Gynecomastia Support Forum

General => Polls => Topic started by: joe9840 on February 09, 2014, 12:28:05 AM

Title: bra vs vest
Post by: joe9840 on February 09, 2014, 12:28:05 AM
I'm new here. Just wanted to know if you all perfered a bra or vest and why
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Paa_Paw on February 09, 2014, 02:16:30 AM
It depends upon how much tissue a person has and what sort of activities are involved.

I  tried a vest but found it uncomfortably tight so I quickly abandoned it. I could find a fitting bra but only wore it for hiking and mountaineering when the problem was bounce and the straps on a backpack. Age has gotten the better of me and I no longer engage in mountaineering so I no longer use either.

The bras offer support but not concealment, In fact they often make the problem even more obvious. The vest is better at concealment but not very comfortable.

An athletic bra is a compromise between the two.

Either way, this is a problem you pretty much need to settle for yourself.

If you do have enough tissue to fill a bra, the garment will be less obvious if it closes in front, has wide straps, and the color matches your skin color. Adjustable straps, clasps and hooks in the back or contrasting colors all make the garment more obvious.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: walt on February 09, 2014, 04:09:16 AM
hi like Dan said its preference , I like a sports bra and have both cupped and non cupped versions I have enough breast to fill a modest B cup.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on February 09, 2014, 09:21:49 AM
As a double D it is bra for me! I really have no choice about it if I want to be comfortable! The fact is I can't hide them, they bounce and sway like a swing so sometimes I just don't care and go without, but most of the time now I bag them up! I use front close minimizer bras most of the time.

Bob
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Cisco on February 28, 2014, 05:12:58 PM
I prefer a seamless underwire bra.  I'm a 38B and more comfortable with the support the bra provides.  Initially when I first wore a bra I was very conscious that I was wearing one. Now I'm completely oblivious to the fact except when not wearing a bra and I feel my breasts moving under my shirt.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Del on March 01, 2014, 05:47:29 AM
Like Bob I am a double D and use a bra for comfort and support because these are essential as well as being heavy.I have no choice. Del
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: gotgyne on March 26, 2014, 10:19:12 AM
My gynecomastia started nearly 10 years ago about the age of 45. At first I did nothing, but the breast didn't stop growing. I have never worn a vest but started to wear bras some years ago. Meanwhile I have 40B or 38C depending on the bras I wear. Since I have to take spironolactone for two years now because of hypertension it is probable that the breastgrowth is going on. I feel much more comfortable with a bra than without.

John  
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on March 26, 2014, 03:34:50 PM
I was talking this morning to Debbie about how all my bras have been becoming uncomfortable about mid-day on my right side! It is just on that side, feels tight and pinching! We both think I may have gotten a bit bigger even though my weight has come down.

It may be time to bit the bit and go for that fitting my doc told me to do!
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Alchemist on March 26, 2014, 11:44:16 PM
And at a 48+ D or DD depending upon weight and edema, I don't wear either.  I wear what I want, or nothing at all when appropriate.  I don't even own a bra or vest.  Do what you feel works best for you and fits your needs and preferences.  I'm not hiding and I have no discomfort from breast size.  I don't run anymore but I walk a lot.  Most don't appear to notice a thing no matter what I'm wearing but I do notice some double takes.  I don't let anybody else determine how I'm supposed to feel about having breasts.  I will not abide a bully.  Good luck.  Have fun.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on March 27, 2014, 07:17:24 AM
And at a 48+ D or DD depending upon weight and edema, I don't wear either.  I wear what I want, or nothing at all when appropriate.  I don't even own a bra or vest.  Do what you feel works best for you and fits your needs and preferences.  I'm not hiding and I have no discomfort from breast size.  I don't run anymore but I walk a lot.  Most don't appear to notice a thing no matter what I'm wearing but I do notice some double takes.  I don't let anybody else determine how I'm supposed to feel about having breasts.  I will not abide a bully.  Good luck.  Have fun.

