Bras for Trans Women
Ladies, they, thems and everyone in between, we have all experienced it - the dreaded task of trying to find a bra that fits, is comfortable, and doesn’t break the bank.
Even for women assigned female at birth, it can feel like a never-ending battle to find a bra that doesn’t feel like a torture device for your breasts, so just imagine how difficult it is for the trans queens out there.
To put it plainly, the lingerie industry was not designed for trans women, but it’s 2025, and we’re over the limited options, high price points and inaccessibility of good, trans friendly bras. If you’re a trans woman just starting their transition or a trans woman who is fed up with the lack of representation in the lingerie industry, you’re in the right place.
At Gaff and Go, we believe that accessible, affordable and gorgeous bras are not gender exclusive, which is why we are on a mission to not only provide fantastic bra options for trans women but also provide education for any woman who may feel lost when finding a bra that works for them.
Keep reading to find out more about what to look out for when shopping for bras as a trans woman.
Understanding Trans Bodies and Bra Fit
Today's bras and underwear often fail to cater to trans bodies. That's why trans women need to consider some of the differences when shopping to ensure they find options that fit and support them properly.
We always recommend purchasing your bras from a store that caters to your needs, but we know that is not always possible for some people. So, if you are shopping at everyday stores, keep the following in mind.
How Trans Women’s Bodies May Differ
Most bras are designed for cisgender women, so the needs of trans women in various stages of their transition are often overlooked. There are many trans women, each at different points in their journey. Some are on HRT, some are not, and others have had complete chest surgery; the range is diverse.
A lot of trans women’s bodies are constantly evolving and changing. Still, nobody has the funds to be able to pick up a new bra every time their body changes, so trans women need to have versatile options that they can have by their side through every step of their transition.
There is no cookie-cutter perfect size or shape for trans bras, but there should be more options available.
Taking Measurements That Make Sense
Sizing a bra can be a nightmare for any woman, but it is all the more complicated for trans women. Trans women need to pay extra attention when it comes to sizing to ensure that they are only wearing lingerie that is designed to fit their bodies.
Following our sizing and measurement guidelines for trans bras will help ensure your lingerie fits your body properly.
When taking your measurements, make sure to leave room for your comfort. This will ensure that your lingerie still fits as your body changes.
Leaving Room for Padding and Development
If you are still in the process of transitioning, you have to be prepared for your body to go through changes. If you are on HRT, you could go to bed with no breasts in sight and wake up with a little treat from the estrogen gods, so you always have to make your bra purchases with development in mind.
If you are currently a member of the itty bitty committee and you like to use breast forms or padding to enhance the look of your chest area, it is important that you leave space or choose bras with pockets or stretchy cups that can hold your forms without shifting.
Types of Bras for Trans Women
If you are a trans woman trying to find your first bra or you’re just dissatisfied with the bras you currently wear, but you have no idea where to start, here are some bra styles that are worth considering.
Pocket Bras
If you wear breast forms, we always recommend wearing a pocket bra. These bras are designed to hold your forms securely so you can go about your day-to-day activities without worrying about them spilling out at an inconvenient time.
Pocket bras are perfect for early transitioners or trans women who choose not to use HRT, and because they are so often wireless and soft cupped, you’re guaranteed a comfortable wear with these bras.
Padded Push-Up Bras
If you’re looking to add volume to your chest area and enhance your feminine silhouette, we recommend looking into padded push-up bras. If you’re using HRT and your breasts are slowly developing, it may feel discouraging, so having a little helping hand to enhance your assets can be a great confidence booster.
It’s always important to remember that the size of your chest does not determine your womanhood, but push-up bras are always available for days when you need that extra boost.
Underwire Bras
If you want added structure and lift to your chest area, you should consider trying underwire bras. These bras come in a range of styles, from gorgeous lacy underwire bras to soft T-shirt bras; there is an option for every trans woman.
These bras are closer to standard sizing, so we always recommend them for new trans girls looking for simpler starter bras.
Bralettes
If you want a wire-free, soft and comfortable bra, you need to try out trans bralettes. A universal experience that all women share is the relief of taking off your bra at the end of the day, but bralettes are so comfortable that they won’t have you craving that feeling.
Bralettes have much more forgiving sizing and will still fit as your body changes and your breasts grow. They’re an excellent solution for new trans girls looking for starter bras, as they are comfortable and allow trans women to get used to the feeling of wearing something in that area.
Sports Bras
Much like bralettes, sports bras are fantastic for anyone who is just getting used to wearing a bra and wants something comfortable and loungeable.
Though it seems to be recently leaving the world gagged, it is true that trans women also like to do sports- shocking, we know. This means that trans women also need that additional security and protection when working out, which trans sports bras are perfect for.
What to Consider When Picking the Right Bra For You
Now that you know a bit more about the bras available to trans women, you need to make sure that you’re focusing on your individual needs, and there is a lot that you have to consider when buying a bra as a trans woman.
Do You Use Breast Forms?
If you like to add a little extra oomph to your look with breast forms and padding, your bras must accommodate this. Some bras are designed to be incredibly form-fitting, and they may not leave much room for you to comfortably slot in extra padding, so be sure you are only buying bras that account for this.
Are You on HRT or Post-Op?
Where you are on your transition journey can have a huge impact on how you approach buying a bra. A lot of people choose not to have any surgery or start HRT, so they can jump straight into buying whichever bra they like without much pre-planning for potential future development.
For those who are taking HRT, you have to prepare for your body to change substantially, and when it comes to buying new bras, you have to plan for the changes to your body and buy clothes that can adapt to that.
We always suggest buying softer, more adaptable bras that are easily adjustable to accommodate changes in body shape.
What Do You Want Out of the Bra?
Before making any purchases, you must also consider what you want from a bra. If you want something that you can just wear for lounging, we recommend wearing a sports bra, but if you want something more visually impactful for when the lights are dimmed, there is a range of lingerie options that you can choose from.
Always keep the purpose in mind when shopping, and try to pick out versatile pieces that you can use for a variety of occasions and activities.
Above All, Prioritise Your Mental and Physical Comfort
The reality is that, unfortunately, trans women can often feel uncomfortable in their bodies for much of their lives. When they finally begin their transition, they should only wear things that make them feel both mentally and physically comfortable.
With everything you wear, you should be able to look in the mirror and love what is staring back at you, and if a bra doesn’t make you feel the euphoria that you deserve, it isn’t the bra for you. Wearing a bra should feel like an empowering, joyous part of your transition, so you need to shop with that mindset and turn your back on uncomfortable, ill-fitting bras that don’t leave you in awe.
Uncover Bras Made For You With Gaff and Go
At Gaff and Go, we know what trans women need because we have lived it. We want inaccessible, expensive trans bras to be a thing of the past, and with our range of gorgeous and comfortable bras for trans women and non-binary individuals, they can be.
Get in touch to discuss our bra options in more depth, or take a look at our blogs for more guidance on finding the perfect bra or lingerie.