Bras for Trans Women, Transfeminine, and Nonbinary People: A Guide to Fit, Comfort, and Gender Euphoria

Finding the right bra can be about so much more than physical support for new or developing breasts. For many trans women, transfeminine, and nonbinary people, bras can bring comfort, affirmation, gender euphoria, and self-expression. Whether you’re on gender-affirming hormone therapy (sometimes called HRT), exploring breast forms, or just curious about gender-affirming lingerie, the right bra can help you feel more at home in your body.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate fit, style, and options.

Start Where You Are

Your needs may change over time, and that’s normal. Early in transition—or if you’re not pursuing HRT—bralettes and sports bras can be a gentle, affirming first step. They don’t require exact sizing and can provide a sense of ease while you experiment with what feels good.

You might want a bra to help deal with breast or nipple soreness (more on that in a moment), or you might want a bra with a fuller shape for gender-affirmation. You might choose simple designs or bold patterns, and your taste might change over time.

Bras can be expensive, so know you can start slow and don’t have to go all in right away! Thrift stores or hand-me-downs from community or friends can help keep costs lower while you explore. 

Ordering online can give you more privacy to explore, but in-person stores can give you a broader range to try on. There are lots of options, so let’s get into it.

Recommended starter options: Aerie bralettes (inclusive sizing, affordable), TomboyX bralettes (gender-inclusive, comfort-first).

Breast and Nipple Soreness: What to Know

Many trans women, transfeminine, and nonbinary people experience breast and nipple tenderness during hormone therapy or breast development. This soreness is normal—it’s often a sign of tissue growth and can come in waves.

Bras can sometimes help, and sometimes make things worse:

• When bras help: Soft, lightly supportive bras (like bralettes or T-shirt bras) can reduce friction against clothing and ease tenderness. Seamless styles and cotton fabrics are especially gentle.
  
  
• When bras hurt: Underwires, stiff fabrics, or push-up bras can put extra pressure on sore tissue. If you notice discomfort, switch to wireless or looser-fitting bras until soreness eases.
  
  
• Nipple sensitivity: Soft-cup bras or lightly lined bras can act as a buffer between your nipples and clothes, which many people find more comfortable. Some also use silicone nipple covers for extra protection.

It’s normal for this soreness to come and go, especially in the first few years on HRT. If pain is severe, persistent, or feels unusual, check in with a clinician to rule out other causes.

Recommended comfort-first options: True & Co. seamless wireless bras, Aerie Real Me bralettes, or cotton sports bras.

Getting the Right Size

Bra sizing can feel confusing, but knowing your measurements helps with both comfort and confidence:

• Band size: Measure snugly around your ribcage, just under your chest. Often times folks find their “band size” is about 2 inches bigger than their ribcage size, but try a few options, as this can vary by brand and by your own comfort.
  
  
• Bust size: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
  
  
• Cup size: The difference between band size and bust size gives you your cup size, which 1” being an A, and up from there.

As an example, if you measure your ribcage at 38” and your bust at 39” you might want to try a 40A bra to start.

If the band feels too tight, size up the band! If it feels too loose, size down. If the cup is tight, size up the cup. If the cup is too loose, and you’re an A, you might want to try a different style or brand, or add some padding.

Sometimes you’ll need to adjust the cup size if you switch your band size, so you might be a 38B or a 40A, as an example.

If this sounds confusing, know that most online sites where you can buy bras will have sizing charts to help, or you can go to a department store or bra store to get some real life help!

If you’re on HRT, breast development is gradual and can take years. Re-measure every 6–12 months as your body changes. And don’t stress about inconsistencies—sizes vary across brands, and most women and transfeminine people try several before finding their best fit.

Recommended: ThirdLove (half-cup sizes, online quiz), Nordstrom (affirming in-person fittings).

Bra Styles to Explore

Some people find that they only like certain kinds of bras (e.g. no underwire or very padded, or lacy, or practical). Other people end up with a diverse wardrobe for different occasions. Different bra styles can serve different needs:

• Bralettes: Soft and wireless, perfect for everyday wear.
  
  
• T-shirt bras: Lightly padded and seamless, great under clothes.
  
  
• Balconette or plunge bras: More structured, offering lift and shape.
  
