Do I Need a Bra?

[New2toThis]

Hello all,

As my username says, I'm fairly new to having breasts as a male. It was my primary care physician last year who noticed I had a bit of gynecomastia, so I was referred to an endocrinologist who said I definitely have gynecomastia. Upon further tests, blood tests showed I have hormone issues that seem to be off and on (as far as low testosterone and high levels of other hormones). I was told that it's possible they may never decrease in size on their own, and that surgery would be the other main option to really get rid of them. I'm not too keen on surgery, so I figure it may be better to accept my body how it is and whatever it does.

So I was wondering if at this point I should maybe start thinking about a bra/support? Like I said, pretty new to this so I don't really know what the exact rule of thumb or standard is. Thank you!

[SideSet]

I think you could benefit from a bra, both from comfort and appearance. I’m guessing your nipples are showing through your tops and you are jiggling when you move about?  

If I am right about that, then you would feel and look better with everything nicely held in place. 

 Why don’t you look online for a guide to how to measure for a bra? I think Herroom has one, for example. Same with Soma.  You can even chat online with a fit specialist at those places and get suggestions.  

[Busty]

Yes. 

If you are asking, then even more reason you should wear a bra. 

You definitely have gynecomastia. 

Your nipples are puffy, consistent with breasts still developing. 

The size of your breasts mean you would fill a bra cup. 

[New2toThis]

Yes, my nipples do show through my shirts and when walking briskly do move.

I didn't know there was a way to tell by look if breasts are still developing. I'll have to take that into consideration...

Thank you both for the advice. Hopefully this process isn't something that will cause more unneeded stress.

[SideSet]

 I think  once you get past the stress of looking for, getting fitted, trying on, and buying yourself your first bra, it will become easier. I think you’ll be amazed at how good you feel and look in a bra 

[CoffeeAndCake]

By the side profile I’d say no just looks like some puffiness but the front profile def looks like some small breasts. I’d say a bra is to the users preference. If you are walking and having troubles focusing due to bounce jiggle and such then yes if not than no. If your chest is causing pain or stress physically due to their weight or movement then yes if not then no. There are girls with a cups who wear one and girls with DDs who don’t. It’s just a matter of preference and comfort. 
Some dudes like to wear a bra cause like women who do but not need it, they enjoy the feel or confidence the shape it gives them. I don’t think men who don’t need a bra but want to wear one makes them a cross dresser or anything either it’s just clothes and if it makes you feel better do it. 

However in this case if you want to entertain wearing one I say go for it and see if it makes you feel better or comfortable. I know for me when my boobs began budding I thought they were Dolly Parton but even at a b cup I feel no one notices them but for comfort I wear a bra as much as possible comfort pull overs are great for the support and semi compression it’s like a bra and sports bra in one I love them plus no give aways like hooks and straps 

[bikerbob]

I second the comfort pullovers.  Look for a leisure bra or a low impact sports bra.  As noted, they lay flat under a shirt and have no hooks or other hardware.  They are sized by chest measurement and the cups are one size fits all.  You need to take a bra for a test drive and this is a good way to ease into it.  The first trip to the grocery store is scary.   I have worn one every day nearly 3 years and don't give it a second thought.  Once you try it you probably won't go back and they will still fit if your boobs decide they are not through growing.  Mine went from zero to B and stopped so who knows.

[DW20]

I know it may seem a little brusque, but this sort of question recurs quite often (that is NOT saying you shouldn't ask!)

My standard, but not dismissive answer is that the very fact that you are asking (not easy) almost certainly means you have recognised that you do.

Go for it -  my only regret was not doing it for at least two years later than I should. Much encouragement from this site. Do what needs to be done. Be comfortable and to hell with everyone else.

[SideSet]

 I second DW20.  You will feel and look so much better in a bra that you’ll wish you had done it before now

[Paa_Paw]

Few of us actually need a bra. Keep in mind that a bra will generally highligt the breasts not conceal them.

At the age of 82, I still enjoy a good hike or even a good overnight backpack trip. To control the jiggle an boubce when engaged in such activities I do wear a bra. The rest of the time i do not wear a bra because it makes the breasts more obvious than not wearing one.

[New2toThis]

Thanks, folks. I'll take a look into comfort pullovers and try to get the size right.

My concern is that I'm still in my 20s and dealing with off and on low testosterone that my doctor doesn't think is worth treating, so I'd love if this was as big as my chest got, but I guess am mentally preparing that they may still grow and that may not be the case given that my endocrinologist isn't even sure what's causing the hormone issues. From what you guys have said, I'm maybe on the borderline of having to consider a bra (or maybe there's never even a need for one as Paa says). I walk quickly, so I suppose my biggest thought of wearing one was to control the bounce and discomfort that happens now as my nipples rub against my shirt.

[Paa_Paw]

Binder type garments such as those made by Under Armor may be what you are lookinh for. Perhaps a pull over athletic bra is what you are looking for.

[p.r.1974]

I can understand in the current climate that doctors are more concerned with life threatening concerns. I also understand that a lot of us don't want to make a big deal out of something that may not be. Those thoughts being said; if you have expressed a concern about this, then there are tests that can be done to rule out the obvious. If the doctor has explained what the tests have shown, and has ruled out the obvious, I can see the point. If however, the doctor is unwilling to do so for I don't care what excuse, it is time for another opinion. There are doctors that have been more educated than cavemen....(apologies, bad experience on my end)

[DW20]

I second the comfort pullovers.  Look for a leisure bra or a low impact sports bra.  As noted, they lay flat under a shirt and have no hooks or other hardware.  They are sized by chest measurement and the cups are one size fits all.  You need to take a bra for a test drive and this is a good way to ease into it.  The first trip to the grocery store is scary.  I have worn one every day nearly 3 years and don't give it a second thought.  Once you try it you probably won't go back and they will still fit if your boobs decide they are not through growing.  Mine went from zero to B and stopped so who knows.

Felix.
Not being picky but bras that claim "one size fits all" are generally better described as "a size that fits nobody" The only way to make sure that a bra is or is not appropriate is with a formal fitting or at least help from a sympathetic female partner or friend.
My view is that one sizers have to be so stretchy that they offer little by way of support and immobilisation - which are the main (? only) reasons most of us consider bras at all.

If they were that great all  other styles would disappear and bras really would cost a lot less. Truth is we come in a fantastic variety of shapes and sizes.

To pretend otherwise is a bit like advising someone to learn to play on a cheap musical instrument. Poor quality makes things harder and makes giving up something  worthwhile far more likely.
Not getting at you buddy but we should  be giving newbies the best starting advice we can and IMO one size bras do not meet that criterion

[bikerbob]

I get where you are coming from but I am not suggesting these for everybody.  I am not recommending these as a long term solution for everybody, just as a good starting point.  As I said, this is a good way for a first timer to ease into it and try it out to see if it works.  I see a lot of folks on here telling the newbies they have to go get fitted and that an underwire is the only way to go, which I think is not necessarily good advice.  Telling a guy who is just coming to terms with having boobs he needs to go get a bra fitting is a bit overwhelming.  A guy with A or B cups does not have the same requirements as one with D cups.  You are correct that the stretchy cups do not provide much support, but a B sized breast doesn't need much support.  I wear them for mountain biking and find them quite adequate and I find that they are easy to hide under a T shirt.  If you are much bigger than a B cup, these are not for you and you should get fitted by a professional.  Mine are growing at a glacial pace and I may end up with something more heavy duty, but these are fine for now.