Anonymous asked: First, I LOVE your blog. Second, my question (or should I say "qwestion?"): I have a pretty big chest (40D), and I'd like to find a bra that will "tone it down." Do you have recommendations? Thanks!

Thanksss! I did a flattening sports bra round-up last year that I think should help! Check out the comments too, as many folks had good additions (any hopefully more to come!)

- Sonia

Anonymous asked: Hey guys! I love everything you blog about and I finally have been able to find a style that helps me express who I am and makes me feel truly comfortable. My problem is my rather large...bust? lol I was just wondering if you guys have any suggestions on how to tame the twins so to speak.. I love to wear button down shirts, ties, suspenders and what not, but i find it difficult because of my chest. any suggestions? Again thanks for having such an amazing blog!

Oh, those things. Flattening sports bras are your friend. Some qwearlings recommended a bunch a while back. If you are still feelings like they’re in the way, binding is also an option. Here is some information of safe binding. And guess what? This talented seamstress and lovely person is also offering to make binders for young people who can’t afford them.

Tailoring works wonders on men’s button-ups, and it’s not nearly as expensive as you may think. Find button-ups that fit in the shoulders and chest, and then have a tailor make adjustments. It will most likely be too long, so they can bring it up the length. And if the sleeves are too wide they can make those smaller too. This is usually all I get done for my shirts, and I love the boxy look they give me. This Ralph Lauren boys’ shirt I tailored for $30 remains one of my favorite shirts. Additionally, tailors can take it in on the sides below the chest to create a slimmer fit. More info that type off shirt tailoring here.

As for suspenders, try experimenting with different width suspenders and placement on your shoulders. If you bring them farther out on your shoulders they will make room for those guys. Check out the Qwear Suspenders Guide for more info.

Thanks for all the sweet words!

Anonymous asked: I love my boobs, and they’re only a 36B, but I feel like in menswear they look HUGE! I’ve never had that problem before! I was thinking of switching to sports bras, but they tend not to be cute, and I like my bras to at least be pink or something (no frills, just pink haha). Maybe I’ll just get white sports bras and color on them?

I agree that cute sports bras are a good way to go if you want to not feel like you’re popping out of your menswear. A while ago we got some answers from readers about where they find cute sportsbras. Here’s what they said:

Forever 21

Ribbed Metallic Sports Bra, available at Forever 21 for $10.80

“forever 21 makes a wondefully comfy yet sporty yet dykey yet chill bra for $3.80 that comes in many many colors.  i hate that store, but love that bra!” - Queerlady

Target

C9 by Champion® Womens Racer Back Cotton Bra, available at Target for $9.08
“Um: Target. Has uber-neon and occasionally oddly-pattered sports bras that are also (relatively cheap).” - Becky

“seriously.. the sports bras from target are really affordable.. and i’ve got one on now.. neon green makes me happy. ;)” - Candace

Champion

Champion Women’s Shape T-Back Sports Bra, available at Champion for $31.99

“The “Champion Women’s Shape T-Back Sports Bra” is good and comes in some nice colors - different shades of blue, purple, yellow, green, grey, pink, black and white. ” - Lezsquire

Jockey

Medium Impact Wicking Seamless Bra, available at Jockey for $19.99

“Jockey has some reasonably priced and simple sports bras in like 20 colors.” - Masha

Aerie

Aerie Fit Cross-Back Bra, available at Aerie for $29.95

”Aerie has lots and lots of plainly shaped basic bras in really fun colors - heathered tomboy shades, some funky oranges and other bright Spring colors, etc.” - Fit for a Femme

Nike

Nike Elastica Sports Bra, available at Nike for $35. Recommended by Candace

LuLu Lemon

Free To Be Bra, available at LuLu Lemon for $42. Recommended by Vas-y-mollo

Autostraddle also did a sports bra roundup  a while back, and some of their choices have fun colors: Bra-Buying Tips for Masculine Ladies

More posts about undergarments for your chest: Flattening Sports Bras, Binding Qweary. Next we need a femmey femster bra roundup! Any takers? Drop me a line at oram.sonia@gmail.com.

Quotes from the comments in this non-feminine bra qweary.

Anonymous asked: Do you have any bra/sports bra recommendations? I find that sports bras that fit my (rather large) torso are not as tight as I’d like in the boob area, and normal bras, even t-shirt bras irritate me because they’re like “here, world, let me present this stuff to you!” Do you know of any bras that just hold things in place inconspicuously?

Under Armour Endure Sports Bra: Darla writes,”I am a lesbian with a HUGE bust and a very petite build, I have always had trouble hiding my bust to achieve a slightly more ‘butch’ look. I have found these sports bras made by under armor that work quite well. My real bra size is a 30DD (odd right?) but I buy the small C’s and they work quite well.I know a little on the pricey side but its a good investment and a good way to bind without injury.

Title Nine: I’ve heard several good reviews about Title Nine, but they discontinued the frog bra, which a lot of trans men loved. Autostraddle recommends their Booby Trap Sports Bra. Has anyone tried anything else from there?

I wear City Sports Under Armour Active Bras, but they don’t flatten me as much as I’d like.

Autostraddle has a huge list, but as it’s for everyone and not just boob-hiders, not all their notes mention the compression involved. They also recommend that you measure your boobs, but that’s the last thing I’d recommend for people with chest dysphoria. No need to put yourself through that sort of trauma; trying on sports bras will do just fine to figure out your size. Here’s what I found helpful (also prolled through the comments):

Champion Powersleek Sports Bra: Has a clasp so you can get a smaller size without having to pull it over your head.

Fila Sport Seamless Performance Sports Bra: Is seamless and will provide a smooth look under your shirt.

Freya: Lots of people say the love it, but none mention compression. Has anyone tried them?

Other tips:
Try getting a size too small.
Some people have recommended wearing two, others say that it’s not the best idea. Li commented on Autodtraddle’s post: “Two sports bras is not effective for reducing bounce and side-to-side motion (which a good sports bra will do), and it also makes it more difficult to breathe because your chest is constricted.” 

Let’s crack the code on the best sports bras to flatten! Please comment!

Also check this out for information on safe binding.