It’s impossible not to feel totally girly in a beautiful bra…
But did you know there’s a good chance you are wearing the WRONG size bra?
Don’t feel bad… 80% of bra wearers are too! This includes crossdressers and transgender women – as well as cisgender (genetic) women.
Wearing the correct bra size is critical. Bras that don’t fit right are uncomfortable and look bad under your clothes.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to find your correct MTF bra size so you can choose the perfect bra for your female transformation.
How to Determine Your Correct Bra Size – Without Breast Forms
Determining your correct bra size begins with a choice: Will you be wearing breast forms with the bra?
In this section, I’ll explain how to find the correct bra size for your ACTUAL breasts (without breast forms). In the section below, I’ll show you how to find the correct bra size if you wear breast forms.
There are several ways to measure your bra size. The method below is simplest way to measure your bra size. This method is used by Victoria’s Secret and most modern bra manufacturers:
Step 1: Measure your band size
Place a tape measure under your arms and measure your chest circumference just above the breasts. The tape measure should be about the level where your bra straps meet the bra.
This measurement is your BAND SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number.)
Step 2: Measure your bust size
Stand up tall and measure across the fullest part of your bust. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
This is your BUST SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is between inches, round up to the nearest inch.)
Step 3: Calculate your cup size
Subtract your band size (from Step 1) from your bust size (from Step 2) and check the chart below to determine your cup size:
If The Difference Is: | Your Cup Size Is: |
0″-1/2″ (1.3 cm) | AA |
1/2″- 1″ (2.6 cm) | A |
2″ (5.1 cm) | B |
3″ (7.6 cm) | C |
4″ (10.2 cm) | D |
5″ (12.7 cm) | DD or E |
6″ (15.2 cm) | DDD or F |
7″ (17.8 cm) | G |
8″ (20.3 cm) | H |
9” (22.9 cm) | I |
10″ (25.4 cm) | J |
For example, if your band size is 40” and your bust size is 44”, the difference is 4”. That would make you a D cup.
Your bra size is a combination of your band size and your cup size. (Bra size = band size + cup size) In this case, your bra size would be a 40D.
IMPORTANT: This size should be considered a starting point, as sizing varies from bra to bra. If possible, try on the actual bra before you buy.
How to Determine Your Correct Bra Size – With Breast Forms
If you wear breast forms, the process for finding your bra size is a bit different. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Measure your band size
(Note: These instructions are the same as above, but I’ll repeat them here.)
Place a tape measure under your arms and measure your chest circumference just above the breasts. The tape measure should be about the level where your bra straps meet the bra.
This measurement is your BAND SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number.)
Step 2: Determine your ideal cup size
The next step is to determine the cup size you want to achieve. This should be a size that’s proportionate to your body: Not too big and not too small.
Generally speaking, the larger your body frame is, the larger your cup size should be.
Here are some guidelines:
- Choose an B or C cup if you have a small frame.
- Choose a C or D cup if you have a medium frame.
- Choose a D cup or larger if you have a large frame.
Once you know your correct band size and desired cup size, you can purchase the proper bra and breast forms.
Easy right? 🙂
Finding A Bra That Fits
Knowing your correct bra size is one thing. Actually FINDING that bra is another.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find bras outside the standard size range.
Here are some sites that carry a large range of bra sizes:
- Barenecessities.com – Bare Necessities offers a huge selection of bras, including plus size bras with smaller cup sizes. (Perfect for girls who don’t wear breast forms.)
- HerRoom.com – Her Room is another large lingerie site that stocks hard to find sizes. They offer band sizes up to 58, so there’s a bra for almost everybody.
Another option is to purchase a bra extender. A bra extender is an elasticized piece of fabric that hooks onto the back of your bra. It can add 1-3 inches to the bra band, so it’s a great solution for bras that are too tight.
