First Bra, what size and what type of Bra?

Hi Alison,

Welcome to CDH. Glad you are here. What a good question. I had so much trial and error that I spent alot of money on trial and error purchases.

One good way to learn is this post and the groups and chat rooms here and on TGH as well.

My best advice is to look this topic up on internet so you can find the specifics of what is needed. One thing to know is that the size charts on women's wear retailers web sites just do not work for the male body.

Our shoulders tend to be wider- *so is our chest, and deeper too*, thus the band has to be larger. Even so, the cup sizes need to be smaller. The manufacturers are slowly improving their bra offerings. Mainly because there are more women needing the larger band and smaller cups.

Several on-line sources are out there who forcus on the crossdresser and transgender communities.

Best of luck on your selection journey.

Please private message me if you can any time and maybe I can help further.

-Terri Anne

Hi Alison

Go to the Breastform.com  they have what you need to know about sizing.  That part is free.  The other stuff is pricey.   I do have 2 sizes of breast form then which I like very much.

Love

Vicke E

My first bra is a Maiden Form.  it is quite comfortable and it is a hand me down from a very understanding wife.  It is still something that I am learning as well.  I have been bra shopping with her a few times and can see the trials and tribulations that she goes through.  It can be a daunting task but great advice from Terri and Victoria shows how we can learn from our sisters here.

hugs,

Michelle

Hi Alison

As per the advice above, do your research.

My advice is in two parts, (or should that be cups!!!)

As above, the bra band wont change but/.

a/. If you are not going to use breast forms and are not all that "well endowed" look up the Amoena Trulife range and try for at least an A cup.

b/. If you are going to use forms, then "the world is your bra cup", but don't make the mistake many CD"s do and want the "biggest and the best in ??"

Ensure your cup and form size are in sync with the rest of your physique.

I have always worn underwire styles as altho' lots of "real girls" complain about what the wires do to their breasts, I find underwire best for holding my forms and my "A-" breasts.

I dont like padded bras either as I love the lovely lacy cups of an underwire and also can see "myself" through the lace. Dont like plain old boring white lingerie either, there are so many gorgeous lingerie colours around.

As for costs, the Trulife's aint cheap and for "normal bras" well we've all seen them on sale from 5 bucks to 500.

Depends on your credit card status and your mood. I'm a lingerie freak from way back and just will not go cheap and any "real girls" I've had the chance to discuss bras with, reckon that a 5 buck bra is a waste of money.

Also if you have not done so, check out herroom.com  They have a vast range of bras and even a page somewhere on the site that has details and recommendations on bras for men. (and other lingerie as well).

Regards

Caty,

So for me, I started with breast forms. I used the breast form store and made sure I followed their size guides for a perfect 36C. I’ve recently decided since I’m working out my transition time line, I would rather be more natural. All of my bras now are simply very well padded 36B bras from LaSenza. I still have a little room in the cup but as I progress onto HRT I’m hoping to change this.

As for sizing. Measure your band size below your “breasts”. Measure again through the widest part of your breast to find cup size.  Charts can be found on line to help you find this. I wear a 36a or 36b depending on the padding. Then there is cup shape. It may seem like the options are endless but it really isn’t as daunting it may seem. I prefer a Demi cup. The. There are different styles. Racer back, t shirt, plunge, it may seem like it goes on forever. I love t shirt bras (they have the smoothest looking profile under tighter tops) and I love a cute racer back with a lace back. It’s a nice decorative touch to an open back top on occasion.

Like I said and others have said. Look at the breast form store and her room. They are two great sites with a lot of info for first time buyers.  Good luck!

Hi Alison,
There is already lots of great advice here, so I'll just relate what I did.
Firstly, research as the gurls have said. Herroom is great and has tips for men on their site. I have bought from them and can recommend them. Another site is Little Women which specialises in bras for smaller boobs (AA, A, B cup). Also Marks and Spencer and Debenhams in the UK. In all those sites, you can search and sort by band and cup size.
(The cheaper chain stores are worth a try to - get a cheap one just to verify size and try it on - many such stores here have DIY checkout which you might find easier - you can return them usually if you wish).

I measured just under my (what there is - AA/A cup) boobs, I'm a 38 (as in 38 inches) so band size is 38 (or size 16 Aus). Go up to the fullest part of your breast tissue, and measure around there - there are charts online, but most of us will be AAs or As.
(1/2 a lemon size - A, 1/2 orange - B, 1/2 grapefruit - C).

Once you have your size, suggest buy 1 or 2 to verify size.

My favourites are Timpas, demi cups. Triumph has some nice ones and I found Marks and Spencers in the UK has sets of 'first bras' in small cups but 38/40 band sizes.
(You can also get band extenders which will give you a 2 inch or more band size extension).

I love the feel of a bra, the slight constriction reminds you it's there and adds to the feeling - especially when underdressed.

Best wishes and Enjoy!

Hi Terri Anne,

Thank you for your comments, I am getting some great ideas now and I am sure that I will soon be getting my first bra.

Alison

Hi Vickie E,

Thank you for your comments, I am getting some great ideas now and I am sure that I will soon be getting my first bra.

Alison

Hi Caty,

Thank you for your comments, I am getting some great ideas now and I am sure that I will soon be getting my first bra.

Alison

Hi Skyler,

Thank you for your comments, I am getting some great ideas now and I am sure that I will soon be getting my first bra.

Alison

Hi Candy Can,

Thank you for your comments, I am getting some great ideas now and I am sure that I will soon be getting my first bra.

Alison

I recommend getting a C cup. Not too big and not too small.

Thank you Lauren,
I will be taking the plunge very soon.
I have quite a few ideas up my sleeve !
Best wishes,
Alison