New Bra Wearing Market Ignored by Industry

gynecomastia-types

Two years ago this week, Elisabeth Dale wrote a blog on our Breast Briefs column titled What Happens When Men Develop Breasts?  Since that time Lingerie Briefs has received more emails and comments generated by men about this subject than any other topic covered on this site. Still, to this day, it is the most read blog, without exception, in our literary stable. Stats don’t lie; they inform. There is a trend emerging in the Bra market that should be addressed and could mean real profits for a savvy entrepreneur. Maybe a new type of bra needs developing with a new kind of message. I asked Elisabeth to explore the phenomenon further, because frankly, my readers, particularly some men, seem hungry for recognition on this critical topic. Read her Breast Briefs Column “Men Who Wear Bras; An Under Served Market” 

Also Read:  What Happens When Men Develop Breasts?

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24 Discussion to this post

  1. James says:

    I’m a 60’s male who has accepted the fact that I have breasts.
    I don’t think that the present situation (2018) with “male bras” available is any practical use at all.
    I have only seen male bras offered in sizes such as “L”, “XL”, 2XL” and so on, each of which are claimed to fit a chest size ranging over 3 or even more inches, with no mention at all of cup size.

    Bras designed to fit women might be expected to be different from those designed to fit men, but puhleeze!
    Being a boobed man I know from my own experience that for a bra to fit properly and do the job it’s supposed to, the wearer needs to be measured accurately, and bras need to be available in a range of band and cup sizes.

    Plenty of women have problems with the sizing that is offered for their bras and the limitations that present themselves with bras that are supposed to be the same size but that are worse or better fits than others of the same band and cup size, so do manufacturers really believe that men will find male bras with an even more approximate sizing right for them?

    It seems to me that, although there has been some progress in having male bras available, the ones that are for sale are no more comfortable good fits than shoes of an approximate length and one width.
    Any male with a concern about the fit and comfort will be properly fitted and wear a women’s bra. All told, I have a couple of brands and styles that I prefer for their fit… and once I laid down the stereotypical but baseless fear that men have for wearing women’s bras, I haven’t had any worries.

  2. flow says:

    Hello to all of you. I am a male, mid 60s , 185 lbs – 6 ft, and are wearing a bra since October 2016, My gynecomastia was diagnosed during mid 2015, and several discussions how to tackle this problem took place. It all changed drasticlly when I developed chest / breast pain, in particular during garden work and during running exercises. Together with my doc we decided to try the ” wearing a bra ”
    solution. It took another 4 months before I made an appointment with a Professional Bra Fitter, naturally a female. She took a lot of time to take all my breast measurements and explained to me the different types of bras and which one may best suit me. Together we decided for a Push-up Bra with underwire and molded cups , because my both breasts are ” outside orietated “, the size 42 C with extra extension of the shoulder straps. Alternatively, I also purchased a Sports Bra, also with molded cups in 44 B. I received my bras 3 days later and the lady in the shop made all the proper fittings.
    I am wearing both bras as required and are quite satisfied with the result, no breast pain anymore.
    Since then I tried a variety of other bra models, but the first choices still give the best result. Optically
    one can hardly visualise what im wearing under the shirt, only the Push-up Bra indicates some light breast shape.
    I still want to mention that I am wearing a Ladies Bathing Suit with B Cup for Swimmimg, privately or in public, before I got my first bras

  3. leftblank says:

    i have size 40B and wiegh 205 i normaly wear a sport bra to work out but at other times i dont even wear one, I am straight too.

  4. aboywithgirls says:

    I think that being a male with a full developed, feminine chest gives me a slightly different perspective. I started wearing a bra full time when I was 14 and I have worn one ever since.

    I grew up wearing a bra as most women did because I have breastsas most women. I usually get professionally fitted for my bras. Most of the fitters are more than happy to help me find a bra that fits.

    Wearing a bra is not the worst thing in the world. I don’t mind having breasts or wearing a bra. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I would even say that I have my own style. Being a 36G, I’m slightly more endowed than my wife which isn’t a big deal for either one of us. I’ve acvepted my breasts.

