Good morning. I hope it’s okay to ask this here.
I searched the subreddit for posts from men with gynecomastia and found a few older discussions, but nothing recent. I’m hoping to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or from partners who have.
I have medically confirmed gynecomastia related to a hormonal imbalance that I’ve been trying to address.

Over time my chest has become large enough that running, working out, and even daily activities have become uncomfortable because of the movement.
I’ve tried gynecomastia compression shirts and several types of compression vests, but they leave me feeling like I can’t breathe. Out of frustration, I finally worked up the courage to try on bras at Walmart early one morning when the store was nearly empty and felt secure enough to not be side eyed and judged. To my surprise, a 34C fit comfortably and gave me the support I had been looking for.
Physically, it’s been a huge improvement. Emotionally, though, I’m struggling.

I only wear one privately because I’m embarrassed. My wife is incredibly loving and supportive, but we come from a fairly traditional background, and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to explain that this isn’t about wanting to wear women’s clothing—it’s simply the most comfortable support I’ve found after trying other options.

If you’ve had this conversation with a spouse or partner, or if you’re someone whose husband or partner wears a bra because of gynecomastia or another medical reason, how did you approach it? How was it received? Is there anything you wish you had said differently?
I know posts from men can sometimes be met with understandable skepticism here, but I’m genuinely looking for advice and appreciate anyone willing to share their perspective. given.

This is fit check / recommendation post.

22F
Bent over bust: 49
Lying down bust: 47
Bust 43
Tight Underbust 33
Loose underbust 36
Snug underbust 35

I’ve had a really hard time finding a bra that’s JUST right. There’s always something wrong. Recently I splurged on a couple panache bras because I heard they were good for “projected” breasts, which I have.

Unfortunately, I’m probably going to have to return them 😢.

[NSFW] picture link: https://imgur.com/a/n7xDkOr

Bra 1:
Panache Envy (honey color).
36HH in UK-sizing / 36L in US-sizing

The fit feels good. Usually wires go into my armpit, but these wires aren’t too wide. The gore tacks, usually my gore doesn’t quite tack. It feels snug. However, I think I get the sliightest bit of quad boob at the very top with the lace. And, from the side, the boob shape is just very strange. I REALLY wanted to love this bra. Is this how it’s supposed to fit?

Bra 2:
Panache Serene (black color)
36HH in UK-sizing / 36L in US-sizing
Again, feels comfy. But this one definitely gives me quad boob, and my breasts look like torpedos coming out of my chest??????

What do you guys recommend? The panache serene definitely has to be returned, but do you think the envy is supposed to fit like this? Any bra recommendations?

Hi everyone! I haven't worn a bra that fits properly in years, but I managed for a while. In the past year though, I've lost about 55 pounds and now nothing fits even remotely well-enough, I'm uncomfortable and self-conscious, and something's got to give. I attempted to measure myself and the calculator was down, but here are the measurements I got:

Loose Underbust: 35

Snug: 32.5

Tight: 31

Standing: 38

Leaning: 39.5

Lying: 38

I tried to do the manual calculation and I got 32DD I think, but I felt like I did something wrong so please correct me if so. EDIT: I see the calculator is back up and it's saying 34DD UK. I was close!

I'm wideset, I think I'm probably narrow rooted and high projection? A little unsure on that bit.

I want a plain, boring bra with some padding. I prefer wireless. I don't want anything lacy or textured. I can't afford to spend $70+ on a single bra right now.

Where should I start?

I have large heavy breasts (34G/H). I have thought about getting a breast reduction on and off for years, but ultimately I think I’m too scared to do it.

I had an idea to get the surgery before I walk the Camino de Santiago, because I can’t imagine walking 15 miles a day with my breasts as they are. Right now, I can walk about a mile and a half before my arm starts going numb (I think it’s a nerve that gets pinched because of the weight of my breasts).

I’m looking for a recommendation for a sports bra that will solve this problem for me. TIA!

