If you’re like most crossdressers, then, at some point in your life (probably more than once), you’ve probably experienced the dreaded “bra line” that appears where you don’t want it to. The dreaded bra lines usually appear right around your armpit or upper arm area, and they are unflattering to say the least. In fact, almost every crossdresser we know has had this experience at one time or another. However, there is a solution for this problem! If you feel like your bra lines tend to show no matter what type of shirt you wear or what kind of bra you have on, then read on for our helpful tips.
What is a bra line?
A bra line is that line that shows up on your skin around your armpit when you wear a bra that doesn’t fit properly. A bra that is too tight will cause the straps to dig into the skin around your armpits and create lines, back bulges and muffin tops that are really obvious under your clothes. An ill-fitting bra can also cause those straps to fall down, which can leave marks on your body. Bra lines are always caused by an ill-fitting bra, so if you can find a bra that fits you well, you’ll never have to worry about this issue again!
Choosing the right bra for you
The first step towards preventing bra lines is finding the right bra for your body. Bras are notoriously difficult to shop for because there is variation in sizing from brand to brand, so someone who fits in a 36D in one brand will not necessarily fit in a 36D in another. To start, you will need to find your true bra size which can be quite tricky, especially for crossdressers. To make this process a lot easier we recommend you read and follow a blog post from Glamour Boutique titled “How to find the right sized bra”. This blog explains bra sizing for men as well as how to measure yourself accurately. If you find your bra size to be in between sizes, do your best to choose the smaller one. A common rule of thumb is if you go up in cup size go down in band size, and vice versa.
Now that you have a better understanding of bra sizing, you need to make sure you are wearing the right shape of bra. A larger bust is more suited to underwired bras and full cup bras as they tend to offer more support. These types of bras tend to be wider which will help distribute your breasts more evenly and prevent those dreaded lines from showing. Also keep an eye out for wider straps and bands which will aid in more support preventing shoulder pain and even bad posture. For our ladies with a smaller bust we recommend wearing a demi cup or push up bra. Both of these bras provide adequate lift and support, as long as they fit properly you should avoid bra lines all together. The overall goal is to find a comfortable bra that lays nice and smooth against your body and under your clothing.
Choose the Right Fabric
The next step you can take towards preventing those dastardly bra lines from showing is to choose the right fabric. Certain fabrics like lace, fabric texture and thick bra fabrics are more likely to show your bra lines than others. The fabric of your top is just as important as the fabric of your bra. If you are wearing a very tight or thin top you are at more of a risk for bra lines. Wearing fabrics that are thicker and loose fitting will help smooth out any lines that might otherwise show on your skin. Your bra has to work in combination with your clothing, so keep this in mind when you dress. Soft and stretchy fabrics like cotton, nylon and microfiber are some of your best options for preventing those lines from showing. These materials are often present in seamless bras, which offer comfort and support. Seamless bras are bras without seams across the cup which guarantees a smooth finish. If you like wearing tight clothing and struggle from bra lines it might be a good idea for you to invest in a seamless bra.
Wear darker colors
If you’re still struggling with those lines, then consider wearing darker-colored tops. Darker colors can help to hide those lines much better than lighter colors can. When choosing a color for your top, you may want to go for a slightly darker shade of your natural skin tone. This can be a great way to combat those lines.
Bottom line
Bra lines can be really embarrassing and, for some crossdressers, can be a real confidence killer! If you experience bra lines, don’t worry there are a few simple solutions you can try to prevent them. Start out by knowing your true bra size and working your way up from there. If you have a bigger bust opt for an underwire or full cup bra. If you have a smaller bust opt for a demi cup or push up bra. With the right size these bras provide adequate lift and support, as long as they fit properly you should avoid bra lines all together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bra and clothing fabrics. Try and find the right seamless bra for you, and if all else fails wearing darker colored tops can help. There are plenty of ways to prevent bra lines, so don’t let your bra lines get the best of you!
What is your favorite bra shape? How do you prevent bra lines from showing? We’d love to know what you think! Email us at glambmarketing@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page. And be sure to check out more great tips and articles on our blog!