This document can also be found on the WWW at: Main Site (English): In French: In German: Breast Form FAQ v4.0 Index --------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ PART I: Introductions, breast cancer and the breast form industry ------------------------------------------------------------------ 0. What's new in this version/wish list for future versions 1. Disclaimers 2. Thanks To... 3. Purpose of the FAQ 4. What is a breast form? 5. History A. History of the bra B. History of breast implants C. History of breast forms 6. Information about breast cancer 7. Breast cancer treatment and recovery options 8. Medical purpose for the breast form industry 9. How soon can you be fitted for a prosthesis after breast surgery? 10. How the transgendered community benefits ----------------------------------------------------- PART II: Materials, Form Types, and Attachable Forms ----------------------------------------------------- 11. Materials used in commercial breast forms (Good points and Bad points) A. Silicone B. Rubber/Latex C. Foam D. Cotton Batting 12. Why choose a weighted or non-weighted form? 13. Types of forms A. Symmetrical 1. Triangle (tri-corner) 2. Teardrop 3. Heart shape B. Asymmetrical 1. Curved teardrop 2. Extended triangle C. Other types of breast forms and accessories 1. Custom breast forms 2. Attachable forms 3. Thin shell breast forms 4. Attachable nipples 14. More details about Custom breast forms A. Why choose a custom form? B. General process of creating a custom form C. Known custom breast form manufacturers 15. More details about attachable breast forms A. What are the parts of an attachable form? B. What are the advantages of this type of form? C. How are they attached to the chest? (step by step) 1. Shaving the chest area 2. Preparing the skin 3. Marking the position for the supports 4. Attaching the support 5. Attaching the form to the support 6. Detaching the form from the skin support 7. Detaching the support from the chest wall D. Tips for attachable forms E. Amoena Luxa breast forms F. If your breast form is non-attachable... ******************************************************************* PART III: Bras and Forms - How to fit them, get them and keep them ******************************************************************* 16. Can people tell if you are wearing a breast form? 17. Do I need a special bra to wear a breast form? 18. A properly fitted bra... 19. How to measure for a bra A. Before you begin B. Traditional measurement method C. The usual bra measuring system may not work D. Notes 20. Bra band sizing conversion charts from around the world 21. Common bra fitting problems and possible solutions 22. Reasons why it may be difficult to receive a professional fitting. ***EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS*** 23. Form fitting tips 24. Taking care of your breast forms 25. Breast forms and hot weather 26. How long can I expect my breast forms to last? 27. When your breast form approaches retirement A. Donating your old breast forms B. Repairing a damaged form PART IV: Appendix A & B - Manufacturers and Retailers ------------------------------------------------------ Appendix A: Manufacturers of commercial breast forms Appendix B: Retailers and suppliers of breast forms PART V: Appendix C - How to make your own forms ------------------------------------------------ A. Making your own forms B. Special considerations when creating your own breast form C. Form 1: Grain and nylons D. Form 2: Rubber fishing worms and balloons E. Miscellaneous "make your own form" directions ============================================================================= 16. Can people tell if you are wearing a breast form? ------------------------------------------------------ With a properly shaped, sized and fitted breast form, no one should be able to tell you are wearing it. The type of bra and clothing worn can affect "being read" to some degree, of course, but today's breast forms are remarkably realistic and can be matched fairly closely to many people's skin tone and existing breast's shape. Some forms look VERY different from the typical silicone form, but the reason again is for increased visual realism. Breast forms designed for water sports activities are lighter and more resistant to the effects of chlorine, but they are also *transparent*. This allows the natural skin color to show through swimwear that is not totally opaque without revealing the breast form's presence. 17. Do I need a special bra to wear a breast form? -------------------------------------------------- This depends usually on the fashions you wish to wear while using your form, but for a more seamless look, a full coverage bra will be better suited to a breast form. Most breast form manufacturers also carry special lines of bras that contain a pocket that the form can be placed in to reduce movement of the form while worn. Bras with pockets also give you a layer of fabric between the form and your body - diminishing potential allergy/sensitivity problems. The more support offered, the better the fit, since there will be less chance for the form to move in the bra. Bras with underwires tend to work better than those with just elastic because they offer better support for the form (the same reasoning that applies to natural breasts.) Push-up bras, on the other hand, will generally not work with breast forms, since they need to push something FROM someplace that it is attached. Unless the form is attached to the chest, this type of bra will have no chance to create the desired effect of enhanced cleavage. After having a mastectomy, the site of the surgery will be tender for some time. Radiation therapy and other complications may also cause other problems that make wearing a bra, especially an underwire bra, uncomfortable or just not an option. Depending on your situation, you may need to experiment with solutions that work best for you. Leaning forward can reveal gaps between the form and the body with many bras. If you are planning to wear a garment with an open neckline, wearing a decorative pin to anchor the neckline to your bra strap can be effective at minimizing this effect. 