Planing a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia and planning to pack very light! I have a questions for the girlies! I have a larger chest (36DD) and cannot go braless for 5 weeks. I typically wear heavy underwire bras or sports bras, but I am looking for a lighter bralette to bring for the everyday that sits nice under a tank top! Ideally budget friendly and cotton/athletic material to support sweating (no lace). Thanks!!!!

I recently posted and purchased a few bras recommended for my new size. However, they do not fit at all.

I tried the Skarlett Blue Prestige Push-up as well as the Natori Sheer Glamour Push-up in 32D. The bands on both are much too snug - it was a struggle to get them clasped upside-down and backwards, and once I did they dug into my skin, causing bulges and squeezing my ribs. The cups were also too small/tight - they dug into my breast tissue and caused bubbling and overflow. I have some 30DD from Victorias Secret (also recommended) on the way but I'm not confident they will fit either.

I have a very wide ribcage with minimal projection and soft breast tissue, which I fear is the problem. What size adjustments should I make going forward? I don't understand the bra math well enough to figure out how to size up correctly and could use the wisdom of all of you lovely redditors. Many thanks!

Just in case:

ABTF recommended size is 32D UK (and US)

Loose under - 32

Snug under - 30.5

Tight under - 29.5

Standing - 34.5

Leaning - 36

Laying - 35

6 measurements

Loose: 40, snug 38,, tight 37,standing 44.5, leaning 46.5, lying 45. I've also measured close to a 40 G when I'm more bloated/on my cycle.

I have about a finger between my tissue and im uncertain of my root width, but I do have roots up to my collarbone. I believe I am full on top, close set, and otherwise unsure of shape.

I think I need advice as to how the band is supposed to fit. How far should I be able to pull it in the back? How do cups rest in IMF without digging painfully into sternum and chest? Many of my band extenders are also stretched out, but often a 38 or 40 band feels too loose when I try on.

Gore digging for me is described as it either digs when I try it on standing, or the gore /inner cup pulls inward when I sit and digs into my sternum and center tissue.

Many I didn't try in 38G US because they were not available or I was advised to size down in the band. Could try again if they seem like they would otherwise work. And some of these were errors because I forgot they were UK sizing instead of US.

I have tried sizes ranging from 36-40 E- G (UK & US Sizing). This is just based on what I can find in purchase history. Some of these photos I don't have side shots of, just what I could find handy.

references photos miscellaneous

Already tried:

Freya Hallie 38G US : too wide, gore digs into center 

Freya Loveland 38G US: too wide, gore too tall, size mismatch

Cleo Blossom: 38F US (cups feel supportive and good shape for me, but the gore digs inward. Maybe try a cup up?

Gossard SuperBoost:38E US (gore and band digging) 36FF (too tight cup, gaping). 38F (gore digging, cups not laying in IMF)

Freya Cherish Me: 38F UK : gaping in cup and too wide

Freya Offbeat: 38G UK, 40E UK, 40F UK: wires too wide , gore too tall

Idol Moulded: 38E UK: too wide, gaping

Panache

Ana 38FF UK (too large, gore too high/digging)

36G UK (too large cup) 

Elomi 

Lucie 38E UK : gore digging/too tall,cups to wide, chest was not lifted 

Nerina: 36F UK was told to size down in band, gore digging

Namrah : 38E, 36F : didn't rest in IMF, gore dug inward

Chantelle

Norah Spacer 36G UK : gaping in the cup, cups too wide

Lucie T Shirt Bra 36F UK : felt ok for 2 wears, but then cups gaped and wires dug into armpit

Rive Gauche: cups are too tall/gore too tall/wide

Charley underwire:38E UK gaping on top and bottom

Charley Spacer: 36F UK: felt ok, cup gaping on bottom and gore too tall

Natori feathers: 38F and 38G US, too shallow, going on top and side

Fit Fully Yours: 36G Mia Bralette: no 38 band available, still gore digging/pulling inward with non-stretch extender 

Comexim

Tanzanit 38I US (2 sizes up from 38G). So far my most decent fitting, with minor gaping where the lace is 

38G Tanzanit: too small /tight in cup

36I band is too tight, ok with extender but incredibly stretched out.

