First bra
July 20, 2020 6:15 AM Subscribe
Where are we shopping for our first bras these days? Kid will need some in the next few months. I have a 30+ year gap in my knowledge here, and I'm sure that options are immensely better than they were when I was twelve. While I know that shopping in person is better for bra buying, we would prefer online options (USA) given covid.
(most relevant thread I could find is 10yo).
(most relevant thread I could find is 10yo).
Not US so I can't recommend specific places but if you're doing it online anyway you'll likely want to do a fitting yourself, so here are my notes from my bra-fitting days:
- Use a tape measure to find the approximate band size
NOTE that the cup fullness is a combination of band size and cup size, so 28B and 30A will have the same boob volume (approx) but the 28 one will have things a bit more...concentrated. So if it's small boobs spread out then going up a band size can help things be supported best.
- Guess (intuition, trying on some things that are already around, buying a few to return) the cup size
- Try on the bra (on the loosest setting - and adjust the straps) looking for 1) that the band can be easily pulled back at the spine by about 2 ins without discomfort 2) the cup line (or underwire) follows the shape of the breast 3) there is no sagging or gapping in the cup 4) the bra should be horizontal across the bottom line all the way around - ie no riding up at the back
- Different bra styles also offer different shaped support - e.g. balconette bras are good for people whose boobs are mainly in the middle, but a disaster for people whose boobs are mainly bulkiest at the sides
- If you're looking underwired the single most common reason that people find their bras uncomfortable is that they didn't check (2) above and the wire is pushing on to their boob at the outside edges - inside edges is more obvious
posted by london explorer girl at 6:51 AM on July 20, 2020 [7 favorites]
- Use a tape measure to find the approximate band size
NOTE that the cup fullness is a combination of band size and cup size, so 28B and 30A will have the same boob volume (approx) but the 28 one will have things a bit more...concentrated. So if it's small boobs spread out then going up a band size can help things be supported best.
- Guess (intuition, trying on some things that are already around, buying a few to return) the cup size
- Try on the bra (on the loosest setting - and adjust the straps) looking for 1) that the band can be easily pulled back at the spine by about 2 ins without discomfort 2) the cup line (or underwire) follows the shape of the breast 3) there is no sagging or gapping in the cup 4) the bra should be horizontal across the bottom line all the way around - ie no riding up at the back
- Different bra styles also offer different shaped support - e.g. balconette bras are good for people whose boobs are mainly in the middle, but a disaster for people whose boobs are mainly bulkiest at the sides
- If you're looking underwired the single most common reason that people find their bras uncomfortable is that they didn't check (2) above and the wire is pushing on to their boob at the outside edges - inside edges is more obvious
posted by london explorer girl at 6:51 AM on July 20, 2020 [7 favorites]
Best answer: how "first" is first? Target has a great collection of what used to be called "training bras" for support and protection in the first phase of breast development. I think this one has been preferred in my family - thick material, snug and no metal bits in the strap to irritate sensitive skin.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:59 AM on July 20, 2020
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:59 AM on July 20, 2020
Response by poster: quick clarify: Yes, VERY first bra. I'm trying to get ahead of things here, given we probably won't be able to up and go shopping at the right time.
posted by gaspode at 7:05 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by gaspode at 7:05 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I would also recommend Aerie if you're shopping online. They're deliberate about choosing models of varying body types and not retouching the photos. Their models generally look more like real girls hanging out, rather than sexy Victoria's Secret models or dowdy catalog models.
They've got tons of options in their bralette section that use t-shirt sizes, so you don't have to worry about getting the band/cup size right yet. You may have issues, though, with the texture/seams of the lacy ones showing through t-shirts.
They also sell a bra sizing measuring tape, which may be helpful for figuring out sizing from home or re-measuring as she changes sizes.
posted by katieinshoes at 7:07 AM on July 20, 2020 [3 favorites]
They've got tons of options in their bralette section that use t-shirt sizes, so you don't have to worry about getting the band/cup size right yet. You may have issues, though, with the texture/seams of the lacy ones showing through t-shirts.
They also sell a bra sizing measuring tape, which may be helpful for figuring out sizing from home or re-measuring as she changes sizes.
posted by katieinshoes at 7:07 AM on July 20, 2020 [3 favorites]
Ah, if we're talking training bras, I second Target and Justice.
posted by marfa, texas at 7:31 AM on July 20, 2020
posted by marfa, texas at 7:31 AM on July 20, 2020
Another vote for Justice. My kid is a teen now and was able to wear their bras for years. (Pretty persnickety, too). Look for sales and free shipping.
posted by gryphonlover at 8:40 AM on July 20, 2020
posted by gryphonlover at 8:40 AM on July 20, 2020
Yeah, my first bras were what today we’d call a sports bra or “bralette.” It’s a more comfortable transition between nothing and A Proper Bra (tm), and the fit is more forgiving, which is a plus for mail order.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:47 AM on July 20, 2020
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:47 AM on July 20, 2020
Best answer: Yellowberry is an online clothing company focused on bras and such for tweens. Seconding Target and Justice as well. Nthing to stick with soft bras over cup/band sizes at this point.