18. A properly fitted bra... ----------------------------- Damage can be done to the breasts from wearing the wrong size bra, so you *should* aim for the best fit possible. Getting fitted for a bra by a professional is a good idea, but once you know what to look for when fitting a bra, and what a properly fitting bra should feel like, it is pretty easy to tell whether you are wearing the right size or not. - The fullest part of the bust should fall approximately at the middle point between shoulder and elbow. If the bra has a horizontal seam it should be parallel to the ground. (If the seam goes up from horizontal, the straps are too tight; if it goes down, the straps are too loose.) - Lean forward or bend over to let the breasts fall into the cups naturally and fasten the closure to the MIDDLE set of fasteners. - The bottom band should ride snug but comfortable across the middle of the back and pass under the shoulder blades thus providing the necessary support. It too should be parallel to the ground. If the bottom band is too loose, it will ride up your back. Properly fitting bras should be primarily supported by the bottom/chest band, not just the shoulder strap. If shoulder straps dig in, the bra size is probably wrong. - The bra cups should be large enough to give you necessary coverage and depth for your each of your breasts. If the breasts are bulging from their cups at the tops/sides or underwires are standing off your chest, the cup size is probably too small. If the cup is not big enough, some breast tissue may spill out, providing inadequate support. - Adjust the shoulder straps to give firm but comfortable uplift to the bustline. You should be able to run one finger smoothly under the shoulder straps to prevent them from digging in to the shoulders. - The shoulder straps should be vertical, front and back. Straps not vertical indicate wrong size or a poor construction. It explains straps falling off the shoulder in normal use or cutting into shoulders. - The centerpiece of the bra (if there is one) should lie flat against the chest between the breasts. - Underwires should lie flat against your chest/rib cage and should not chafe or rub together. - It is good policy to buy nationally known bra brands in boxes. Unboxed bulk displays *may* be inferior. - As bra sizes increase for different body sizes and shapes, bra characteristics change as well to offer better support. Enhancements may include wider straps, wider sides, addition of side stiffeners, heavier materials, wider fasteners, and a wider under-bust band. 19. How to measure for a bra ----------------------------- Note: Based on e-mails that I receive, the following instructions do not apply to everyone. These steps are basically the typical measurement method listed everywhere *I* have seen for measuring for a bra. As noted below, proper sizing can vary for different body sizes, heights, and weights. If you know of alternate instructions which might work better, please let me know. An estimated 70% of women do not know their proper bra measurements. Without knowing these measurements, it can be very difficult to buy fashionable and well fitting clothes. Many women's clothing items use bra or cup size measurements to distinguish differences in fit, so these measurements can be extremely important. This section will arm you with the knowledge you need for these crucial measurements. Additionally, a woman's breasts change significantly over time, particularly during and after pregnancy. Weight loss, gain and monthly cycle variations can also have an effect on the fit of your bra. It is advised that you check your bra size once or twice a year or as necessary due to significant weight changes. Before you begin: - Try to get someone to take the measurements for you - your posture will be more relaxed and natural. The measurements should be more accurate. - Stand up straight and breathe normally - Don't measure over the top of clothing - Wear the bra you feel most comfortable in - Use a cloth tape measure if possible. Note: Older flexible tape measures can sometimes stretch and distort over time. Traditional measurement method: Determining your Bra/Band Size: (ribcage circumference measurement) 1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast at a constant height with the cloth measuring tape. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This dimension is your bra/band size (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go up one inch to the next EVEN number.) This *should* equal the circumference around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms. 2. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, flat on your back, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the Bra Size from step 1. Determining your Cup Size: (projection of breasts from chest wall) 3. To determine the proper Cup Size, find the difference between step 2 and step 1 (step 2 - step 1.) Use the chart below to determine your Cup Size. Chart to Determine Bra Cup Size ------------------------------------- Difference Cup Size ------------------------------------- Half inch AA cup One inch A cup Two inches B cup Three inches C cup Four inches D cup Five inches DD or E cup Six inches F cup Seven inches G cup ------------------------------------- * 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters ------------------------------------- Example: - Step 1: Under-bust measurement is 37". Add 5 inches. Bra Size is 42. - Step 2: Full bust measurement is 45". - Step 3: 45 - 42 = 3" difference. Cup size is C. - Result: Buy a 42C bra. The usual bra measuring system may not work: Some people have written to me suggesting that the previous measurement scheme does not work at ALL for them. Why? The previous measurement guide is an approximation. Each person is unique, and all busts differ in volume, shape and spacing, just as each person's unique body size, height, and weight can affect a bra's fit; a tape measure and simple formula may not always tell the whole story. Plus, even if the measurements ARE accurate, there are no real "standards" for bra sizing, so differences between manufacturers is common. An alternate bra measuring scheme: (from Tanya Brown at Tanya Brown's Breast Prosthesis Emporium: http://www.tanyabrowns.com/ ) Determining your Bra/Band Size: (ribcage circumference measurement) 1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast. 2. Measure around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms. 3. If the difference between the two measurements is two inches or less, use the Step 1 measurement. If the difference is over two inches, you may want to try one bra/band size larger for comfort. This will be your bra/band size. 4. If the under-breast measurement is an odd number, add one to reach the next even numbered bra band size. 5. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison.) Determining your Cup Size: (projection of breasts from chest wall) 3. To determine the proper Cup Size, find the difference between step 5 and your bra band size. Use the chart above to determine your Cup Size. Notes: - The previous measurement instructions are most applicable if you are taking bra measurement with an existing set of breasts. - If you have only one breast due possibly to surgery, or have an uneven breast cup sizes, you should probably equalize the cups (with some form of padding) to the existing or largest breast when measuring to maintain measurement symmetry. - If you do not have breasts due to whatever the reason, you will take the bra band measurements listed above, but you can pretty much be whatever cup size you wish, depending on what your plans are. Remember that choosing a cup size proportional to your body frame will look the most "natural." *Suggestions* on choosing a cup size (from Tanya Brown at Tanya Brown's Breast Prosthesis Emporium: http://www.tanyabrowns.com/ ) Bra band sizes 32-28: - "Slender" build: A cup - "Average" build: B cup - "Heavier" build: C cup Bra band sizes 40-42: - "Average" build: B cup - "Heavier" build: C-D cup Bra band sizes 44-46: - "Average" build: C cup - "Heavier" build: D-DD cup - If you are in between sizes or you are having difficulty finding a good fit, when you go up a cup size, you should go down a band size. If you go down a cup size, you should go up a band size (ex: if you have a 36C and it is not fitting quite properly, you would probably want to try a 38B or a 34D next.) - When sizes are DD and above, great care must be taken to be properly fitted. Some bra manufacturers make their Bra Size slightly large. (e.g. a bra marked 38 will probably fit a 40 woman.) - For sizes above D, cup sizing is not well defined. It can keep increasing by an inch for each successive letter, or it can repeat letters for new cup sizes above D. So, a DD cup is the same as an E cup. A DDD=EE=F cup, a DDDD=EEE=FF=G cup and so on. - Long line and 3/4 bras should only be considered if their length is LESS than the distance from the under-bust to the natural waist line. - If either of the bra sizes given here is very different than what you are currently wearing, go with your current size. - When ordering a mail order garment where a proper fit is important, make sure that the return policy of the company is well understood. - Someone sent me mail asking about how to properly measure for a bra when the breasts have sagged significantly due to gravity. The truth is, I'm not sure because you probably then need to be wearing a bra to get a proper measurement. Catch-22. I would suggest that seeing a bra fitter in this case would probably be best. 20. Bra band sizing conversion charts from around the world ------------------------------------------------------------ USA/UK Int'l French Italian Australia --- --- --- --- --- 32 70 85 1 10 34 75 90 2 12 36 80 95 3 14 38 85 100 4 16 40 90 105 5 18 42 95 110 6 20 44 100 115 7 22 46 105 120 8 24 48 110 125 9 26 50 115 130 10 28 --------------------------------------------- *Note:* The cup sizing system is the same in the U.S./Int'l/France/Italy/Australia. (an "A" cup in the US = "A" cup in Int'l/France/Italy/Australia; B=B, C=C, etc.) 21. Common bra fitting problems and possible solutions ------------------------------------------------------- Problem: The band digs in - Try a bra style with a wider band - Increase the band size (i.e. 36C to 38C) Problem: The bust line sags - Try a style with more support - Avoid bras made of stretchy fabrics - Shorten the straps Problem: The back of the bra rides up - Try a smaller bra/band size or adjust the back strap fastener tighter - Try lengthening the shoulder straps Problem: The cups overflow - Try increasing the cup size - Try increasing the band size - Try increasing both cup and band size Problem: The cups are under-filled (cup wrinkles at top/sides) - Try decreasing the cup size Problem: The straps dig into the shoulders - Choose a style with wider or padded straps - Try a style with longer straps - Try decreasing the bra/band size (breast support should come from the rib cage band, not the shoulders) Problem: The sides are too tight - Choose a style with spandex-blend, or wider sides - Try increasing the bra/band size Problem: Bra underwires dig in under the arms or stick out at the front - Try increasing the cup size 22. Reasons why it may be difficult to receive a professional fitting (PLEASE READ THIS!!!