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I've never bothered with a bra, seemed a bit pointless without anything to support, but I am getting closer to going out in the world and thought I should start trying to get a more feminine shape so I bought some bras.
I understand sizing and I am fairly confident that I have got the right size from a good retailer, the bra is not particularly uncomfortable it just feels ... well ... a lot. I've had several days now wearing one and I am surprised to say the least at the feeling. I know some women complain about bras and are glad to take them off at the end of the day and I can see why, it feels like wearing armour or something.
I have a 40" band size which means the cups are quite large even though I only have a B cup and the underwires extend around to the sides under my arm pits, again not particularly uncomfortable but feels "built", constrictive, artificial.
Is this how it is? Is this what 50% of the population wear or am I doing it wrong? How is wearing a bra for you?
For me, it's all about the shape. Since it's under my clothes I don't really mind what the bra itself looks like. I use an M&S post-surgery bra. It's not attractive but it is very comfortable, with full cups which are very well padded. Ir's prone to a little riding up now and then, though.
Cathy -
Personally I enjoy wearing a bra as it is something designed for women and there is no equivalent for men. Also it feels like I'm getting a hug which is a nice feeling.
Everyone has their own preference for style and type so it is a bit of experimenting to find what works for you, in my opinion. The most obvious piece of advice is to get a professional bra fitting. If that is not possible then measuring yourself and looking at size charts should help. From the way you describe the bra you bought it is underwire and that seems to be an issue. Maybe try one without underwire and see is that makes a difference. Personally, I don't wear underwire and prefer a bra without. As to the cups being empty there are a couple options - 1- breast forms (there are a number of places you can get these in a wide range of prices), 2 - rolled socks, 3- nylons filled with rice or bird seed. There may be others but those are the most common.
I hope this helps. I am by no means an expert but this is what I have found works for me. Hopefully there are some others that have more advice for you. Remember this is a journey to be enjoyed, have fun with it.
XOXO
Suzanne
You might to try a Hanes ComfortFit bra.
Yes, bras are constricting, and I imagine it's even more so with GGs and even some CDers who are fortunate enough to have something to fill them fully, although wearing them with forms is a sensation all its own. That said, I have found that I like the constricting sensation. In fact, I usually wear longline bras which are even more constricting, often also adding a shaper for my midsection, which is constricting by design. When not wearing a longline, I usually wear mastectomy bras made by Amoena. They have a pocket backed by soft and sheer fabric. The pocket holds the form securely and the backing fabric gives some of the sensation of having flesh cradled in soft fabric. Much nicer than having silicone pressed directly against ones skin all day long, IMO.
Since puberty, I've had gynecomastia and, although I endured mockery in school, I'm thankful my parents never even considered having me subjected to surgery. Having some breast tissue and being a crossdresser is like hand in glove...or more literally, boob in cup. I can almost manage a B cup on my own.
My wife is amused by the fact I enjoy wearing a bra, and thinks it bizarre that I don't mind underwire bras either. She can't stand them.
Hi Cathy, I'm intersex and grew my own breasts years ago. I found out that I needed to wear something to keep my 36 B's from flopping around and to keep my nipples from chafing. So, I discovered why bras are a useful invention. At first I had a terrible time finding a bra to fit my figure (there are about a zillion variations) and still to be able to do the work of the above mentioned tasks. I went through about 10 different bras until I finally found a style that would work for me. I think that initially that is the process for many women. I currently wear a beige Maidenform underwire T-Shirt bra daily and a Maidenform underwire pushup bra for special occasions. Things are now so comfortable for me that I don't even know that I have a bra on. So, I think that I've got the right fit for all the work that I do during the day. If my body changes then I may need to find a different bra but until that does, I'll just continue buying my Maidenform bras about every 8 months. I hope that helps. Marg
Cathy, I myself wouldn't leave the house without wearing a bra. In 1997 I was doing an away job working by myself, found what I thought was a very pretty bra and wore it all night, I even slept in it. Come morning I went to take it off and thought to myself, "why? I'm by myself all day" and that's how I got hooked. I went through the trail and error of finding a good fit but once I figured that out, I can now shop online or in the store and know what I'm buying will fit and feel comfortable. So I think if wearing a bra is what your going to do, it will take some time to find what fits you and the first few may not be the one. From what you describe the bra you're trying is to large in the cup size and that's why the wire is so wide.
Remember there's no rule that says you have to wear one, you can go bra-less.
Sherri
Cathy,
I wear a bra daily for both comfort and support. I am naturally a small B cup. Though I can go without a bra, it is much more comfortable wearing a bra especially for physcial activity.
I do understand why most women can't wait to remove their bra at the end of day. I feel the same way most days. However, unlike my wife, I would rather have the support of my bra than go without it, even on days where we are just lounging around the house.
I am can pretty much ditto everyone's earlier comments about finding the proper fit. It was a process of trial and error for me until I found the best fit. For me, that has been Torid's Curve 360 line and a few models from Lane Bryant's Cacique brand. I will also say that quality is important, but quality also costs.
MacKenzie Alexandra
Like others have said it can be a bit of trial and error in finding the right bra. I'm a plus size and I tend to look for plus size bras. I have found that once you find one that fits and is comfortable you'll be hooked.. LOL I'm always looking for a pretty bra but I tend to stick with t-shirt bras. Some brands I have bought when I try them on they just don't fit or feel right and I just throw them in a bag and they go to Goodwill or a clothing drop box. But I have some that I wear all day and they fit just right with my forms. I'm not much for sleeping in my bras but I have some I don't want to take them off they feel so nice.... LOL
Cathy,
I love wearing a bra w/forms and have one on every day, all day and frequently sleep in one as well. I too am a 40B and wear these t-shirt bras by Bali - "One Smooth U Ultra Light Shaping Underwire Bra" They are lightweight, ultra comfortable and are the only bras I buy.
Try one, I think you will like it.
Fiona