Tales From the BRABAR Studio: Best Older Teenager and Young Adult Bralettes for AA-C Cups

Finding a bra that fits is difficult no matter the size. It always starts with figuring out how to measure the bust size and band size - the rib cage method is the best option. But what do you do once you know your size? What are your options, especially for older teenagers and young adults with petite cup sizes like AA-C?

BRABAR Studio has had many people ask this question, so here's a good example of picking out bralettes and bras for petite cup sizes AA-C.

A Real Fitting

A young adult woman entered the store looking for bralettes and bralette sports bras for the gym and everyday wear. She measured a 30-inch rib cage - no rounding needed, so a 30 band. Her overbust measurement was 33 inches. Subtracting the 30 band from the 33 overbust gives a 3-inch difference - a C cup. Her bra size was 30C.

What I Recommended

After she was measured, these were my suggestions, in no particular order:

• The Everyday Bra - versatile and all-day supportive with a back closure, smooth design, and removable cups. Natural Gray and Mushroom are good neutrals under light-colored tops; Black is a great all-around bra. A wonderful option to replace a wire bra.
• The Soft Day Bra - combines the ease of a bralette with surprising support. Black is a great all-around everyday bra, Ballet Pink is a fun neutral under white shirts, and White works under dark tops or when a white bra is specifically needed.
• The Soft V Crop Bralette - super soft, easy to pull over the head or step into, with thicker straps for comfort. Doubles as a sports bra or a bra top with a jacket. Keeps its stretch and shape year-round. Size down for firmer support.
• The Soft V Laceback Bralette - reversible, with a soft V-neck lace back nice enough to show under open-back or backless tops. Comes in nine colors.
• The Soft Cami - a fan-favorite, seamless, unlined double-layer wire-free bra top and a great starter teen bralette, doubling as both a sports bralette and everyday bralette.
• The Strappy Halter Bralette - a seamless design with all-day comfort that doubles as a medium-impact sports bralette or an everyday bralette, with a five-strap racerback-inspired design.
• The Lace Halter Bralette - feminine lace details with everyday comfort, ideal for daily activities or as a medium-impact sports bra.
• The Open-Back Backless Halter Bralette - great for backless and open-back outfits, with style and support.
• The X Sports Bra - performance-oriented with a racerback style, in Small (28-30), Medium (32-34), Large (36-38), and X-Large (40).
• The Cotton Stretch U-Back Bralette - breathable, elegant U-back design with medium-impact support.
• The Cotton Stretch Racerback - seamless and breathable, built for medium-impact activities.
• The Soft Crop Multiway Convertible Bra Top - endless styling options: backless halter, criss-cross, or adjustable cami straps. Doubles as both a sports bralette and everyday bralette.

What She Chose

The young adult with a 30C bra size liked the Everyday Bra and HUG Strappy Halter Bralette. The Everyday Bra gives great everyday support, and the Strappy Halter is great for the gym, as a top, or as a bra top for showing a little more. She got options that worked for her size and left happy with the knowledge of what actually fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AA-C cup sizes considered petite?

Cup size alone doesn't determine overall body size - it's just the difference between band and bust. Someone with a smaller cup can have any band size, and vice versa.

Can a bralette provide real everyday support, or is it just for lounging?

Many BRABAR bralettes, like the Strappy Halter and Soft V Crop, are built to double as both everyday support and light sports wear, so they're far from just loungewear.

Why does the same young adult need different bras for the gym versus everyday wear?

Activity level changes what's needed from a bra - the gym calls for more secure, movement-resistant support, while everyday wear prioritizes comfort and versatility across outfits.

The BRABAR Philosophy: The EZ-Fit Method

Your bra should fit snugly around your ribcage, offering support without weighing down your shoulders. A comfortable bra equals a confident you. Our EZ-fit method simplifies finding the correct band measurement, essential for a proper fit. It's easy to measure yourself at home.

Step 1: Measuring Band Size

Your ribcage measurement is your band size. Wrap a soft measuring tape directly underneath your bust, encircling the ribcage. Round the measurement to the nearest even number to determine your band size. For example, if your rib cage measures 33 inches, your band size is 34.

Step 2: Measuring Bust Size

Wrap the soft measuring tape over the fullest part of your breasts, keeping it parallel to the floor. Round to the nearest whole number for your bust size. For example, if your bust measures 37.8 inches, round it to 38.

Step 3: Finding Your Cup Size

Bust minus band equals cup. Subtract your band size from your bust size to determine your cup size - each inch of difference is one cup size: A = 1 inch, B = 2 inches, C = 3 inches, and so on. For example, a 34 band and a 38 bust gives a 4-inch difference, a D cup.

Step 4: Your Complete Bra Size

Combine your band size number with your cup size letter. For example, a 34 band with a D cup gives a bra size of 34D.

Use BRABAR's Fit Guide and Bra Size Calculator to measure yourself accurately at home.