Gynecomastia Support Forum

Gynecomastia Acceptance => Acceptance Garments => Topic started by: mrsaggs on April 30, 2008, 01:03:09 PM

Title: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: mrsaggs on April 30, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
Hello,

As all of you I'm suffering from Gynecomastia and because of that I'm really looking for some support while playing sports as well as just relaxing.  I've always considered bras as just something women wear, but as of late I've been having some back problems as well as just plain discomfort while even riding the tractor.

My way of thinking is changing and I'm ready to accept wearing bras for comfort and support.  I've been looking online bras and how to size myself properly but its been very difficult.  When I try and follow size charts nothing seems to fit right.

Does anyone out there have any ideas as to what I should wear, how to size properly and what not?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bobcat54 on May 08, 2008, 11:19:25 PM
Twenty some years ago, my gynecomastia was getting the best of me. Chest pain from the bounce and more important, back pain cause by bracing myself against jolts and bounces.
I consulted a Doctor and was told about removal. I did not like what was explained and more so THE PRICE as it was not covered under my medical.
The Doc then told me of an alternative.......a bra.
Either control the bounce or live in pain. Not a difficult choice!
I was measured and my SO bought me my first bra. Instant comfort. It took some getting used to the idea....embarassment mainly, but I got through it. I am now comfortable with the idea of wearing daily....it is only another piece of clothing.
I now think nothing of going into Walmart and buying myself a new bra.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bobcat54 on May 08, 2008, 11:22:57 PM
I should add, I have tried sports bras and find they are not comfortable for me to wear for extended periods of time. Theytend to  squash instead of support.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: mrsaggs on May 09, 2008, 10:21:14 AM
Thank you very much for your reply.  I've measured myself before for a bra and the way I figured it I was a 42B.  I've tried 42B bras and haven't had too much luck with them fitting right.  Do you have any suggestions as to the best style of bra to try?  Also do you recommend underwire bras?
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bobcat54 on May 11, 2008, 11:44:29 PM
The advice that was given to me when I was first professionally measured.....

The male body has a different bone structure.
When measuring for a bra, forget the add 4 inches stuff.
Measure around the chest, just under the fullest part. This is your BAND size.
    ie: 36 inches.....you need a 36
Next...measure around the fullest part

        1 inch larger.....A cup
        2 inch larger.....B cup

This seems to work well for me, however, different manufacturesand for that matter, different style from the same maker will fit slightly different.
What I do is when I find a style that fits, I buy several as makers regularly discountinue models/styles.
It does take some practice/trial and error to recognize ones that will fit.
Good luck and remember.....its just another piece of clothing!
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Andee on May 14, 2008, 09:38:31 AM
Bobcat's advice is spot on. I've used the suggested technique to get garments that fit properly, give me some support, and are not so prominent (in the way of shaping) to be really noticeable under most clothes.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Andee on May 14, 2008, 09:48:43 AM
It's interesting to see the changed attitudes of folks on this message board over the last three years. When I posted about this in 2005

http://www.gynecomastia.org/smf/index.php?topic=1043.0 (http://www.gynecomastia.org/smf/index.php?topic=1043.0)

there was not the willingness to accept the solution of just trying a non-traditional approach. I don't know where the picture disappeared to...but it really just looked like an a-shirt cut off.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: 13genof on May 16, 2008, 12:02:54 PM
 I too found the sports bra to squashing, so I just use a soft no wire bra, and it supports me just fine, and doesn't add shape, by the way a 38 "C" cup is what I have to use.  I have also found that when your Gynecomastia is larger than just a slight swelling that afflicts many guys, you do need something for support and comfort, and before there is a big deal made about it being a BRA, it is only an article of clothing and nothing more.  Guys need to realize that if Gynecomastia was a big of a problem back when BRAS were invented,(as it is today) it would have been standard for both men and women to wear them! 
 In my opinion the public needs reeducated that it is accepting for men who can't afford or do not want surgery, to wear a bra for support not shape!

