Breasts

(also: boobs, tits, knockers)

Introduction

While most people probably already know what breasts are, this secondary sex characteristic is made relevant to this dictionary site by the relationship that transgender people have with them.

Transfeminine people typically have the desire to obtain or grow breasts to achieve gender euphoria. Temporary breasts known as breast forms can be worn on one's person. Estrogen treatment can be used to help one grow her own breasts. Some adult trans women (and some nonbinary people) undergo top surgery to obtain breasts.

Transmasculine people typically have the desire to hide or remove their breasts due to gender dysphoria. This can be done temporarily via binding with either a binder or using trans tape. Many transgender men (and some nonbinary people) undergo top surgery to have their breasts removed. Some transmasculine people are lucky enough to avoid the need for any of these treatments via having access to puberty blockers at a young age.

General Information

Breasts are present on the upper front torso of both men and women though they typically remain underdeveloped in men (unless that "man" happens to actually be a transgender woman who chooses to undergo hormone therapy to develop her chest into proper breasts). Breasts have two primary purposes; bringing sexual pleasure, and feeding infants. Breasts typically come as a pair; though some are born with one missing, or have to have one (or both) amputated due to breast cancer.

Some transgender men prefer to simply refer to their "breasts" as their "chests" and use "chestfeeding" in place of "breastfeeding" when feeding their own infants (though some men simply formula feed instead). As with all gender-related terminology, what someone uses to refer to themself is all highly personal.

Anatomy

Adipose Tissue

Breasts contain no muscles (though the base of each breast lies on the pectoral fascia, the muscle which covers the ribs). The structures which make up the breast are nearly all contained within fatty tissue.

As breasts are entirely fat, the effect of "fat redistribution" caused by taking estrogen is what results in a transgender woman growing a pair.

Note that when a transgender man taking testosterone undergoes "fat redistribution," it can sometimes cause some shrinkage of the breasts, though it will rarely make them disappear (unless the man previously had extremely small breasts to start off with).

Areola

The areolae are the circular areas of darker-colored skin surrounding the nipples. They possess glands (known as Montgomery's glands) which secrete a lubricating oil that protects the nipple and skin from chafing during breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Connective Tissue Stroma

The supporting structure which surrounds the mammary glands.

Mammary Glands/Milk Ducts

Mammary glands are modified sweat ducts that can produce milk. Every breast has 15-20 lobes made up of smaller structures called lobules which end in dozens of tiny bulbs (these are what can produce milk). All of these lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes known as ducts (each duct individually referred to as a lactiferous duct). These ducts lead to the center of the nipple.

Nipple

Located at the center of the breast and surrounded by the areola, the nipple is a cylindrical projection through which milk is delivered during breastfeeding. Nipples contain multiple openings known as "lactiferous duct" openings. Nipples are more pigmented (aka. darker in color) than the surrounding breast tissue.

The nipple is comprised of smooth muscle fibers which allow it to become erect in response to stimulation such as cold, pain, touch, or during breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Nipples are highly sensitive due to their rich supply of nerve endings. The high sensitivity of a nipple is designed to respond to an infant suckling. Nipples grow in size from increased blood flow in response to pregnancy.

The exact size and location of the nipple varies from person to person. In those who are born with a testosterone dominated body, the nipple is present but underdeveloped due to a lack of hormonal stimulation (some men experience gyneocomastia, which causes breast development). Taking estrogen will develop a pair of nipples, causing them to grow and prosper.

Retromammary Space

This is the layer of loose connective tissue between the pectoral fascia and the breast. This "potential space" is what is utilized for inserting breast implants.

Bras

A bra is an undergarment that is worn for the purpose of securing, enhancing, and embracing a set of breasts. Bras come in various shapes and sizes.

A bra size is primarily determined using two measurements. The first measurement is band size, a tight measurement taken directly below the breasts. The second measurement is cup size, a relaxed measurement taken around the bulk of the breasts themselves. In the example breast size 32B - the "32" indicates that the band size is 32 inches, while the "B" indicates a medium sized breast. Some people take additional measurements in an effort to obtain a better fitting bra, but these are the standard measurements.

