In Between

[gmast]

It seems like most of the regulars here that post are guys that have grown large to do medication, and can go to a store to get sized (and recommend it), and find bras that work for them. Local stores don't have my size. I’m a size that few women have, so the stores don’t carry them.

Like many people with gynecomastia, it snuck up on me. I didn’t notice that I had it until my nipples were very tender all the time. I checked with my doctor, that ran the blood tests, and they came back normal, and then had a mammogram, confirming that I have gynecomastia. I tried some compression vests, but I found them uncomfortable and hot. After spending a lot of time reading different things on the web, it seemed that compression bras hold things together so that don’t move as much, but don’t give much support. For support, an encapsolated bra is better. Since I didn’t want bra straps and adjustment clasps showing through clothing, I figured I would try an encapsolated racerback sports bra.

Then the hard part, determining my bra size, and finding it. I took my measurements, in inches:
under bust 36 ½ to 37, tight 36. Bust 40 ½ to 41, Over bust, 40. Many, but not all, seem to want the measurements taken with a bra on, but since I didn’t have one, I couldn’t. The There seem to several different guidelines out for measurements, as well as brand specific charts, and online calculators. The methods that I found included.

First, determine band size. Most seem to round the use underbust measurement up to an even number for the band size, some round the over bust measurement to an even band size, and some had a chart off go off the under bust, and some added 5 inches to the underbust, then rounded to the nearest even number. This gave me band sizes from 36 to 42 inches.

Second, determine the cup size. Methods subtract the underbust measurement from the bust measurement. Some subtract the band size from the bust measurement, and some subtract the overbust measurement from the bust size. Then some use a chart.

So between the different methods and and calculators, I came up with the following sizes:
36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 40B, 40A, and 42A. Now looking in the mirror, and applying a bit of common sense, I do not have D or C cups, and probably not B’s regardless of what the rules say. My chest measurements get larger as I move up the rib cage, even before they started growing. I don’t think the formulas work well for me. I figured my true size is 38A or 40A, but since different brands size different, I could also be a 38B, and perhaps 36A or 36B, depending on the brand. Going on line and looking at the various bra manufacturers retailers web sites, B cups in 38 and 40 are available, but not very common, and A cups are even fewer. It seems most people that wear bras for support are women, and they usually have at least B cup breasts before they get to a 38 or 40.

Most local stores to have the brands that have bras in the size I need, so I had to order them online. I only found a couple of well known brand names that make the A cups, and the stores that carry that brand don't carry them in the stores.   Some don't even carry them on their internet sites.

Bra A – Its sizing charts put me at a 40A or even possibly 42A. Reviews indicated that the band tends run run one size smaller than the true size. I ordered a 38B and a 40A. The band on the 38B was too tight. The 40A band fit, but the Cup were a little big. The bra seems to round the breasts to a more feminine shape. Comfortable except when I reach with my hands close together as it digs in by my armpits. Kept it.

Bra B – reviews indicated the Cup runs a little large. Ordered a 40A. The band was too loose, and the cup was too big. Sent back.

Bra C. Not a lot of reviews – ordered a 40A. The band fit, but the cup was too big. Sent Back.

Bra D. Reviews indicated the cups ran small, and it is not available in a 38A or 40A. Ordered a 38A. Fit well, but is padded. Feels like I have a shield on my chest, Is a little warm. Is not available in white. Kept it.

Bra E. Same brand as Bra D, but is an underwire. Not available in 38A or 40A. Ordered 38B. Band size OK, Cup size too big. Returned it.

Bra B – Ordered a 38A. Seems to fit the best of all. Like it except the bra straps ride up my neck and can be seen if I’m wearing a t-shirt.

At this point I think my true size is 38A. I tried a couple of bras with molded cups, but I didn’t fill out the top.


So new I’ve got a 38A, 38B, and 40A that will work, but the each have their faults.

[littleguy]

Maybe you could try some bras that are sized S, M,L . Some of them work for me.

