RECENT BREAST FORM INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS
There have been a number of interesting developments in the world of breast forms, falsies, prostheses etc. Over the last 5 year or so. With the onset of the downturn of the global economy in late ‘07/early ‘08 many found it difficult to afford the $150 plus prices for the traditional pair of quality German silicone forms, but apart from non-silicone and make-your-own versions there were very little to offer. Responding to customers requiring a silicone product at a more affordable price Glamour Boutique led the way in the U.S. by seeking out overseas manufacturers that could produce a great affordable alternative at half the traditional price U.S. vendors had been charging. These affordable versions have also increased in quality over the years, so today you can purchase a great quality soft pair of silicone breast forms for around $40.
More recently as we move further away from recession we are seeing more R & D for high-end specialist prosthetic products for those looking for perfection. Some offer full body-suits with integrated boobs, feminine butt, and hips. These suits even have boobs that are air-brushed to match your skin-tone and are complete with freckles (if preferred). These full body suits could add up to thousands these days depending on the detail and quality preferred.
Here at GlamourBoutique.com we are regularly asked what makes a breast form cost over $1000 a pair and what makes them that expensive. The higher priced forms and shaping prosthetic usually have a high degree of crafting/engineering involved in the process. Time is labor cost and as well as the R & D this is often what you pay for along with nice packaging and often the specialist/scarcity factor.
Over the last few months we have been talking with many of our regulars to get the ‘skinny’ on what they think of the products now available on the market and if they feel they offer value – whether the cheaper everyday breast forms or the higher-end specialist forms. Our findings have not been restricted to products we sell but include the products our customers have tried, used and hopefully in most cases continue to use. Read on and you’ll pick up some valuable customer information that may end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the future.
Our findings are concentrated on the areas of affordable breast forms (under $100 a pair), quality traditional breast forms ($150 to $500 a a pair) and the specialist/luxury breast forms priced from $500 to thousands of dollars. We were primarily interested in the comments users had in regards to value for their money, does the product do what it says in the advertising and if their could be any improvements to the product.
The actual products we focus on in this report are:
- Real Breast forms with the ‘vanishing edge technology’
- Affordable Teardrop Breast forms
- GL2000N Asymmetrical Breast forms
- GL4000N Breast forms
- Gold Seal Classic Breast forms
- Pals non-silicone gel Breast forms
- Femskin bodysuits
REAL BREAST FORMS
A relative new addition to the body shaping word this is definitely a product at the high end of the crossdressing world. Glamour Boutique held off from selling the Real Breast with vanishing edge technology until we had sufficient feedback from early users to see: A) If the product did what it said it could and B) If customers considered the price to be fair.
Main Selling Point: You can have a pair of realistic breast forms matched to your skin tone that when adhered to your body with medical adhesive blend seamlessly to your chest due to the ‘vanishing edge’ of the breast form that tapers to a thin transparent layer.
Does the Product Deliver: Most customers we have asked love the tapered ‘vanishing edge’ and feel the finish on these forms is probably the most realistic out there even without the optional extra airbrushing for veins and freckles in the finish. Although they do not make extra large sizes most customers found the cup sizes ample and weight to size was very realistic. We have sold a lot of these from the NJ showroom and at least half sold there have been to performers who want the most realistic look.
Improvements Needed: In order to get the ‘vanishing edge’ to blend in seamlessly to your own chest customers have noted that this is not a “strap on and go breast form” so if you are in a rush when dressing then this is not a product for you. If you do not take your time the edges can wrinkle and in extreme cases we have heard that the very thin edge can tear if not handled extremely gently. The company making these has taken on board much of the feedback and 2 developments have been:
- The Breast Plate – an alternative version where the breastplate is a one-piece prosthetic so is easier to apply and the cleavage area is also seamless
- Thicker Edge – both the Real Breast forms and the Breast Plate are now available with the original ‘vanishing edge’ or with a thicker edge. The thicker edge is more durable and easier to put on and remove but the trade off is it is not quite as tapered to the chest wall
AFFORDABLE TEARDROP BREAST FORMS
At the other end of the price scale we have the breast form that has outsold all others on the www.GlamourBoutique.com website the past 4 years. This was the first sub-$100 a pair silicone breast forms we sold other than occasional closeout specials. Over four years later they are still the biggest volume selling breast forms so our customers must love this raised teardrop as well as the price. Many of our regulars have purchased multiple sets of the Affordable Teardrop Breastforms in different sizes so they can be big and busty or curvy and demure depending on their mood. Try doing that with some of the German breast forms at over $200 a pair and it soon turns into an expensive exercise.
Main Selling Point: It’s possible to have a pair of perfect everyday-use silicone breast forms for under $100 a pair. Of all the ‘Affordable’ range styles we do under the $100 mark this continues to outsell all the others. The AFT comes in a good range of 8 Sizes so covers almost all possible size combinations you need for crossdressing all the way up to a 46DD.
