Breast Forms

(also: breast prostheses)

Introduction
General Information
Types of Breast Forms
External Links: Buy Breast Forms Online
External Links: Additional Resources

Introduction

Originating as a post-surgery treatment for cisgender women recovering from mastectomies and lumpectomies, breast forms are prosthetics which are used in place of real breasts. In the context of this page, we will be discussing the role breast forms play in gender affirming care.

Many transgender women seek out breast forms as source of gender euphoria. Breast forms serve as a temporary and removable variant of breasts, making them easily accessible for a transgender woman early in her transition to explore her gender identity. Typically, if a transgender woman decides to go on FHT, she will stop wearing breast forms after growing her own; though some transgender women are unable to so (aka. "grow her own") even with the help of hormones. Others still will seek out breast augmentation, though this is not an option for younger trans girls who may still experience gender dysphoria from a lack of visible breasts. Breast augmentation is also more expensive than breast forms, and not everyone wants to go through surgery.

Having visible breasts is generally considered an indicator that the person attatched to said breasts is female, which is why most transgender women (and many transfeminine nonbinary people) seek out ways in which to appear as though they possess breasts. Unfortunately, for some transgender women, wearing fake breasts can cause additional gender dysphoria as they are not permanently physically attatched to her, nor do they provide sensation. The reaction will vary from person to person, but (generally speaking) trying out breast forms is an easy way to tell how you would feel if you had breasts.

For many transgender women, breast forms are a long-term source of gender euphoria, confidence, happiness, and overall well-being. They make it easier to be seen as woman, especially when using the more realistic looking/feeling prosthetics. Regardless of what type of breast form is preferred by the wearer, breast forms are very important in the transition of many transgender women.

General Information

Breast forms are artificial breasts that are typically made out of silicone, gel, or foam. They are worn to give the appearance of not having a flat chest. They can be worn in various ways; such as, inserted into front-closure pocket bras, attatched to the body using specialized body-safe adhesives, or as bigger garments that are strapped around the shoulders and torso.

It is important to be careful when handling breast forms to avoid damage (for example, remove jewlery when handling them to avoid anything snagging). Always check the care guide for the particular prosthetic you purchased for properly cleaning it. Generally speaking, wiping off your breast form with warm water and soap is considered a good idea to keep it clean.

Breast forms come in various sizes such as oval, teardrop, triangle, or heart. What shape you choose will vary based on personal preference and body shape/size.

While the size of the breast form you choose is down to personal preference, a general rule of thumb is to go for a B cup size up to 36/38 (the measurement of your chest in inches), and a C cup from 38/40 (the measurement of your chest in inches) and beyond. Having breast forms that are a cup size too small or large can look unnatrual. It is recommended to go for a smaller cup size if you have a smaller frame, and a larger cup size if you have a larger body. If you can't choose between two sizes, go for the smaller size. Its always ok to try more than one breast form as you find what is right for you.

Types of Breast Forms

Foam

Breast forms made out of foam are lightweight, making them more convenient for everyday wear than heavier options like silicone or gel. They are cooler to wear (temperature-wise). They are easier to wear under clothes, and even while sleeping. They can be easily worn in a pocketed bra.

Foam breast forms are often machine washable, but always check in with the manufacturer before tossing them in. They can become dirty rather quickly due to the porous material easily absorbing body sweat and oils.

Gel Compounds

Gel breast forms are not as soft as silicone ones, but are sturdier and more durable. Gel breast forms are typically less realistic than silicone ones, but more realisitic than foam ones. The shape of the gel can be trimmed and customized to the preffered shape of the wearer. They are generally cheaper than silicone breast forms, but more expensive than foam ones.

Gel breast forms are made of a blend of polymers and natural mineral oils. They can be covered with makeup to blend in with your natural skin tone. Unfortunately, they can also be discolored unintentionally from the dyes in clothing.

Silicone

Breast forms made out of silicone are the most popular type, due to silicone feeling more like real breast tissue than any other available option. Silicone breasts have a very lifelike shape, weight, and bounce. With a very wide price range depending on the quality of the product, they are highly customizable in terms of color, nipple color, shape, and weight. The more customized the product, the higher the price tag will be.

Silicone breast forms are soft, which helps them feel realistic; however it makes them suseptible to damage from extreme temperatures and sharp edges. They must be handled with care as they are easily damaged. These breast forms can either be attatched directly to the chest using a medical-grade adhesive (creating a seamless feel), or worn in a pocketed bra.

Make sure to keep your breast forms clean using warm water and soap. Don't skimp out on the antiperspirants as sweat can cause damage to the prosthetic (which are going to feel hot and sweaty on your chest depending on how long you are wearing them). The larger the breast form, the heavier it is (silicone breast forms are already a heavier option, especially compared to foam ones), which can make them more difficult to wear on a day-to-day basis. They should not be worn while sleeping, due to the afformentioned fragility.

Buy Breast Forms Online

Amazon

Based in Canada

Based in China

mrimin

The Transgender Dictionary