  5. klaus says:

    I am not sure whether we need bras for men. In my opinion the main problem is a psychlogical one. When your boobs start to grow this is not easy for most men. When I became aware of my breasts it took me some time to accept them. i tried to hide them as good as possible. But I did not feel good. Then after a while I realised my breasts belong to me and are some part of me. Discussions with my wife helped a lot. Then she made the proposal that I should wear a bra. I tried one of her bras but it did not fit. But I got a first impression how it is to wear a bra. i understood that a bra might be helpful. With her support we went bra shopping and I got a professional fitting. It is quite an experience to be measured and to try bras. I was never aware about the different styles that exist. But the saleslady was very friendliy and professional. I got my first two bras. What a relief. However, it took some more time to become confident to wear a bra in public. Now I wear a bra every day. And I am very thankful to my wife for her support.
    The main issue is to develop a positive attitude about your own breasts. Then you will find – with the help of a professional fitting – a comfortable bra.

  6. DDtop says:

    Hi well many shops forget either intentionally or unintentionally or don’t know? that they can be sued if refusing to measure/fit you if providing that service for females under EU laws as discrimination many of us wouldn’t want to buy they should realise someone could.

  7. mark cowley says:

    I have been wearing bras for 20 years now and I have to because I am a 38D.some lingerie shops are brilliant and very helpful and supportive with bra fittings but unfortunately some shops are still very negative with their response.luckily about 80% support me and my needs and I thank all you ladies for this

  8. Greg says:

    I have always had larger breast. I am now 65 yrs old and going for a bra fitting next week. I am having neck pain and feel it’s time to put my girls into a bra to reduce the pain. I am looking forward to it very much. I will be embarrassed as my nipples are always rock hard. I’ll let you know how it goes!!!!

  9. Keith says:

    I have worn a bra for over 10 years and it comfortable and very supportive. I wear 42B or 44B depending on the make

  10. Deedee1946 says:

    As aboywithgirls has stated…..a male bra holds no interest for me. Although I am a small 38B I will always shop the lingerie section of any store I am in. Unlined lace under wire bras are my choice and in as many colors as are available.

  11. latebloomer says:

    My story is a little different. I have always had large muscular breasts. However now that I am in my late 60’s my I have found a desire to cultivate my breasts naturally. My breasts have grown to a 44B’s depending on what calculator you use the size does vary. I am having uncomfortable pain especially in the area around the nipple and where I feel the firmness of breast tissue. I question whether or not I should wear a bra at this point. I did buy a genie bra and found it helped, however I still can’t bring myself to confide in my wife about whats going on. At the current time they look like moobs and she can accept that. I am not sure if she could accept me if my breasts looked bigger and more feminine. I began this transformation like others on this site with medication for an enlarged prostate (finisteride). Once my breasts started to develop, I liked what was happening, and wanted more. I began a regiment of saw palmetto and I am now taking peuraria mirifica and find it works quite well. Like all good things it takes time. I had no idea there were so many men with gyncomastia and so many more straight men who wanted female breasts. I have found your commentaries very helpful and can see myself graduating from a compression shirt into a bra probably a sports bra.

  12. aboywithgirls says:

    DDTOP,
    I guess you’re name says it all. I can sympathize with you as I wear a 38E / F in most of my bras. I have had breast development since I was 12 and my mother put in a bra at 13. I have been wearing a bra daily since then and now I am 40 and filling out an F cup.

    I had a good experience just a few days back when I was shopping for a new bra. I had emailed a boutique a few days earlier and told them who I was and what I was looking for. They welcomed me with open arms. The sale associate took me into a both for measuring. She asked me if I would remove my bra. Most fittings they measured over it but she said she could do it either way I preferred. I removed my bra and she was astounded by my breasts. She told me she thought that I had breast forms in my bra. Then she asked me “how long have you had your implants? ” I told her that my girls were all mine as I cupped my breasts. She could not believe that men were capable of growing such large breasts.

