Being a girl comes with some pretty great perks… high heels, lipstick, lingerie, and let’s not forget – BRAS!
Bras offer endless options for expressing your femininity. And that’s where things can get tricky! With so many sizes and styles to choose from, it’s easy to go wrong.
Do you know what to do and what NOT to do when it comes to bras for crossdressers and MTF trans women? Here are 6 do’s and don’ts of wearing a bra!
1. DO Wear The Right Size
Did you know that there’s an 80% chance you’re wearing the wrong size bra? A bra that doesn’t fit right is uncomfortable and unflattering – and who needs that?
Bra sizing is complicated, so I suggest getting professionally fitted if at all possible. (Many shops are happy to provide this service to their transgender and crossdresser clientele.)
If you prefer to do it yourself, check out my previous article on how to find your MTF bra size.
2. DON’T Let Back Bulge Ruin Your Look
One of the dreaded side effects of wearing a bra is back bulge. This is especially common if you carry extra weight in your upper body. Here are 3 tips for minimizing back bulge:
- Wear a larger band size. A band that’s too tight will cause bulging, so go up a size. For example, from a size 42 to a size 44 band.
- Look for a bra with extra stretch. Bras made with smooth, stretchy fabrics don’t dig in as much as stiffer bras.
- Try a longline bra. Longline bras have a wider band that extends down the torso to help eliminate back bulge.
3. DO Choose The Right Style
While choosing the right bra size is important, so too is the style. The options are nearly endless! Some of the style details to consider include:
- Padded vs. unpadded
- Underwire vs. wireless
- Cut of the bra cups (low cut, full cut, balconette, etc.)
- Front clasp vs. back clasp
- Straps (strapless, racerback, convertible, etc.)
- Fabric (cotton, satin, lace, etc.)
- Color
Which style is best depends on what you’ll be wearing, as well as your natural breast shape and body type.
For a breakdown of suitable styles, see my article on the Top 7 Bra Styles Every Crossdresser and MTF Transgender Woman Should Own.
4. DON’T Be Boring
While you should definitely own some basic bras, why stop there?
Bras offer endless options for expressing your style, so have fun and experiment with different colors, fabrics, and trimmings! (Just be careful what you wear them with as frilly details can show through clothes.)
5. DON’T Ruin Your Bra In The Wash
Bras are delicate objects, so they need to be properly cared for. You shouldn’t simply toss your bra in the wash with the rest of your clothes. Here are some tips to ensure that your bra stays in good shape for as long as possible:
- Hand wash your bra if possible. This is the best way to extend the life of your bra.
- Use a bra wash bag. This keeps the hooks from snagging and prevents your bra from getting tangled in the washing machine.
- Air dry your bra. Bras should never be put in the dryer, so hang them to dry instead.
6. DO Replace Your Bra When It’s Time
You take care of your bra, it should last a good while. However, keep in mind that bras do have a limited life span. (Expect an average of 6-12 months if you wear it regularly.)
Here are signs that your bra needs to be replaced:
- The bra straps are stretched out.
- The bra no longer fits as well as it used to.
- The bra has lost its shape.
- The bra feels uncomfortable.
Bras! We just can’t get enough
Now that we’ve got the dos and don’ts worked out, the only thing left to do is enjoy your beautiful bra… And maybe go out and buy some new ones!
Since a girl can never have too many bras, I’d love to know…
How many bras do you own? Are you a basic one-bra kinda gal? Or do you have a bra to match your every mood?
Take my poll and tell me about your favorite bra below!
Love,
Lucille
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P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
Dear Lucille
I have a question,is it ever OK to wear a black bra if it shows through
the blouse? Recently I wore a light top and dark skirt with my black bra.
A lady friend said I looked trashy,a woman would never do that. I
thought it looked color coordinated. As always I will follow your advice.
Love,Karen
As you see I not only am starting to need bras, but I also tan in my bikini, and love my tan lines, as It feels like I have a bra on all the time. Never go without my bra. Kisses Charlotte
Charlotte…Bra wearing “Is Great”, I know because I wear my Bra 24/7 365 !!!
Will using a wash bag help prevent the underwire from poking through after a few washes? I love the lift and support from underwire bras. That’s all I own. Not a fan of the wire poking me. Seems it only happens in the middle of the day when nothing can be done except pull it out in the ladies room. Thanks again for your advice!
I use a wash bag and set my washer to the “handwash” cycle…I also make sure that all hooks are hooked and then I air dry my bras. I’ve had no problem with premature wear using this method.
Yes always hand wash a bra with underwire or put washing machine on hand wash. You can put the bras in a bag to,& dry them with bag, or best to hang to dry. We girls got to wear our bras.
Yes, it should! You might also want to consider handwashing your bra.
“Lucille”…I always wear my Bras first before I wash them…I like to sleep in them and break my new Bras in…They just seem to fit me better after I do.
Thank you for your comment Lucille, that’s alot of hand washing though! lol I’ll try the bag first! luv you and your site! Keep up the awesome work!
Do use a wash bag.
For extra safety, hook the bra together & fasten with a safety pin.
It will prevent the hooks from snagging on the wash bag, and more importantly, stop snagging on the delicate material of the bra, especially if it has lace trim or cups.
I at the very least, always wear a bra and panties even when not en femme. Keeps me well grounded.
Love you Lucille. You are the sweetest.
With the colors and styles needed I have over 30.
I always hand wash and hang dry them and they hold their shape a lot longer also always uses Woolite instead of detergent.
Wow, that’s an impressive collection! Great point about using Woolite!
Survey question is not working
Now it is …sorry