I'm old enough to have had the typical "department store lady sizes you up while you sink into the floor with embarrassment" experience and LORD am I glad that there is an alternative to that now.
posted by desuetude at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm old enough to have had the typical "department store lady sizes you up while you sink into the floor with embarrassment" experience and LORD am I glad that there is an alternative to that now.
posted by desuetude at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2020 [2 favorites]
When growth and changes happen check out Reddit’s A Bra That Fits when you need cup sizes. But I also like Aerie and Target for softer bralettes and various soft cup and wire free styles for my smaller bust. Also Nordstrom Rack online has some good stuff sometimes too for cheaper than department stores. I also like the Wacoal Embrace Lace plunge bralette. No padding but the shape is really nice, it comes in small band sizes, and it has some coverage so to speak.
As an aside I think it’s important to teach that there’s not one right way to have a chest or what type of bra (besides comfort and fit.) I have some parent infused *trauma* from bra shopping as I’m sure many of us do.
posted by Crystalinne at 10:26 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
As an aside I think it’s important to teach that there’s not one right way to have a chest or what type of bra (besides comfort and fit.) I have some parent infused *trauma* from bra shopping as I’m sure many of us do.
posted by Crystalinne at 10:26 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
Bralettes are probably the way to go for a developing kid. They are more comfortable and more forgiving of changing sizes.
Aerie, Old Navy, Gap, etc have nice but cheap(er) bralettes that should work just fine while kid figures out their preferences.
posted by lydhre at 10:42 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
Aerie, Old Navy, Gap, etc have nice but cheap(er) bralettes that should work just fine while kid figures out their preferences.
posted by lydhre at 10:42 AM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'm a small-chested adult, and this Uniqlo bra is my new go-to. The cups give a little shape, but it's insanely comfortable. I was constantly in sports bras before this.
posted by hollyholly at 2:19 PM on July 20, 2020
posted by hollyholly at 2:19 PM on July 20, 2020
Curvy Kate makes some very cute plus size (D cup and higher) bras if that’s something your kid needs. Thought I’d mention because when I was 10, there weren’t any fun, colorful options in higher cup sizes.
posted by capricorn at 3:42 PM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by capricorn at 3:42 PM on July 20, 2020 [1 favorite]
Agreeing with - Target for the first pullover style then Aerie when something more support is wanted. Aerie has at least one non-underwire option and so far they've held up well thought the quality can always change. Look for sales. Their bralettes are also nice.
posted by RoadScholar at 3:42 PM on July 20, 2020
posted by RoadScholar at 3:42 PM on July 20, 2020
Best answer: My kid and her BFF both prefer bralettes. Very different body shapes, but wear similar sizes, and bralettes with extendable straps and bands work best for them. I've picked them up at regular department stores and also youth oriented clothing stores. It is very much trialling styles though - the triangle cup is verboten, my kid is okay with no clasps on the band but her BFF with broader shoulders got frustrated enough to scream and pitch one off a balcony in summer.
So I would suggest one each of a few different styles if you can. Sport crops are still in use for my kid, and are available in a lot of styles and sizes (she is long and slender). It is still a vastly horrible experience to go shopping in person together, so I basically pick up a size and style I think might work then let her report back, rather than fit in store or whatever.
(I'm 38 and very much an outlier in size and I still have issues being fitted and loathe it)
posted by geek anachronism at 5:46 PM on July 20, 2020
So I would suggest one each of a few different styles if you can. Sport crops are still in use for my kid, and are available in a lot of styles and sizes (she is long and slender). It is still a vastly horrible experience to go shopping in person together, so I basically pick up a size and style I think might work then let her report back, rather than fit in store or whatever.
(I'm 38 and very much an outlier in size and I still have issues being fitted and loathe it)
posted by geek anachronism at 5:46 PM on July 20, 2020
By the way, I'm pretty comfortable shopping at our local Target - they are careful to manage how many people are allowed in the store so the store is uncrowded and they do require masks. If you use self-check out, you won't need to be within 6 feet of anyone else.
posted by metahawk at 10:17 PM on July 20, 2020
posted by metahawk at 10:17 PM on July 20, 2020
I don't think Target has dressing rooms going at the moment, though. At least mine doesn't. So yes, great for looking and shopping, but you'll have to buy things and then return them.
posted by desuetude at 11:09 PM on July 20, 2020
posted by desuetude at 11:09 PM on July 20, 2020
Response by poster: Thanks all, we'll look through the options today.
posted by gaspode at 6:34 AM on July 22, 2020
posted by gaspode at 6:34 AM on July 22, 2020
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I also recommend b.tempt'd. It's Wacoal's lower-cost "youth" line. The styles are cute and they're good quality at a decent price.
posted by marfa, texas at 6:33 AM on July 20, 2020 [3 favorites]