Non padded first bra

[RockCrushesLizard]

Hi

My 12 year old has got to the point where crop tops aren't quite cutting it, and we need a bra or two.

She's autistic, so doesn't want wires or padding, which is pretty much everything in M&S.
Would prefer a nude colour to avoid showing through school shirts. In an ideal world, she'd like racer back, but that seems like an impossible ask.

Using the boob or bust method, she's 28B/C, but I think we'll need to go 30A/B to get used to the band round the rib cage.

I'd also prefer not to spend a fortune, because she's growing very like me at that age, which means these will be in play for about three months max!

I'm finding it really difficult to find anything that hits these (tried Asda, m&s, primark, next that we have locally), and would appreciate help or advice about what you did for your girls

I've only got sons, but I would check next online, it's a lot more stocked than instore

That's a good idea

My daughter has these which are really soft and comfortable. It has multiway straps which can be worn as racer back...

www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-non-wired-bralette/p/clp60529420?colour=BLACK&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_lg_ch__-UK-_-_baussc&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzby1BhCQARIsAJ_0t5PMxV423Yzg2P0vYatnby8yFXnViNsrDqrV4gY3Ed3-njdFopujYrMaAgKiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

My DD14 will only wear sports bras. She doesn't have an ASD diagnosis but has many traits and sensory issues. She hates wires and can't tolerate any "bounce"! We have had some success with shock absorber crop tops, they are pull on with a racer back.

I don’t have a daughter but was going to post similar to a pp and say I see lots of bralettes in M&S and similar places now. This is also in person as we have a big M&S here that stocks them. They also have those seamless vests with a built in ‘shelf’ bra that’s really just an extra layer. I think they’d be find for an A/B cup.

Sadly the same story - nothing in between crop tops and padded ones.

Depending on your DD's size (overall not just bra) I highly recommend Avon one bra.

Supportive, no wires, light but removable padding and soft material. I got my DD a load from vinted in a size 6/8 which is extra small and they fit her perfectly.

The m&s 'padded' ones are soft and seamless, (no visible nipple which you may get with non padded ones). Has your DD actually tried one. (I appreciate that if she has a fixed view she may be unwilling). But no annoying lace etc either.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-non-wired-first-bras-aa-d/p/clp20086816?color=OPALINEMIX&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip9g2r2c1|prodflag_submsg-%C2%A36%20per%20Bra

Cross posted with lots of replies there!
Do the bralettes provide actual support?
I thought they were more about looking like a bra for girls who didn't need one yet (I'm an HH, so they're not on my radar!)

(My two have dyspraxia and are sensitive to texture, don't like the feel of lace etc and liked the m&s ones.)

Thank you @teenstotwenties, that's really useful experience

I’ve always took mine to m&s but matalan usually have non padded and non wired bras in children section

'Padded' can sound like 'trying to make them look bigger' whereas with first bras it is 'make them more comfy with less visibility in a thin white school shirt.'

But if she is set against them...

Sports Direct are good for sports bras, they have loads of styles and sizes and usually offers when you buy several. If she doesn’t want traditional bra shaped bras they’re ideal.

This is exactly the issue! I think in her head they're too "booby" for lack of a better way of putting it.

I'll order some to try at home I think.

I wouldn't have thought of sports direct either, that's another good option

Have you tried Asda online (not just in store)
I get my non wired in there and they are crossover at the front

New Look 915 are the best I’ve found for that age. They are slightly padded but not to make them look bigger, more for modesty. Not expensive and not underwired for the ones we got anyway .

As Teen says, What about talking to her about how very slightly padded doesn't necessarily mean trying to make them look bigger.

Agree. A bit of padding can actually help to protect the developing breasts and smooth the overall shape so that nipples aren’t prominent. Worth considering.

What about a sports bra?

I have one of these (although I’m busty).

www.marksandspencer.com/paloma-medium-support-sports-bra/p/clp22591698?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r6c2|prodflag_Online%20Only|prodflag_submsg-The%20Sports%20Edit

I was just about to say what @TeenToTwenties has said. I got DD professionally fitted at M&S (they were wonderful with her - she was so mortified I thought she would cry) and taught her not to buy underwired at all until she’s older.

I do just wish you could buy skin tone coloured though - we have had to buy a fair few to get enough skin tone ones for her for school. I got 4 brand new pairs and 4 more on vinted. She was reluctant initially and now prefers them.

Uniqlo do nice, simple bras. More support and coverage than a bralette but not padded and no wires. They do clasp ones and also ones which are more like crop top/sports bra type (but with a cup so more support and coverage). If you're in London or Birmingham (I think) then there are stored but they also sell online.

Sloggi might work. You can take the thin pads out

Thanks everyone

We're going to have a chat about the light padding being okay, and try some.

I'm doing lots of online ordering so we can try things at home

I agree with whoever said Asda, I wear the Asda teen bras I'm 42 and flat chested, I have both padded and unpadded, I find them comfortable, wash well and last.