  
• Sports bras: Supportive and secure—also good if you want slight compression.
  
  

A bra should never hurt. Look for:

• Wide straps if you need more support.
  
  
• Soft, breathable fabrics for daily wear.
  
  
• Front closures or pull-over for ease and accessibility.
  
  

Comfort-first bras are great for home or work, while structured bras can be affirming if or when you want more lift and contour. Many people keep both on hand depending on mood and outfit.

Recommended: Lane Bryant Cacique (wide size range), Savage X Fenty (inclusive, playful styles), Target’s Auden line (affordable everyday options), True & Co. (buttery soft wireless bras), Harper Wilde (comfortable everyday bras).

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Shaping Bras: When You Want Lift, Curve, or Definition

Sometimes you may want more than coverage or comfort—you may want a bra that emphasizes shape, lift, or cleavage. Different bra styles can help create different silhouettes:

• Push-Up Bras: Use angled padding to lift breasts upward and inward, creating cleavage. Great if you want a rounder, fuller look under low-cut tops.
  
  
• Balconette Bras: Cut lower across the cups, offering lift from below while showing more of the upper chest. This style emphasizes roundness and works well under wide necklines.
  
  
• Plunge Bras: Designed with a deep V in the center, they draw breasts inward to highlight cleavage—perfect under low-cut tops or dresses.
  
  
• Contour / Molded Cup Bras: These bras have structured cups that hold their shape, creating a smooth, rounded silhouette even if your natural breast tissue doesn’t fully fill them yet.
  
  
• Full-Coverage Bras: Provide more shaping across the whole breast, with even support and less focus on cleavage.
  
  

Tips for Choosing Shaping Bras

• If you’re early in breast development or using forms, molded cups and push-up bras can help create curves.
  
  
• If you’re further along on HRT, you may find balconettes or plunges enhance your natural shape without needing extra padding.
  
  
• For comfort, look for shaping bras that combine structure + softness—underwire isn’t the only way to get definition.
  
  

Recommended: Savage X Fenty push-up bras (inclusive sizing), Lane Bryant balconettes (wide band sizes), ThirdLove plunge bras (fit-focused).

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Padding, Inserts, and Breast Forms

You may want more volume or shape than you currently have, or you might want more shape just sometimes. You might be earlier in your transition, or never planning to use hormones (HRT). Or you just might want to play! Whatever the reason, your options for more shape include:

• Padded bras: Add natural-looking volume.
  
  
• Removable inserts (“cookies”): Found in many bralettes and sports bras.
  
  
• Silicone or foam breast forms: Designed to fit into bra cups.
  
  
• Adhesive breast forms: Stick directly to skin under a bra.

These can be especially helpful for nonbinary and transfeminine people exploring presentation, or for trans women early in transition who want more ooph.

Recommended: The Breast Form Store (specialized for trans women), EnFemme (transfeminine clothing and accessories).

Shopping and Access

Now that you know a bit about all the many different kinds of bras and shapes, how should you get one? Finding a bra can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about dysphoria, safety, or being misgendered. The good news: there are now many ways to shop that center your comfort.

• Online shopping: Many brands now offer size-inclusive ranges, flexible return policies, and easy sizing quizzes. This can take the pressure off having to try things on in person. Some brands even offer free exchanges so you can experiment with different sizes until you find your fit.
  
  
• Virtual fittings: Companies like ThirdLove and Nordstrom provide video consultations where you can talk with a fitter from home. This can be less stressful than going into a store and still gives you expert support.
  
  
• Affirming boutiques: Independent lingerie shops often advertise LGBTQ+ inclusivity and gender-affirming fittings. Calling ahead or checking reviews can help you find a space that celebrates, rather than questions, who you are. Check out apps like Everywhere is Queer or Hey Famm for shops near you.
  
  

💡 Tip: If you have a trusted pal, bring them along or have them over! It can be helpful to have a buddy and to have someone to help you evaluate fit and look. 

And remember, you always have the right to an affirming fitting experience. If a staff member misgenders you, dismisses you, or makes you feel unsafe—you don’t owe them your time, money, or energy. 

Affordability and Accessibility

Bras can be expensive—especially when your size shifts every 6–12 months on HRT. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly options.

