BRAS ....
Although Women have been wearing some sort of garment to cover and support their beasts for thousands of years, it wasn't until the late 1800's and early 1900's, that the present day bra was born. It is currently estimated that about 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra for their build, so getting a proper fit isn't an easy thing. In addition, sizing varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so most genetic women use a trial and error method to get a decent fit, and usually stay with a favorite, once they get one that seems to work. If a genetic woman has trouble finding a good fit, then obviously there isn't a simple formula to fit this undergarment to the male torso. There are some basics, that can help you narrow down the field. 
Bras are sized by Band Size and Cup Size .... a 44D bra has a 44 band size and a D cup size. There is a basic formula that women use to determine their correct bra size ... it involves 4 easy steps. Step #1 ... Measure Under Your Bustline ... Making sure the tape measure is tight, and straight across your back, measure the circumference of your body directly under your bustline. Round down if the measurement is less than 1/2 inch, and round up if the measurement is more than 1/2 inch. For example, if the measurement is 40 1/4 round down to 40 ... if it is 40 3/4, round up to 41. This number is measurement #1.
Step #2 ... Calculate Your Band Size ... If Measurement #1 is less than 33 inches, add 5 inches ... if the resulting number is odd, round up to the next even number ... If Measurement #1 is more than 33 inches, add 3 inches ... if the resulting number is odd, round up to the next even number. Write this number down ... it is your band size.
Step #3 ... Measure Your Bustline ... Once again, making sure the tape measure is straight, measure the circumference of your body over the biggest point of your bustline, but keep the tape looser than for the first measurement. Round up or down as in step 2. Write this measurement down ... it is Measurement #2.
0 = Cup Size AA
1 = Cup Size A
2 = Cup Size B
3 = Cup Size C
4 = Cup Size D
5 = Cup Size DD
6 = Cup Size DDD/F
This method can be adapted to the male torso to get an estimate of size, and is a good starting point. If the calculations are confusing, CLICK HERE to go to an automatic calculator.
There are many different types of bras, each type serving a different purpose. Here are just a few.Full Cup ... covers most of the breast and is often underwired providing maximum support ... this is probably the best type when using breast forms, as it really holds them in place
Demi Cup ... covers only about half the breast, extending just above the nipple. This type provides great breast display for garments with a plunging neckline.
Padded ... comes with padding inside the lining of the cups, and adds a larger look to the natural breast
Underwired ... the underwire provides support and helps to maintain the shape of the bra
Strapless ... great for clothes with bare shoulders
Convertable ... has detatchable straps that can be used in a variety of configurations to suit the garment
Push up ... constructed to lift and create maximum cleavage
Shelf ... covers only the bottom part of the breast, exposing the nipple ....sexy but offers no support
Crossdressing takes on a variety of forms, from the girls who just want to feel the experience of wearing the garments, to those who want to actually pass on a 24/7 basis, so your needs in the bra department will vary, according to exactly what you want the bra to do. For those going with their natural breasts, the above sizing information should prove quite helpful. When using breast forms, you will have to take all the measurements with your forms in place, and if you like big forms, you need to stay away from frilly little bras ... you need a full bra to give to the support and shape you deserve.
Here at Kats Dream Boutique we usually have a good selection of bras in our store, both new and preowned, at reasonable pricing. We also try to keep a few pair of breast forms available, but due to the wide range of sizing, please check the dimensions of the forms before ordering.
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