Bra intervention - first bra - different measurements for kids?

[Cantaana]

DN is 11, she has duly been taken to have her measurements done and buy her first 'proper bra' at M&S.

When MIL told me what they had measured her as I laughed - a 32C! I wear a 30C, and while she is undoubtedly better endowed in the bust department than me, there is no way she has a smaller under bust measurement than me.

She came over and I tried the bra intervention method on her - she was measuring as a 26" underbust (unsurprising) and a 32" across the fullest part bent over. This brought her out at a 26E (her face was a picture!) so I am wondering if there is a general rule of thumb when it comes to measuring preteens, like instead of up a cup size every inch it is every 2 inches, bringing her out at a 26C? Or if we should just be doing it standing up?

Apparently the smaller bands they tried at M&S were too uncomfortable, but she is already wearing the 32 on the tightest setting and it's brand new. It is her first bra, so no doubt it will feel a little more uncomfortable at first. I was going to suggest a 28c or 28D for her to try.

Or anywhere else you would recommend to measure for a first bra, or good brands for first bras? I just don't want the poor love wandering around in a bra that will ride up all day

28d probably a good call. Worth tellling her now that M&S are shit at measuring! Debenhams are usually good for teens, their own brand back sizes are on the small size too so a 28 may fit well. Bravissimo if you have one nearby.

It depends what cup size they tried with the smaller back size as if it was too small then the back would feel tight. Sister sizes of 26E are 28DD or 30D which you might be more likely to find than a 26 back

Sister sizes of 32C are 30D or 28DD (and also 26E!). I think 28C or 28D may be too small if they measured her as 32C

It's a nightmare - been there, done that.

John Lewis did a 28D which worked well on someone slender (soft, pretty - bit like this one but used to do in more colours / designs). Unwired, so something of a mono-boob look, though.

Debenhams were the best at measuring, but didn't have any bras of the right size in stock. DD cried because 'nobody else has a D cup'.

Bravissimo opened and saved our lives. Didn't even talk about sizes, just brought in loads to try. I think she's a 30D now, and has been for ages. As they fit so well, underwired has been fine.

It will ALWAYS feel tight and constricting compared with no bra.

Dd has 30D bras from m&s angel range. I didn't let them measure her though!

Sadly pretty much nobody does a 26 band which is a total pita - I'd be trying the 28D and DD to see how they fit. The basic rules are the same for teens, but sometimes the cup measurements can be a bit off as the tissue tends to be quite firm and also quite concentrated around the nipple - so they can sometimes measure bigger than they need, but it can go either way.

Traditionally I've worn a 32B and have tried going down backs and up cups and it does make a difference to the look. I'm more spread around in the 32B and less busty. It's a PITA trying to find anything at a sensible price smaller than a 32 back though.

Bizarrely I think the smaller band sizes are a little easier once you're over a D/DD cup, as all of the large bust brands start at a 28 band - they're much better at understanding sizing in general. Small cup small band can be really tricky to find!

If you're an old school 32B that would, traditionally, suggest measurements around 28 underbust, 34 overbust - which would be more like a 28E...Obviously I'm guessing measurements there! But if you're in that kind of territory places like brastop can have some bargains

^no way she is bigger in the underbust than me - is what i meant

Good point about the smaller bands feeling tighter in the smaller cup. I was going to try and order her a 28DD but i can't find a non wired one in stock for love nor money. But will try Bravissimo now.

The assistant in my local Debenhams tried to refuse to let my daughter try on a wired bra at first. She needed DD cup, and I just told her to leave if she wasn’t prepared to do a full job, as I was more than capable of doing it myself. She brought the underwear.

We bypassed the ‘help’ from there on in, as if they’d had their way my daughter would have been wearing il-fitting crap that offered no support.

Some bra fitters just cannot get over their assumption that all first bras must be white, useless, and suitable for five year olds. My daughter needed supportive, nude, and suitable for PE as well as under white school shirts.

Oh another good point Incy once we have cracked the bra size I'll make sure she gets a decent sports bra for PE.

Have just ordered 2 M&S bras one in 30D and one in 28DD (i'm hoping the 28DD will fit well and show DN how a comfortable bra should feel), also have an alert on the only bra they sell in a 28DD on John Lewis.

My DD measures 26 underbust and 28 around. Bought her a 28A in M&S but she complained it was tight. Measured band with a tape measure and it was only 24 inches! Of course they add on 5 inches. It doesn't work.

Couldn't find anything to fit so she's still in the triangular 28A supermarket bras. Nobody does 28 band non wired proper bras.

Why can't you buy her a 32 in M and S then?

Because then the cup size is wrong.

Weasels, John Lewis are generally good for that. M&S sizing is all over the place ; they don't actually fit when you +4/5" them either. They're generally a bit crap!

I should wear a 28d but find a 32b so much more comfortable.