I've been wearing bras for over a month now and they still are so great to get off at the end of the day. Yes they feel good in the morning but later on in the day they just start feeling cumbersome.
Do you ever really get use to them?
Jillieann
You can get used to anything, see:
^ Frankl, Viktor (1959). Man's Search for Meaning. Boston, Massachusetts: Beacon Press
Maybe your bra is not the right fit. They are supposed to be comfortable.
When I was living female, I never got fed up with my bra. I always felt it and it was an affirmation of what I was.
I went through a long period of self doubt and a large part of this was centred on my feelings about wearing a bra. My fear was that this was more fettish than expression. My ambivalent relationship with my mother and older sister, in particular, seemed possibly symbolic in my pleasure wearing a bra.
I later realised that part of being female is the expression of a female shape to th world. Breasts are central to the female shape.
I suppose, to an extent, the desire to present as female to the world as a whole, rather than the intimate expression of femininity toward another, is artistic. I stand in presentation to the world, as female, as what I am and what I feel inside, about myself and about my relationship to the world.
If we think about it, how any of us presents to the world is an expression.
To that extent, my femininity is an artistic expression.
The prostitute who presents herself as a provockative, available comodity, ready to offer her attention to any who will pay.
The young woman, expressing a gentle femininity, asking for no harm.
The old maid, presenting a stern lesson of self dicipline and depravation, perhaps to explain her lonliness.
The policewoman, expressing her authority, her concern for social order.
Ultimately, all feminine expression is a statement that this world must be made fit for children to thrive in safety.
Sorry, you were talking about bras, right?
I look forward to the day my bra might carry something more natural than my silicone inserts, since while I do have a 'foundation' there, it doesn't feel like enough to grant me a feminine figure, and that weighs me down to the extent I might as well be wearing a corset - it feels like a completion of my self, but also knowingly unnatural.
The bra feels fun at first, then eventually I get used to the whole affair, but after a while I feel a little more self-conscious partly because I have not grown up wearing support garments upon my torso. A bra is underwear, but it's still a new enough addition that I cannot blank it out as I would a pair of knickers (having favoured briefs before). I can forget I'm wearing any clothes but for that set of straps about my ribs and shoulders.
I'm pretty sure that'll pass, but like I say, I can't wait until the bra is working just for me, so that I might feel a little more 'at peace' with it.
Quote from: Frances on August 16, 2010, 05:08:53 PM
Maybe your bra is not the right fit. They are supposed to be comfortable.
Yes. Go to a shop that has someone who can fit the bra for you. The stores claim that more than half of women aren't wearing the right size.
Mine is comfortable all day, but I'm always happy to take it off when getting ready for bed. It was kind of a fetish object when I thought of myself as a crossdresser. I've been surprised at how ordinary it has become now that I wear it all day every day.
- Kate
I forget I'm wearing the darn things XD This works both ways sometimes I get dressed and look in the mirror to do my hair and I go.
"My nipples are sticking out too much in this top they look stupid and indecent... Aw dammit I've forgotten to put a bra on haven't I? Crap now I've got to dress myself again. *sigh*"
My breasts don't need the support as they are really bee stings in size (unless I'm running) currently however I do sometimes need them to cover up the "pointy" nipples. depending on the nature of the top I'm wearing. If it's baggy and thick fabric I don't need to. Like now I'm wearing a baggy hooded top.
It dose feel good to take it off at the end of the day tho just like taking your shoes off.
Yes. I have to concur with K8. If you get a proper fitting done you should find that it should become un-noticeable.
Don't forget that you will continue to develop for at least five years after starting on HRT so regular checks are also advisable.
A couple of girlfriends helped get me into some sports bras after I obviously had hormone boobs sprouting. There's not much discomfort at all.
It's important to get the right size band and cup. If you're wearing underwire bra's, they can dig in a bit more if you don't have the boobage to fill out the cups.