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For women that have had breast cancer, the experience can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. The fitter I had explained that the loss of a breast is a very painful blow to a person's self-image and sense of femininity. Many women have a very hard time looking in a mirror after surgery. Many women also experience rejection from family, their spouse or loved-ones (Does this sound familiar?) Because of this, stores that sell breast forms and offer professional fittings offer an atmosphere that is very private, and also male-free. My fitter said some women may be very vocal about this privacy if it is "violated", and the store can suffer because of it (both financially because of lost business, and reputation in the post-surgery community.) If you wish to be professionally fitted for breast forms, it would be a good idea to respect these wishes (to promote more shops doing business in the TG community) Call first and inquire whether a shop can help. Some stores will not do so (see above reasons), but many more stores are seeing the opportunity in the Transgendered community and are very friendly and willing to help. Expect personal fittings to be arranged at low-traffic times or after-hours to lower the chances of conflict with other customers. 23. Form fitting tips ---------------------- The range of options available in breast forms is truly astounding. Some manufacturers make over 500 different shapes, sizes and colors of breast forms for the needs of different body types, breast shapes and surgeries. Since many in the TG community will be starting from scratch, matching a form to an existing breast will not be a factor. * DON'T EXAGERATE THE SIZE! This is the most important tip to be stressed if passing is your goal. Many of us wish to pass as well as possible, and this point was stressed to me by my fitter. Nothing will draw attention more than a bosom that looks too buxom. By the same token also, if you have a large frame, a smaller cup size can look unnatural. Try for as natural a look as possible, and that can be one less worry in passing. * Breast form sizing can be a little different than bra cup sizing. As much difference as there is in bra cup size or shoe size, or... between different manufacturers, there is as much difference between sizes of natural breasts. Instead of letter cup ranges, breast forms may often use a numbered sizing system (smallest sizes having the lowest number.) There will typically be 2 or 3 numbers within a given cup size range. This will affect not only the depth of the form but the volume and coverage of the form as well. * If you are lucky enough to be fitted for a form by a professional. It is recommended to bring a favorite bra that fits comfortably if you have a size that you already like. Another good idea also is to bring a blouse or some other piece of clothing that will give you a good idea of how you will look. * If you are having trouble finding a store that sells breast forms. Try looking in the phone book under BREAST FORMS, PROSTHETICS, or ORTHOTICS for local retailers. Forms can also often be purchased through medical supply shops, and specialty lingerie stores. 24. Taking care of your breast forms (Especially Silicone Forms) ------------------------------------ * While temperature extremes should not adversely affect a form for a short period of time, storage temperatures should stay at more moderate levels * You can sleep in your forms, but it is not recommended * The original boxes for many forms are designed to protect the form and help keep its shape * You should wash your form every day you wear it. Use warm water and a very mild soap (possibly unscented dish soap.) DO NOT use soaps with perfumes or moisturizers - my fitter singled out Dove as an example of a bad soap to use. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry * Remove all jewelry before handling your forms. The edges and stones of rings could damage the form. If you plan to wear a pin or brooch, put it on your clothes before putting your forms in place * You can wear your forms for pretty much any normal activity, but be careful around pets - their claws could puncture your forms through your clothing * Don't use perfumed deodorants. Even better, stick with anti-perspirants, as sweat can damage the form over time * Putting your forms on while sitting on the floor or the bed can help protect them if one happens to slip * Putting a cotton make-up remover pad behind your form can help absorb perspiration during hot weather and strenuous activity * Some adhesives can damage your forms, so be careful (especially with respect to attachable nipples.) 