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.
- BiggerBras.com – BiggerBras.com specializes in plus size bras and carries a large range of cup sizes.
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.
Why on Earth would you tell people to measure above the bust for the band size? VS’s method is widely regarded as just plain wrong (although it’s used by others, it’s still wrong).
Consider http://hannahelise.hubpages.com/hub/HOW-TO-Find-Your-Right-Bra-Size, http://blog.butterflycollection.ca/2013/04/why-do-victorias-secret-measure-over.html, and http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html (although, compare, http://www.herroom.com/lingerie-for-men.aspx#bras ??!!).
Measure under the bust *where the band goes*!
i agree with the new method the old method simply isnt accurate . I found measuring above the breast is much better . there isnt the need to add inches like the old method tells you to do.
Annie
Although this method works some times, I found it’s not an ideal system, using the “normal” method, I would be a 38 A/B but when I tried a 38A bra on, it didn’t fit at all, for me, a 32C works the best, which is great because it’s an easy size to find, I think the best way is to try on a few different sizes and work out what fits best for you
HAs anyone tried the stichless bras that come in S, L, or XXL?
I am having problems with bra fitting. Using both techniques, I should be wearing a 40B. They provide good coverage and a little protrusion. I can wear some 34D, and even 34B. The latter give me nice cleavage but quad-breasts. What size should fit me?
go to a store and get fitted. i suspect a 38 b would be your size. i tried both methods and they also suggested a 40b
but i found a 38b works best. most bras are not to give you cleavage they are for support. if you want cleavage try a push up bra. if you need more add a Nubra under neath . You can get cleavage wearing a bra thats way to small but it wont be comfy for long.
Annie
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Hi sweetie,
Thought you might want to know, I had got scared and stop, but I’m taking that step, small but a step. I have bought an outfit including a corset. I also have removed all my hair, in those private places, i must look lady like. I only at this time wear panties out,but when my wig get here I’m going for it. In going to Walmart dress as a women, and I will see if I’m brave enough to use the ladies room. Time will tell. I have been watching other woman, to see how they walk and their behavior. I do know however I must work on makeup.
Rachel
Just by reading your post was everything that I would’ve have posted. I’m in the early stages to love to ware thong panties and lingerie and painting my toes and hands too thinking about buying a wig too! Would love any tips you have. Make up another issue! Help!
Hello Lucille its dangerous when I think but I’m a little confused okay maybe a lot but the band size measurement between Suddenly Fem and your advice I guess there are two band sizes the band below your breasts and the band above I see where the confusion in finding bra sizes may get its troubles below the breasts gives you one size and above gives you another very true for males I’m sure as most women there may not be much difference between the band measurements but for males at least most have overcompensated at least a little and the band sizes may be quite different as with me I’m just trying to get it right the first time measure three times all three places buy once you figure out how to measure and hey I’m a designer/drafter or at least I was and now I’m trying to design my fab fem self lol Love M.J.
babe those measurements can be confusing to guys. but measuring above the breasts works best but measure up high enough to get it right . you must do it the highest you can go up to the top of your arm pits. But really babe if you really want to do it right the first time . you can save a lot of trial and error if you have a lady fit you at a store. that will save you time and money, and its really fun try it youll like it.
Annie
Hello Lucille I just read your article on finding your bra size I found at Suddenly Fem band size is measured below the breasts and then as you say around the top above your breasts and I tend to follow your advice I used the SF method before when I stated my band size of 40in. so I’ll have to measure again later I’m fairly sure it will be larger than 40in. though maybe 42-43in. I worry this really large I’m sure I can find my size its just going to make feel smaller when I find my cup size dumb me when I did work out in male mode years ago overcompensating as I did I think I expanded my upper body a little and as the only boy in the family moving anything became my task if it was at all heavy at times extremely heavy I always seemed to be able to lift most of it I did complain at times to no avail I still got stuck lifting heavy things sometimes I feel like a wonder woman lol Love M.J.
I measure as directed and get band size 53 inches and 12 more inches when I measure my breasts. This gives me a 53M bra size. However, my breasts seem short of filling a B cup as a lot of my flesh hangs off my sides. what can I do?
sounds like you need a pro to fit you. woman understand things about bras that we overlook or dont under stand. i have some knowledge about bras but you have me confused. you may have a lot of trouble getting fitted , most stores dont have bras that big. they do have extensions so you can make a bigger band size. but men cant use a measurement table at times our breasts are farther apart that changes your breast size reading telling you they are bigger then they are. there is a third method that is seldom used because its harder to do . that method measures A single breast from where it begins to where it ends . it helps to pre mark it so you can be accurate, and you must find the table that goes with this method.. i bet this method will work better for you. then all you need is to work out your band size. you may have to go to one of those plus size shops to find a bra that large.if your really lucky they may have some one there to assist you.ANNIE