I can't sleep in a bra either. Sports Bra's are even uncomfortable to me when I'm sleeping for some reason.
I don't mind wearing a bra, though today I am not. I can still get away with not wearing one, and actually I really like the whole nipple sticking out thing. But I become really aware of needing one when I jog up or down stairs at my office and find I need to hold my chest for comfort. If it was not for that I would not bother most of the time.
When I do wear one I find them comfy enough, I do notice it being there, but no discomfort as such. And they do look good under clothes!
I need to wear a sports bra for running and had a fitting done. That is really comfy too, I feel really supported with it. So much better. I don't want to end up with national geographic boobs!
If a bra fits correctly, you wouldn't even know it is on.
But remember how a woman spells relief. B R A O F F ;D
I like that Janet. B R A O F F.
Oh my bras fits fine and to be honest at times I forget I have one on.
But in the evening I am so glad to get the thing off abd release the girls.
But then again I'm glad to get other things off too. :o
Jillieann
i don't go out without a bra to give the correct shape and don't have any problems with comfort but I'm quite happy to stay home and be bra-less and sleep naked.
however I got under implants two years ago and they stay nice and perky bra-less anyway.
Getting properly measured helps, and even if you are wearing falsies lots of place will measure no questions asked.
I'm starting to wear a sports bra at the gym, they are tiny puppies but they bounce ( well sort of ::) and I don't want to damage them. I'm probably (I am) more bra than content but Hey, let the people get use to it.
Cindy
Wired are more constricting than non-wired....
And push-up bra's defo for evenings only....
But it's important to look after yer assets... so I wear a tight fitting sports bra too when playing tennis, or going to the gym...
I heard once that something like 90% of women are wearing bras that don't fit them properly. I suspect the percentage is much higher for TG folks. I've certainly gone through my share of misses (so to speak). You have to get the right bra for your body, preferably a good quality one and, of course, it must fit well. Getting a quality fit isn't as easy as you would think. And picking one from an online catalog is a real crapshoot (and usually you loose).
Lyric
Cant say i have amazing feelings about having to wear a bra but having done so for 7 years i can tell you that i sometimes worry i've forgot to put it on. I sleep in mine but thats personal preference, the more i keep it on the less they move and i can forget all about them.
If i remember correctly in the beginning it was the most annoying thing to have to put one on but with time you will barely notice it.
It was a a month and a half ago that I realized I needed to wear a bra.
While talking to a coworker I notice they were staring at me but it was lower than my face and just below my neck. I didn't think much of it until it happen a second time with another coworker. At these point I figured it out and look down. My nipple were really sticking out. :embarrassed:
I keep my shirt pull out as far as I could to try to hide them the rest of the day. After work I hurried to the story and got a couple of sport bras.
Now I have been wearing them when ever I am out in public. But it still feels good to release the girls before bedtime.
Jillieann
It's also important to note that a 38B for one company isn't necessarily a good 38B for another company. They all have variations for fullness that you have to account for.
The fittings will help with that, as they will point you to the right bra's for your fullness.
I just have to say that bras suck. Every time I've ever worn one it's felt constricting in some fashion. I don't care how "comfortable" a manufacturer claims it is either. :P
I think that I can speak for my partner, Julie and I.
We never like to wear one around the house. Too uncomfortable! I'm a C cup, and they're still riding high, so what's the point?
I'll only wear one when I run, or when I go out. When I'm out, I like the look of a fuller bust line for my clothes, and I like to hide the nipples. Otherwise, I get lots of glances from the guys, and disapproving looks from the other women!
If I ever grow much larger, or go back to a doctor for a D cup, then perhaps I might reconsider my "live free or die" motto towards bras.
Nipples are great, I like pointing out to my friends "man it is cold in here" lol.
When my boobs first started being visible my sis was like "put a bra on girl!!!" and from that day on I did lol. Bras are kind of cozy and comforting for me, when they fit perfectly....but at the end of the day it's like aaaahh to take it off, but I'm not huge so maybe it would be a different story if i was.
