Bra size guide for men
When it comes to choosing the correct bra, we understand that it can be a little daunting, especially when doing so for the first time. That’s why, here at Glamour Boutique, we want to ensure you feel as comfortable and as confident as possible when shopping with us. So, we’ve put together this handy bra size guide which will tell you exactly how to find the perfect fit that will look natural with your breast forms, will be comfortable to wear, and will help you to achieve a feminine chest that you love.
Bra sizing for men: how to measure your bra band
You may have noticed when you go to order a bra that the format is a number, followed by a letter. If you’re completely new to bra sizing, this format indicates the bra band width, and the cup size. The cup size will be the easy part as you already know what size breast forms you purchased (if you’re not sure on cup size, read on), so all you need to do next is take your measurements to ensure you get the correct bra band size.
- To measure a man for a bra, follow the steps below for a fool-proof method.
- Find a soft or fabric measuring tape as it will need to comfortably fit around your torso.
- Take the tape and measure around your torso just underneath your chest, where your bra band is going to sit. If you’re not sure, it’s approximately 2 inches below the nipples. Make a note of the inches. You will want to make sure you pull the tape tight enough so it is snug, but not too tight as you will end up with an uncomfortable bra which digs into the skin.
- If your measurement is an even number, add 4, if it is odd, add 5.
- The number you are left with is the bra band size you will need to order.
How to measure breast forms for cup size
If you’ve had your trusty breast forms for a while, you may have forgotten what cup size they are. That’s no problem, as it’s easy to measure and find out. You’ll need a soft measuring tape, and you’ll also need to be wearing your breast forms.
Take the tape measure around your chest, lining it up with the fullest part of your breast forms. If you need to wear a bra to secure your breast forms, ensure it’s a soft or thin bra so as not to affect the measurements. Take this new measurement and subtract it from the bra band size measurement you’ve already worked out (point 4 from the previous instructions)
Note the difference between the two measurements and use the below information to find the cup size:
– Less than an inch = AA
– 1 inch = A
– 2 inches = B
– 3 inches = C
– 4 inches = D
– 5 inches = DD
– 6 inches = E
– 7 inches = F
Which type of bra should I choose?
Now that you have a good foundation on understanding bra sizes for guys and you have your bra band size, you’re going to want to consider what type of bra you’d like to purchase. There are a number of different bras that you could choose from, some of which are better suited to certain types of breast forms.
For example, a strapless bra is most suitable for smaller breast forms, especially if you don’t want to use additional adhesive to keep everything up together. Larger breast forms are more suited to underwired bras and full cup bras, as these offer plenty of support.
If you don’t want to use adhesive to secure your breast forms to your chest, there’s also the option of a pocket bra, which holds your breast forms nicely in place, but still provides a little ‘jiggle’ effect when you walk.
For a complete list of all bra types and which breast forms are best suited, read our different bra types for crossdressers blog post.
How do I know if my bra is too tight or too loose?
Now that you’re all clued up on bra sizes for men, it’s also important to recognise when your bra is too big or too small. Ill-fitting bras can cause problems such as shoulder pain, bad posture, rubbing and skin abrasions, which aren’t much fun to deal with. So, here are some takeaway tips to help you identify if your bra doesn’t fit properly:
Indications your bra is too small:
- It leaves red marks or lines and deep grooves around your chest, or on your shoulders
- It doesn’t lay nice and smooth against your body and you notice some lumps on your clothing.
- You find the back of the bra rides down at the back and up at the front.
Indications your bra is too big:
- The bra band is riding up your back towards the centre of your shoulder blades.
- The front of the bra isn’t laying flat against your chest.
- When you first start wearing your bra from new, you need to consistently put it on the tightest hook and it still doesn’t quite feel secure.
We hope you’ve found this bra size guide for men useful, and now have a clear understanding on how to choose the right product. If you wish to choose a new bra to add to your feminine wardrobe, you can browse our range of bras and pocket bras here.