Tales From the BRABAR Studio: Everyday Choices for Teens and Young Adults (Bands 28-30)

The summer is upon us. A new season means new entries in your wardrobe, whether brand new or replacements. Young adults and teenagers need help finding replacement bras, especially if they do not have the correct band size and cup size for their bra size, and especially if they have a band size smaller than 32.

How to Find Your Bra Size

All you need is a soft measuring tape or a string and a ruler, or BRABAR's Fit Guide and Bra Size Calculator.

The first measurement you need is the underbust measurement, the rib cage measurement. The tape or string needs to be snug like a hug around the rib cage where the band of your bra falls. Round the underbust measurement to the nearest whole even number to get your band size.

The second measurement you need is your overbust measurement, taken over the largest part of your bust. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Unlike the underbust measurement, this one should not be snug - just relaxed, not loose. Round to the nearest whole number.

With both measurements in hand, subtract your band size from your overbust measurement. Each inch is a cup size: 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, 5 inches = DD/E cup, 6 inches = DDD/F cup. The difference between overbust and band size is the consistent factor in bra sizing.

Two Real Fittings

The first example is a young woman looking for the correct bra size and comfortable everyday bras. When she entered the studio, I measured her. She measured a 30-inch underbust - no rounding needed, so a 30 band - and a 34-inch overbust. Subtracting the 30 band from the 34 overbust gives a 4-inch difference - a D cup. Her bra size was 30D.

For her use as a young professional, I suggested several options:

• The Everyday Bra - an all-day supportive bra with a back closure, smooth design, and removable cups. Comes in Black, Mushroom, and Natural Gray.
• The Soft Day Bra - a bestseller in the store and online, combining the ease of a bralette with surprising support. Comes in Black, White, Ballet Pink, and several tie-dye colors.
• The Cotton Stretch U-Back Bralette - a great option for smaller bands, breathable and comfortable with an elegant U-back design and medium-impact support.
• The Everyday Longline Cami Bra - comfortable and supportive, great for layering, with a keyhole back closure and removable cups. Comes in Black and Mushroom.

The young woman picked the Everyday Bra and the Cotton Stretch U-Back - both amazing, comfortable options for everyday wear.

The second example was a teenage girl. Her mother brought her in, and she didn't want to be measured at first, but after I explained that it would make it easier to find her the right options, she agreed. She measured a 27-inch underbust, rounding up to a 28 band, and a 31-inch overbust. Subtracting the 28 band from the 31 overbust gives a 3-inch difference - a C cup. Her bra size was 28C.

For the teenager with a smaller bust, I suggested:

• The Soft V Crop Bralette - one of the top starter bras for any preteen or teen, easy to pull over the head or step into, with thicker straps for comfort. Size down for firmer support around the band.
• The Everyday Bra - easy, comfortable, and perfect for those who want the look of a wired bra with the comfort of a wireless one.
• The Everyday J-Hook Bra - a pull-over-the-head everyday bra with removable cups and a convertible J-hook back that turns it into a racerback. Comes in Black and Mushroom.
• The Soft Cami Bra - a fan-favorite, seamless, unlined double-layer wire-free bra top, great for a teenager or preteen. Comes in several colors.

Ultimately, she liked the Soft V Crop Bralette and the Everyday J-Hook Bra, both comfortable and versatile starter everyday bras for teens. She also picked up some comfy underwear.

With these options for both young adults and teenagers alike with a 28 or 30 band, the key is always to find your correct bra size first, with a proper fitting method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the overbust measurement stay loose while the underbust measurement stays snug?

The underbust measurement determines the band, which is meant to fit snugly for support. The overbust measurement is only used to calculate cup size, so it should be relaxed to reflect your natural bust size accurately.

Is a smaller band size, like 28 or 30, actually common?

It's more common than most people realize - it's simply underserved by mainstream retailers, who tend to concentrate their inventory around larger bands.

What's a good starter bra for a teen who's never been measured before?

Soft, easy-to-wear styles like the Soft V Crop Bralette or Soft Cami tend to work well as a first step, since they're forgiving and comfortable while she gets used to wearing a bra regularly.

How to Measure

• Measure Underbust: Wrap a soft measuring tape right below your breasts, snug like a hug. Round to the nearest even whole number for your band size.
• Measure Overbust: Wrap the tape over the fullest part of your breasts, parallel to the floor and relaxed. Round to the nearest whole number.
• 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.