I go without myself, but I do have a bad neck from a motorcycle accident, (C4,5,&6 both on the right and left are bad) and I do find that the bra does help take the weight of the neck and shoulders making them feel better! However, when I feel pinched from it it becomes a trade off, so I start wearing it part of the day or
changing from one type to another!  This is the reason my VA doctor said she would use to see if she could talk the VA into making an exception in doing cosmetic surgery and removing my breast for me, after she recommend that I do wear bras.  I said it wasn't needed, I have other surgeries that were more important to deal with! She agreed.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: walt on March 29, 2014, 02:22:59 AM
I like the Bra im a 46 A/B wear one most of the time especially during that time of the month [Andropause ]my hormones are all fubared. and to sleep I like a yoga top they are soft and give ok support .my kids and I joke about who has the pretiest undies.so to each his own to wear or not to wear that is the question , the answer is yours.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Alchemist on March 30, 2014, 05:21:59 PM
And at a 48+ D or DD depending upon weight and edema, I don't wear either.  I wear what I want, or nothing at all when appropriate.  I don't even own a bra or vest.  Do what you feel works best for you and fits your needs and preferences.  I'm not hiding and I have no discomfort from breast size.  I don't run anymore but I walk a lot.  Most don't appear to notice a thing no matter what I'm wearing but I do notice some double takes.  I don't let anybody else determine how I'm supposed to feel about having breasts.  I will not abide a bully.  Good luck.  Have fun.

I go without myself, but I do have a bad neck from a motorcycle accident, (C4,5,&6 both on the right and left are bad) and I do find that the bra does help take the weight of the neck and shoulders making them feel better! However, when I feel pinched from it it becomes a trade off, so I start wearing it part of the day or
changing from one type to another!  This is the reason my VA doctor said she would use to see if she could talk the VA into making an exception in doing cosmetic surgery and removing my breast for me, after she recommend that I do wear bras.  I said it wasn't needed, I have other surgeries that were more important to deal with! She agreed.

Can you give me more info on how it helps your neck.  My partner has an even more messed up neck than I do.  She can't seen to find anything, bra or sort bra or anything that helps her neck. She has larger breasts than I do and a much smaller chest and shoulders and a 2 level fusion in her neck.  Anything that helps is good to know. My neck is the best it's been in decades.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on March 30, 2014, 05:39:46 PM
The "just my size" minimizer bra with the wide shoulder straps work well for me. I've been thinking of trying one of those racer back type bras as I've heard they are good for taking stress of the neck but haven't got any yet. The key thing is the breast need to held tight to the chest and not just supported at the shoulders, but the bra not to tight to be uncomfortable.

Another thing I have to do is, I must always use a pillow that will allow my to curl it up under my neck or I'll be in terrible pain all day.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: qwertyis on April 13, 2014, 12:10:50 PM
In our climate a vest is too warm for ten months of the year, so it's a bra. I have some ladies vests with the built in boob tube that work very well when its cold.
The best thing was the invention of rash vests for swimming and I wear a tight rash vest while swimming.
V-necked pullover sports bra for Spring, Summer, Autumn and some of the winter. A vest on the few colder days.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on April 13, 2014, 06:40:52 PM
In our climate a vest is too warm for ten months of the year, so it's a bra. I have some ladies vests with the built in boob tube that work very well when its cold.
The best thing was the invention of rash vests for swimming and I wear a tight rash vest while swimming.
V-necked pullover sports bra for Spring, Summer, Autumn and some of the winter. A vest on the few colder days.

I have a rash shirt for swimming and it isn't bad, but you need to still pull it away from your body or you still look like your in a wet t-shirt contest! They are made heavier and resistant to chlorine but they really don't hid that much, unless it's just that I'm a big DD plus and there is no hiding them at all, rash shirt, wet suit, or what ever, except a bullet proof vest, that works good, but you can't swim in that!
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: walt on April 14, 2014, 03:58:21 AM
its usually a danskin sports bra but I also have a few seamless small cup sports bras as well. my Dr said I really should get some with support as they hurt when I drive , just need to convince the wife I need to get a support bra, she has no issue with sports bras but not sure on anything else especiaaaly with any lace or such.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: 46bboobs on May 23, 2014, 04:51:29 AM
I find underwire push ups give the best support, but also make them bigger. Regular underwire is what I wear out of the house.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: dbweb on June 17, 2014, 10:24:10 AM
For me, its all about comfort and taking care of my body as best I can as it becomes older!  Not the biggest around this blog but at 48B, I still feel a lot more comfortable with a well fitting bra on.
 
