While bras are traditionally seen as a women’s accessory, there are many reasons why men may want to wear them as well. Some men feel the need to wear a bra because of a medical condition called Gynecomastia, which results in enlarged breasts. Other men may wear a bra as part of a cross dressing outfit, or just to feel more feminine. No matter what the reason, there are plenty of resources men can use to find the perfect bra.
The Compression Bra
It is not uncommon for men to develop breasts. The condition known as Gynecomastia is simply an augmentation of breast tissue in the male chest. This condition is a result of a hormonal imbalance which causes some men to have more estrogen than usual. Gynecomastia can be caused by conditions such as hyperthyroidism, and it can also be the side effect of some prescription drugs. Men can also develop breasts because of obesity or being overweight. While men who are either obese or have Gynecomastia can undergo breast reduction surgery, some may prefer to use a compression bra instead.
A compression bra differs from a traditional bra, meaning that it conceals the breasts rather than accentuates them. Some compression bras resemble a vest, while others look like a women’s sports bra. There are some, however, that look like bodysuits. These help trim your whole body, and might be more helpful for men who are overweight than for men with Gynecomastia. The hard part about finding a compression bra is that they are not sold everywhere. They are typically found in specialty stores. Luckily, there are many online stores where a man can find the right compression bra.
To properly measure for a compression bra, you simply need to measure around your chest, under the arms. While some of these come in small, medium, and large sizes, most websites will have a helpful sizing chart to tell you what size corresponds with your chest measurements.
Finding a Bra for Fun
Though some men wear bras to hide their overly developed breasts, other men may wear them for fun. If you’re wearing a bra for fun, you’ll want to shop for one that either accentuates or creates breasts. These can be found virtually everywhere, although there are companies who make bras specifically for men. There are also many more styles and designs available in women’s bras. The hardest part about shopping for a bra is finding the right size, but most people experience this problem, whether you are a man or a woman.
To measure for a bra, you first need to determine your band size by measuring around your chest, under your arms. You’ll then need to determine your cup size by measuring around the fullest part of your chest. If the second measurement is an inch larger than the first, then you are an A cup. If it is two inches larger than the first, then you are a B cup. These measurements can be helpful if you are shopping for a bra online. However, if you feel uncomfortable measuring yourself for a bra, many lingerie and department stores offer free bra fittings. You can find these types of bras at any lingerie store or department store where female lingerie is sold.
Author Bio: Tonya Smith is a freelance writer and men’s stylist who enjoys writing about how certain health conditions affect a person’s style. Bras are typically worn by women, but the male population is starting to use them to their advantage as well.
