I think I've been avoiding this topic out of embarrassment, but it's worse letting the thing slide! It's a little disconcerting having a 40-inch-plus band size and no breasts to help me keep a feminine proportion. I've had to make do with what I could for a long time, and actually found those loofah/body polisher sponge things a reasonable enough aid, but they're entirely the wrong size and shape. It does take some imagination to see a realistic bust in those.

I wonder if you know any accessible alternatives I could consider, to try filling something between a B and C cup before I get to start hormones. I'm not too bothered about the feel, so long as it's not incredibly itchy - I keep those loofahs wrapped in the 'feet' cut from a pair of tights, for example, as they're no good bare.

As you might gather, I can't afford breast forms and I doubt I'd have much joy with the cheaper ones anyway - I'm led to believe those only work with a flat chest, and I do have something around a AA cup as it is.

Thanks. <3

If you budget can swing it, a pair of those $20-$30 silicon bra pads (often called "cutlets" informally) would bring you up to the A to B cup range. These look pretty realistic and even if you slip something behind them for more volume, they'd be infinitely better than walking around with loofas on you chest.

I've never tried one, but you also might try one of those gel-padded bras. There's a big industry built around padding up AA girls like you. You don't yet know what the hormones are going to do for you later, anyway, so I wouldn't get overenthusiastic with the padding just yet.

Lyric

Quote from: Lyric on July 15, 2010, 10:41:47 AMYou don't yet know what the hormones are going to do for you later, anyway, so I wouldn't get overenthusiastic with the padding just yet.

No, and if there's one thing I hold to it's buying things to last - I'd hate to invest a hundred quid or more in padding, only to outgrow them (fingers crossed)!

I'll have a look for bra pads - those sound ideal, thanks! I also checked the crossdresser forum here for suggestions (never been before!), and rice seems to do the trick quite well too. Rice inside a tights 'foot' moulds quite well, and have actual weight to them, which is great. Probably shouldn't have tried Basmati, though. I smell like a takeaway. XD

I have a pretty full A cup and I use a gel padded bra. It boosts you up a cup size. It's very comfortable and feels and looks pretty natural. It brings me up to a B which is perfect for my frame. It wasn't too expensive. Like 25€. I think that's under or around 30$.

I used to use regular white rice, measured into knee-high hose--just tie up the open end and you have a very shape-able form that also adds some mass (bounce).

Another thing you might try is looking at mastectomy sites for "replacement" parts.  I have found that needing a 38-40 size without having the breast a lot easier to shop for when it is presumed I lost them due to surgery...

Hmm, well, I ordered some 'chicken fillets' from Silicone-Sally (also an Amazon UK seller) and they were whisked to my door within 2 days - impressive! They were a sod to try and measure, but it's done me good to triple-check my sizes. I have had a bit of fail in that area! >.<

They feel great, so thanks again, Lyric!

Glad you like them. I've had a pair I've worn on and off for years and they've held up pretty well. Just treat them carefully. With luck, you won't need them for very long, but a girl can always use a good backup system.

Lyric

I use Amoena Breast forms.  They are the best money I've ever spent to help me feel better about my body until I figure out a plan for HRT. 

They look and feel completely natural and the ones I have have an adhesive back (No tape strips!!!) so that you can do things like jog without worrying about them.

I searched for a long time to find a reputable company to purchase from.  When you search for breastforms on the internet, you get all sorts of questionable places.

I eventually found a company that specializes in online medical supplies (like wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).   For two of them it cost me around 500.00.  So they aren't the CHEAPEST solution, but I'm hugely critical of my body image and it was worth the money.

You can look at www.metromedicalonline.com.  They seem to have the latest and greatest there and I got my order within a few days after placing it.

Hope this helps!