• Affordable starter brands: Target’s Auden, Aerie, and Uniqlo offer bras under $25 that are comfortable and inclusive. These are great first purchases if you expect to change sizes often.
  
  
• Secondhand and resale: Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, or local Buy Nothing groups often have new-with-tags bras for a fraction of the cost. This can be an affordable way to experiment with styles.
  
  
• Donation programs: Some LGBTQ centers, trans support orgs, or mutual aid groups run bra/lingerie swaps specifically for trans and nonbinary folks. These programs are affirming and free.
  
  
• Sales and bundles: Many brands run frequent sales or multi-packs—stocking up during those times can help build a small wardrobe without breaking the bank.
  
  

Bra Care and Longevity

Caring for your bras will make them last longer—saving money and keeping your favorites in rotation.

• Wash gently: Hand-wash with mild detergent, or use a lingerie bag on the delicate cycle. This prevents straps from stretching and wires from bending.
  
  
• Air-dry: Heat breaks down elastic quickly. Lay bras flat or hang them to dry to keep their shape.
  
  
• Rotate bras: Wearing the same bra every day stretches it out. Rotating between 2–3 everyday bras helps each one recover between wears.
  
  
• Replace when needed: Signs it’s time to say goodbye: straps that constantly slip, bands that ride up, cups that gape or dig, or wires that poke. It’s often said that bras last 6–12 months with regular wear, but they can last much longer with less frequent wear or more rotation.
  
  

Confidence and Gender Euphoria

Your first bra—or your first bra that feels right—can be a milestone worth honoring. For many transfeminine and nonbinary people, bras are about much more than function. They can bring joy, confidence, and gender euphoria.

• Celebrate milestones: Buying your first push-up, your first fancy lace set, or simply your first comfortable everyday bra can all be affirming experiences.
  
  
• Fluid needs: Some days, wearing a bra might feel grounding. Other days, going braless might feel more comfortable and just as affirming. Both are valid.
  
  
• No one way: There’s no “right” way to wear bras as a trans woman, transfeminine, or nonbinary person. The right bra (or no bra) is simply the one that makes you feel most like yourself.
  
  

💡 Remember: Confidence doesn’t come from fitting into someone else’s idea of femininity. It comes from wearing what makes you feel good.

Alternatives to Bras: Nipple Coverage or Support

Not everyone loves bras—or needs them every day. If you prefer to go braless but still want nipple coverage or some support, there are simple alternatives that offer freedom without the structure:

• Nipple Covers (Pasties): Thin silicone or fabric discs that stick directly to the skin, making nipples less visible under clothing. They’re reusable, washable, and come in multiple skin tones.
  
  
• Adhesive Nipple Pads: Similar to covers, but with stronger adhesive and sometimes a bit of padding for added smoothness.
  
  
• Built-In Shelf Tanks or Camisoles: Many camisoles have a light lining or shelf bra that offers coverage without the feel of a full bra.
  
  
• Layering Options: Wearing a tank top, undershirt, or lightweight crop top under outer clothes can soften nipple outline and feel less restrictive than a bra.
  
  
• Compression Tops (gentle, not binders): Some athletic or fashion tops provide light compression and coverage without the intensity of a binder or sports bra.
  
  

Why You Might Choose These

• More comfortable on sore or developing breasts.
  
  
• No straps or bands digging in.
  
  
• Lower cost and easier care.
  
  
• Perfect for lounging, hot weather, or anyone who simply hates bras.
  
  

Recommended: Nippies Skin silicone covers (washable, reusable), Uniqlo Airism camisoles (built-in shelf lining), Target layering tanks.

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Bottom Line

Whether you’re a trans woman beginning HRT, a transfeminine or nonbinary person exploring presentation, a veteran bra-wearer, or anyone in between, the best bra is the one that makes you feel good. Your bra should serve your comfort, your body, and your joy.

From soft bralettes to structured balconettes, breast forms to wireless comfort styles, there are gender-affirming bras for every stage of the journey. Experiment, explore, and choose what makes you feel most yourself.

👉 Curious about breast development on HRT or other gender-affirming options? Talk to a FOLX clinician, or explore more guides in the FOLX Library.