When wearing a bra, whether with breast forms, breast plates or even nothing at all, getting past the problems that come with getting the right bra can be tough. Nine times out of ten the issue is caused by the wrong fit.
What are Common Bra Fit issues?
From tight bands to loose bands to that extra blubber that may hang out of the sides, there are many poor fitting bra symptoms, and the struggle is real. Lastly, with pocket bras that are used to keep your breast forms in place, the extra stress of sizing the pockets and forms right can be a challenge from the newest users to the most seasoned girls. As experts in all things breast forms and their accessories, let Glamour Boutique help solve these problems for you and explore the most common bra fitting problems.
Bra Fit Issue #1: The Back Bulge
Since almost 80% of your bra’s support is from the strap, it’s important that it fits correctly. A common mistake is getting the bra a size too small to try and keep everything very tight. Although even with the correct bra size you can still get the dreaded back bulge. The solution? One fix is to go up a band size. If going up a band size doesn’t work, try finding a bra with a wider back which may go better for your body shape. Stretchy bras are another good alternative to help fight the back bulge.
Bra Fit Issue #2: Loose Straps Falling Off Your Shoulders
One of the most annoying bra problems is the loose strap. Nothing is worse than a loose bra strap falling off your shoulder all day. The most obvious fix that many of us sometimes don’t realize is to tighten the adjustable shoulder straps. You can do that! Another reason for falling straps is that your bra may be old. Over time the shoulder straps will lose their elasticity from wear and tear and eventually just start to fail. If that’s the case then it’s time for a new bra.
Bra Fit Issue #3: Tight Straps and Bands/Red Marks From Your Bra
On the other side of the coin is the issue of tight straps that dig in and leave red marks on your body. This is a classic poor fitting bra symptom. If your bra is leaving red marks on you, then you definitely have too-tight shoulder straps or bra band. If the marks are on your shoulders from the straps, try loosening them. The true support on bras is the band, so loosening the straps won’t really affect the support. If the band is the issue with tightness, loosen the band and if that still doesn’t work then you should get sized for a proper sized bra. Many crossdressers are not aware of the correct way to measure for a bra band and end up wearing bras too small.
When using a Pocket Bra
A pocket bra is a special bra made for breast forms that have pockets to insert them into. The most common one on the market has a semi-sheer cup/front with lace around the border of each cup. Once silicone breast forms are inserted, you have the illusion of seeing real breasts as you see the areola and nipple but the edge of the forms is hidden by the lace.
The biggest dilemma is with the pockets being the right size for the breast forms. Once you are sized for the right breast forms, the pockets of the bra should be the same size. If the pockets are too small, the forms won’t fit correctly and will push the bra band away from the chest at the front. If the pockets are too large, then the forms will be sliding around and the appearance will not work properly as the edges of the breast forms will be in view instead of hidden by the lace.
Breast forms come in different shapes, so one way to solve the issue is to find the right shaped forms to fit your body. Between tear drops, triangular, ovals, asymmetrical and more, there will be a shape that fits your body-type correctly. Whatever the shape make sure you get the band size and cup size of the breastforms and pocket bra in syn for a perfect fit and appearance.
If you are near a store that specializes in crossdressing/trans girls, like Glamour Boutique, then pay them a visit to get sized correctly.
Sizing Issues with Padded Bras
If you use padded bras just be aware that the padding can add a cup or more to the actual size. Why is this a problem? Well, if you have 38C breast forms and purchase a 38C padded bra you will end up at least as a 38D. Also, the likelihood is the actual bra cup will be a little small and in an un-pocketed bra may push the forms upwards i.e. they may well sit on the chest higher than intended. To compensate, in this example you would want to wear 38B forms in the 38C padded bra to end up at a true 38C size and shape.
Conclusion
While it can be a struggle and take a little time to find the right fit, do know that there are many bras out there that can fit you correctly so don’t get frustrated. We know once you find the right bra, you will feel sexy and complete as your femme self. If you have any questions, Glamour Boutique can help. Our experts can help with any sizing questions and help to get you in the right bra. Call us at 973-226-5588 or email us at [email protected].
For more on bras and breast forms, check out our blog with tons of articles to help you along your way. Let us know your biggest issues with bras. Email us at [email protected] or message us on our Facebook page.