Types of Bras

Balconette Bra - A bra with wide set straps that attatch to the sides of the bra rather than the center. Typically cut straight across the top, pushing up on the chest rather than inward. Useful for those with a broad neckline.
Bandeau Bra/Tube Bra - A bra with basic structure and without wires, padding (though some have a pocket for padding), or shoulder straps.
Beginner’s Bra/Training Bra - A slip-on bra without wires or padding. Typically intended as a young girl's first bra.
Bralette/Soft Bra - A cross between a bra and a crop top. Typically non-padded, non-wire, and slip-on. With minimal support/construction, these are more for comfort than support.
Bridal Bras - Fancy bras with lace and satin.
Cage Bra - A bra with multiple straps intended for stylistic purposes.
Contour Bra - A bra containing foam or other built-in molding to help the wearer appear more symmetrical.
Convertible/Multiway Bra - A bra with multiple detachable straps, allowing numerous styling options.
Demi Bras - A bra with less coverage and support than a typical bra. It covers less of the breasts while concealing the nipples and revealing more cleavage. Typically intended for those with smaller breasts.
Front Open Bra - A bra with a clasp or hook in the front.
Full Figure Bra/Full Cup Bra - A bra with full-coverage cups and broader side coverage. The breasts are completely covered and the bra does not reveal any cleavage. Typically intended for those with larger breasts.
Halter Bra - A bra with a single strap that goes around the neck (as opposed to a pair of straps that go over the shoulders).
Lace Bra - A bra made of lace.
Longline Bra - A bra with an extended band that sits lower on the torso.
Minimizer Bra - A bra that makes the breasts appear smaller without distorting their natural shape.
Non-Padded Bras - A bra without padding.
Nursing Bra/Maternity Bra - A bra with a flap (typically easily unhooked with one hand) that makes it easier to feed an infant. These bra are typically made of soft, breathable cotton and are not padded, nor do they have wires.
Padded Bra - A bra with either padded cups or pockets to insert pads. These bras add volume to breasts to make them appear fuller/rounder. They also succeed at making nipples less visible, if such a thing is a concern to the wearer.
Pasties/Nipple Covers - Small circular silicone pieces with an adhesive to attatch to nipples.
Plunge Bra - A bra with a deep neckline that covers approximately 1/3 of the breasts.
Plus-Size Bra - A bra with broader straps and additional cushioning intended to offer greater support and coverage.
Push-Up Bra - A bra that is shaped with angular padding designed to lift the breasts and push them together to create a more prominent cleavage.
Pocket Bra/Mastectomy Bra - A bra intended to hold breast forms.
Racerback Bra - A bra with x-shaped shoulder straps that sometimes connect around the neck for less strain on the shoulders.
Seamless Bra - A smooth bra intended to hide underneath tight clothing.
Semi-Sheer Bra - A bra with mesh or lace cups. Typically does not have any lining.
Shelf Bras - A built-in bra typically featured in garments like tank tops and camisoles.
Sports Bras - Intended for physical activity, these bras support the breasts and minimize bounce.
Stick On Bra/Adhesive Bra - A bra without back or shoulder straps, this thing has an adhesive on the inner cup that attatches to the breasts.
Strapless Bras - A bra without shoulder straps.
Transparent Bra - A bra with transparent back and shoulder straps.
T-Shirt Bra - Similar to a padded bra, these have smooth and seamless cups that are unnoticeable underneath tight-fitting clothing.
Unlined Bra - A bra with only one layer of fabric (no padding or foam)
Underwired Bras - A bra with wired cups. The wire is intended to provide lift to the breasts to make them appear perkier.
Wireless Bras/Wire-Free Bras - A bra without wires (preferred by those who find wired bras painful/irritating).

Note that bras can have aspects of more than one style of bra as listed above.

The Transgender Dictionary