So there you are, girlfriend! Everything you need to know about finding your correct bra size.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave me your comments below. And if you have any beautiful bra pics, don’t forget to include them!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Looking for a natural way to fill out your bra? Check out The Flat to Femme Program to discover an effective and proven approach to male to female breast enhancement.
Lucille’s Flat2Fem changed my life forever. Coming up on 7 years doing all natural herb extract daily breast massage, exercise and healthy diet, daily maternity breast pump, and progesterone cream. Using her bra-measurement technique, I started at Step-1 35 1/2″ Step-2 36 1/2″. Today, Step-1 a little over 36″ Step-2 40 1/2″ so I nicely-comfortably fill out 36C bras. I also have fun with 36B padded push-up bras and certain styles/cuts of knit tops and dresses. My traditional female measurements are 40 1/2 – 29 – 35.
I have been buying all of my bras from SOMA. They have a wonderful selection and the colors are amazing.
please tell me , do you consider that I have found a Bra that fits me ?
I want to say thank you I used your measurements method and discovered I had the correct bra size of 38 B but if I really wanted to show off my breasts I use 36 B. It’s a bit tighter but the smaller size really makes my breasts pop out there.
I have found that if you are polite and courteous most lingerie outlets will arrange a discreet fitting appointment for women like us. To be treated as a woman and come away with a properly fitting bra makes the anxiety worthwhile.
Thanks for that post Christine – I clearly remember my first experience of bra fitting. The woman I spoke with arranged an appointment with me for 30 minutes before her regular shop opening time. She said I could come as Diane or just come as a guy with a bra I currently wore as well as a top. With my heart pounding I arrived, as Diane, at the shop, wearing a skirt and a lycra top. The owner greeted me, gave me a hug and put me so at ease and we got down to business. I stripped to the waist and she measured me, went and brought a couple of bra’s that I tried on. The difference in definition was amazing as my own bra’s were 2 sizes foo small. The experience was so positive that I have used that shop for the past 8 years and I’m now a regular customer who is always treated as a woman – well worth the initial anxiety.
Hi Diane, thank you so much for sharing. It helps to hear about people’s personal experiences and know that they not only got over their initial trepidation, but are now thriving. Wow, eight years at that shop! Which shop is it, may I ask. I suppose I am still with the perception that most shops won’t be as inviting, which sadly is too often true.
Jackie
The best bet is to find a supplier who will measure you properly. In the UK I have found Bravissimo to be excellent, discreet and professional. I also found a small lingerie supplier in a local town who makes an early appointment for me, before regular opening time and treats me as a woman. The owner even lets me know by Email when she has items for sale in my size – all my lingerie needs are met and I feel so feminine as a result.
I went through quite a collection of bras, frilly , lace, wire free, wire support, padded, nipple cover ….etc.. you get the picture. I now have a few bras that are so comfortable that I forget I’m even wearing a bra. I have to remember, ooopps ! not out in public yet !. I am trying natural supplements, Flax seed oil, Fenugreek,, Black Cohosh, Mothers milk tea trying to increase my breast. I hope to fill in a sports bra with a tight shirt someday. Wearing the right bra does feel great. I have went and tried on women’s clothes in stores but not up to bra shopping Yet. Christina 111
Christina,
Like you I wanted real breasts but went the natural supplement route. I take femininizing supplements from http://www.enfemme.com along with using the noogleberry breast pump that Lucille recommended. Using these methods I achieved a nice C-cup. Over the past few months also added cream and patches from http://www.naturaful.com and now able to fill a D-cup. I love having real female breasts! Hope you find this helpful in your journey to becoming a woman.
Kristin
Love being Christina 111
Dear Lucille,
Thanks for this advise. Since I am a “Big Girl” and been called a “linebacker in drag” this helps a lot. I have a terrible time finding things that properly fit.
Leather and Lace Dreams,
Ms. Luna Marie
Hi Lucille
Invaluable, crystal-clear guidance about her to getting the perfect fit. I love Her room.com for my bra and undies requirements.