 8) 8)
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: wertman on May 30, 2008, 01:43:06 AM
I find Champion's sports bras to be the best. It keeps my breast compressed, and is more comfortable than a vest
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: MSJ108 on June 08, 2008, 11:22:33 PM
under armour and then t-shirt over it
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: mrsaggs on June 10, 2008, 01:31:12 PM
Thank you everyone for the help.  I've just had a very hard time finding a bra that fits.  How can I tell if I should be wearing a bra and what styles do you recommend?
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bobcat54 on June 14, 2008, 09:04:16 AM
mrsaggs
In previous posts, I have given a way to measure that works well.
As for style, go for a simple design without wire. Playtex is a good choice to start with as their sizing is fairly standard. The rest would be trial and error unless you find the courage to try them on in the store.
Hope this helps and good luck.

Remember, it is just another piece of clothing!
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: MSJ108 on June 14, 2008, 07:25:37 PM
how about ace bandage wrap with under armour shirt. Anything but a bra!! Cmon guys
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: mrsaggs on June 16, 2008, 09:01:43 AM
I've been having a hard time accepting a bra is the better way to go too but I think that would be far more comfortable than an ACE bandage.  Its just trying to get up enough courage to go to the mall and start trying some on.  From what I've read, underwire bras tend to give the most support and comfort but I'm not entirely sure to be honest.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: bman on June 18, 2008, 02:50:52 PM
i'm a young man with very pronounced gynecomastia..not man boobs ..very developed breasts that really need support ..sports bras are very restrictive un comfortable .. have found bras with cups more supportive .i wear a 38 c bra most the time ..soft cups the most comfortable, micro fiber or cotton..  under wires the most supportive but they take some getting use too ..and uw bras really show off what you got ..but they are the most supportive. most the time i wear a bra under baggie shirts and no one knows unless i tell them ..a lady friend has been very helpful and supportive.. buys me bras so i won't have to be so embarresed shopping in the womens dept ..she thinks i look better supported ..and i feel more comfortable that's for sure
so guys if you got em support them  it's only under wear  ..bras not for just women any more ..
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: 13genof on June 19, 2008, 02:51:52 PM
i'm a young man with very pronounced gynecomastia..not man boobs ..very developed breasts that really need support ..sports bras are very restrictive un comfortable .. have found bras with cups more supportive .i wear a 38 c bra most the time ..soft cups the most comfortable, micro fiber or cotton..  under wires the most supportive but they take some getting use too ..and uw bras really show off what you got ..but they are the most supportive. most the time i wear a bra under baggie shirts and no one knows unless i tell them ..a lady friend has been very helpful and supportive.. buys me bras so i won't have to be so embarresed shopping in the womens dept ..she thinks i look better supported ..and i feel more comfortable that's for sure
so guys if you got em support them  it's only under wear  ..bras not for just women any more ..


Good for you!!!  I agree 100% !!!!!!
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bobcat54 on June 27, 2008, 09:18:16 AM
The ACE bandage or vest route is WAY too uncomfortable for the active working guy.
A bra is a piece of clothing designed to support and give comfort.
Why not try it? If it works, carry on and enjoy life.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: caps on February 15, 2009, 11:50:08 AM
I've been having a hard time accepting a bra is the better way to go too but I think that would be far more comfortable than an ACE bandage.  Its just trying to get up enough courage to go to the mall and start trying some on.  From what I've read, underwire bras tend to give the most support and comfort but I'm not entirely sure to be honest.

I've tried ACE bandages.  Worked for about 5 minutes, then just slides down my torso, because there are no shoulder straps.

Sorry guys, but the truth is nothing works like a bra.  We need to just start admitting it.  All the other stuff just isn't meant to support breasts...male or female. period.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bman41 on February 15, 2009, 06:21:54 PM
Honestly, makes complete sense.... 

I've been having a hard time accepting a bra is the better way to go too but I think that would be far more comfortable than an ACE bandage.  Its just trying to get up enough courage to go to the mall and start trying some on.  From what I've read, underwire bras tend to give the most support and comfort but I'm not entirely sure to be honest.

I've tried ACE bandages.  Worked for about 5 minutes, then just slides down my torso, because there are no shoulder straps.

