Seeking bra guidance

[Pema]

Hello!

I didn't expect to be here already, but I need to start working toward getting a bra.

Most of the time, I really don't have a need for it, but when I'm doing physical activity (especially running), yeah, I do. And I'm generally a very physically active person, so this will only become more urgent as HRT continues to work its magic.

Given that I've only just begun my 4th month of HRT, I recognize that anything I acquire now will likely be too small for me relatively soon, so I'm not looking for the absolute best thing available. Not to mention that all I really need is something to restrict movement. A large (padded) rubber band would do the trick.

I'm sure this has been discussed many many times, but I figured the marketplace evolves, too, so my question is:

Where does a girl look for a first active-wear bra (or equivalent), only needing a little bit of motion-prevention and knowing that it will need to be replaced soon?

Thank you in advance.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

  @Pema
Dear Pema:
Congratulations are in order for you as you are now considering buying a bra.
      HRT is working !!!!

Yes, as you mentioned, anything that you buy now at your early 4th month of HRT will
most certainly need to be replaced (with a larger size) fairly soon so it is
a good thought that that you don't wish to start off with expensive bras.

The first places to buy a bra that fits your present and evolving needs would be
the cheaper and economical choices that you can find on Amazon, WalMart, Target, etc.

It may take one or two trials to pin down the size and the fit that you wish to have and
then you can go on from there as you continue developing.

Wishing you well... and please keep us all updated.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

[Lori Dee ✅]

I got my first one at Walmart. Most of the women's sizes wouldn't fit. I found one in the juniors' activewear section. Be sure to measure your band size (underbust measurement) as that will be crucial for comfort. Sports bras are stretchy, so cup size is less important and will accommodate you as you grow.

Congratulations!

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

Congratulations and such a great milestone. So happy for you.

I kinda agree starting cheaper is useful to get a feel for sizes. My first were cheap t-shirt bras from ebay. They are made of a padded stretchy foam and fit more sizes easier. Also add a little  extra 🙂

I'm a B cup and wear those types of bras running. If I get bigger I might get a sports bra, but right now movement is virtually nothing!

Oddly in the UK I also found M&S wired 38B bras fit me perfect. Rare for bras to fit our breasts so well considering the spacing.

[NancyDrew1930]

@Pema what you might want to think about is getting professionally measured at a small local store and develop a rapport with the owner and they could help you as you grow, and they might have some cheap ones or if you are an odd size they might know of a manufacturer that makes your size.

[KathyLauren]

When I started out needing a bra (too much jiggling when dog-walking), I wasn't yet out publicly.  So I got an unpadded sports bra from Walmart.  It held the girls flat enough for wearing under a baggy men's shirt.

Once I came out, I wanted something with a bit of padding and shaping.  I still went with a sports bra, just a slightly fancier one.  There is enough stretch and flexibility to accommodate growth.

I didn't bother getting measured for a "proper" fashionable bra until I was fairly sure that my breasts had stopped growing.  That was a few years ago now, and they have in fact continued growing a bit, at a slower rate.  I am thinking that I probably should get measured again.  I might be up to a full A cup now.  😄

[Alana Ashleigh]

I've had great success with t-shirt bralettes. I buy them at Kohl's. They go by shirt size. Congratulations on the milestone!

[NancyDrew1930]

When I started out needing a bra (too much jiggling when dog-walking), I wasn't yet out publicly.  So I got an unpadded sports bra from Walmart.  It held the girls flat enough for wearing under a baggy men's shirt.

Once I came out, I wanted something with a bit of padding and shaping.  I still went with a sports bra, just a slightly fancier one.  There is enough stretch and flexibility to accommodate growth.

I didn't bother getting measured for a "proper" fashionable bra until I was fairly sure that my breasts had stopped growing.  That was a few years ago now, and they have in fact continued growing a bit, at a slower rate.  I am thinking that I probably should get measured again.  I might be up to a full A cup now.  😄

That's one thing I'm looking forward to after my weight loss surgery is hopefully fitting into some more fashionable bras, since with a 54B/56C sizing, I really only have Glamorise and Goddess that offer full support bras in those sizes.  T-Shirt and bralettes don't come in those band/cup sizes.

[Maid Marion]

Should  you get measured for a bra? 
It is a big step in terms of social interaction.
It may be a good idea if you can afford it.
 
Bra sizes change constantly. I was surprised to see mine has changed!  The bust is the same as before at  33 inches, but my underbust is an inch less!  Most likely a consequence of my upper body exercise.