[aboywithgirls]

It really sounds to me that a 36C may be a better size for you. You will want to get fitted and ask for a broad underwire. 

[Goodnplenty]

You should become familiar with the concept of "sister sizing".  A 40b and a 38c in theory should contain the same cup volume, the 40b will have wider underwire.  When I  take my measurements I always go down a band size to the lower sister size and it gets me much closer to a good fit.  Also just like everything else clothing related companies vary greatly in their fit and target consumer.  A 38c wacoal won't fit the same as a 38 playtex.

[Getting boobs]

It seems that every bra is different when it comes to sizing. Sometimes even the same brand but a different style does not have the same fit. Sometimes you just have to try them on to find the best fit. I wear a 40 band in most of mine, but others I can do a 38. You just have to sister size with the cups size to get what fits and feels the best

[newat50]

I’d also echo the idea of 36C as a starting point, and also looking at SML bralettes. The Reddit A bra that fits has a size calculator that worked for me.
I’ve recently picked up on of the sloggi zero feel ones and find it both supportive, comfortable and extremely discrete. Much less restrictive than a firm sports bra and quite adequate for my 32c.

[gmast]

I haven't tried a 36C.  It seems like a C cup is large.  I don't look like a C cup to me.  If I hadn't started getting nipple pain and some chest discomfort, I probably wouldn't have noticed that I had gyne.  36C it is a sister size to the 38B that fits.  However, I don't think I'd be comfortable with the smaller band, and the 38 seems snug enough.  I am curious as to how much most guys have different between the under bust and over bust measurement.  Mine is about 3 1/2 inches.

[Goodnplenty]

A C cup is not as big as you might think.  I think that our perception of breast size is tainted because most women wear a bra size that isntoo small.  So a woman wearing a C cup might be a D, DD or even larger.  You would think that women would have a lot more expertise in getting the correct size but all you have to do is look at women at any public place and you will see overflowing cups, bands that are too tight, falling straps, etc.

[JohannK]

I haven't tried a 36C.  It seems like a C cup is large.  I don't look like a C cup to me.  If I hadn't started getting nipple pain and some chest discomfort, I probably wouldn't have noticed that I had gyne.  36C it is a sister size to the 38B that fits.  However, I don't think I'd be comfortable with the smaller band, and the 38 seems snug enough.  I am curious as to how much most guys have different between the under bust and over bust measurement.  Mine is about 3 1/2 inches.

My current measurements are 77/93 cm.  Converted to inches, 16cm is about 6.3".  Which, according to the table at https://www.woolworths.co.za/sizeGuides/woolworths/women puts me at 34C.

[Johndoe1]

A C cup is not as big as you might think.  I think that our perception of breast size is tainted because most women wear a bra size that isntoo small.  So a woman wearing a C cup might be a D, DD or even larger.  You would think that women would have a lot more expertise in getting the correct size but all you have to do is look at women at any public place and you will see overflowing cups, bands that are too tight, falling straps, etc.

Not only that but breasts come in all shapes that influence "size". I wear a DD cup. I don't look like what you would think a DD would look like. You say DD and you instantly think HUGE breasts. Men's chests are larger than a woman's. Many men have what are called "large roots" meaning the base of the breast where it attaches to the chest covers a large part of the chest. This takes up a lot of tissue so depending on whether the breasts are wideset (large space between the breasts) or round or pendulous, (with little to no space between the breasts) or something in between, will determine "how large" they appear. If my DD's were narrow root, my chest would arrive 10 minutes before I do. The style of bra determines the look of the breast where the cup size is for containing the breast tissue. That is why a DD push up bra looks much larger than a DD minimizer bra which spreads the tissue more for a "flatter look." Holds the same volume of tissue, just displays the breasts differently. Women have known this trick for years and are masters at either displaying the breasts when they want to be noticed or more hiding them when not wanting to be noticed as much. That is a trick I have learned and is why I can successfully live with my DD's. And that is why 80% of women wear the wrong size bra. They think they can't possible be a C or D or G or J cup due to their breast shape. But once you take into account of the actual VOLUME of breast tissue, a C or D or G or J cup is completely possible without looking like some porn star. And that is how bras are really supposed to be sized, containing breast volume, not size.