After a period of feeling conspicous when ever going out, that has passed and now I never even give a thought to it, as doubt any one notices but if they do, so what!!!

Do I ever think I would be better off with out this different looking chest, well that too I have come to grips with, as it is who I am, and I can deal with it, even as it requires me wearing supporting garments to be comfortable. 

I look at this no differently than I do with the support hose I have to wear due to poor leg circulation. That too took some time to get over, a middle aged male told to wear pantyhose or face the possibility of blood clots causing a stroke.  Guess what, those hose aren't that bad, in fact I now feel half dressed  without them on!

Finally, as I have said in other posts, do not think of these garments as something for women only, think of them as only a garment  designed to add comfort to your life, and help your body cope, and you will feel much more comfortable with your choices and more at peace with your self.

DB :)
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on June 17, 2014, 12:15:41 PM
I wore the support hose due to water retention. We bought the craftmatic adjustable beds so I could raise my feet and I was able to get rid of the water now my legs looks to small to carry me!  I did find however that they also made my prosthetic knees feel better as well even though the water was gone. The doctor I had at the U of M as my primary was an endocrinologist said go ahead  and wear them, but the one at the VA said that there not good for me, however I remember the reason I was given.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: walt on June 18, 2014, 12:06:41 AM
I like my bra I am a 48B as well and as for hose I like to wear spandex compression tights or leggings in the cooler weather .does help.but during the hot days I can sweat up a bra in record time.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: dbweb on July 21, 2014, 10:26:52 AM
Finally have a bit of time to respond to what Hammer said about different recomendations for support hose.

Interesting that a doc from VA "suggested" support hose are not good for you? 

I suppose that could be a case of are your veins maybe good enough to work yet, but if you don't get the right exercise, they won't be working right??

That would be like  telling someone with B or C size brest to excercise proprelly, and you will not need the support of a bra to keep your breast from sagging and creating stress on parts of your body.

Unfortunattly, some of us have already lost  or damaged parts of our vein systems, and do need our support garments to stay healty and comfortable.  Others who can't excercise as needed, may also need the support help provided by these garments for vein health or support garments for breast already sagging. 

Additionally, if traveling by air at high altitudes with limited ability to move around, these garents can be very important to healh.

Bottom line, passing advice along that using support garments like support hose "are not good for you" seems to be a bit short sighted. 
D B
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: hammer on July 21, 2014, 03:13:56 PM
I have no idea where he was coming from DB, in the end I found that doc to be a "ass"

I'm going to talk to my new primary about the support hose and see what she has to say about it. I've noticed when my legs are not up and I'm sitting in a regular chair my feet and toes turn dark blue.

The hose also support my knees and keep them from "clicking" and hurting as much! I have no idea how prosthetic knees can hurt, but they can!

I don't have the water retention anymore, but as I said, the feet turn dark unless I keep them up!


Bob
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: dbweb on July 22, 2014, 10:04:34 AM
Hey Bob, you have poor circulation at the least!  I will say again, I am not an MD but do remember the things my vein doc told me happen when your vein system goes south.
You have a system of valves between your exterior veins and interior veins, that have to work to move the blood out of lower extremities.  When they do not, or are in effecient, you see the result of blood pooling in feet and lower legs.  Support hose helps these weak veins and the system continue to work!

 Bad veins run in familys so it seems I was doomed from the start.  Worse yet, I didn't take care of mine till it was really serious, not a good idea.
 
When the new technology came around for none intrusive vein surgery, I was all for it as hoped I could get out of the support hose I was doomed to.  I did for only a few short years, and found I had to go back to use again as the damage was to great from waiting too long to do the surgery.  Without the support hose, my circulation from remaining outer veins was still slow enough that I was getting blood clots again, not good for a long life!

While poor circulation will not kill you, it is a symptom of something that will, as bad circulation can lead to clots in external veins, and they can. 

Take care of your self buddy, and work with your docs.  If you are not sure of something that is said, don't be concerned about going to someone other, with more experiance in a speciality for second opionion.