I hate wearing them. Of course, when I wasn't binding, I hated not wearing them. I hate having the anatomy that makes wearing them a question in the first place.
That being said: The right bra should be more comfortable than being braless, because it should protect against pulling, jiggling, and nipple chafing while not constricting your breathing. If it's the shoulder straps, try wider straps. If the underwire is digging in and you're not a solid C cup or bigger, go wireless. Try a sports bra with a racerback or a camisole with built-in cups if the strap-around-the-ribcage isn't working for you. In general camisoles (with shelf bra or built-in cups) are going to be your most comfortable option provided you don't need serious support.
And skip all the fancy, lacy styles in favour of seamless satins, soft synthetics and cotton stretch knits. The uneven fabrics like lace, especially lace trim, can rub, dig in and chafe.
For those on the shy side...
The numerical size element comes from measuring around your body torso under directly under the breast tissue and around your back...
A small frame gives you 32 inches a large one would be over 38....
The size of the cup comes from the amount of rounded soft tissue on top.... this can be anything from AA to EE... A's would be ½ to 1 inch more...with C to D's with 3-4 inches more...
In reality I'm a 37 inch frame...so tend to wear 38B but on the tightest fitting setting or else they'd be loose...
But I can wear some 36's too.... all bras' allow for some tweaks with back and strap fastening...
Here's a calc to show you how...
http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php (http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php)
Well in my opinion, sports bras aren't the most comfortable.
With the bras I wear, I forget I'm wearing one most of the day and only take it off before bed.
yup definitely braoff once i step into my house! and definitely cumbersome to put it back on (which means stripping off your tshirt first) when going out for a sec like taking out the trash.
unless i'm not spending time alone of course.
Hm...it's annoying when I'm at home but I feel sort of naked when I go out with friends and stuff
I've been wearing bras for 10+ years and I can honestly say that after a hectic day of work it's a relief to let the girls free. I'll often ride my motorcycle braless wearing only a tank top. Some days it's just nice to be free :)
Steph
I have found sports bras to be most comfortable for everyday use. But when I feel the need to show off my girls to my boyfriend I wear push ups. ;)
Wearing bras really does become such an ordinary part of your life that you forget about having them on completely.
Of course, if they feel comfortable and don't cause any discomfort.
Got first today.
On the way home from work today in the car I pop the girls out as
I often do (with a lose top know one notices).
But surprise, surprise, the girls complained about the rough cotton material the top was made of.
So back in they went and they will stay there until I go to bed.
I'm with you Steph and Milktea it is a relief to get the girls out.
But I got to remember they need soft material. Nothing rough while they are growing.
I usually wear sports bras or a shelf camisole.
Jillieann
as always, for me, finances get in the way. i wince at the idea of paying more than $10 for a bra at Wal mart, thus custom fitting is a non-starter for me right now. Every one i have came from the thrift store or the clearance rack or a yard sale.
Then the problem becomes, it's pretty hard to find a 40/42 or so band size in such places... and when you do they are almost ineviatbly DD cups and i don't want to present the image of being obsessed with having massive tits.
so my collection of those which are at least 40 without being bigger than a C is, as you might guess, pretty thin and I can't be too choosy.
All that means it's pretty much guaranteed that they are not ever completely comfortable, but among my favorites i do enjoy wearing them - i like the little mental reinforcement of seeing a hint of the bra down my neckline or feeling the strap that creeps off my shoulder and needs adjusting...to me very feminine moments.
The only two things that have really annoyed me is the wired bra that is made for a narrower chest which means the outer point of the wire tends to dig into my flesh....and the heat. On hot days i sweat like a sow under the bra.
Which, i guess all girls do to the extent they sweat at all.
[quote author=kyril
And skip all the fancy, lacy styles in favour of seamless satins, soft synthetics and cotton stretch knits. The uneven fabrics like lace, especially lace trim, can rub, dig in and chafe.