[TheDane]

A little something to consider should you find the band that fits but the cup is a little to big. Try a swimwear breast form the ones I am talking about are perforated clear silicon and nearly weightless and are waterproof they should provide enough to fill up that cup. Not many bras come in half cup sizes and this helps to avoid puckering at the top of the cup they will boost very little. They will stay in place as they are not designed to slip out of a swimwear bra top even in water. I have a pair for a purpose because a few of my most comfy tops are a bit large in the cups.  I understand none here want to stuff a cup to fit in it but you are after support.


In 1 scenario you found 38B to tight and 40A just right but Cup was to big.

I have 38B, 38C, 40A, 40B sizes each is a different brand or style and fit is key.  Like Soma doesnt offer 38B in balconnette front close bras, C+ cups only. A 40C might be in my future.

Something you might also try is any bra with a J hook to convert from conventional strap to racerback. The cups get a decent lift.  Front close bras are also a different fit.  I have Soma and Chantelle bras and the difference in fit between the Vanishing edge back close in 40B vs the Vanishing edge front close in 38C is significant.  Jcpenny has a Ambriel bra that has this and after its washed a dozen times it not scratchy. Usually on sale to.

Chantelle makes excellent bras, buy them on sale though, same with Soma but please get fitted by a fitter first $56 each will not help if they aren't the right size.

[gmast]

The 40A that was a little big, now fits fine on one side.  It is a single layer, no lining or padding of any type.  If it had a lining or padding, It probably would have much of a wrinkle.  While most of the reviews on Amazon said the band runs small, the sizing chart from the manufacturer puts me between a 40A and a 42A.  I tried the 40A, which at first seemed a little big, but now seems pretty good.  I'm happy with the two other brands, one of which is 38A, one a 38B.  Since getting diagnosed, I've lost weight, and I think I've quit growing.  I used to have very tender nipples if I didn't wear a bra.  Now, I'm OK unless I do things that have a lot of shaking, like running the lawn mower over a very rough yard.  It amazes me at how awful the womens sizing system is for bra's.  There seems to be very little consistency between brands, and sometimes even within brands.

[Goodnplenty]

The womens sizing system is awful for everything.  A junior's size 8 is not the same as a women's size 8 is not the same as a misses size 8.  And then as you rightfully pointed out even within brands fit can be different.  Bras are whole other story though.  You can have two people with the exact same physical measurements but one has shallow breasts and the other has more projection but narrower breasts.   They both can't wear the same bra even though they have the same measurements.  As men I  think it takes us more trial and error because even though we might have the measurements that call for certain size bra our breast tissue is distributed differently than womens.

[bikerbob]

As a 42 almost B, I agree that finding a bra that fits is a challenge.  I found a practically new 42B in a thrift store and found that the cups were too big.  42As are out there but hard to find except by mail order.  Adding to the problem, one breast is slightly bigger than the other.  Since I don't need heavy duty support,  I wear leisure bras in XL size.  The cups are one size fits all so I order by band size and the cups adjust to fit by themselves, which gets around the different sizes.

Sports and leisure bras lie flat under your clothes so they are harder to detect.  They do compress your breasts a bit but at least sizing is a no brainer.  When I first started wearing one every day, I wore a sports bra for several days and my wife was completely unaware of it.  I figured if I can fool a chick, I can fool anybody.  I have caught several women staring at my chest, but I think it is the boobs they notice and not the bra, which I can live with.  The only time I think I have been busted was when I wore a bra with thick shoulder straps and I avoid white shirts.  As Littleguy suggested, try a L or XL bra and the cup size takes care of itself.

[island dude]

Anyone tried a Bra by Negative Underwear, take a look online, have two of the wireless which I generally do not wear. They were the least expensive, to try, am going back to try the underwire.