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
P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
I did Lucille’s Sublime Bust Program and developed into a C cup, and I now happily wear a size 42C bra. I did a bra fitting at Macy’s and tried several different bra brands and styles that they carried there, and I found the Glamorise Magic Lift Bra gave me the shape and support I desired. All my bras are Magic Lift Bras now, in different colors, and I opened an account with Glamorise and now buy directly from them.
Dear Brianna, thankyou for sharing your picture of a Glamorise bra. It fits beautifully on you. I have a Glamorise front opening bra in a similar style in skin tone colour. It makes me stand tall with posture and is very comfortable to wear. I wear a size 18C Au. Bye for now. Rosemerry.
i love trying all types
First and foremost I am a very happy MtoF transgender woman and I LOVE IT. For me selecting the right bra is very important. I am well accepted at work and the life of the office parties. Seriously though when I wake up I look in my bra drawers yes drawers to find just the right lingerie. I love my body and we both enjoy the lingerie. I get so sick of all the hub bub about making boys girls, that is rubbish! I knew when I was 4 I wanted nothing more than to be a girl, well know I am thank you Lucille I love what you have done for me as a woman.
Like your hair
A woman who knows these things suggested that you hook your band together before tossing in the wash. Helps without a bag, and with a bag goes even further to prevent/reduce snagging.
I see online now that these tips are called “life hacks”
Another tip: If you are not quite traditionally-shaped or distributed, yes, you can use extenders with various sizes to help with fit. There were times when the cups could be further apart. It just occurred to me that you could use extenders on front-closing bras to get that effect, even if you have to make your own. If you are handy with sewing, don’t be afraid to experiment! I like to call front-closers “jacket bras”, from the way they are put on.
I love how this one makes my breasts look
I am wearing a padded push up bra and a corset top. I have a couple of silicone inserts that really helps them look pillowy. Not certain pillowy is a word just being silly
Wish l had your breasts
I love bras from Miss Mary for work and for golf. They are really high quality and the fit is wonderful. I have a lot of different things for charity benefits and nights out with the girls. Sexy can be hard to find in 42D without spending a lot. Sometimes it’s nicer to just wear a beautiful overbust corset.
I wear a 44ddd bra and it feels good
For me it’s been hard to find bras that fit right because of my size and shape even fullness I’m a 32G, and still growing to a point. So I decided to go with the brand Ador Me the balcony or balconit bras fit me the best. Not sure what to do if I end up going up a size because it’s hard to find cute bras in a smaller band with bigger cup size.