[/quote]
that's man talk...
bras are fun and confirmation of increasing femininity so I go for lacy, pretty colours
Quote from: lilacwoman on August 20, 2010, 01:40:42 AM
Quote from: kyrilAnd skip all the fancy, lacy styles in favour of seamless satins, soft synthetics and cotton stretch knits. The uneven fabrics like lace, especially lace trim, can rub, dig in and chafe.
that's man talk...
bras are fun and confirmation of increasing femininity so I go for lacy, pretty colours
.. no, it isn't - I much prefer the look and feel of a smooth t-shirt bra over a pinching and rough lace piece. It's comfortable, presents a clear line and even has a little more bounce. Granted, it's not as sexy in a
boudoir setting, but I don't dress for street burlesque. ;)
Quote from: kyril on August 18, 2010, 05:07:02 AMAnd skip all the fancy, lacy styles in favour of seamless satins, soft synthetics and cotton stretch knits. The uneven fabrics like lace, especially lace trim, can rub, dig in and chafe.
Oh yeah. I've had urticaria (hives) since age 16 and whatever is not completely smooth on my skin causes an itchy skin rash (reason why I don't wear binders either). Also try to get rid of the label on the bra (and keep in mind how the bra needs to be washed). First, it's not beautiful anyway, and second, it can itch like hell.
Quote from: Sinnyo on August 20, 2010, 05:42:44 AM
that's man talk...
bras are fun and confirmation of increasing femininity so I go for lacy, pretty colours
.. no, it isn't - I much prefer the look and feel of a smooth t-shirt bra over a pinching and rough lace piece. It's comfortable, presents a clear line and even has a little more bounce. Granted, it's not as sexy in a boudoir setting, but I don't dress for street burlesque. ;)
Of all the cis-women I've dated and cis-friends I have, not a single one would wear lacy bras on anything but an exceptional basis. Personally, I need support, so a decent, practical bra during the day and when I am home and relaxing a wireless cotton bra does the trick.
Quote from: pheonix on August 20, 2010, 05:54:23 AM
Of all the cis-women I've dated and cis-friends I have, not a single one would wear lacy bras on anything but an exceptional basis.
Oh, my cis ex-girlfriend was like that so yes, there are some cis-girls who wear that kind of things on a regular basis.
Quote from: Fencesitter on August 20, 2010, 06:07:06 AM
Oh, my cis ex-girlfriend was like that so yes, there are some cis-girls who wear that kind of things on a regular basis.
agreed ;) I said of the ones I know.
My point was to challenge lilac's "confirmation of femininity" statement. If cis-women don't need to get confrimation from their bras, neither should we.
call me weak but...as long as all my parts ain't right, I need all the confirmation I can get!
Well it is finally happening. After a month an a half of wearing a bra fully time (all day) I have got use to them. In fact it feels natural now. I do still enjoy getting the girls out for bedtime. But I do like the support all day long.
Jillieann
No, you never really get used to bras to the point they are comfortable but you just forget athat you're wearing them. At the end of the day I can't wait to take it off.
Quote from: Fencesitter on August 20, 2010, 05:51:45 AM
Oh yeah. I've had urticaria (hives) since age 16 and whatever is not completely smooth on my skin causes an itchy skin rash (reason why I don't wear binders either). Also try to get rid of the label on the bra (and keep in mind how the bra needs to be washed). First, it's not beautiful anyway, and second, it can itch like hell.
Yeah, Lace tends to irritate my skin a bit so I don't really wear lace bra's. By the end of the day, the nipples tend to feel a little raw from the rubbing of the fabric.
I have to agree that T Shirt bra's are the most comfortable, and to take it even further, I've found that I really like Wacoal bra's. Their underwires are padded enough they don't dig in. By the end of the day they are just as comfy as they were in the morning.
But like it's been said, it's extremely important you get the band and cup size right, though.