Enjoy the summer while it lasts, a short time it seems in land of lakes

D B
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: steven618 on January 20, 2017, 09:19:17 AM
I wear a bra, havent tried a vest but hear horrible things on the comfort. I have 7 bras, 5 sports and comfort that arent tight but more for just holding up without projecting. And 2 regular wired bras with no padding and clips on the straps on the front so they are not noticeable. My wife would be pissed if sbe found them and ive yet to find the way to ask her and tell her cause i know her answer and perspective already. But i wear them all the time otherwise and if i know we arent gonna be somewhere where she will be all huggy feely i rock one. Part of me wishes she would hug and notice it and give me that look just so i could be like, see you cant see it or tell at all but the comfort and support it gives me is amazing and a relief so can we just be ok with jt
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Et1964 on May 21, 2018, 04:00:11 AM

I really struggle with the idea of a bra, although from the correspondence I have had on this site would suggest that my gyno is much more than mild.  I have bought a bra as support, but find the idea of discovery just too frightening.  Vests however do cover things, but offer little support.

My chest size is approaching 38c, and surgery is not an option due to health issues.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Johndoe1 on July 12, 2018, 04:14:27 PM
I started with sports bras but after awhile they became too hot and too snug for everyday wear. I now only wear sports bras when exercising and wear regular underwire bras the rest of the time. The underwires give me better support and a better shape that does lift, but the lift makes for more comfort and I wear styles that lift but doesn't create  projection that makes me stand out that much more than when I am bra less.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Athena12@ on July 16, 2018, 11:18:58 PM
Hey Bob, you have poor circulation at the least!  I will say again, I am not an MD but do remember the things my vein doc told me happen when your vein system goes south.
You have a system of valves between your exterior veins and interior veins, that have to work to move the blood out of lower extremities.  When they do not, or are in effecient, you see the result of blood pooling in feet and lower legs.  Support hose helps these weak veins and the system continue to work!

 Bad veins run in familys so it seems I was doomed from the start.  Worse yet, I didn't take care of mine till it was really serious, not a good idea.
 
When the new technology came around for none intrusive vein surgery, I was all for it as hoped I could get out of the support hose I was doomed to.  I did for only a few short years, and found I had to go back to use again as the damage was to great from waiting too long to do the surgery.  Without the support hose, my circulation from remaining outer veins was still slow enough that I was getting blood clots again, not good for a long life!

While poor circulation will not kill you, it is a symptom of something that will, as bad circulation can lead to clots in external veins, and they can.  

Take care of your self buddy, and work with your docs.  If you are not sure of something that is said, don't be concerned about going to someone other, with more experiance in a speciality for second opionion.

Enjoy the summer while it lasts, a short time it seems in land of lakes

D B

I have had the surgery on the outer vein of my right leg and if went very well with no real pain at all.  And I stopped wearing the support thigh highs the doctor proscribed for me after the 6 week recovery time.  But that was in the winter. Now that summer is here I can not bring myself to wear thigh highs and short at the same time.  But any time the temperate get below 82 degrees I will wear jeans and my support thigh highs,  I is just something about going out shopping and wear support hose and short that I cannot get over
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Athena12@ on July 16, 2018, 11:36:59 PM
I had never heard of a rash vest till I got to this web site.  So I looked it up and NO THANKS.  I would rather wear a tee shirt, nothing or a bikini top that that.  They look horribly uncomfortable to me or like something a surfer would wear for protection than something that I would wear just to hide my breast. I don't even like the Tankinis.  I want a tan on more than my legs. I wear a bra or bikini out back on my deck as well as when I am working on the back yard and that is good enough for me.  I have lived just of the Virginia Beach Ocean front for close to 40 years and the beach no longer has an appeal to me.  I also had a above ground  pool (12' by 24') in the back for over 15 years.  I was actually glad when it spilt.  Less work for me all summer getting the chemical balance just right and cleaning it up from falling leaves, hurricanes throwing large limbs into the pool along with tons of other junk.  Just whish I had a recliner a out there to ly on.
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Robin_wayne on March 01, 2019, 09:49:07 PM
I'm new here. Just wanted to know if you all perfered a bra or vest and why
I love to be in bra. 
Title: Re: bra vs vest
Post by: Brdy64 on March 31, 2023, 08:44:21 AM
Concealment is impossible at a 50 D cup. So I opt for Comfort only wearing a soft cup bra everyday. I also wear overalls that helps cover up my bra straps and some of my chest.
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