Bra Sizing

[Stottie Girl]

Yes that old topic!

Looking for advice from those of you who have been to a professional bra fitting if possible.

I have been assuming my bra size is correct at 40/42 DD but it does not matter how comfortable my bra starts out, after 5 hours maybe the band really does start to painfully dig in at the sides. I am also over spilling at the sides and the wire digs into the breast tissue at that point too. I have therefore been looking at bra sizing advice online.

The advice I found says to measure your underbust after exhaling and then measure the fullest part around the breasts across the nipples. The under bust is your band size and the difference between the fullest part of the breast and the underbust is used to find your cup size.

For me, this is 44" under and 57" over (bigger that I thought, need to double down on the diet!) but this would give me a bra size of 44 K which is of course ridiculous. Google AI suggests that bra calculators over estimate cup size for AMAB women by around 2-3 cup sizes. As my bra sits quite nicely at the front with the wires resting against my sternum it is suggesting that I try a 44 F bra for maximum comfort.

I still find that hard to believe so I have ordered 2 good quality 44 and 46 E bras to test the theory.

From the professional bra fitting sessions, if you had one, did they look at anything else that might steer me in the right direction? It is an absolute minefield of information out there.

For the record I am significantly overweight which will skew results somewhat but the digging in is real.

And yes I know I should go for a fitting myself but I am not turning up for a fitting while in male mode!

[Lori Dee ✅]

I have never been professionally fitted, but I have the same concerns. I am 40 under and 45 bust, which comes out to an E cup. Not even close. I wear a 40B comfortably.

The issue is that standard sizes are estimates of volume. Then different manufacturers have their own sizing recommendations that also don't work. Part of the problem is that AMAB breasts sit differently on the chest (farther apart), torso (rib cage) dimensions are larger regardless of breast volume, and these throw the whole formula out of whack.

In my opinion, a professional fitting CAN be useful, but if they are looking at my Bs and recommending Es, that is not helpful. I have purchased various sizes of band/cup combinations and found what works.

If the band is digging in, you need a bigger band, so drop a cup size to keep the band/cup ratio similar. Check out Sister Sizes for how that works. Look into Warner brand bras. I have a few, and they are very soft and comfy, with a nice side panel that helps prevent side discomfort. This could also help with side spillage.

This is just my experience.

[tammy753]

Same never fitted of course, I had to try a few different sizes based on my measurements. Once I found a bra that was comfortable and gave me the needed support I bought 4 of them. So unfortunately I think there is a little trial and error. I can wear my all day with out it digging in. It is a relief to take it off at the end of the day. I gave up on underwires almost immediately.

Also they need to have a disclaimer on the estrogen box "Warning! This product causes boob sweat use at your own risk!"

Good luck finding the one that works for you!

This is my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/PLAYTEX-Womens-Smoothing-Wireless-Available/dp/B00CZ7TXI6/ref=sr_1_18 🔗?

This is the most comfortable for me:
https://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Hour-Ultimate-Lift-Support/dp/B0007YXTQQ/ref=sr_1_11?th=1&psc=1 🔗 [Link: amazon.com/Playtex-​Hour-​Ultimate-​Lift-​Support/dp/B0007YXTQQ/ref=sr_​1_​11/]

[Maid Marion]

I suggest buying bra extenders.  In the USA they can be found in the sewing department of Walmart.

Marion

[Stottie Girl]

I have never been professionally fitted, but I have the same concerns. I am 40 under and 45 bust, which comes out to an E cup. Not even close. I wear a 40B comfortably.

The issue is that standard sizes are estimates of volume. Then different manufacturers have their own sizing recommendations that also don't work. Part of the problem is that AMAB breasts sit differently on the chest (farther apart), torso (rib cage) dimensions are larger regardless of breast volume, and these throw the whole formula out of whack.

In my opinion, a professional fitting CAN be useful, but if they are looking at my Bs and recommending Es, that is not helpful. I have purchased various sizes of band/cup combinations and found what works.

If the band is digging in, you need a bigger band, so drop a cup size to keep the band/cup ratio similar. Check out Sister Sizes for how that works. Look into Warner brand bras. I have a few, and they are very soft and comfy, with a nice side panel that helps prevent side discomfort. This could also help with side spillage.

This is just my experience.

Absolutely agree about the band which is why I'm trying larger sizes but I think the cup size is definitely wrong if the wire digs in and there is overspill at the sides. I am easily filling the cups at the front there is no spare room there, possibly a little bit of overspill if anything. I'm wearing unpadded full cup or plunge bras if that makes any difference. If I wear a strapless bra the cups dissect my boobs horizontally, it looks awful!

In your case you seem to be in agreement with google AI in the AMAB being around 3 sizes smaller (I know that would be a 40C but it's close). In my case, if I go up to an E cup from where I am now that is NINE cup sizes smaller than the charts suggest! The charts must be useless with larger breasts which is why I'm looking for pointers from people who had a fitting. I am sure they didn't just take the measurements otherwise why bother going for a fitting, you can do it at home. They must be looking at HOW the bra fits and that is what I'm trying to figure out.

Proabably a daft comparison but If I gather the breast tissue I can fit roughly a third to a half of one breast in my hand and I have a large glove size due to long fingers.

Has anyone found a trans specific calculator or has the world just decided we don't count!

[Stottie Girl]

I suggest buying bra extenders.  In the USA they can be found in the sewing department of Walmart.

Marion

I've got several different types of extenders to fit different band widths but I don't like wearing them as it make the straps too far apart at the back. Plus it's a faff putting the bra on compared to bare.

[Liz K]

Have you tried the 'A Bra That Fits' calculator?  You can easily Google it.  I've found it's the best online calculator to establish a starting point.  It can compensate for AMAB bodies.  Once you have a ballpark size, go for a professional fitting. 

[Liz K]

Has anyone found a trans specific calculator or has the world just decided we don't count!

Try 'A Bra That Fits' calculator.  It has a selector for AMAB bodies.  The people running the site are very trans inclusive and will offer advice.

[Devlyn ✅]

I just dragged myself into Victoria's secret and told them I was transgender and needed my first bra because I had recently grown breasts. The girl was great, she came across as genuinely happy for me.

[Stottie Girl]

Yeah I did, just before I posted actually! I followed all the instructions measuring the different band widths, the standing bust, bent over bust and the lying down bust and it came up with.......46 GG! but a 44 H might be more supportive. Can't win!

Appreciate the suggestion though Liz.

[Stottie Girl]

I just dragged myself into Victoria's secret and told them I was transgender and needed my first bra because I had recently grown breasts. The girl was great, she came across as genuinely happy for me.

Well that's great if you have the confidence to do that Dev, I know Courtney did something similar and I am aware it is probably the right way but I just couldn't do it at this point in my journey.

These fitters must be following a set of guidelines in order to make their recommendations, they aren't mystics or using the force!

[Devlyn ✅]

A tape measure. They use a tape measure. 🙂