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.
Two essential pieces of clothing I love wearing bras and panties. Panties are very easy to buy and find a great fit. When it comes to bras this is tough for me. So many bras to choose from and styles. Any of you ladies have any tips for me I would greatly appreciate it!
I like a 40 d it took a while to find it was just right! I’m quite happy now
I found that after doing sizing fit ( band width cup size) I like sports bras that are comfortable, without the eyes & hooks no underwire seems to avoid digging into the skin. Fabletics sells sports bras, so does HER Room with Tomina who runs the company. She also shows you steps to get the proper fit bra. Doing it “self Fit” is less embarising unless you can find someone to do your fitting around closing time. Robin Jenn
When you put your bras in a wash bag, remember to fasten the hooks. That is what keeps them from getting tangled and snagged.
I’ve found that the 36C bra fits me perfectly. I love all the colors that are available to buy and when I buy one I try to recycle the other one. SOMA takes gently used bras in
Well last year because I went up a size I had to get new bras. At the time I didn’t have the money when I went from a 32D to a 32DD/E, so I never got DD/E sized bras. Then last year I finally had the money and got thehe right size, I went from a 32DD/E to a 32DDD/F in December of 2019.
Most of the bras I got on ebay because it was cheeper then getting them off the official sight or in stores. I ended up getting the Victoria’s secret dream angel demi bras in a 32DDD/F. And found colors they didn’t have on there sight, like the orange one in my pic. I just wish they had a cup size bigger in my band size. Because my breasts started growing again resently. So finding a 32G is kind of hard to find that I know will fit.
The dark lavender is my new favorite Victoria’s secret dream angel demi bra, and with the dream angel bras they have four sets of eyes on the hook and eyes, so you can get a better custom fit witch I like because they fit better on me on the first set of eyes. The most outer eyes, and I have had most of my bras for over seven months and there still in almost brand new condition. One bra for every color of outfit. 13 bras 7 are Victoria’s secret dream angel demi bras, best bras ever I have ever owned.
Hi Christy, happy you found a bra you love and I like the ebay tip. I am fascinated with your growth, could you share any secrets with me here or privately via email. Thank you.
I feel sexy in my 40c
Hi Lucille – another great article. After floundering I sent an email to a lingerie shop a few miles away, explaining my situation as asking – most politely – if there was any chance of a bra fitting. I was really surprised to get a positive response offering me a choice of appointments. I chose one at closing time and waited outside until the coast was clear. I was so nervous but as soon as I got in and mentioned my name the owner pulled down the blind and locked the door. She went to great lengths to put me at ease, then got down to business. About 40 mins later I left with 2 new bra’s of a completely different size to what I had previously worn, as well as lots of reassurance and advice. Fabulous service and 6 years later I now buy all my lingerie from her.
You found a great and understanding shop please tell me the location my city had a few lingerie shops but they have closed now only have department stores here in Buffalo
Wish that I could do what u did
Would like to ask Diane the same question
Love to know store that helped you. I really want to look nice and need help. Thx
I love fancy bras, though some can be so uncomfortable. In my earlier days, getting dressed meant wearing wigs, padded briefs, breast forms, nylons, makeup, fake nails. By time I was ready, I felt like a gladiator. I’m more about comfort nowadays. I’m not sure what to call this or even if it classifies as a bra. Any idea, ladies?
I agree totes Morgan. After trying out various styles of bra, I found my go to workday bra was a lightly padded, wireless style which I had in 7 colours, they were just so comfortable.
My going aut favourite are silk. I I and lace balconette bras which with my breast forms in give me the sexy look I want. It is so exciting when I see a man giving my chest an approving once over!
Thanks Morgan,
You look amazing!
How about a cami top bra ?
Sarah, you seem sincere and I’m flattered that you would like to get to know me better. I could be wrong but it seems you may be seeking an intimate relationship. I am happily committed in my marriage and I think that it could create an undesirable situation.
You are so very welcome Morgan ,it is a very unique bra but looks very comfortable ! The straps and material look like a cami that’s what I came up with , but I’m not expert . I would love to talk and get to know you if your not seeing somebody. I never would never want to cause problems.
Sarah
Yes! Thank you, Sarah! I feel a little goofy about asking that question but the top didn’t have a label specifying the style and when I asked the women I know, they didn’t know either. So now you’ve definitely pointed me in the right direction.
Also, thank you for the nice compliment!