We come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore we need to be mindful of the fact that what fits and looks good on someone else may not be the right fit for us. This holds very true when crossdressing. When we get dressed, if we feel that one garment we have on doesn’t fit or feel right, it can affect our confidence. Well-fitting bras can make us feel sexy and badly fitting ones can do the opposite.
After many conversations with our customers and fellow girls, we hear about this issue when it comes to bras probably more than anything else. “What is the right bra for me?” “How can I get the perfect fit?” “Why does this bra band pinch me so badly?” The questions go on and on.
Last month, we offered some advice on what bra types work well for crossdressing, so consider this a companion piece. Let’s get started.
There really are three areas where you can question if the bra you have is the right fit:
- The Straps
- The Bra Band
- The Cups
The Straps
When it comes to the Bra Straps, the key is to find that happy medium. We do not want the straps pinching our skin, but on the flip side, we don’t want the straps so loose that they fall off. This would be a disaster to those of us that are wearing breast forms that are not attached to our skin and are just sitting free in the bra. So since we need some level of tightness, what do we do?
If your straps are pinching your skin there’s a chance that your bra band is too big for you, causing the straps to do all the work. The breast forms/implants would be weighing down the straps as they are your only line of defense since the bra band cannot do what it is intended to do due to the incorrect sizing. In a pinch (no pun intended), loosen the bra straps a bit to ease the discomfort.
If the Straps are falling off of your shoulders, try tightening them. If that still doesn’t work, you can buy a bra clip (above) that will help tighten the straps even further.
The Bra Band
The bra band is by far the most important part of the bra. Not only does it truly dictate your level of comfort, but it also offers the most support. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slip two fingers between your back and the bra band. If it is too tight and you are on the last row of hooks, then you definitely need a bigger bra. If the band is loose and you’re already on the tightest hooks, then you need a smaller bra band size.
The Cups
I cannot count the number of times that we receive an order for breast forms and one of our pocket bras where the cup size given to us was incorrect. That is why we always check the forms to the bra before we ship them out to our customers and if the sizing is off we reach out to correct the situation.
If you are shopping for bras on your own, when you try them on at the store or at home, see how your forms fit. If your forms cannot stay in the bra or are pushing out too far, then you need a larger cup bra. If the forms are lost inside the bra, then you need to go with a smaller cup.
So how do we find a bra that is a perfect fit? First, we need to measure ourselves correctly.
With a measuring tape, measure your torso about two inches below your nipple. Make sure the measuring tape is nice and tight to get a proper measurement. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add 4 inches and if it is odd, add 3 inches. For example, if your measurement is 36 then you need a bra band size of 40. If it is 39 then you would need a 42.
From there, it is a matter of determining what cup size you would like to have (this is also where you decide if you are wearing breast forms as well).
When it comes to cup sizing (while also wearing/choosing breast forms), we usually recommend going with a size proportionate to your body type. If you are slender, a B or C cup would be best. If you’re on the heavier side, a D cup would work. Anything bigger than that is more of preference as the larger you go the bustier and bustier you will become and the more attention you may draw to yourself if out en femme.
A few other tips to follow:
Put on a tight fitting shirt over the bra – if everything is bulging than you are wearing the wrong size.
Choose a bra that fits right when attached by the outermost set of hooks. That way as it loosens from wear over time, you can still go down to the other hooks to make things tighter again.
Adjust the band – the front and back of the bra should be level to each other.
Lastly, remember that all of us here at Glamour Boutique are always more than happy to help you with sizing questions or any kind of help you need in regards to selecting the right bra. Email us at info@glamourboutique.com or call us at 888-721-8688.