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.
Stunning article Lucille, love reading it …yay. I do need to be a bot more adventurous on the Bra department and think you have convinced me to buy some more sexy flirtatious bra’s ….cannot wait until Monday ….yippeee.
Lace bras have always been my favorite
“Maria”…I never go anywhere without my Bra on…Wearing my Bra is just the right thing for me to do.
Hi Lucille.As always I love reading all your articles. I have been wearing bras for the last 5years.I prefer underwire non padded with satin lace.Feei so good wearing as I am a Bcup. My two girls give a nice movemnt when walking. Look forward to more articles to help me in my final transition. Love Aimee.
Lucille,
I have tried several bras over the years, from Victoria Secret to lately buying from Macys. I love my Vanity Fair beauty back and Maiden Form natural boost. I have over 30 different bras, various colors an styles. I always make sure that my bras and panties match.
I have been very fortunate to be able to develop natural looking female breasts, currently wear a 38C bra and fill the cups nicely. It has taken time but now I feel so much more feminine. I really love wearing my bras now, plus need the support!
I totally agree with you, shoes, lipstick, bras and I would add panties are things that really make us feel feminine and sexy!
Hope you have a really great Christmas, I think you are awesome, you always offer us girls great advice.
Love Ya,
Kristin
I have been using this along with my noogleberry breast pump to develop my female breasts and have really had awesome results. Worth checking out http://www.naturalful.com
I made a typo website is http://www.naturaful.com
I like a tube top around the pool and the NUBra is an excellent choice especially if you want more cleavage and no restrictive band and straps
Jana…you look great !!! Wearing a Bra makes any outfit look special !!!
I’ve gone through dozens of bras of various styles over the years but currently have nine or ten. I stick with the underwire bras since they offer better support for breast forms. I’m still working on growing my own but it’s taking some time due to low fatty reserves. At 5′ 10″ and 140lbs they don’t have much to work with but I refuse to give up. I do love the feeling of wearing my bras and prefer the prettier, lacey styles and don’t have any “plain” ones. Colorful ones are still not in my wardrobe either but who knows what Santa may leave under my tree this year since they keep catching my eye while shopping.
Like the song says, I enjoy being a girl!! Love to all.
Dear Lucille, As usual you have hit a excellent subject. To me, wearing a bra is the most feminine thing to do. I have worn a bra almost every day for the last 15 years. I love the feel. It is almost like a security blanket for me. I am fortunate to have natural A cup breast. When in boy mode I wear A cup bras, when in femme I enhance and wear B cup bras. I hate seeing CD’s in D’s or DD bras when their body size does not justify it. Luv, Susan
Dear Lucille,
I have a drawer full of bras! As a fanatic of the 1940s and of the 1950s, I buy (and wear) all the bras that I find in pin-up and burlesque style!
Many kisses!