all in the same size will fit a little differently..
Trying them on is the sure fire method to find your size.
Danielle
So Northern Miss, have any suggestions for outward pointing nipples?
If the girls would just sit like proper ladies it wouldn't be an issue.
I comfortably wear a 40 D and this calculator says I need a 40 DDD. This is 2 cup sizes too big, but the band size is spot on.
you pretty much look for cups that have a little more space between them for comfort, get ones with the cups closer together to "pull them closer in", pushup bras with "up and in" padding works quite well for more cleavage, or go for retro bras that were designed to keep your breast separate. I have found that bras with a little extra space between the cups is more comfortable for long days.
Getting bras that fit, for me, is all about going into the shop and trying them on. Many different suppliers have different fits and I have pretty much settled on Victoria's Secret. Get a measurement every year or so to see if things have changed and take a variety of styles and sizes in to see/feel what works best. My girls have just had a growth spurt (in the last 2 weeks) and where I was 36 C (left) & B (right) I am now D and C respectively. But thankfully, my drawer full of 36 C bras will still work well with just a bit of spillage on the left.
As for getting the headlights to point straight rather than light up the sides of the road, that is often about band size. Smaller band sizes have the cups closer together. If it a big deal for you, you may want to try a band size smaller and put a bra expander (an inch or two adaptor to make a smaller band size fit). The smaller band has the cups a bit closer together and will point the girls in the same direction. I tried that once, it got them aligned but was not comfortable for all day wear. There are a lot of cis gals out there that have their headlights going in two different directions so we are not out of place.
Good luck,
Tia Anne
Hey Jessica!
If you're breasts are wide set, front closure usually have a bit extra distance between the cups... Like Harley said... If you want to pull them toward center and trade comfort for more VaVooom... Up and in push up padding!!!
I tried your calculator (first one I have seen with the AMAB option!) and it put me at 32DD / DDD... I do have some 32Cs that work fine but usually opt for 34 in for comfort!!!...
Hugs!!!
A🙂💕🌸
Quote from: tgirlamc on July 23, 2018, 10:56:04 PM
Hey Jessica!
If you're breasts are wide set, front closure usually have a bit extra distance between the cups... Like Harley said... If you want to pull them toward center and trade comfort for more VaVooom... Up and in push up padding!!!
I tried your calculator (first one I have seen with the AMAB option!) and it put me at 32DD / DDD... I do have some 32Cs that work fine but usually opt for 34 in for comfort!!!...
Hugs!!!
A🙂💕🌸
Thanks Ash, I'll try those options!
The calculator said I was 36 B or C ....I'm about in the middle of a 36 B to C in reality.
They cis-female would have sized 36 C - D
That calculator sizes me at 36 D but I find that 36 bands usually are too large; I measure as a 35 band but they don't make 35s. A 34 fits better and doesn't feel loose once it's starts to get slightly stretched out. I currently wear a 34dd and it fits great.
At first I used a bra size calculator, with some success. I followed the instructions and it told me I need a 38 band size and at that time it was A cup, I also had a female friend help me..
As my breasts grew the cup size increased, I was never happy with how they fit.. so when I wore a 38C, I decided to go for a professional fitting at a lingerie shop. They were very professional.. they measured me and the lady said to me, try a 36D bra, so she helped me choose one. I choose a t-shirt style bra and I tried it on and wow... I had never worn such comfortable bra.
I bought a few bras that day in various styles and today I still wear a 36D.. That lady told me, if a bra fits right, it will almost feel like you not wearing one.
Bra sizing is an art not a real science. These calculators only give you an approximate size to start from. Sizes vary with bra style and manufacturer. As nolen111 said find one that feels like you are not even wearing one and that is the best one for you, independent of what a calculator saids.
I put in my measurements in the calculator and it said 40B/C but the band is way too tight. I had to go up to a 44A to reach the middle row bra clips? I have several brands and so far, the ones that fit are 44A?. I've read a few "How To's" for finding the right bra size. A lot of them say to add 3 inches if the under bust band measurement is an odd number, and add 4 inches if the band measurement is an even size??? I so glad that the bra manufacturers made bra sizing so complicated (pun intended).
Same thing with pants? I fine that if I match the pants/shorts/skirts hip size to my waist size, I get a nice fit. After all, the bottoms have to go over your hips first. For dresses and tops, I go with my total bust size. Most of the time that works.
BTW! I ordered a 44C bra (don't ask me why?) from a different manufacturer and I got what looks like a 44GGG? OMG, can you say watermelons?
