There’s no easier way to feel feminine than to slip into a beautiful bra.

The problem is that most bras aren’t built with crossdressers and transgender women in mind. That can make it hard to find a bra that looks and fits right.

However, it’s not impossible!

In this post, I share how to solve your 6 biggest bra problems – so you and “your girls” can look their absolute best.

Problem #1: Wrinkled or gapping bra cups

Bra cups that don’t lay smooth are a common problem. Fortunately, there are two easy fixes:

• Go down a cup size. The main reason for wrinkles is that your breasts don’t fill out the bra cups. Try going down a cup size. For example, from a 38B to a 38A.

• Choose a demi bra instead of a full coverage bra. Full coverage bras often have extra space at the top of the cup. A demi bra that’s cut lower eliminates this problem.

Illusion Demi Spacer T-Shirt Padded Bra

Problem #2: Can’t find a bra my size

If you don’t wear breast forms, it can be tricky to find a bra with a large band and small cups. (Which is what most crossdressers and transgender women need.)

Here are some bra options for those with smaller breasts and broader body proportions:

• Hips & Curves Lace Bralette – Size L-6X (One cup size fits all)

• Flatter Me Bra – Band sizes 40-46, Cup sizes AA-B

• Leading Lady Scallop Lace Bra – Band sizes 36-48, Cup sizes A-DD

• Prima Donna Couture Bra – Band sizes 38-48, Cup sizes B-H

Leading Lady Scallop Lace Cup Underwire Bra

Problem #3: Back bulge

Back bulge is another common problem. The causes are back fat and/or an ill-fitting bra.

How can you avoid the dreaded back bulge?

• Wear a larger band size. A band that’s too tight will cause bulging, so go up a size. For example, from a size 42 to a size 44 band.

• Look for a bra with give. Bras that are made with smooth, stretchy fabrics don’t dig in as much.

• Try a longline bra. Longline bras have a wider band that helps eliminate back bulge.

Maidenform Super Sexy Flocked Mesh Longline Bra

Problem #4: Wide-set breasts

Crossdressers and transgender women tend to have wide-set breasts because of their wider rib cages. This makes it harder to 1.) Find a bra that fits properly and 2.) Create the look of cleavage.

Here are four solutions for wide-set breasts:

• Look for pushup pads. A bra with padding on the sides helps push the breasts together.

• Wear a wireless bra. Underwires can be uncomfortable if they’re not properly centered beneath the breasts. In this case, a wireless bra will fit you better.

• Choose a bra with a wide center panel. The wider the center panel (the triangle-shaped area between the bra cups), the better the bra will fit.

• Find a front closure bra. Front closure tend to have wider-set cups due to the center clasp.

Rough & Tumble Lace Racerback Bra

Problem #5: Bra straps fall down

Nothing is more annoying than straps that don’t stay put. Here’s how to solve this problem:

• Tighten the bra straps. Bra straps stretch out over time, so they should be tightened every other month or so.

• Look for silicone bra straps. Some bras have a silicone lining on the straps that helps keep them in place. You can also purchase silicone bra strap cushions that can be worn with any bra.

• Try a different bra style. Balconette and plunge bras tend to have wider straps that are prone to falling. Instead, look for a bra with a racerback or crisscross straps.

Maidenform Women’s Comfort Devotion Tailored T-Back

Problem #6: Breast forms don’t stay in place

If you wear breast forms, the right bra is critical. Here are five tips to keep in mind:

• Option #1: Pocketed bra. Your best bet is a wear a pocketed bra with built-in pockets to hold the breast forms.

• Option #2: Full coverage bra. Your other option is to wear a full coverage bra. The cups should fully cover the breast forms for a seamless look.

• Make sure the bra band is snug enough. This provides support for the breast forms. To test, put a finger under the band between your breasts. If you can fit two or more fingers, the band is too loose. Tighten it or go down a band size.

• Avoid low cut bras. Low cut bras don’t have enough coverage to support the breast forms.

• Avoid bras that are too small. Bras that are too small can damage your breast forms.

