I have been on hormones now for about 5 weeks and I can almost fill a size "A" bra.  I was not flat-chested when I started, which is why I'm at this point already.  I was just wondering at what point should I start wearing a bra.  I am always nervous about people I am not out to noticing my new "developments" and if anything, I think it makes me appear a little fat. I guess I'm just curious at what point other transsexuals started wearing a bra.

Melissa

When nipples start to show thru clothes or when the bouncing becomes obvious - never liked bras myself 

I have more than just nipples showing through my clothing.  I decided to try a sports bra today and now I look more like I did before HRT.

Melissa

http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/jacob.html

hey there Melissa.

As Jane said   But if you feel the need to wear one then wear one.  You obviously don't need a bra for support at the moment but if it's coverage you need then go for it.  As you aren't full time yet you need to be careful that the bra itself doesn't show through, but you probably know that

Steph

Thanks.  I just realized how ironic it is that I'm now wearing a bra so that my body appears more male to my co-workers.  Anyhow, it's a white sports bra and if anyone sees the strap, I can say it's an undershirt.

Melissa

You could also ask them why they care... ^*wink*
(Your undergarments are none of their business, I think.)

The first time I really knew that I should start wearing a bra was when one of my co workers noticed me and she said that I had better start looking for a bra. I was out to her at the time and I wasn't out to too many people. I asked her if I had shown that much and she gave me this wink and said difinately. So, my wife and I went out looking that weekend for a bra. I remember it was a 42 A, what a size. I have lost some weight since then, but I have a big chest cavity, now I wear a 38 B and I'm still sore and my doctor said I'm still growing. She told me I could end up with a C cup.
  I heard that wearing a sports bra will actually compress the breasts. Is that what you want?
Sheila

Actually the sports bra made my breast hurt, so I switched over to wearing a camisole.  It's a lot more comfortable.  Yes, I did not want to enhance my bust at work, as I am out to only a couple of people and am presenting as male.  However, if I am presenting as female, then I will wear a regular bra.

Melissa

^{*nods twice*} Yea, generally speaking a sports bra isn't what you want to wear all of the time, I'd think just for work though might erm, work well. Regardless though, I am loving my cami ^*wink*

I just got a new Cami last night and so far, it is much more comfortable than the sports bra and it seems to work just as well.  It's funny, it almost feels that were like sisters Kimberly.  I think your only a couple years older than me and about 5 months ahead of me on HRT.  Plus we both program computers.

Melissa

So funny, a few weeks ago I went to buy some female clothes, pants and shirts.

Well I asked the salesclerk is she believed I alreayd needed a bra, she told me that yes.

Then I asked if her could choose some for me, it was nice. So now Im wearing 38B bras and guess what, I DO need them >.<

So hmm, its funny I now had to wear one all the time, cuz I need it.

(<sigh> -- late to the party...again)

FWIW, I remember a similar question to Ann Landers or her sister, or perhaps Miss Manners.  A mother was asking when for her daughter wearing a bra was pretty much no longer an option.

The answer?

When you can place a pencil underneath a breast and it stays there without falling.

BTW, this is a really good news-you-can-use topic!  I'm starting to ask the same questions. 

Haz

Thanks Haz.  That's a much more definitive answer.

Melissa

You're welcome, Melissa;

And, I spent a lot of time researching bra sizing.  My conclusion?  Nothing works better than tryin' 'em on.  Most of the charts seem to be off -- some wa-a-a-y off (no WAY I'm a 44A!  )

This one, though, comes closest;

http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php

Is it right?  I don't think so.  But it uses two chest measurements rather than one to determine your band size.  I think it'll get you in the ballpark.  After that you can go up or down a band size/cup size to find your TRUE size (at least for THAT brand of bra  )

Quote from: Hazumu on March 11, 2006, 10:10:34 AM
(<sigh> -- late to the party...again)

FWIW, I remember a similar question to Ann Landers or her sister, or perhaps Miss Manners.  A mother was asking when for her daughter wearing a bra was pretty much no longer an option.

The answer?

When you can place a pencil underneath a breast and it stays there without falling.

BTW, this is a really good news-you-can-use topic!  I'm starting to ask the same questions. 

Haz

Ah yes, the pencil test...

Steph

I never hear of a cami before so had to look it up.
Here's Wikipedia's Def:

QuoteA cami or camisole is a woman's undergarment which covers the top part of the body. It is sleeveless and tight fitting in contrast to a loose-fitting babydoll or chemise. The materials of choice in which they are manufactured are satin or silk.

A camisole can be worn over a brassiere or without one. Some camisoles come with a built-in underwire bra which eliminates the need for a bra. In modern times, the camisole has been transformed from simply being an undergarment to outerwear, with the fabric changing more into cotton based materials.

Some wearers shy away from the outerwear camisole because they fear their bra straps will be exposed, though of late several celebrities are indicating that it is fashionable to do so.

So Melissa is your silk, satin or cotton? I'd sure like to try one.

Jillieann

Quote from: Hazumu on March 11, 2006, 10:10:34 AMWhen you can place a pencil underneath a breast and it stays there without falling.

I guess that would apply to a can of soda pop to?  I used to put deodorant under my arms - when I had to start putting it under my boobs I figured it was time to start wearing a bra regularly. In another 10 years I'd be able to stick my nipple in my navel  Yes, getting old as a woman is a fight against gravity!

Quote from: Jillieann on March 11, 2006, 07:49:05 PM
So Melissa is your silk, satin or cotton? I'd sure like to try one.

Satin.  My wife actually picked it out for me.  It's just to cover my boobs at work so nobody sees anything, because I'm not out there yet.  I wore a regular bra today to my support group along with a T-shirt and people were surprised how much growth I had for the short time I'm been on hormones (since Feb 1). Of course, not having a huge chest does help.  It's definitely interesting having breasts now, especially since they've increased in sensitivity.  I have worn prosthetics before, but of course touching resulted in no feeling.  Now I touch my real ones sticking out and I feel it.  I hope I can grow to at least a B-Cup, which at the current rate they're growing is entirely possible.  At the moment, they are just a little short of filling my A-Cup bra.

Melissa

Quote from: Melissa on March 08, 2006, 09:33:46 AM

I have been on hormones now for about 5 weeks and I can almost fill a size "A" bra.  I was not flat-chested when I started, which is why I'm at this point already.

Some call it Gynecomastia, I call it a head start... 

Haz


Posted at: March 12, 2006, 10:08:23 AM

---

Found this researching gynecomastia -- a store that sells 'compression clothing' for men and women.

They carry a line of undershirts that supposedly flatten the 'male physique' if it happens to bulge 'in the wrong places.'  Perhaps if you're looking to put off for a bit longer confronting coworkers/friends/family with what's developing...

Haz