Quote from: Jessica on July 23, 2018, 05:52:12 PM
Try it out!....... A Bra That Fits (https://www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php)
I tried it out, and it told me I should wear a 36B. The person in the store measured me at 38A, but the bra she got for me was in fact a "Medium" that claims it fits 38A, 36B and 34C. So it sounds like it works for me. And I like the sound of 36B better than 38A. Might have more variety, too.
Quote from: KathyLauren on July 28, 2018, 03:37:55 PM
I tried it out, and it told me I should wear a 36B. The person in the store measured me at 38A, but the bra she got for me was in fact a "Medium" that claims it fits 38A, 36B and 34C. So it sounds like it works for me. And I like the sound of 36B better than 38A. Might have more variety, too.
I'm glad it worked for you
@KathyLauren as well as it worked for me.
But as with most anything, not for all.
The method I use for my bra fitting is as follows:
Measure under your boobs, that is your basic band size. Then with no bra, measure across your nipples. If the answer is 1" bigger, you are an A, if 2" bigger, a B and so on. That's only the start, though.
Now go on eBay and order a couple of cheap bras to your nominal size (but not ones from China, cup sizes too small). Better to bid for used bras from well known makes like M&S or Victorias Secret. Used bras can be bid for very cheaply.
When they come, assess whether they fit well or not. After a couple of tries you will establish your size with reference to a principal supplier and off you go.
A new brassiere may well feel firm on first wearing, but my "go to" bras were always a bit too tight to start with.
When in doubt, I go for the larger cup size with padding, as I can always use chicken fillets and nipple pumps to advantage.
Unsuitable bras can go to the Salvation Army.
I too tried the ABTF measurement method. I currently wear 38B in most US bra lines. (This came from being professionally measured a couple times, and years of thinking 38B was very comfortable -- I have not had any discomfort with this size.) But the ABTF site said 38DD. My first thought was, "IF ONLY!" And, I went through all the measurements again, thinking I had messed up the process. Nope. It said 38DD again.
Then I read a lot more on the site. Learning about "Swoop and Scoop" and the ABTF method was a bit different than I had ever heard. So, with my 38B bra (actually I tried 3 different ones), I used the ABTF Swoop and Scoop. And... Sure enough, the cups were too small. Well, what do you know about that???
But... I don't think they were THAT far off.
I think I will try 38C in the same brand, and see how that goes.
In every case, this was FABULOUS information!!! Thanks!!
Kate
hmmm, looked up swoop and scoop...interesting...
So I just went to Victoria's Secret website an used there bra calculator. I measure 40 inches above my breast and 43-44 inches over my breast. Victoria's calculator says my bra size is 40C. So my question is, Victoria's Secret bras fit as measured? I ask because, the bras that I have now are from Bare Necessities Glamorise collection in size 44A (should be 44B) and they fit? ???
Quote from: Donica on July 30, 2018, 12:02:50 PM
So I just went to Victoria's Secret website an used there bra calculator. I measure 40 inches above my breast and 43-44 inches over my breast. Victoria's calculator says my bra size is 40C. So my question is, Victoria's Secret bras fit as measured? I ask because, the bras that I have now are from Bare Necessities Glamorise collection in size 44A (should be 44B) and they fit? ???
In my experience with VS bras, no they do not fit as measured. Your best bet with their stuff is to just try it on.
Best to go to a bra specialty shop or dept store that has a good bra dept to get measured and the best fit. VS is known to fit you in the bra they have in the store not the correct one for you.
I think the problem with VS is the inconsistent quality of both people and product.
The first "professional" bra fitting I ever had, which now seems like about 100 years ago, was at the VS in Redmond Town Center, WA. The middle-aged woman "manning" the store was VERY accepting of me, took her time, and after measurement, let me try on about 15 options. I still have the two bras I bought that evening. They are worn and stretched, but I keep them because I still think of them as the most comfortable bras I have ever owned. (Although one of my ThirdLove bras took over actual 1st place in that category last year.)
ThirdLove has great bras if you can afford them. They do last I understand.
Quote from: KatieP on July 29, 2018, 06:01:59 PM
I too tried the ABTF measurement method. I currently wear 38B in most US bra lines. (This came from being professionally measured a couple times, and years of thinking 38B was very comfortable -- I have not had any discomfort with this size.) But the ABTF site said 38DD. My first thought was, "IF ONLY!" And, I went through all the measurements again, thinking I had messed up the process. Nope. It said 38DD again.
Then I read a lot more on the site. Learning about "Swoop and Scoop" and the ABTF method was a bit different than I had ever heard. So, with my 38B bra (actually I tried 3 different ones), I used the ABTF Swoop and Scoop. And... Sure enough, the cups were too small. Well, what do you know about that???