Marion

[Courtney G]

Spandex "sleep bras" really served me well for the early to middle stages of my development. I have 6 or 7 that no longer fit me and I wish I could give them to you!

These "Invisible Embrace" bras from Hanes are wonderful. They have thin removable pads. You can wear the bra without the pads whilst boymoding. There are no seams whatsoever, so there won't be visible lines if you wear a tee shirt: https://www.hanes.com/products/hanes-women-39-s-invisible-embrace-pullover-bralette-moisture-wicking/mhw561 🔗

You can find them at big box department stores.

[Pema]

Thank you all!

No, I don't think it's time to be professionally measured/fitted. Whatever came of it would very quickly be rendered obsolete. So, cheap and adequate are the criteria.

I definitely want a compression style (not encapsulation). It's really just about trapping the girls against my chest to reduce bouncing while running or doing other physical activity.

I like the t-shirt bralette idea, but I wonder if it's firm enough to provide the compression needed - compared to a sports or yoga bra for example.

None of this is (yet) about appearance or femininity. It's entirely a practical need for someone who spends considerable time outside doing landscaping, hiking, running, backpacking, and so on. And who also expects to outgrow this first bra very quickly.

When I get to a place where things feel like they've mostly stabilized, I'll happily get properly measured and fitted and acquire a variety of bras for different purposes. But who knows when that'll be...

[Courtney G]

The ones I suggested are great for compression, short of a binder. I wore those and binders somewhat interchangeably, with the sleep bra being more of an all day comfort piece. I strongly suggest you try one. Just have to find the right size. I have a 34" underbust (thin, with a smallish ribcage) so I wore a medium until the girls got too big.

Oh, and they're super stretchy, like a spandex rubber band, so they'll accommodate a decent amount of growth!

[Maid Marion]

Another option is a tank top or cami with a built in bra shelf.

[Tess100]

The True and Company bras from target were and still are one of my favorites.  If you remove the pads then the bra more or less disappears under clothing.  Gives plenty of support, is soft and priced reasonably in my opinion.  I line dry them and the seem to last a fair amount of time.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Oh, and they're super stretchy, like a spandex rubber band, so they'll accommodate a decent amount of growth!

I have a swimsuit top like that. The pads are removable. Very soft and comfy.

[Pema]

First bra acquired.

My wife and I went to REI. Our thinking was they'd have a decent selection of bras for "activewear." And they did.

I tried on maybe a dozen or so. Of course they were all different in so many ways. I ended up finding a couple that were acceptable, one of which was really pretty great - more comfortable, effective, and flattering(?) than I had imagined possible. So I got that one and will order another just like it (they only had one).

While there, I tried on myriad shirts and jacket/hoodie kinds of things and wound up getting 8 or so of those, too. My wife would go out and select new things while I tried them on in the dressing room. I think I was in there for 2 hours.

Did it cost a bunch of money? It certainly did. But my wardrobe has been in need of renovation, and my mother had given me a gift of a few hundred dollars, so... Thanks, Mom!

Thank you all for your suggestions!

In case you're interested, this is what I chose:

Brooks Chaser Padded Bra 🔗 [Link: brooksrunning.com/en_​us/womens/apparel/sports-​bras/chaser-​padded-​bra/300648.html/]

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

      @Pema
Dear Pema:
I am so pleased to read that you had a shopping spree that ended up with a big boost
to your wardrobe and you were (with your wife's help) able to find a Sports Bra that
you are happy with.

Please keep your updates coming, I am excited for you.
HUGS, Danielle {Northern Star Girl]

[Pema]

Thank you, Danielle. I'll be excited if the bra works as intended.

I should have added that there's room to grow, so it should last me for a while - and yet it's somehow not too large. My wife said it looked amazing, and she'd know.

[Tig58072]

Measure your under bust size then go to eBay and search bralettes. I got some nice ones with removable padding for under 10 bucks. They come in various colors and styles.

[ChrissyRyan]

Insofar as bras go, they were a delight to actually NEED. 

Nowadays I wear them all the time, except at home (unless I am expecting visitors), so they are more "routine" so to speak.  There is a big difference though between a comfortable bra and an uncomfortable one.

If you have one that is too tight, try a bra band extender.  Get them at WalMart or online.
If it fits well, you can wear them all day, although sweat plays a role at times in regards to comfort.

At home, as I do not wear a bra, I do like the soft feel of a satiny type of camisole with a housedress or robe.  But just a soft T-shirt is fine.  If any rougher material rubs against my nipples, it can be not good at all.

Chrissy