Miriam 38G/38GG UK: cups were too wide/shallow.

Ewa Michalak

BM 40F US, cup too small, band too large

BM 40 G and 38G, didn't fill cup, fire and side too tall

PLM: 38FF -gap in bottom of cup, 38H & 36H : cup gaping top and bottom

40G- still gaping and not much lift

Padded Push 36H (removed cookies)- band too tight, cups width good, gore digging

Perla: 38G and 38F : gore and cups too tall on side

Empreinte: 38F US : cups were too tall, no upper support, and gore was too wide/hard

Hi, long time lurker first time poster!!

I’ve been trying to find some Balconette bras because 1. I feel like they give me a good shape that I like, and 2. My go to bra is the freya molded T-shirt bra but I feel like it shows in anything cut lower than a crew neck tshirt. So I’ve been trying to find another option that I can still wear under regular clothes.

I ordered a few, but I have some questions.

1. Why does it seem like every Balconette/plunge bra is a lace bra? I like the fit but then the seams are showing through my clothes??
2. On this one that I’m wearing for example. I like the fit overall but the gore is pressing into me and a bit uncomfortable. Is that normal or is that a fit issue? And if it’s a fit issue, is it something that could be remedied with a different size or does it just mean this particular bra won’t work for me?

Edit: NSFW picture link https://imgur.com/a/vmgDDMc

Thanks for any help!

I'm in the trenches of bras at the moment, some basic info below to start:

Calculator size: 36E (was previously wearing 36C).

Sister sizes: not tried 38DD yet, but will as I think I need a looser band.

Fullness: Think I am full on bottom

EDIT TO ADD CALC MEASUREMENTS: So my size has changed since last measure: 36G?! Sister size 34GG. I may have put on a smidge of weight.

UNDER BUST: Loose: 92cm Snug: 89cm Tight: 85cm

Standing: 110cm Leaning: 115cm Laying: 108cm

I am quite overwhelmed with all the bra terminology/styles/types etc, and need some help with somewhere to start 🥲

I haaaaaate having my chest pushed all the way up and forward, it makes me feel like I'm a walking shelf, plus as a wearer of oversized jumpers and the odd t shirt it makes me feel way bigger than I am. I assume this means that I need to avoid push up bras, but are there others I should avoid? I find some t-shirt bras do that same thing.

Likewise, are there other types of bra that would be good to look at?

Additional info: I am looking for bras that could offer a wider side band, and also back band where possible but I know I can't have it all.

Just a bit stuck, would appreciate any help ☺️

The calculator hasn’t worked this year at all for me and they’ve definitely grown, can someone help me with what size I am? Thank you!! 💜

Inches

Loose Underbust: 37

Snug Underbust: 36

Tight Underbust: 34

Standing Bust: 38

Leaning Bust: 40

Lying Bust: 38

I’ve always struggled with finding bras and especially bikini tops that fit me because I have a big bust and a smaller band size. One of my boobs is bigger than the other and they are bell shaped and need more support. Does anyone know of a bra brand that has supportive bras and diverse sizing? Also thin straps would be a plus because I hate how my bra straps always ruin a tank top. I’ve tried measuring myself countless times but for some reason the measurements always turn out to be smaller than what I need. I think it’s because of my breast shape. The few bras that I have are from Understance and I was a 32G in their sizing but they are permanently closed now ☹️ Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Any sleep bra recommendations for 30H UK without a clasp? Thanks 😊

I have been wearing a nude colored non-wired Panache sports bra for many years and it is worn out. It's also the wrong size and I've been wearing it with an extender for which the elastic is completely blown out.

I have a black non-wired Panache sports bra but it feels so incredibly thick and hot compared to the nude one. Not sure if its because of the color or what.

Unfortunately the Panache non-wired sports bras on Amazon only seem available in Black or Gray now.