Does the Product Deliver: With its raised profile the AFT gives good protrusion to fill bras and can be used with approved medical adhesives like Hollister. Customers love the realistic raised nipple rather the flatter generic type nipples found on many of the more expensive mastectomy breast forms.
Improvements Needed: Particularly in the early days the quality of the finish and color consistency of each batch of these affordable forms could be uneven from shipment to shipment. Customers sometimes complained that a pair bought some time after their first pair were at least a shade lighter or darker which was also sometimes the case with the softness. Fortunately the quality issues have improved markedly the past few years to eradicate these issues. Some customers also would like the packaging to be in line with the more expensive mastectomy forms rather than the plain white boxes but we weigh that benefit against having to increase the price and for most they would prefer the price stay where it is.
Value For Money: Without doubt there is no question from all those we spoke to that the Affordable Teardrop Breast forms deliver great value. We couldn’t have put it better than Traci: “You get a lot of boob for your buck! I used to pay double for boobs that only stuck out half as much.” If you’re shopping on a budget but want genuine silicone then these are for you.
GL2000N ASYMMETRICAL BREAST FORMS
Of the quality German silicone breast forms in the $150 to $300 range the GL2000N’s are still one of the top sellers in units sold and still priced from $189 they remain remarkably good value. With the extra side wing to the form the GL2000N helps give a real breast look and feel and enhances the look of tops and dresses by filling out that area that some conventional shaped forms on crossdressers sees to miss. Many customers love the soft German silicone and the realistic coloring that is more realistic than many of the lighter shades on the market.
Main Selling Point: This attachable asymmetrical silicone form has full tapered underarm and upper chest projections in a Natural Matte (Non Shiny) finish, for the most realistic look available today. The superior super-soft German silicone and natural non-shine appearance and coloring ensure consistency, quality and durability. As with all the GL range of forms they come with a full 12 months manufacturer warranty against defects. The backside of the form is constructed with a multi-layer outer shell for use with most medical adhesives so you are assured of a long and trouble-free life of use.
Does the Product Deliver: We have customers that come back and buy these every few years and they still can’t say enough about them. We have found over the years that very few customers that buy the GL2000N’s go on to try other styles/models so it appears for most that once they try them they feel there is nothing to be bettered. Most comments center around the realistic shape and look of the forms that is achieved when dressing and also the peace of mind with regards the one-year warranty.
Improvements Needed: The only suggestions we have had in any number are to do with the nipple and sizes available. The nipple is a more subtle one though that is often a reason why many girls buy these. However the Perky Nipples we sell are made by the manufacturer for these and so you can use with or without. With regards the size they are currently available all the way to a 50C though on last check the manufacturer are not looking to add larger sizes that some of our customers would like.
Value For Money: With the price having remained un-changed for over 5 years these certainly represent great value for money considering the fact you are paying for a superior silicone product made to strict controls of a mastectomy lab. What this means is the softness and coloring resembles much more closely that of a real breast and the variance between different batches is strictly controlled so that if you order the same forms 4 or 5 years after the first they should be almost exactly the same as the first set in color, softness etc. For many the Manufacturer;s Warranty alone is worth a good portion of the purchase price too.
GL4000N SUPER SOFT BREAST FORMS WITH PROMINENT NIPPLE
When Glamour Boutique first commissioned a manufacturer to make these with the realistic projected nipple they were the first breast forms available on the market that had the built in realistic nipple loved by so many. Before, all that was available were breast forms with a generic round small protrusion nipple of say 1/8 inch or less. As a rounded triangle made of the softest silicone available on the market the GL4000N super-soft forms with realistic nipple give a bustier fuller figured look and priced from $179 are another great buy when looking for a high-end traditional breast form.
Main Selling Point: In short, the GL4000N offers the softest silicone breast form we have been able to find to date and the realistic nipple just completes the look and feel of a breast form that continues to sell at a premium. Sold by other sites in excess of $250, Glamour Boutique continues to buy these in volume from the manufacturer and mark-up much less than others to keep the inventory turning over.
Does the Product Deliver: Whilst most are drawn to the look of the natural nipple and the soft silicone the comment we receive most is about the ‘jiggle factor’. This is the way the forms move when you move which can really only be achieved by a breast form of the softest silicone.
Improvements Needed: In the early days customers that like really big forms mentioned that the width of the largest size (13) when place on a chest of under 40” would wrap-around on the side which was not satisfactory. The manufacturer responded by changing the Size 13 to a Teardrop shape so that it was considerably thinner but still had the full protrusion for lovers of big breast forms.
Value For Money: Priced from $179 these represent great value in the quality breast form range. For a realistic breast forms that gives a busty look, ultra-soft silicone and the jiggle factor you can’t match these with any other product for the price. This is another model were we have customers that buy multiple sizes because they love them so much.