Sorry guys, but the truth is nothing works like a bra.  We need to just start admitting it.  All the other stuff just isn't meant to support breasts...male or female. period.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: caps on February 16, 2009, 07:39:41 PM
Honestly, makes complete sense.... 


Thank you kind sir. 

I guess I've gotten to a point in my life (50 now) that it doesn't make sense to keep ignoring the truth.  I think it was PawPaw that said something like [paraphrasing] "all the guys on here that say it's dumb for a guy to wear a bra, are the guys who simply just don't need one themselves", which I agree with completely.  Funny that they would even be on this site, claiming to have G, when they don't even need a bra.  Go figure.

Other people on here say that it's probably just psuedo-G, and not real gyno.  I can't help but wonder, what the hell does it matter if it's real breast tissue, or just fat?  It's still there, and it's still bouncing around!  IMHO, a bra will help real G, or pseudo-G the same.  Am I wrong here?

And the guys on here that really irk me, are the ones that bad mouth the rest of us for even thinking about wearing a bra.  Like I said, they probably don't even need one, because if they had real Gyno, they would need a bra, and wouldn't be bad mouthing the rest of us.

(sorry....climbing off my soap box now)

jn


Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: 13genof on February 17, 2009, 11:35:03 AM
Here Here!!!!!!  Well said!!!!!    Thank You!!!!!! 8)
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: sdwnymph on October 12, 2009, 09:31:51 AM
I've been wearing one since I was 16 (34 now) and just guessed by my moms size at 1st. I used to be alot skinnier than I am now (was 36 pants and 38b) but when gained weight had to get new bras.. I found that I went to Lane Bryant and "acted normal" instead of a "deer in headlights", they actually helped me with measurements and everything (now 44b underwire demi). Just be normal... dont be shy and scared of persicution... be nike "Just do it". And now that I know my size.. I can go into stores or online to find the ones I like (I know a few sites), for me though its hard because my size is a hard to find size. Good luck to those that get over the "society bs" and just go for it, to the others... get over it, if it feels right... let them do it and not persicute.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: johnny125 on November 02, 2009, 02:21:43 AM
I find that all bras fit differently even when you know your proper size. It's trial and error. I look for bras with at least some stretch in the band and the straps to make up for those differences.
And when I do find the perfect bra for me, all too often the style is discontinued when I want to buy more.
Johnny
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: jsboob on December 07, 2009, 04:56:49 PM
have you tried womens running tops that have built in support? I use these, they just look like lycra T shirts. In the summer I often wear this only on top when Im out bike riding. At work I just wear a regular T over the top.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bman41 on December 29, 2009, 03:22:45 PM
I have found one, but it is a L, really need a XL, but it really was more comfortable, but the seams are thick so I can't really hide it under anything.  But it is comfortable in the chest.

I haven't found a simple basic black one with a built in bra yet.  They all have colors or markings or something on it. 
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: jsboob on December 30, 2009, 06:23:38 AM
do a google on womens running tops, or have a look around a running clothing store. Im sure you must have some near you, Im in uk & there are plenty!
Also try some of the online womens sports suppliers such as "girls run too"

Good luck,
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: jsboob on December 31, 2009, 08:25:59 AM
here an example of the kind of thing I wear:

http://www.sheactive.co.uk/images/items/338x451/IMG39780027.jpg   and:  http://www.sheactive.co.uk/item_detail.html?&itemno=3978&type=brand&group=00000027#

This company has several of these types of tops in plain colour/style.They have built in sports bras.
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bman41 on December 31, 2009, 08:33:43 AM
Relatively tight?  That is what I am looking for, most if I do find are racer back and not sure how well those would be seen or not or if it would look odd if it did. 
Title: Re: Sports Bras Or Any Bras
Post by: Bman41 on December 31, 2009, 03:30:07 PM
Here is something: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7555136/c/56026.html?mr:referralID=08ffe414-f64b-11de-8544-000423c27407

But a note from someone who has some experience with flash photography, the reflective strips on garments like this WILL be seen on a picture with a flash, probably not the time you want it to be noticed....
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