Shopping for garments

[Justagirl💃]

I started out on this site in boy mode and hiding my breasts behind baggy layers. I was going braless at that time.

Neck and back pain, and a little encouragement from my doctor's nurse brought me to the realisation that I needed support. The occupational therapist suggested compression vests and those were a total failure. I came to realisation that I needed a bra.

My first bras were trial and error over Amazon. I went off the measurements that the occupational therapist had given me. Needless to say I wasted a lot of time and money trying to find something that would fit. I finally found a bra that would fit in the Glamorous brand and went with several of them. Unfortunately I noticed that my breast had teeth with those bras and ate right through them as they did not last long. Some of that might have been due to not properly washing them as well.

A CNA at the day-centre suggested I try Soma for a fitting. After much encouragement I finally decided to go in. On the way to Soma I passed Victoria's Secrets and decided to go in as well. The sales associate at Victoria's Secret was very kind and took my measurements, then calmly told me that they did not have anything in my size. She suggested I go to Torrid as they were for plus size individuals.
I decided to go ahead and go into Soma for a fitting as well I was basically told the same, Torrid was the place for me to go.

I was waited on by the store manager at Torrid when I walked in and she was very kind and understanding. She of course tried to sell me on the sports bra that I declined and told her no that the underwire is what I needed and she quickly grabbed handfuls of bras that fit my measurements. I settled on a few and purchased them. The first experience at Torrid was something I'll never forget.

I weighed 450 lb when I first went into Torrid, I was massively obese. I wore a 54 D. 
As I started my weight loss Journey Torrid was always there to help me fit into a new bra. I have been buying all my bras at Torrid ever since. I am now down to a 44 triple D.

Much has changed since my first experience at Torrid, for one I'm no longer in boy mode. Now bra shopping is just second nature and I pick up some nice tops and things to go with them.

Where do you shop? What has been your shopping experiences?

[bobb]

I've never been fitted for a bra my wife took my measurements and she buys all my bras and pantyies at walmart.

[jan1north]

I discovered my gynecomastia in perhaps an unusual way.  While canoeing, wearing a life vest, the day ended with chest soreness and irritation from the rough synthetic outer material of the vest.  This raised my consciousness about my chest and soon after shoulder seat belts became an irritation - or better described as an inappropriate sensitive pleasure at the wrong place and time!  I tried covering with BandAids (plasters) but removal was painful - there had to be something better!

And so began a similar progression with bras over the last 8 years:  initially Amazon for sport style pull-overs and the local Jockey or Hanes/Bali outlet for similar.  I screwed up my courage then one day and stepped into a Lane Bryant and was measured 44B by a sympathetic SA.  I stepped away with my first cupped bras.  Next the local Kohl's knowing my real size (which is hard to find).  It's easy to grab a few bras there and slip into a fitting room as the staff is usually working stock, and no one is really paying any attention!  Initially I had some help from my wife selecting a few garments.  Torrid was next.  They were welcoming and helpful - particularly if your arrival is during a lull in business.  I measured a 42B.  I was in the process of loosing weight over time, and felt like I was headed out of their larger sizes.  Eventually, I stepped into Soma.  I found sympathy and was welcomed finding several 40B sizes that fit.  This began a long relationship with the staff at three Soma stores.  I also tried Victoria's Secret and found a similar welcome and help, but little stock to fit.  With my weight now well under 200#, I tend to go back to Soma now fitting 40/38 B/C.  I usually wait for their sales which make prices almost reasonable, and visit during quieter times of activity.  What has also helped has been keeping a few notes to remember SA names and physical descriptions as well as what has worked and what has not.  

I now appreciate why women are overwhelmingly in the wrong size, and otherwise hate bra shopping!  It's tough to find what fits as there have been so many that do not.  Top it off, confusing sizing and measurement methods have injected additional frustration.  Oh, there's just the plain fact that attempting to simply measure inherently 3D breasts with two linear dimensions is just simply ludicrous!

And, it's just a journey down one of the side streets of life!

[mgr]

I have almost exclusively shopped at Soma.  I went there first in 2015 and was greeted warmly.  Had called first.

I know go to a different Soma and have a SA that I work with exclusively.  She remembers what I bought and how they fit.  I wear their sports bras golfing 6 days a week. I am too uncomfortable to play without a sports bra.

I will wear a bralette or a soft cup underwire when not golfing.  My size is fairly easy to find (38B).

The only other place I have tried is Nordstrom, which is where my wife goes. They have a great selection and she likes shopping there. However, I prefer the way I am treated at Soma.

So far only the mammogram tech has asked me if I need support and or wear support.  She said she understood. Very kind of her.  However, my interest and I have discussed it when I brought it up. She is fine with me wearing a bra. I am scheduled for my annual physical in a week and I think she will quickly notice the changes from last year. They look more feminine compared to prior years.

[42CSurprise!]