Goddess Women’s Plus-Size Adelaide Underwire Banded Bra

Problem #7: Bra shows through clothing

Just like visible panty lines, a bra that shows through your clothes isn’t chic. (Unless, of course, you purposely want to show it off.)

Here’s how to keep your bra under cover:

• Look for bras with smooth cups and minimal details. Lacy fabrics and trimmings are pretty, but they often show through lightweight fabrics.

• Wear a black or nude bra. The black bra should be worn under dark clothing, while the nude bra works best with light colors. Look for a bra that matches your skin tone. Avoid white bras since these tend to show through.

Nubian Skin Essential T-Shirt Bra

What are YOUR biggest bra problems?

Hopefully your biggest problem now is too many bras, too little time!

But if you have any bra woes that weren’t covered, share them below so we can help. And if you have any other tips to add to this list, I’d love to hear them!

Love,
Lucille

P.S. What’s the only thing better than a beautiful bra? It’s having beautiful breasts! Here’s a must-have for your most alluring, feminine curves.

When presenting yourself as a woman, every detail matters. The way you act is just as important as the way you look. This includes etiquette!

Does etiquette sound like an old-fashioned concept from the 1950s? It’s not.

Knowing the proper etiquette makes you look classy and goes a long way towards a positive first impression. (Besides, you never know when you might be invited to dinner at the White House or Buckingham Palace!)

Etiquette is a huge topic, so in this post, I focus on the most common social situations. Read on for 6 etiquette tips you should know before your next en femme outing.

1. Girly greetings

Greetings can be a landmine of potential awkwardness. Should you hug, kiss, or shake hands?

The rules are straightforward when meeting somebody for the first time:

• Shake the hand of the person you are being introduced to.

• If you are sitting down, stand up to shake their hand.

• Look them in the eyes and smile.

• Bonus points if you say the other person’s name you meet them.

Kissing, air kissing, and hugs depend on cultural norms and how well you know somebody. When in doubt, let the other person lead.

Of course, if it’s a good friend, feel free to hug or kiss away!

2. The proper place for your purse

Where you put your purse say a lot about your manners. Did you know that putting your purse on the table is considered rude? That’s because it’s unhygienic.

Here’s what you should do instead:

Handbag etiquette:

• In casual settings, you can hang your bag on the back of your chair. In formal settings, this is considered poor etiquette since it can trip up the wait staff.

• The other option is to place it on your lap or at your feet.

• You can also use a purse hook. This is a small hook you carry with you to hang your bag on the table. (Queen Elizabeth II is said to have used one!)

Clutch bag etiquette:

• Place the clutch on your lap (with your napkin on top) or behind you on your chair.

3. Napkin etiquette

Napkin etiquette is simple: As soon as you are seated, put the napkin on your lap. You should never begin eating or drinking without your napkin on your lap.

If you get up to use the restroom, fold the napkin and place it on the left side of your plate.

4. How to hold your wine glass

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been holding your wine glass wrong.

The mistake most people make is to hold the glass by the “bowl.” This is a faux pas since it warms the drink inside and leaves smudge marks on the glass.

Instead, hold the glass at the stem by grasping it between your thumb and index finger. (Who votes for a “practice” session tonight?!)

5. Use the right utensils

Ah, the classic etiquette question: Which fork do I use? The answer is to start with the outermost utensil and work your way in with each course.

6. A grand finale

Now that you’ve made it through the occasion with perfect, ladylike manners, how do you make a grand finale?

• When you are done eating, rest your utensils diagonally across your plate.

• Your napkin should remain on your lap until you’re ready to leave the table.

• Never leave a party or event without saying your goodbyes. “Ghosting” is just plain rude.

Etiquette matters

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Etiquette might not be the “sexiest” topic, but these details make a difference.

Curious to know more? Check out Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th Edition.

Did any of these etiquette rules surprise you? Do you have any others to add to this list? Please share in the comments below!

Love,
Lucille

P.S. Want to learn more tips on mastering your feminine presentation? Sign up for my free 3-part Male to Female Makeover Course here!