25. Breast forms and hot weather --------------------------------- The slogan goes "Never let them see you sweat"...when you are wearing a breast form throughout the day's activities, some perspiration is expected and inevitable. In the summertime though, having a non-breathable weight constantly against your chest can make things uncomfortable. Constant moisture next to the skin can also create irritation. Wearing a breast form pocketed inside a mastectomy bra can help wick away moisture from the chest by allowing more ventilation in the area. Another method you can use is to place a cotton pad, cloth or even a kleenex between you and your form to serve this moisture-wicking duty. Note: A properly-fitting bra should support the breast form without putting too much pressure on the chest. Lack of weight can also go a long way toward alleviating extra heat in warmer weather - you may consider using a lighter foam or fabric form for some situations. 26. How long can I expect my breast form(s) to last? ----------------------------------------------------- Many silicone forms have two year warranties, and you should be able to get at least that much life out of one. Be sure to inspect your forms regularly for any defects that might develop within the warranty period. Silicone forms may split their outer envelope seams, wrinkle or develop internal bubbles, while fiberfilled or foam forms may change their shape, decay, crease or become compressed. Most insurance companies (this can vary) subsidize the purchase of one breast form per year and two mastectomy bras every six months for those who have had breast cancer surgery. "Casual" wearers (not full daily use) should be able to get longer form life spans than this; possibly as much as 5 years if the silicone does not harden or break down. The time involved is dependent again on how much the form is worn. 27. When your breast form approaches retirement ------------------------------------------------ A. Donating your old breast forms Even though your breast form may not be worn out, your medical insurance may allow for you to get new forms on a regular basis. If this is possible for you, or you have old breast forms in good shape that are not being used, please consider donating your old breast forms to the American Cancer Society/Reach to Recovery programs in your area. They have a program in place to give breast forms to post-mastectomy women who can't afford them by other means. B. Repairing a damaged form Even if you take constant delicate care of your breast forms, accidents, friction or just plain age may take its toll. Breast forms may get punctured, their outer envelope seams may split, or other unforeseen damage can occur. Can a breast form be "repaired"? It definitely depends on the degree of the damage, but there might be some things you can do. I originally created this section and left it blank, asking for ideas and suggestions from readers - and I have received some (if you have other suggestions, please send them to me.) What follows are some of the more interesting and useful suggestions, but remember: if you use special materials in your repair, you need to make sure that they, too, are safe to be used in contact with your skin. Just be careful. A painful mistake can often be more costly than a new form. 1. Make the repair as soon as possible after it is found Material may continue to leak out if this is not done, and the material in the form may break down over time with air contact. 2. Find a suitable adhesive material to use on the silicone form. Many materials may not stick or stick well to the materials in silicone breast forms, but here are some suggested patching materials: - Smooth surface tape used for gauze bandages - Clear silicone glue - The ends of Band-aid adhesive bandages - Gaffer/Duct tape, if you can find a suitable color (some "duct tapes" do not have the right adhesive properties though) - Tegaderm dermal adhesive patches (medical grade - from 3M) can be found in most drug stores in the first aid department with other bandages or adhesives. 3. Make the repair Probably only small seam splits or punctures can be repaired with a patch. You may need to use your imagination for larger damage or just give in and purchase a new form. A reader named Sarah recently sent me a thorough set of possible instructions that I am including here with her permission: 1. Go to a well stocked automotive store (Auto Zone worked for me), and get some "3M Clear repair tape", (part #03405NA.) It's described as "Clear poly backing, extra stretchy, holds firmly", and is used to repair torn vinyl. 2. Gently wipe all traces of leaking silicone goo off of the urethane covering. An old clean cotton tee shirt works reasonably well. 3. Clean the urethane with paint thinner. Let it dry, then wipe off any dull film with a clean cotton tee shirt. These 2 steps must be done very gently, or more silicone is likely to squeeze out. I wouldn't try any stronger solvents. My first instinct was to use acetone, and it instantly dissolved a hole in the urethane without warning. (Even that hole got repaired successfully!) 4. If you have a puncture or tear, stretch the urethane out nice and smooth, and simply tape over the damaged area. 5. If the seams are split, so that the front and back are both affected, first tape the back, letting a half inch of tape extend past the form. Do this wherever there are splits. Then tape the front, again letting a half inch of tape extend past the form. Where the tape on the top and bottom meet, press the sticky sides together very firmly, and you have just created a new seam. Trim the excess tape, but allow 1/8" to remain past the old seam. And that does it! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please send any comments, ideas or corrections to bformfaq at blooberry.com