A Beginner's Guide to Trans Lingerie

The world of lingerie is vast and varied, with an incredible range of styles, fabrics and fits. But finding pieces that actually work can be genuinely hard when you are trans, because so little of it was designed with our bodies in mind. I'm Robyn, founder of Gaff and Go, and I want to make that first step easier for you.

Whether you are after a supportive bra, comfortable underwear or something to enhance your curves, this beginner's guide will help you navigate trans lingerie and find pieces that leave you feeling confident and comfortable.

At Gaff and Go, I firmly believe everyone deserves to feel both sexy and comfortable, whatever their gender.

UNDERSTANDING BODY TYPES AND FIT

The first step is understanding your own body and how different styles can work with your natural shape. Here is what I'd keep in mind, whether you are a trans woman or a trans man.

FOR TRANS WOMEN

If you have been on hormone replacement therapy or had surgery, you may have developed natural breast tissue, but plenty of trans women use breast forms or padding to reach the bust size they want. Look for bras with pockets for breast forms, or padded bras for added volume.

There are a few other lovely ways to enhance your shape. A tucking gaff is, at its most basic, a piece of compression underwear made specifically for tucking, which is the practice of arranging and supporting the genitals between the legs to smooth the appearance of the pelvic area. Many trans women, transfeminine and femme-of-centre folks wear a gaff under their everyday clothes. If the whole idea is new to you, our guide on what trans tucking is explains it gently from the very beginning.

Hip padding is another great option for a more feminine silhouette. Look for panties with built-in padding, or separate hip pads you can wear under your lingerie.

And waist cinchers or corsets can help create an hourglass shape by cinching the waist and enhancing your curves. Choose one that supports you comfortably without feeling too restrictive.

FOR TRANS MEN

Chest binders are essential for many trans men who want to flatten their chest. When you are choosing a chest binder, comfort and breathability are everything. Look for one made from high-quality, stretchy fabric that gives firm compression without discomfort.

A lot of trans men prefer boxer briefs for their comfort and support. Packing underwear, which has a pocket to hold a packer, can also help create a more masculine appearance.

For anyone looking to minimise their hips or create a more streamlined shape, shapewear can be very effective. Look for pieces that smooth and flatten without being too constricting.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC

Fabric makes a real difference to comfort, breathability and how a piece feels against your skin. Cotton is my go-to for everyday lingerie, breathable, soft, gentle on the skin and good at wicking away moisture for all-day wear.

Lace is beautiful and feels lovely and feminine, though it is less stretchy and a bit more delicate, so I'd save it for special occasions or pieces you won't wear for hours on end. Satin and silk feel wonderfully soft and smooth and add a real touch of elegance, but they may not give as much support as other materials.

Spandex and elastane, usually blended with other fabrics, add the stretch and support that make lingerie more form-fitting and comfortable.

GENDER-NEUTRAL CLOTHING

Our range of trans celebration merchandise, including our empowering t-shirts, is made with the community in mind. It is about expressing your identity and feeling comfortable at the same time.

Gender neutral lingerie is more than just clothing too. It is a way to feel more confident in yourself.

KEY LINGERIE PIECES FOR TRANS INDIVIDUALS

BRAS

Finding the right bra can be a game-changer. At Gaff and Go, we offer a wide range of bras and bralettes, and a few styles are worth knowing. T-shirt bras give a smooth, seamless look under clothing and usually come with light padding, which makes them ideal for everyday wear. Push-up bras have extra padding at the base of the cups to enhance cleavage and create a fuller bust. Balconette bras, with their wide-set straps and lower cut, lift and round the shape beautifully under low-cut tops. And wireless bras give support without the dig of an underwire, which is perfect if you have sensitive skin.

We also make a range of party wear and luxury robes for the perfect night-out look with real comfort.

PANTIES

The right panties make a real difference to comfort and confidence. Bikini styles give moderate coverage and a comfortable everyday fit, and we make a variety of tucking underwear in different styles and patterns. Boyshorts offer a longer leg and more coverage, smoothing your silhouette while giving a little extra support. If you want to avoid visible panty lines, tucking thongs are a great option with minimal coverage. And high-waisted styles give more coverage and a smoother line, which is where our high waist gaffs come in, offering the right support for daily wear or a special occasion.

SHAPEWEAR

Shapewear is useful for creating the silhouette you want. Waist cinchers cinch the waist for an hourglass shape, so look for firm but not restrictive support. Bodysuits are a full-coverage option that smooths the whole torso and sits invisibly under clothing. And thigh shapers smooth the thighs for a more toned look, perfect under dresses and skirts.

HOSIERY

Hosiery adds the finishing touch. Tights and pantyhose give a polished look and smooth the legs, stockings paired with a garter belt add elegance and a real sense of occasion, and fishnets are a bolder, flattering choice if you want some texture.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING FOR TRANS LINGERIE

Shopping for lingerie can feel daunting when you are new to it, so here is what I'd tell a friend starting out. Take accurate measurements of your bust, waist and hips before you buy anything, because it saves so much frustration later. Read the reviews, and look especially for ones from other trans people, as they will give you the most relevant picture of fit and quality. Do not be afraid to experiment with different styles and cuts, since what works for one person won't for another. Consider custom options if you struggle to find the right fit, as many brands offer them. And above all, prioritise comfort: feeling sexy matters, but it should never come at the cost of feeling good in your body all day.

BRANDS AND STORES TO CONSIDER

Several brands and shops specialise in lingerie and gender-affirming pieces for trans people. I'll start with my own. Gaff and Go makes tucking lingerie, swimwear and accessories, including our tucking gaffs, designed for trans women, non-binary people and anyone who tucks.

For trans men, transmasculine and non-binary people who bind or pack, Bond and Binder is where I'd point you. Their chest binders are made to flatten the chest comfortably and safely, because binding should never put your wellbeing at risk. They also make bamboo packing boxers with a secure inner cup, a soft, wide waistband and a three-layer pocket designed to hold an STP or soft packer in place with room for a natural look.

Beyond us, TomboyX is known for comfortable, stylish gender-inclusive underwear, GC2B specialises in high-quality chest binders across a good range of sizes and colours, En Femme offers a wide range of lingerie and clothing designed for trans women, and Point of Pride is a non-profit that provides free binders to trans people in need as well as selling affordable ones.

CARING FOR YOUR LINGERIE

A little care makes your lingerie last. Always follow the care instructions on the label, since different fabrics need different handling. Hand wash where you can, using a mild detergent and lukewarm water to protect delicate fabrics, and if you must machine wash, pop everything in a lingerie bag to stop it snagging. Avoid the dryer, as heat damages fabric and elastic, so lay pieces flat or hang them to dry instead. And store them somewhere out of direct sunlight, with drawer dividers to keep everything organised.

START YOUR TRANS LINGERIE JOURNEY

Finding the right lingerie is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By understanding your body, choosing the right fabrics and exploring different styles, you can find pieces that leave you feeling confident and comfortable. Lingerie is about more than how it looks, it is about how it makes you feel, so take your time and let comfort and confidence lead.

When you are ready to start or grow your collection, you can explore our transgender lingerie any time. With the right pieces, you can build a collection that makes you feel truly fabulous.