But... I don't think they were THAT far off.
I think I will try 38C in the same brand, and see how that goes.
In every case, this was FABULOUS information!!! Thanks!!
Kate
Reading this I looked up 'swoop and scope' OMG what a difference it makes... a whole cup size and D cup fits really well with no extra space. No one tells you these things when you are trans sadly.
Quote from: krobinson103 on August 01, 2018, 02:42:18 PM
Reading this I looked up 'swoop and scope' OMG what a difference it makes... a whole cup size and D cup fits really well with no extra space. No one tells you these things when you are trans sadly.
Based on the stats, and comments about genetic women being in the incorrect size, I am not sure anyone tells the cis-gendered women these things either...
Well, now we on this thread anyway, know one of the gnostic secrets of the universe... ;D
Kate
Actually...
Thinking about it, one reason swoop and scoop makes so much difference for us is that there is so much breast essentially in the arm pits, because of the wide set breast roots. At least for me. So, the part that has the most effect in filling my cups is the swoop part, which pulls all that material from the side, into the bra cup.
Wasted cleavage there in the arm pit! Who knew?
Quote from: KatieP on August 01, 2018, 05:37:08 PM
Actually...
Thinking about it, one reason swoop and scoop makes so much difference for us is that there is so much breast essentially in the arm pits, because of the wide set breast roots. At least for me. So, the part that has the most effect in filling my cups is the swoop part, which pulls all that material from the side, into the bra cup.
Wasted cleavage there in the arm pit! Who knew?
exactly. I can actually get a decent cleavage going doing that despite my larger rib cage. :)
How many of you like underwire bras? All of mine are wire free. I had one years ago but I remember it poking me in all the wrong places. I think the wire free are more comfortable but I'm still not completely happy with them. I think I need longer (or more stretchable) straps because the front starts to ride up a bit when I raise my arms. But the straps still fall off too???
Quote from: Donica on August 06, 2018, 02:55:19 PM
How many of you like underwire bras? All of mine are wire free.
I don't like wires. I think they make the bra less accommodating of our wider-than-cis interboobular distance.
@KathyLauren Quote from: KathyLauren on August 06, 2018, 04:35:46 PM
I don't like wires. I think they make the bra less accommodating of our wider-than-cis interboobular distance.
I entirely agree, my wireless bras form fit me best and the swoop and scoop does work to bring the girls center and forward, decreasing the interboobulation!
Most of my bras are wired and few wire free. I only have problems with the wires when a growth spurt has sensitivity to the outer areas, not common. I find more style choices if I accept and can handle the under wires.
Tia Anne
I find too that the underwire helps keep the swoop part of the breast inside the bra cup. I think I have only 2 bras that don't have underwire and they are old and rarely worn. Perhaps one just gets used to the wires at some point?
Katie
Underwire bras definitely need to be the correct size and style or the wires will poke you all the time you have it on. Need to get fitted and try on different sizes/styles until you find the one that feel the best. It should be like you almost don't even know you have a bra on. If you have any size at all the swoop and scoop procedure does make them and you feel and look a lot better. Finding a comfortable bra can take some looking around and trying on many different ones.
Kate, totally true! My spouse doesn't always like to admit it, but she's learned as many tips and tricks from me as me from her. We HAVE to do a lot of research generally that cis women generally don't have to do. And oh the things we learn. LOL
Quote from: KatieP on August 01, 2018, 05:09:27 PM
Based on the stats, and comments about genetic women being in the incorrect size, I am not sure anyone tells the cis-gendered women these things either...
Kate
BrianaJ, you are so correct, just because one is a cis woman, doesn't mean she knows all the things about being a woman. They must learn these things/
Ok so, I like to wear cami tops with thin spaghetti straps, under an open button down shirt, sweater or cardigan. I'm having trouble finding bras with thin spaghetti straps. Is it because of my size? Do the straps get wider with larger band sizes? I see ladies everywhere in cami tops with thin bra straps. Does anyone know where I can get them?
Hugs!
Donica.
Quote from: Donica on August 12, 2018, 11:48:12 AM
Ok so, I like to wear cami tops with thin spaghetti straps, under an open button down shirt, sweater or cardigan. I'm having trouble finding bras with thin spaghetti straps. Is it because of my size? Do the straps get wider with larger band sizes? I see ladies everywhere in cami tops with thin bra straps. Does anyone know where I can get them?
Hugs!
Donica.
@Donica Another solution... I own a several cami tops and tank tops with built-in shelf bras....
they work well for my needs.