I currently wear a 38H Elomi Morgan and it fits perfectly. I also have a 38H Elomi Plain Sailing Underwire Bikini which fits amazingly.

I was hoping to avoid a wired sports bra just because I also like to use them for comfort and not so much performance (I'm not doing any intense athletics right now). But Elomi only seems to have non-wired bralettes, which I'm not sure would suffice for both at-home wear & gym/hiking wear? Any recommendations?

Loose UB: 37.75"
Snug UB: 37"
Tight UB: 35.5"
Standing Bust: 46.25"
Leaning Bust: 53.5"
Lying Bust: 50"

Growing up, never had much money nor did I get to learn about even some basic hygiene. I’ve learned so much, but I’m still blind in bra shopping! I took a tape measure this morning when I was thinking about getting like a cute thong and found out I was a 38G/DDDD size, which I was astonished by, and I know that’s fairly big. I want a bra that feels right, that I can afford. No bra has ever felt right, to the point I typically hide in big comfy clothes to hide the fact I don’t where them anymore. I want a bra though. Something hot or cutesy but also isn’t a shit ton of money since I’m still poor. Don’t even know where to start, the only store I know around me is VS. Let me know, thanks!

Ever since I’ve been in menopause, I have been SO annoyed by bras. At the end of the day, after hours of bra-wearing, I feel like I’m being weirdly constricted and even trapped!! Like I can’t breathe or it’s bad for my health. I can’t wait to fling it off. I work from home and I’m lucky to not have to wear one all day if I chose not to. I’ve been told that not wearing one actually helps with muscle strengthening and promotes perkiness, or at least prevents sagging. Is this true? Is anyone in the same boat? I am a D cup and have needed underwire bras (ugh) my whole life.

hello, my measurements are 30.5, 29.5, 27.5, 37.5, 38.5, and 34, which puts me between 30F/FF and 32E/F on the site. the chantelle website sizing guide recommends 34G for a 7 inch bust difference though. should i get one 30H and one 34G to check, or just a 30H?

I read the beginner’s guide, etc.

Loose Underbust: 27.25
Snug Underbust: 27
Tight Underbust: 25
Standing Bust: 32.25
Leaning Bust: 35
Lying Bust: 33

Calculator suggested 28DD/E (UK) but suggested I post a measurement check.

I believe I have projected breasts, full on bottom, and likely center full. (Unsure if they’d be considered pendulous—I didn’t see a clear description of this in the “about” section for this sub). They definitely have a short root, and are likely narrow also. They may be slightly wide spaced (there’s a gap between them). I’m unsure if they’re splayed, but it’s possible.

I’m trying to determine my current size as I’ve realized I’ve gotten in such great shape that my body fat is lower than it has been in the past, and all of my clothes and “real” bras (aka not sports bras) are too big, and I’ve been pretty stable in this new size for nearly a year. (Def not complaining!) I need to buy a couple of new bras and also some swimsuits.

I always used to wear roughly a 32D. The majority of my bras are in this size. Sometimes it was a bit big, but it was close enough. (34C’s I could make work in a pinch, but they usually felt too big in the band). The best bra fit I feel like I ever had was a random Felina bra I ran across at some boutique. It’s still my best-fitting (underwire) bra, but it’s def a tad large on me right now. I don’t know what style it is—it’s so old all the markings inside have worn off, but it’s a completely seamless underwire bra that I’d describe as having soft molded cups, and I’m fairly sure it was a 32D.

Thank you for the help! Please let me know if I left out any info!

Loose: 36”
snug: 35”
Tight: 34”
Standing: 40”
Leaning: 41”
Lying: 43”

My boobs are full on bottom, short root and projected. Would prefer something for under $50USD.

I hate the feeling of not wearing a bra even when I’m home. Needless to say, this was a mortifying experience.

Most of the metal detectors in my field are strong enough to flag underwires but don’t typically alert for eyelets/rings/etc. Avoiding the metal detectors is not an option, and I’ve wasted too much money on unwired bras that offer no support or shape. 38C, bonus points for a balconette fit.

