To bra, or not to bra

[JohannK]

I can certainly see what you're saying (replying to both posts).

The thing that keeps bugging me of course is my size being somewhere in between.  I'm large enough that I can certainly have cleavage if I go that route (maybe not pressed against each other but I can still have cleavage), but small/shallow enough that many people (at least men) will likely not take note of what's going on under my shirts (braless, a bra would increase protrusion).  That second part will make it harder to justify wearing.

And of course there's the money issue.  Whenever I decide to go bra shopping, something comes up and empties my account.  Then I have to save all over.

[Bridge]

  I started wearing only in the last two weeks.  That being said today I wore a, nice slightly padded underwire, all day under my sweatshirt to work.
I've slowed down but not retired and worked in a costumers house today.  It felt so good as everything was contained.  I was aware of the bra but know I felt better.  I have to say that I feel I looked better than I did without.  Working and talking to them I just went on as usual.  I have to say it felt good.  I think my chest does have a nicer shape wearing and is not as noticeable.   I have also found the ride to work is better with road bumps and the seat belt squash felt so much better.  The relief from cooler weather was a benefit in the comfort of the breast and head light issues.  I'm still learning and Know If I did get a proper fitting it would be the best but for now this is amazing.  I have gained confidence from reading the post here.  And feel better for it.

[prc7966]

I've been wearing a bra every day (with a few exceptions) since March and I agree that my chest looks better (to me at least) with the bra than without. I typically wear a glamorise back clasp sports bra for work and I have yet to receive any comments or looks to suggest that anybody notices anything under my shirt. I know the hardware shows through my shirt when I bend down to work but nobody seems to have noticed. 

[Bridge]

I know I was very self aware of the issue and felt everyone would notice.  But did they?  perhaps it is in our mind.  Is everyone so wrapped up in other things that they aren't looking?  Could be.  I'm gaining confidence... starting to go for comfort.

[prc7966]

I started with pullover sports bras for the invisibility factor but soon found that all the ones I'd wasted money on had some sort of fatal flaw for me either by overcompressing me or the racerback pulling in my neck or the low impact ones being closer to zero impact. I tried the rear hook ones and fell in love with the support they offered me without hurting me. I've branched out from the glamorise sports bras (1166 is the number if you're interested) and i wear a normal bra a good deal of the time too. In fact I had a few Bali bras I wore every day work and home but they stretched out very prematurely.  Have yet to receive a comment from the people who aren't my wife. 

[Bridge]

 I too have tried a pull over and I just can't do it with the shoulder issues I have.  an they just aren't that supportive for any type of activity.  I in turn have found the back hook underwire to be just fine and is working well.  I'm still new to this but am embracing it and finding comfort as a result.

[prc7966]

I got my first underwire the other day and I'm loving the fit so far. Haven't worn it to work yet, maybe this week sometime. Lots of bending and twisting at work so I'm not sure how that would go.

[Bridge]

Today was my first day.  I felt good, a bit of self-conciousness  but it went well.  I did feel better. In the end I know no one ever noticed.
I think I even looked better.

[Bridge]

I got my first underwire the other day and I'm loving the fit so far. Haven't worn it to work yet, maybe this week sometime. Lots of bending and twisting at work so I'm not sure how that would go.

From your pic. I can see you look good wearing and can only think it feels better.

[prc7966]

It feels like a good fit to me, even though there's some slippage after normal activity it still supports well with a small Gap in the upper cup. The bra in my pic is the Dominique mystique minimizer that gyneco_jason posted on the acceptance garments part of the forum. I feel like my boobs are more obvious without a bra. I get the bra gives them shape and not necessarily a masculine one, but without they bounce a move all over the place and eventually start to hurt a good deal. Not to mention catching a good bump in the road in my stuff riding old truck. 

[Bridge]

  Same for me.  I have and do feel better wearing and like the shape provided but need to build up the confidence more.

[Johndoe1]

I too believe I look better in a bra. A bra gives me a better looking shape that is easy to hide if I want to or to show off, if I want to. Wearing a bra has given me more control how the girls look and act. That is a control I have never had over them before and that has really been a huge plus since I control what they look like. Having a better physical and emotional feeling does really translate into more confidence and better self esteem.

[aboywithgirls]

Couldn't agree more! Shape and support is what a good bra is all about. We are very fortunate to have so many great options of bras to choose from compared to the styles and materials that were available 30 years ago.Even at a 38H, i can still find a bra that's beautiful and functional. 

[Bridge]

I'm still new to this but am finding this to be true. 
I have been liking the support and comfort I have felt this last while.  In time a proper fitted and better bra might prove to be the best thing.
For now I have felt relief, comfort and confidence.  One more thing I have noticed is that I think my overall appearance is better also.

[Johndoe1]

The biggest surprise to me after I started wearing a bra was how much more confidence I had in my appearance. For the first time I was not so afraid if my chest was feminine looking. I just didn't care it seemed.