Struggling to get a first bra for teen DD

[CarrotCakeMuffins]

My teen DD has been wearing cropped tops since starting secondary and has now said she would like a bra.
But due to Coronavirus I'm unable to get her measured anywhere and she'll be unable to try anything on while out shopping as changing rooms are closed.
So, where are the best places to get first bras in small sizes? And what size(s) should I be looking for?
I've measured her at 28.5" band and 31" bust. So I thought 28 B?

I ordered a selection from M&S which are all tiny bands and way too tight for her (the band itself is only 21" un-stretched!). So they obviously still do silly sizing. These will all be going back...

We are near a small city so have a reasonable range of options available, and am also happy to order online, and return as necessary.
I don't want to go in more shops than I need to at the moment...

Where should I be looking for small first bras for teenagers?
And how does sizing work in those places?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

a lot of younger girls really rate primark and new look for bras crop tops etc. I myself really like sainsburys!

When i was young we used to love La Senza but they are gone now :(

I just bought my daughters first bra from primark, they’re only £2 and good quality.

What is the sizing like in Primark? Does it match up with measurements?

I’m getting that she should be a 32A

I’ve found Sainsbury’s bras comfortable and a variety of styles.

Try using the calculator at booborbust.com/ to measure her. It should give you an accurate idea of her size, so you can order online.

No need for a professional fitting if you know what to look for in terms of a good fit. Some bra fitters really don't know what they're doing anyway, e.g. still using the old +4 or 5 method for calculating back sizes! (That's a really bad idea these days; it was used back when bras didn't have any stretch...)

She's probably about a 28C ish which is very hard to find. Asda do some in that size, that's where I always got them for my daughter. (When she needed a 28D I had to give up on the proper size and buy a 30 back instead because I didn't want to spend £35 on a bra that she would grow out of. )

I think you have to add 4/5 inches (to get an even number) to the actual back measurement to get the band size - so 28+4=32. Then there’s some calculation on the difference between the measurements to get cup size. That’s how I remember reading how to measure yourself 20 years ago!!

The only place I’ve seen with changing rooms open (plus they do fittings) is bravissimo, but from the sounds of it your daughter would be nowhere near their sizing so that’s no help to you.

@OooglyBoogly

Try using the calculator at booborbust.com/ to measure her. It should give you an accurate idea of her size, so you can order online.

No need for a professional fitting if you know what to look for in terms of a good fit. Some bra fitters really don't know what they're doing anyway, e.g. still using the old +4 or 5 method for calculating back sizes! (That's a really bad idea these days; it was used back when bras didn't have any stretch...)

Ignore my post above then!!!!! Clearly an outdated measure 😂

@modgepodge

I think you have to add 4/5 inches (to get an even number) to the actual back measurement to get the band size - so 28+4=32. Then there’s some calculation on the difference between the measurements to get cup size. That’s how I remember reading how to measure yourself 20 years ago!!

The only place I’ve seen with changing rooms open (plus they do fittings) is bravissimo, but from the sounds of it your daughter would be nowhere near their sizing so that’s no help to you.

That's how I remember it too. She's probably a 32 a ish. Use an online calculator.

My Dd is 28 under the bust and I always put her in a 30 as anything else is too tight. I think shes 32 round the bust and wears a C or D cup.

OP, my daughter is similar size to yours and I too estimated 28in band, which, on ordering from M and S, were miniscule. Didn't know you were meant to add on 4in for the band. Never ever done that when measuring myself. I ended up ordering about 4 different sizes in 3 different styles from M and S and eventually she ended up with 32B in a stretchy fabric. But it was trial and error and a lot of ordering and returning!

dd used to love primark in particular, they used to have a good deal of decent underwear . ,...nice colours, and fabrics if she wants to be matchy it's not difficult. and it's not all itchy lace, push up boudoir Anne Summers stylee!

Matalan can be worth a look too and maybe NewLook...but it's been a while so they might all be dreadful now!

No no no, don't add any inches to the back size. I would say 28C with those measurements. Might be hard to find so a sister size is 30B

Try George at Asda too. They do a lovely range of bras at great prices.

a lot of high street brands start at a 32 back which is useless if you have a smaller back size than that

No no no. No inches should ever be added to the rib cage!! Totally old advice!

Next, Debenhams and eBay are good for finding smaller back sizes. You can often find brand new end of range bras on eBay for very cheap in 28-32 back sizes. I’m a 32H and find loads there. You can often return for refunds the same as any other shop.

Petit Bateau have very sweet teen bras that are sized by age, with soft stretchy cups here.

Boux Avenue start from a 28 back.

Teen DD has a mix of Primark and Matalan sports bras - she prefers the fit and easier to avoid underwiring, found them to be true to size

I have always been advised to add on four inches to the backsize measurement, five if its odd, then the bust size is worked out as 1" less=AA cup, same measurement = A cup, 1" more = B cup etc.
So I would say try a 32AA
I've been a 34C all my life and measure 29" under bust, no way would I fit in a 28/30.
DD is 10 and measures 29" around her chest (she does gym, she is quite broad for her age) She is in a 34AA which fits her perfectly. We tried a 32 but it dug in enough to leave marks. She has some from Matalan, New Look, Sainsburys, but her favourite and comfiest are M&S Angel :-)

Definitely try out the Boob or Bust method! I'm large chested and have always had to get measured regularly, and this was recommended to me to try during lockdown (found out I was pregnant so needed up to date sizing!). Sizing was spot on. I ordered from Debenhams but I have much smaller choice in retailer. I know plenty of people who are happy with primark though.

For first bras, my DDs preferred cotton sports bras.

Don’t add 4”! She will be swamped in a 32 back, will ride up her back and offer her no support. 28C or (if you can’t find that) a 30B.

Please don’t +4. Use boob and bust. The best bras ever x

Op order a few sizes and let her try them

Trust me, there is a reason folks on here complain their bras are too tight and they need to take them off as soon as they get home, because they don’t add inches and then wear bras too tight for them. Someon even posted if your bra doesn’t leave a red welt round your body you’re wearing the wrong size 😱

Make sure she’s got support but is comfortable. Here is a good guide from rigby and peller. You should be able to get two fingers under th back strap. Cups supportive and not digging in, front laying flat to the body etc,

www.rigbyandpeller.com/UK/The_Correct_Size.html