I love to wear a bra~, wish can wear it all the while~. the feeling is good, it cupped on my chest and i wish i have breasts to fill up the cup. after hours of wearing it, it feel so natural. though u know something is there, but u just leave it as it is. probably this is a feeling of begin a girl. Love it~
For those who need support, if you want a comfortable bra, check out Victoria Secret's new Incredibles line. I bought two of these a few weeks back and they are by far the most comfortable bra I've ever worn.
Yes, I am used to having a bra on. Until I have to change the bra LMAO.
But I do sleep without a Bra on at the moment, just to sort of prevent squishing them into 1 spot. But from time to time the bra makes me all itchy LOL
It took some trail and error.... And a few visits from the bra fairy :laugh:
But after finally getting the sizing right and figuring out what kind of bras were comfortable on me...
I'm finally able to not only get use to wearing a bra, but feel happy and comfortable wearing one
Last week I went in and asked to be fitted. The woman agreed I had the right size but brought me three bras of different styles. One didn't work, one worked pretty well, and one fit me like it was made for me. I bought that one. I am much more comfortable in it, and it feels natural on me. One morning I had to check to make sure that I remembered to put it on. ::)
So, girls, next time you are bra shopping, ask to be fitted. The fitting doesn't cost anything (they want to sell you a bra), and the results can be amazing. :icon_chick:
- Kate
Yesterday I went out for a walking in the neighborhood park.
I been lounging around home with just a loose tee.
I put a sweatshirt over the tee and took off.
It wasn't long before my breast started hurting with each step from the bouncing.
ouch!, ouch!, :icon_sadblinky: OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! :'( ..... I grab my breasts and head home.
So as soon as I got home I slipped a bra on and oh my girls felt ... soooooo much better.
They quit hurting completely within a half hour.
Never will I go walking without a bra on again.
Jillieann
On bras I recently listened to a podcast devoted to the topic and the women hosting it came to the conclusion that outside of sports they aren't much use and it's just all about personal comfort rather than any great necessity. I just can't wear for more than half an hour. I just find them so uncomfortable.
Compared to a binder, hell, I think bras are comfortable. :D When it comes to getting used to it, it's not so hard to. Plus, I like the added benefits of being able to use a padded bra, because when your bra size is a questionable 38A on a frame like mine, confidence is hard to come by. It's not so hard to get used to wearing a bra, especially when it become a necessity, it's just something you have to do, part of being a woman.
I love wearing a bra. I use to look for suoper padded ones but now I just get the sleek and sexxxy!!! Meow
I DESPISE wearing a bra, but I do wear them to work. After work, usually on the way home, off it comes.....out the sleeve!
Long and long ago, they felt so good, and now........now they are a nuisance
Dee the bad news is that for some weeks you may need to strap your new pets up in a very rigid support akin to a binder.
Quote from: Dee_pntx on October 12, 2010, 12:29:46 AM
I'll be tossing out all my bras in three weeks. On the 2nd I'm going from 36B to 36DD. :icon_eek:
I get to buy all new bras... Now I can find some sexy ones. :P
The downside to DD is the bras become less sexy and more utilitarian. :P
Here's Dee in a couple weeks
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.ioffer.com%2Fimg%2Fitem%2F120%2F163%2F849%2Fo_YdBOJkeEK6xQg74.jpg&hash=08be019e49a7f2136343c52162e14d1e6fc03f6a)
Will we have to start calling Dee "Dee Dee"? ;)
Yes. While I only have forms right now to fill in the bra, it kinda helps me with my posture in a way.
i got used to it after a couple of weeks wearing mine
i love wearing a bra and i have no problems! its comfortable and makes me look like i have lovely breasts but if i want an even nicer cleavage (most days) il wear sillicone fillets and after a few hours with those in your bra it gets itchy, irritating and makes my breast hurt. taking the bra off at night is amazing! almost as wonderfull as putting the bra on first thing :)