How to Assemble a Transgender Wardrobe
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Q&A
Q. I am just starting out to assemble a wardrobe and I need help with the basics. First, how do I buy a bra? I checked catalogs and some say measure below the breast, some say above, others have a weird formula you have to follow. It's so confusing! And, it doesn't stop there! Once I (think I) know my size, what kind of bra should I get? Under wire? Side support? Cross my heart? Straps or strapless? Padded? There are SO MANY options that I am paralyzed with confusion.
Maybe a description would help. I'm a little over weight and so I have a slightly pronounced breast area. What is the best bra to smoosh it all together so I can fill the cup? I'm not looking for sexy lace bras (at least not just yet), just a normal bra that a woman would wear every day. Can you give me a clue? posted Feb. 5, 2000Response by Krystle Glass
A. You are now facing a question faced by women all over the world. T* and GG alike; How to find the right size bra and the right style. GG's have the advantage of being able to go to a specialty store and get properly fitted. Not all of them do, but at least they have that option. Also as they grow up they have the assistance of their sisters, mothers etc.
But most of us T* girls need to fall back on the guidelines found in catalogs. And they pretty much work. My own guideline is to take a measurement around the chest just below the pectorals. That's the bra size. For a cup size, I go by what will look proportionate to my body size/shape. If you're thin and/or petite a B cup might be fine. Average plus, try a C cup. A lot of it is experimentation and trial and error. But remember the biggest mistake most T* girls make is to go too big. It usually looks out of place, unnatural and is a great way to get attention and subsequently read.
As to bra styles, that's a matter of personal preference. I prefer underwires and a smooth cup. Some girls like a longline bra. Not many can pull off a demi-cup. As to what works to make the most of whatever your natural endowment is; I really don't know. You might want to try a WonderBra or Miracle Bra. Both are designed to help women make the most of what they have. Trapless can be very difficult to pull off unless you have enough natural breast to not need forms. Padded Might be of help if you don't have decent breast forms, as they will help keep a smooth appearance to whatever you do stuff with.
My own preference is to skip the bra and use a body briefer. That has the benefit of acting as a bra AND girdle in one. Worn over a corset it helps smooth over the lines as well.