GOLD SEAL CLASSIC BREAST FORMS
Another perennial seller in the mid-range price of breast forms due to the quality every time being delivered. Another asymmetrical style of breast form that similar to the GL4000N gives a fairly full and busty look. A nice medium-soft realistic feel the Gold Seal forms also come complete with a limited manufacturer’s warranty for a peace of mind purchase.
Main Selling Point: With their concave molded backing to seamlessly attach to the chest wall and asymmetrical shape the Gold Seal Classic aim to give a full bust to fill bras and clothing properly. Strengthened double-layer membrane and limited warranty should ensure a lifetime of worry-free use even when using adhesives.
Does the Product Deliver: Most love the full bust shape but some smaller framed wearers have commented that they’d be better suited to a shape with a little less protrusion. If you are looking for a quality forms of medium softness and a full bust shape then this is an excellent choice.
Improvements Needed: Nothing major but a number of customers have commented they’d love a more realistic sized nipple built in or the option of a more realistic attachable nipple rather than the generic naughty nipples available as an extra. Many that purchase these via Glamour Boutique buy our Perky nipples for attachment on the Gold Seal for a more realistic look. Only other comments are the coloring which tends to be on the very light, almost milky-white side. Most comment they’d like a slightly darker shade than that used.
Value For Money: This is certainly another of the quality traditional breast forms where you get what you pay for. Look after the Gold Seals and they will last you a long time and retain their shape for many years to come. As with the GL2000N those who buy Gold Seals will probably not need to think about a re-purchase for 4+ years which is good value for money.
PALS NON-SILICONE BREAST FORMS
Pals non-silicone gel breast forms have been around for a long time and have equal amount of fans and detractors. Starting at a very reasonable $49.95 a pair for the smallest breast forms they are a good value entry-level breast form and for some their advantages of being unbreakable (unlike silicone) far outweigh the disadvantages of being heavy and more dense and less realistic than a silicone form.
Main Selling Point: Pals are perfect for any that are allergic to silicone or plastics, can be punctured and then will repair themselves (i.e. just about indestructible) and are porous so can be colored with foundation to exactly match your skin tone. Due to durability they can also be slept in which should not be attempted with silicone.
Does the Product Deliver: Certainly as a budget option these stand-up well to the cheaper silicone forms though they are heavier and more dense and so you trade of the realism for the ability to have a virtually indestructible breast form. Place them in a bra which they fit into well in most styles and it’s hard to tell you are not wearing good silicone forms.
Improvements Needed: Not being silicone with a PU outer coating there are no adhesives yet for Pals which for many is a major downside. If the manufacturer could solve this one then they would appeal to many more. Also, being porous they discolor very easily and cannot be thoroughly cleaned once stained with the color of a new black bra etc.
Value For Money: Certainly those polled feel the smaller sizes under $100 are good value for money particularly give the above average lifespan. However the large sizes are closer in price to good silicone forms and may not be good value when considering they cannot be attached, are heavier and denser and discolor easily.
BESPOKE SILICONE PROSTHESES AND BODYSUITS
At the high end of the body shaping products world for TG’s and CD’s are the special effects provided by the high-end prosthetic makers that can provide anything from silicone hip and butt pads to silicone girdles, female face masks and even all-in-one bodysuits costing $1500 +. This is a small market due to the price barrier yet it is not insignificant and we have a number of customers that have tried these products over the years.
Main Selling Point: The bodysuits are designed for CD’s/TG’s and are anatomically correct to the last details. Made from soft yet strong and stretchy flesh like silicone the bodysuits are made to create the perfect female form. The strong elasticity of the silicone used allows for the bodysuits to stretch many times their original size and then return again to their original size after use/whilst resting.
Does The Product Deliver: There’s no doubt the shaping that can be achieved cannot be beaten by the full bodysuits but tearing is an issue. Our customer Chrissy has purchased two of these over the years as recently as early this year. Whilst she feels the bodysuits have certainly been strengthened since the first one she bought 5 year ago she found hers tearing again under the arms after only 4 wearings . They are very hot to wear and to put on and off without tearing takes a lot of time and care. At a price of $1500 and up you have to be sure it’s a product for you if there’s a risk of tearing.
Improvements Needed: Not many with regards the shape and appearance but the major improvement they have still to solve is one of durability.
Value For Money: If they ever manage to make a harder wearing suit where they can guarantee it against tearing from regular use then it will be worth every penny but for most it is a luxury that comes with risk attached and we don’t know many that can throw over $1000 at a product which will possibly tear within only a few wearings.
There you have it, the ‘skinny’ on most recent trends in the word of crossdressing breast forms. Whether you need an affordable traditional breast form, a breast form that has been perfected with airbrushing to pass the most stringent of scrutiny close up and everything in between the manufacturers and prosthetic makers are on the case. What this space for new developments as we have it and give us your own thoughts on these matters.