The different types of breastforms
Well girls.... there are a multitude of different types of bra, and every manufacturer has there little "quirks". Below I have tried to provide details of the main types of bra and breastform, how they are different, so that you can try and choose one that best meets your needs (please also refer to the section on fitting, and the "Easy as 1-2-3" Bra and Breastform Size Calculator). In many ways the most difficult part of finding the right bra, is finding one that fits you well, and looks great, particularly for those with large back sizes.
I will try and cover (just click on the title to jump to that section, or just scroll down the page):
Breastforms for crossdressers, transvestites and transsexuals
Here at Hour Glass Figure we only sell high quality breastform, ones which we believe you will look and feel great in. We do not stock cheap "adult novelty" breasts. Although these are low in price we do not believe that they are suitable for anything other than what their name suggests.
Firstly lets look at "types" of Breastform, then we can look at shapes.
Types of Breastform
These are breast forms that have a "permanently" adhesive underside to stick the breast form onto your chest wall. There is no need to use additional adhesives or tapes, and with proper care the permanent adhesive will last for many years.
I think they are brilliant, and it you really want to improve your femme experience you really have to seriously consider a pair. The only downsides are the price, and they fact that the adhesive is NOT strong enough for them to be worn bra-less.
Amoena are the real experts in this area, and first developed the technology for ladies who have had a radical mastectomy. Amolux have also recently introduced a contact breast form designed specifically for the cross dressing / trans gender market.
There are some important differences between the two...
The Amoena contact breast forms come in a huge range of styles, shapes and weights. They also come with their Comfort+ filling. This is a special filling which takes heat away from the chest wall, and helps keep you a bit cooler when wearing the forms. Most importantly this will reduce (but not remove) perspiration.
The Amoena full weight silicone is, in my opinion, the most realistic feeling silicone you can buy - it really is uncanny how it feels to the touch. However, large breast forms are very heavy (as are large breasts) and so they also have a lightweight silicone (35% lighter) - which is great for additional comfort - but the silicone feels less like breast tissue.
The forms come is a full range of sizes - they have to as they were developed to match a ladies natural breast size. This means that they will exactly fit any bra size you want. They also have three different profiles (full, average, and shallow). This describes how much silicone is in the upper part of the form - and dictates how full the top of your bust will look. Full will be "obvious", shallow more subtle.
The Amolux contact breast forms, are made of a very similar feeling silicone to Amoena's full weight silicone - which feels really good. The main difference with the Amolux are:
- They are more hollowed out on the underside. This means they can accomodate more natural breast tissue under the form - which can be useful with some male physiques
- They are an asymmetrical shape only. Not really my favourite shape, as they can get in the way of underwired bras
- They only come in even sizes. This should notbe uch of an issue as you are free to choose your size ! (unless you are trying to match with bras you already have).
Personally, I think contact breastforms are the best products on the market. If it is "feel" you are interested in, both in terms of how they feel to touch and the realistic feel of having breasts then these should be your choice.
The Amoena 3S (full weight full profile) - model 382 are my best selling forms.
These are what most of us would think of when thinking about breast forms. They have come on leaps and bounds over recent years, and now provide a very good alternative for having the look and feel of breasts.
The better quality breastforms in this category are made of high quality silicone, but tend not to have been through the rigorous medical testing that mastectomy breastforms have had to go through. As a result they do tend to be a bit cheaper.
The breastforms in this category tend to be made of a slightly "firmer" silicone. While this provides a less realistic touch and feel, it does provide the breastforms with a little more "bounce", which many customers seem to like. They also have the advantage of looking more like breasts, particularly under see through or extremely sheer material, with full distinct nipples (except the Amolux).
You really need to think about whether you want to wear your forms stuck to your chest or not (if you do I recommend using adhesive tapes rather than adhesives).
If you do want to wear them stuck to your chest often, then you should really choose a form with a tougher underside - that will not rip with repeated use.
Amolux have a lovely form in this market - made of the same silicone as their contact breast form (and its a triangular shape). It really is lovely to the touch, and fantastic in a bra. However, in my opinion, the silicone is just too delicate to use with tapes / adhesives, and will probably rip after being used a few times.
There is pleanty of choice in this area, and hopefully a form to fit most budgets
Broadly speaking if you intend your breastforms to be seen, and want the "look" or you want a slightly "bouncier" feel (and you are less interested in a realistic feel) - then these should be your choice.
If you intend to swim in either salt water, or chlorinated water, you really should not do this with your breastform. Salt and chlorine are quite destructive, and over time may damage your forms. Specially designed swimforms have been developed which are quick drying, light, and highly chemically resistant. They are relatively cheap, and should always be used if you intend to go in the water.
Swimforms also make a decent, and cheap, entry level breastform if you are just trying things out. The tend to be made of transparent silicone (so they do not "look" like a breast) and the tend to be hollowed out (to keep them light) so they cannot be fixed to the chest. But in a pocketed swimsuit they look great.
If you intend to go into water - you really should be using these and not your expensive breastforms.
Well thats about it for a start - hope it helps. If you have any questions about bras, I have years of experience and would be delighted to try and help out. Either send an e-mail, use the contact form (in "About Us") or give me a call on the helpline number.
Geraldine x