I always appreciate men who have the courage to shop for brassieres at brick and mortar stores... with or without the support of a significant other.  I always shop online which at the beginning meant I wasted a bit of money... not too much simply because I wasn't shopping for the high price spread.  I wasn't expecting to wear a brassiere full-time so long term comfort was not at the top of my list.  I was more interested in fit and feel.  Eventually I found a style that worked and I simply continued to buy at the best price I found until I now have perhaps ten brassieres I wear from time to time as well as eight brassieres set aside for future wear.  So far as I can tell, if there has been growth, it has been minimal and has been accommodated by the brassieres I already own.  AND, the brassieres I've bought are comfortable for all day wear.  The question of whether and how long is more between my ears than with what fills the cups of these brassieres.  I'm about to take off the one I'm wearing this morning and head into the day with a friend who knows about my affection for lingerie but who hasn't yet experienced my wearing any of my beautiful brassieres.

It is wonderful to read about the positive experiences men here are having with both boutiques and regular department stores.  I guess what we've always taken as rare and perhaps shameful is much more a reality than we realized.  So have fun shopping guys for whatever on the women's side of the store strikes your fancy.  I love hearing about your experiences.

[AlfaQ]

My experiences at the large department stores in the UK have always been positive. Marks and Spencer now send me 6 monthly invites for fittings. Bravissimo are excellent too and I  was quite excited to be measured a 34DD there recently so I  am definitely in their size range. The staff don't seem the slightest bit shocked when I  ask for help.  The smaller independents can be a bit more tricky and I  have been politely declined at a couple of shops.  
I would strongly advise anyone with gynecomastia to go and get fitted. You won't regret it. I used to be terrified to ask for fitting help but now it just feels natural.  Life is indeed  better in a bra. 

[Johndoe1]

That's something I too have noticed. If it's obvious why you are asking for a fitting, you will usually be welcomed. But there are some places that will not serve men. It just is. 

[Gino]

I'm a "perfect" 36B(+?) and found that I can order only two brands online (Ebay) with 100% confidence that they will not only fit the band but the cups do not wrinkle or fit loosely, they wash well, they are long lasting and comfortable. Even "gently used" garments I happened on have been excellent. Wearing them at the end of the day I still feel as if I'm being hugged and not confined in one and I'll often go to sleep wearing it.

Other brands have been a hit and miss proposition and I avoid them. Of those I have complete confidence in buying online are Victoria's Secret and Savage / Fenty. As a matter of fact, I received two of each just today :-)

[G-man TX]

Gino, thank you for your story. 

I got my first bra about 2 months ago. I’m a 50C. I initially ordered some online from JCPenney but they were too small. My wife took me bra shopping at the mall at Lane Bryant. They have AMAZING bras. Their brand is called Cacique and they have sizes up to 54 band size.

I absolutely LOVE my lightly lined no-wire backsmoothing balcony bras and my Smart Lift unlined full coverage underwire bras I got from there. The back smoothing bra feels like your boobs are resting gently on soft clouds and the smart lift bra has great support and a cute shape. I also like the pretty colors they offer.

I totally love my bras from Lane Bryant. Give them a try!

[Justagirl💃]

I’m saving money for my move to Oregon, but I couldn’t resist going into Torrid to see the girls yesterday.

The assistant manager greeted me as Birdie as soon as I walked in and told me the specials they were having.  another SA came out from the back of the store and said, “hi Birdie.”

Graphic tees in clearance were 9.99 each, so I browsed those finding only one sleeveless Nirvana that caught my eye. I quickly placed that on my pile to be purchased and continued shopping. I found a jumper that says “off duty” across the front and added that to my pile after seeing it was 50% off online. Select bras were $19.95, so I browsed the rack looking for a 44 DDD finding nothing in my size. I explained to the assistant manager that I am getting cataracts removed, so I will be needing more sunglasses to go with my outfits. she said sunglasses were $3.99 each right now, so I grabbed a pair of those as well.

I had a Festi line long sleeve jumper that I had purchased online ready for pickup, and my assorted pile to purchase now. after my 10% discount for picking up in-store, my 10% discount for completing the survey on my last visit and using my $20 in rewards my total cost yesterday came to $12.50. I stayed well within my budget and had a wonderful time shopping.

My bus ride home was scheduled in about an hour and a half, so I spent the rest of my time in the store gossiping with the SA and assistant manager until it was time to head out for my standard ICEE while I wait for the bus.

The bus driver arrived on-time and greeted me, “long time no see, how you doing mamas?”

I asked the driver if the buses would be running on Black Friday, and she informed me that they would. I quickly messaged the Torrid Manager and told her I will be there on Black Friday (she will be there as well). I don’t plan on shopping that day, but I will help out in the store for a few hours.  It will be very busy. She will most likely give me the key to the fitting rooms like she has done before.

But who knows, I might find something I really want and buy something on Black Friday