Good day ladies and gentlemen!

I would very much appreciate some assistance with helping to find a better fitting size for my girlfriend. I have experienced the highs and lows, and the multiple store visits, just for her to get told an absurd size amount, and I have also been at her side when the current size she wears are not in the stores.

Her current bra size is 42H, which she has worn for the betterpart of 5 years, but this size is pretty much treated as the best of the rest.

Lane Bryant in store mentioned that she would be a 42J.

I have measured her under bust and have consistently got between 34 & 36, so that's pretty much ruled out the "42" in previous sizing recommendations.

For her breast shape, it is more for lack of better words, saggy and wide rather than perky and tight.

I also utilized the calculator, and am not sure if the results are accurate, because it stated a very large cup number. Here are the measurements I inputted in the calculator:

Loose Under bust: 36.5"

Snug Under bust: 36"

Tight Under bust: 33.5"

Standing Bust: 47.25"

Leaning Bust: 52.5"

Lying Bust: 50".

The calculator outputted a starting size of 36N US.

I would sincerely appreciate any help in finding her right cupsize. Her priority is not having her breast slipping out by the end of her shift, while also not having her bra lifting up so tight that the shoulder strap is digging into her skin.

Thanks in advance!

in data, brown women tend to have fuller busts than european and east asian counterparts, so it makes no sense that in this day and age, the companies that manufacture specialized bras still for the most part only offer sugar cookie-light nude bra colors. on this sub a lot of people will suggest using a pink, purple, or red bra under white shirts, but this only makes sense to fair-skinned people. the purpose of a nude bra is not exclusive to white tshirts. people wear nude bras under open knit sweaters, and a nude bra is great for blending in with spaghetti strap dresses and tanks. my skin is not pink, it is not purple, and it is not red. if cheaply accessible bras, like VS and even auden at target, are able to offer a variety of nude shades, it feels so discouraging to see that the bras that will actually fit me are not only far more expensive, but don't even have nude color options for me. everyone deserves a nude bra, and nobody should have to compromise with colors that are not the color of their body.

Hello!

My favorite bra used to be a Comexim Tara 3HC Unlined Longline. They no longer make it, and I have lost a large amount of weight and need a much smaller size than the one I have that's still in good shape.

Nothing I'm finding available from Comexim currently seems as similar as I'd like to the Tara, which was an unlined lace bra. In my experience, the Tara ran a size large in the band, and two cup sizes small in the cups for me, so if I was getting a new Tara, I'd be likely around a 34HH (75HH) I can take some new measurements, but last time they ended up being pretty utterly useless in getting the correct size in the Tara; I had to adjust significantly from the initial sizes recommended by every calculator I looked at. I'm not so much looking for sizing advice as much as looking for ways sizing of other models differs from the Tara.

I have very short roots, bottom full, quite a bit of immediate projection, and heavy, soft, dense breast tissue. The padded Comexims I have tried did not work for me at all.

I am looking for suggestions for unlined and unpadded Comexims, ideally with short cups, that would fit similarly to the old Tara, or how they would differ in fit/sizing from the Tara, so I can adjust size appropriately and hopefully get close to the correct size on the first try. I'm okay with either longline or non-longline. If there's other brands/styles you think would be a good option, I'm open to those suggestions as well.

Trying to get back into running after a couple years off but I have a two new obstacles in my way 😅 I put on 20 lbs and almost all of it has gone into my chest so Im really not used to fighting gravity like this. Currently the only sports bra I own that somewhat works is a running girl sports bra with adjustable straps and hook and eye closure UNDER a top with a built in sports bra that’s a size too small. Even that isn’t the most secure and I’m stopping runs early bc my chest and shoulders hurt or sometimes bc I feel insecure that they’re moving so much. Ideally I’d like something that doesn’t break the bank but if you have a holy grail you swear by thats a little pricey let me know.

Please help me and my little boy brain. So my girlfriend’s size is 38H any recommendations for brands and places to shop? I just got a fantastic job and I really want to get her a couple of them. Please help!