    She was extremely helpful and attentive to my needs and I ended up purchasing a new 38F chantelle underwire, molded cup in black and I wore it out of the boutique. The other ladies gave me great compliments as I paid for the bra as I was only wearing a snug t shirt. I was a very nice experience dealing with someone who treated me the same as she would have treated any woman who was looking for a new bra. She gave me her honest opinion of what looked good on me and what didn’t. I will be going back there for future purchases.

  13. DDtop says:

    Hi like those above ive had gyno since 12/13ish over the years shoulders have broadened but now where have Raynauds/FMS and hormone imbalance plus pit tumor with v high prolactin (600+)they have become very painful and sore with leakage things like seat belt rubbing etc can cause problems and some i think from prescription meds where it knocks your T out as they found mine was low and know someone else that took it and they have T problem also plus the trouble with the med side is that it can take well over 6 months after taking that the problems start.
    I started looking around at bra’s got a few old ones and found a size that fitted ok then went from there i stick to main brands like the ones in main article i’m around 46D to 44DD in most brands and yes do spend a fare amount on them as yes i might wear a bra all the time now but want the quality not some cheap stretchy tat!
    Like some have mentioned i have bra’s for different times like when wearing T shirts a bra like the Glamorise 1166 sports bra with 4 hooks on front flap so can pull in tighter so quite discrete under shirts non wired but very comfortable. and for times like now when winter and wearing coats etc can wear ones like the Elomi sports bra which does push them up/out but so comfortable to wear but not so noticeable under coat along with ones like Bali flower,Doreen,Playtex X heart,Caitlyn/Keira.where as the Empreinte,Prima Donna,Elomi Betty/Maddison/Joeclyn and esp the Asia which i love as so nice etc can wear the rest of the time under loose tops without looking like have a Boob job!
    Quite a few of my friends know some under stand more the females but to me if have a problem that’s there thing and not such a friend i thought they was then so can always close the door as i say BYE!
    But A better to take care of them esp if have nipple troubles with things like C hanging around B be far more comfortable and feel good about your self as in reality the only person you have to please is yourself!
    But wearing a bra is no different to someone wearing glasses/braces/False eyes/contact lenses/Calipers/modded shoes/wig/hair piece/Surgical supports or even an incontinence pad/Catheters or colostomy bag as it’s a problem and you are working round it so can live freely-ish? When i had a catheter for while when they first thought i had MS as had so much problems there with constant pee’ing etc those that had to use where of the same thought it is just a item to be able to live your life and we worked a way round(well i did for sure) so lessened infection risks and problems so life is never a one size fit’s all or even easy but being human we learn to adapt and get by.

    But we both have breasts just that some have more some have less big or small there all the same be it females or males so learn to live with/love what you have!

    I don’t think it’s so much that we need our own bra’s as ive said ive found one very discrete so more of bra’s like those would be good but more under standing and fittings so can deal with the problems we face as there are many bra’s that do fit well as even females have breasts that don’t fit some styles of bra’s with the different projections and triangulation of breast tissues(should read some of there reviews left) i do always try to leave a decent review of a bra with fit.quality.design and comfort etc and a bit about me so someone else knows where i’m coming from and there maybe also effected by similar problems so could really help them or maybe a lady has A a husband or B son that has problem so know that bra works ok or even a female get’s help from it as many of them do as many buy the wrong size still or fit.

    Some sites like AB remove any male details so don’t leave or shop there now.
    some just never put it up like Glamorise but there loss as some on another site found it really helpful!

    As Elisabeth said we deal and look at it in a different way.

    But i’d love to work with a manufacturer and give them lot’s of feedback about products as ive a very methodical way of working and if any would i’d be happy for you or Elisabeth to forward my email address to them.

  14. Aboywithgirls says:

    Bra berlin error is absolutely correct. I have worn a bra since puberty hit about 25 years ago. I have never considered surgery for myself.

    I find comfort and support wearing a bra. I wear a bra for the same reason that most women do. I can usually find a proper fitting bra at most boutiques. Department stores generally don’t carry anything above a DD cup. In most bras I wear a 38DDD. I look and feel better when I am wearing a bra.

