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! I truly owe you one as far as how to measure my band size. I was stuck trying to do it the “old school” way that you had described earlier on, as opposed to the newer way, and I had messed up big time in getting my first bra… (Am new to the crossdressing lifestyle, & now that I have a more reliable/true measuring standpoint, I can actually get myself one that will really fit! 🙂 I am also looking for a bit of help in finding makeup shades that’ll work for myself as well, which I’m a bit stuck on currently, though I have a great feeling that further browsing on this site here will help a lot.
Thanks for all that you do Lucille!,
Brie
Hi all,
Just walk into a Victoria Secret’s and ask for a bra fitting. I did in male mode and it was really fun and I felt so feminine after my fitting. Tried on several different styles and sizes. After I made my purchase they put my new bra in pink bag and filled out a card with my femm name and size. All the girls at VS were all wonderful.
Many of the Bras I try on don’t fit because the straps aren’t long enough. The manufactures could solve this problem so easily. I am often asked to review clothing purchases made online . I always mention that it is good business to remember “us” when it comes to sizing. I have had feedback that our business is considered and appreciated.
Hi Denise , I feel that I should share my comments with you I have breast forms and when I got them I believe to be a 38D so I went and bought a bra suit the new breast forms , but I do feel that there is some thing odd .
I need a 2nd opinion on this , yes I do agreed with you totally .
Love JAS
The other day I took the leap and went to a local bra shop and got fitted for the right size bra the ladies were very happy to fit me and let me try a few of them on
“Luke”…Getting fitted for a Bra is great…I love to try on Bras in the store.
How did things get so that “most women are wearing the wrong size bras”? ‘Cause when I’m buying men’s stuff, if it doesn’t fit, it goes back on the rack/shelf or back to the store, or recycled.
I honestly want to understand this, especially if I’m going to be Transitioning in the next couple years. Thanks much! 🙂
I buy all my bras from Lane Bryant. There they told me to measure under the breast and the second measurement at the fullest part of the breast. They also provide a bra fitting service that I took advantage of and I find all my bras (30+) all fit wonderfully. I am a 42DD and I love them. Hormones worked well for me.
Love,
Roxanne
Hi Roxanne gorgeous girl my breast form are a 38D , but I do like them for the time being .
Love JAS
I’m 44C,and i haven’t start hormones yet ! (i was pretty much obese during my childhood, but those boobs never quit me. i’m still quite overweight though…)
Now all i have to do is to lose some more belly fat and i’ll be one hell of a woman with a lot of love to give ! 😉
Why are you mesuring band size above the breast? Band size is under the breast i mesure 31 under so i can wear a 30-32 band. If i measure above my band is 34, too big. So if you mesure 34 under with 38 bust you should wear 34D bra.. the band sits under not above the breast
Hi Angel,
There are several ways to measure band size. Traditionally, when measuring below the bust, you must add 4-5″ to get your band size. Measuring above the bust is a more modern way of measuring band size. That’s how Victoria’s Secret measures band size as you can see here: https://www.victoriassecret.com/ph/vs/bras/how-to-measure-bras