Being too fashion savvy

[Laura Beth]

The other day while out doing some shopping with my ex and son I wanted some help from my ex-wife. She is somewhat supportive of my transition and doesn't say much about how I am dressed. I pulled her aside and ask for her to help me find something but she told me I was on my own. I have helped her in the past with her clothing chooses and other things including her bras which is what I wanted her help with.  I finally got her to talk to me about it and she figured I didn't need any help picking out any of my clothes. She said next time she will help me find some bras that will fit better since I have small B size breasts. She want me to get some sports bras and ones that fasten at the front because they will give me more support but not anything cheap because they are not the best.

 

I right now I am wearing a 36 B bra with a extension to the band to make it fit better. I tried to find a 38 A but to no avail and looked at some conversion charts; one a 38 A is the equal of a 36 C which is a cup size too big.

 

Laura Beth  

[Jani]

Ahhhh, bra sizing is all over the map it seems.  Just like all other women's clothing.  You are correct that cheap clothing is never a good buy since it doesn't last and may not fit well. 

 

You can never be too fashion savvy.  It pays to know what you like, in styles and colors.  I've always been my wife's co-shopper when we're out in stores.  Now she picks out some nice things for me.  My style is a bit different than hers and we are on opposite ends of the height spectrum.  Some things I like wouldn't look good on her.   Hopefully you can find some middle ground with your wife Laura Beth.  

 

Jani

[tracy_j]

You are right in thinking bra sizes are all over the place. Careful searching on the net will find places which explain how the sizes are derived but, unless you are going into making them as a business, I cannot see any reason for taking time in understanding. My experience will, I think, be pretty much the same as others - a long learning curve. It would help to get a fitting from someone skilled. I spent quite a while looking and buying less than ideal bras until I found a webshop that catered for my size. Note that, not having hormone therapy, I am effectively a very small cup size. I have found a company here in the UK (Dainty Lady), intended to cater for the smaller woman, who do supply bras up to 44 AAAA size. Handmade so slightly more expensive and longer delivery time, but I find them very comfortable. I always found that extending the band changed the geometry resulting in the stra[s tending to fall off my shoulder. Getting a good bra is a key step toward feeling comfortable with your deportment.

 

For interest - I have found this blog which does have links to quite a few suppliers who may be of interest, both here and in the US:

 

http://www.venusianglow.com/2010/08/very-small-cups-with-very-small-bands.html

 

Tracy

[Carolyn Marie]

Laura Beth, if they have Victoria's Secret in Canada, you might want to give them a try.  Their staff are very understanding and discreet, and they will measure you for a proper fit.  I don't buy there myself because they are rather expensive, and most of their stuff is not to my taste.  But I did have them measure me and was very pleased with their service.  They do carry a lot of sizes.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Rachael]

I second the Victoria secret, the staff have been very helpful and the bras are so comfortable. It’s also nice to have a bra that fits properly. 

[VickySGV]

My best deal on bras is the Hanes / Just My Size web sites.  They have sizes that will get to you in about 4 days via mail.  These are not the real Dysphoria busters as girly/frilly/lacy, but the ones I have gotten are good quality and I do not have to use extenders on them.  When I was using silicone breast forms, front closure bras were a recipe for disaster since the hooks got caught on the forms, now that the boobs are home grown, I prefer the front closing ones.