    I know from other websites that more and more men are starting to wear bras because they have growing bust line that needs support. The bras that are available now are great for me. I can find anything from plain or embellishments in any color I choose. I’m not sure I would find what I would like in a man bra. I’m not certain that I could find a “man bra” in an F cup, let alone find a “man bra” in an F cup that fit . correctly and that I liked.

    I have no issue with going to a boutique and request a fitting. I think that the “ladies bras” work well and never have an issue with requesting a fitting while I am there.

  15. BraBerliner says:

    Maybe a special kind of bra with construction made for male anatomy were help breasted men to give comfort and support against neck pain. But like women mens breast are different and a special bra made for men would not give each men the same comfort. There are many different bra styles that already today give perfect comfort to men who are looking for a matching bra and had a bra fitting. For my opinion the main problem is for most man to discover that a bra can give excellent comfort for breast and is an alternative to make a surgery.

  16. […] This article first appeared at Lingerie Briefs. […]

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  18. Corey says:

    One major on-line lingerie (and more) retailer has put together an excellent website with guidance, fitting tips, suggestions and of course product offerings, for the male who seeks to purchase lingerie to wear himself, regardless of his reason. I hope Herroom has been successful in this outreach. Check them out:
    http://www.herroom.com/Lingerie-For-Men.aspx

  19. […] This article first appeared at Lingerie Briefs. […]

  20. […] More and more men are struggling to find bras to support their developing breasts. Gynecomastia (male breast growth) is a well-documented medical condition linked to several causes, and is a side effect of many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs. According to some experts, nearly half of all men will experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives but will be too embarrassed to consult a physician about the problem. The only treatment options for men who grow breasts are (a) breast reduction surgery, or (b) wearing a bra. Why should the intimate apparel industry pay attention to this non-traditional group of potential bra buyers?First, their numbers are growing. While some choose surgery (over 20,000 annually, with male breast reduction surgeries up 13 percent since 2000), it's not an option for everyone. Many can't afford the cost or aren't medically eligible. Their stories can be found on the very active gynecomastia forums, where information on bra wear is shared. There's even a male blogger in Germany who posts helpful bra reviews. But men with breasts don't always know where to buy a bra, or if they'll be rejected by fitters or stores. Many find female friends or a compassionate spouse to help with basic bra issues.Second, they have a real need. Men with breasts can't hide their breasts under extra baggy t-shirts and jackets. They work in all industries, represent a wide range of ages, and measure from B to H cups. Many are looking for relief from constant back aches, in addition to reducing everyday bounce. Some males look for sports-like compression or classic minimizers, while others appreciate more fashionable bras. Their tastes are as varied as those of female bra buyers.Third, men with breasts look for quality construction and exhibit solid brand loyalty. They approach bra fit and buying in a very matter-of-fact way. Those who write to me or comment on my blog appreciate well-made bras. They are familiar with brand names like Playtex, Wacoal, and Panache and also Simone Perele, Empriente, and Prima Donna. Unlike some female bra buyers, they're not splurging on a new bra because they're dating someone new. (Quite the contrary, most men with breasts try to keep their bra wear hidden and often wear vests over shirts as extra camouflage.) It's not clear whether this new bra wearer is taken seriously by the intimate apparel industry. In my conversations with brands at a recent lingerie trade show, no one seemed very interested in talking about this niche market. Instead they laughed off the issue with a "we'll take all customers" attitude. This may represent a willingness to allow men to buy their bras. But there's no real compassion for or focus on treating men as "normal" bra-buying customers. How could this underserved group be helped? Bra brands could add a male bra fitter to their bra fitting team, if only on-line or as a phone resource. Brands might reach out to the female fitters who have fit men, and ask for their advice. Industry insiders could put together a focus group of guys who wear bras, in order to assess their needs. Bra retailers could train female employees or have policies about men who ask for bra fittings in their stores. The bra industry could welcome this new group of bra wearers because of the very real medical reasons why men need to wear bras. As one 45-year-old male said, "it's about time that the world is accepting that men also have boobs, and some need to wear a bra."What do you think? Should bra brands be doing more for the growing population of men who wear bras?This article first appeared at Lingerie Briefs. […]

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