I hope this information is of help to you.
Hugs,
Danielle
Thanks Danielle! I found a cami sports bra with adjustable spaghetti straps and removable pads at Walmart. They're only $7 dollars. I ordered one in my size. If it fits and I like it, I'll order more.
by this web calc = NZ size 16a/b which happens to be exactly my first ever bra I bought 16b -I do need a tad more to fill it properly - HRT me thinks!! ;) I also bought a black bra at 18b but I do find the 16 better fitting - the only bra I could find with an A cup was 'the perfect a' which I would have to order. Of course I also made the rookie mistake of buying a lace bra instead of a t-shirt bra, the lace shows through my shirts very noticeably, t-shirt bra would be ideal....
Sonja.
Quote from: Sonja on August 13, 2018, 07:15:27 PM
by this web calc = NZ size 16a/b which happens to be exactly my first ever bra I bought 16b -I do need a tad more to fill it properly - HRT me thinks!! ;) I also bought a black bra at 18b but I do find the 16 better fitting - the only bra I could find with an A cup was 'the perfect a' which I would have to order. Of course I also made the rookie mistake of buying a lace bra instead of a t-shirt bra, the lace shows through my shirts very noticeably, t-shirt bra would be ideal....
Sonja.
It does seem to work for some and not for others, and then there's this lopsided business with the girls chasing each other. It makes sizing quite the guessing game!
Lace sounds wonderful! Only at moments of confidence though.
Hugs and smiles. Jess
Ok so I bit the bullet and bought a $50+ VS (Body By VS) T-Shirt bra. Since my under bust measurement is 40", I bought a 40C. The band size fits perfectly but I'm only an A/B cup. Apparently, when the VS band size is over 38", the smallest cup size you can get is C. Or perhaps I didn't shop long enough. I have to admit, the fabric is very soft and lovely and seems to be well made. No wonder they sell for $50+. I'll have to wait until I get a BA before I can wear it. I also bought some bra band extensions. Maybe when I recoup the expense, I'll try a 38B?
Hugs,
Donica.
Quote from: Donica on August 27, 2018, 06:23:26 AM
Ok so I bit the bullet and bought a $50+ VS (Body By VS) T-Shirt bra. Since my under bust measurement is 40", I bought a 40C. The band size fits perfectly but I'm only an A/B cup. Apparently, when the VS band size is over 38", the smallest cup size you can get is C. Or perhaps I didn't shop long enough. I have to admit, the fabric is very soft and lovely and seems to be well made. No wonder they sell for $50+. I'll have to wait until I get a BA before I can wear it. I also bought some bra band extensions. Maybe when I recoup the expense, I'll try a 38B?
Hugs,
Donica.
I do think you should try the 38B, or even a 38C if your 40C is even close.
My first VS measurement was for a 40 band as well. But the sales lady knew I would never fill their smallest 40 band bra. So, she let me try the 38B. It was super comfortable and seemed to stay put without a lot of tugging. In fact, I stayed with 38B bras up until last month when I found the swoop and scoop site earlier in this thread.
Also, for the price, my experience with VS is they are generally Trans friendly. I expect you could go in and try on a range of sizes. That way, you leave with something you love...
Kate
KatieP, a a or b cup over a 36 band size is hard to find, but they are available if you ask. Try a 38b is a great idea it may fit you fine. The bra band extensions may work if you are going up only one band size. Yes, the swoop and scoop does help get everything you have into the bra cup and makes wearing a bra so much more comfortable.
Quote from: mm on August 27, 2018, 09:23:44 AM
KatieP, a a or b cup over a 36 band size is hard to find, but they are available if you ask. Try a 38b is a great idea it may fit you fine. The bra band extensions may work if you are going up only one band size. Yes, the swoop and scoop does help get everything you have into the bra cup and makes wearing a bra so much more comfortable.
I think I have been lucky then. I have not had any issues finding 38B bras any place in the US. Although, 30 years ago, when I lived in the UK, I could not find the UK equivalent of 38B. Those darn Brits are just tiny, it seems!
Kate
I have had no trouble finding a 38B. Unfortunately, I am nowhere close to filling it. A 38A would be better, but that's like looking for hen's teeth. I wear a bra that is nominally a 36B, but "also fits" 38A.
The Little Bra Company makes a 38A with no padding
https://www.thelittlebracompany.com/collections/bras/products/annika
We have a variety of petite bras that cater to those looking for a smaller cup or smaller band size. The Little Bra Company®'s bras are available in the following hard-to-find sizes:
- 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 A
- 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 B
- 28, 30, 32, 34 C