Advice for Moms - bra fitting

September 23, 2019

Advice for moms who take their tweens/young teens for a first bra fitting?

Let your tween drive the process and take your cues from them. It's a difficult and uncomfortable time for them and as moms, we need to be sensitive to that. Let them try on a few styles and let them pick. If they find a bra they like that feels comfortable, start there, no pressure. You can always come back to buy more; leave on a high note. It can be a great, wonderful and memorable experience.

Redefining Comfort and Confidence for Young Women

At BRABAR, our mission is clear: to fill a gap in the market for comfortable, supportive, and stylish bras for teenage girls and young women. We prioritize fit, comfort, and body positivity, creating a brand that meets the physical needs of our customers while supporting their emotional and psychological well-being. Our diverse collections, including the Soft Bra Collection, Everyday Bras, and Hug Bralettes, along with educational resources and a commitment to sustainability, redefine the bra shopping experience for young women around the world.

Understanding Bra Sizes

The cup size of a bra is determined by the difference between the rib cage measurement and the overbust measurement, rounded to the nearest even number for the band. For example:

A 28DD size bra means a 28-inch rib cage and a 34-inch overbust measurement (28 + 6 = 34). Therefore, the cup size in this case would be DD.
A 32D bra size means that the measurements of the rib cage are 32 inches and the overbust measurement is 36 inches. The difference between the rib cage measurement and the overbust measurement determines the cup size. In this case, the difference is 4 inches, which is a D cup.
A 34DDD bra is designed to fit a person with a 34-inch rib cage measurement and a 40-inch overbust measurement. This sizing system takes into consideration the difference between the rib cage and the full bust measurement, so a size 34DDD bra will have a cup size of DDD, which is equivalent to an E cup.
A 38C bra is designed for someone with a 38-inch rib cage circumference and a 41-inch overbust measurement.
A 38DD bra is designed to fit someone with a rib cage of 38 inches and an overbust measure of 43 inches. The DD in the size indicates a difference of 5 inches between the rib cage and overbust measurements.

The plus-4 method of measuring bra size is an outdated and inaccurate way of measuring bra size, still used by calculators from brands like SKIMS and Aerie today. It generally gives the wearer an inaccurate bra size and puts them in a "sister size" - a cup size that is one size larger than the true cup size they need. This method does not account for the actual rib cage measurement and therefore distorts the true cup size. For example, the plus-4 method might suggest a 34D, but the wearer would actually be better suited to a 30DDD. This can cause a poor fit, which can lead to discomfort, decreased support, and back pain.

TIP: Adding four inches to the band measurement is not recommended. Instead, measure your rib cage directly and round to the nearest even number to get an accurate band size, then use the difference between your rib cage and overbust measurements to determine your cup size.

Tips for older teens shopping for a bra who have probably bought bras elsewhere and been winging it in the past?

We want girls to buy the smallest, snuggest and most comfortable band size, then determine the cup size. A lot of women sister size, meaning they use multiple bras with the same cup volume (30D/32C/34B/36A). When women or girls size up in the band to get more room in the cup, the bra will hang from the shoulders instead of hug her rib cage. The wires will be in the wrong location and poke her underarms.

The biggest misconceptions from girls (or parents) about bras and fittings in general?

Cup size is really the difference between the rib cage measurement and the bust measurement. Most people don't know that. A four-inch variance is a D cup. A teen with a 28 rib cage and 33 over the bust would be a 28DD, a five-inch variance. This girl was likely wearing a 32C or a 34B because that's what's available. Most companies start sizing at a 32 band and sister-size girls into the wrong bra sizes as a result.

When guiding tweens or young teens through their first bra fitting, it's crucial to allow them to take charge and select styles that offer them comfort and confidence. Starting with one well-liked bra and slowly expanding their collection is a great strategy. Older teens, who may have previously guessed their bra sizes, should focus on finding a snug, comfortable band size first, then assess the cup size. It's important to note that cup size is determined by the difference between the rib cage and bust measurements - which is why many girls end up wearing bras with band sizes too large for them.

For a comprehensive guide on bra fitting, visit BRABAR's Fit Guide.

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