Tales From the BRABAR Studio: Best Teen Bralettes with D-DDD/F Cups

How do teens with petite bands but full busts find bras that fit them? As always, it starts with finding the correct size, based on the relationship between your rib cage measurement and your overbust measurement. You can measure yourself at home very easily with a fabric tape measure.

Regardless of size, it's a struggle to find bras that fit both the band and the bust.

Two Real Fittings

I have two examples from the BRABAR Studio - separate cases that highlight what works for teens with D-DDD/F cups and a band range of 28-38.

The first teenage girl came in with her mother. She was very shy and didn't want to be in the store at all. I let her walk around first and offered to measure when she was ready. Not jumping into things made her more comfortable, and she let me measure her. Her mother was relieved for the help, since she didn't know what teen bralettes to get for her daughter.

The teenager measured a 28-inch rib cage, so a 28 band. Her overbust measurement was 32 inches. Subtracting the 28 band from the 32 overbust gives a 4-inch difference - a D cup. She was a 28D.

The second teenage girl came in with her older sister, who wanted to treat her to teen bralettes and had her measured. She measured a 30-inch rib cage, so a 30 band. Her overbust measurement was 35 inches. Subtracting the 30 band from the 35 overbust gives a 5-inch difference - a DD/E cup. She was a 30DD/E.

What I Recommended

These are the suggestions I gave each guest for their D-DDD/F cups with petite bands, in no particular order:

• The Everyday Bra - a versatile, all-day supportive bra with a back closure and removable cups.
• The Soft Day Bra - combines the ease of a bralette with surprising support.
• The Soft V Crop Bralette - super soft with thicker straps, can double as a sports bra or a classy bra top.
• The Soft V Laceback Bralette - reversible and pretty, with both support and style.
• The Soft Cami - a fan-favorite, versatile bra top and a great starter teen bralette.
• The X Sports Bra - performance-oriented, blending style and support in a racerback style.
• The Cotton Stretch U-Back Bralette - an elegant, modern U-back design with medium-impact support.
• The Cotton Stretch Racerback - seamless and supportive, built for medium-impact activities.
• The Strappy Halter Bralette - a seamless design that can double as a medium-impact sports bralette.
• The Lace Halter Bralette - feminine details with everyday comfort and support.
• The Open-Back Backless Halter Bralette - great for backless and open-back outfits.
• The Soft Strapless Bra - endless styling options, ideal for off-shoulder, one-shoulder, and halter styles.
• The Soft Crop Multiway Convertible Bra Top - endless styling options, from backless halter to criss-cross.

What They Chose

The teenager who measured 28D picked the Cotton Stretch U-Back and HUG Strappy Halter Bralette. The Cotton Stretch U-Back is comfortable, trendy, breathable, and a great sports bralette option. The HUG Strappy Halter is a fashionable medium-impact option, perfect for every day and the gym.

The teenager who measured 30DD/E liked the Soft Cami Bralette, Soft Strapless Bra, and X Sports Bra. The Soft Cami is a fan-favorite that comes in many colors with medium-impact support. The Soft Strapless is a great everyday strapless option. The X Sports Bra offers real medium-impact control.

Both found options that worked for them and left pleased with their choices for their D and DD cup sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two teens both have a full cup but need very different bras?

Yes. A 28D and a 30DD/E have different band sizes and slightly different cup letters, so the styles and sizing that work best for each will differ even though both have a petite band and a full bust.

Is it normal to feel nervous getting fitted for the first time?

Completely. Letting a nervous teen walk around and browse first, without pressure to be measured immediately, often makes a big difference in how comfortable she feels.

Can a sports bralette also work as an everyday bra?

Many of BRABAR's medium-impact styles, like the Cotton Stretch U-Back and the HUG Strappy Halter, do double duty comfortably for both daily wear and light activity.

The Cheat Sheet

• Measure Underbust: Wrap a soft measuring tape right below your breasts. Round to the nearest even whole number for your band size - for example, 31 rounds up to 32.
• Measure Overbust: Wrap the tape over the fullest part of your breasts. Round to the nearest whole number for your bust size.
• Calculate Cup Size: Subtract your band size from your bust size. Each inch of difference is one cup size, from A up through DDD/F.

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