Where can I get DD measured for a proper bra?

[GCWorkNightmare]

DD is 12, nearly 13. I’m a J cup so she was always likely to have big boobs. She’s been wearing quite heavy duty sports bras till now (since she was about 9) but she’s started complaining that they aren’t comfortable anymore. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’s a DD cup by now.

My mum took me to M+S but I’ve been boycotting them for years. I get my bras online from Bravissimo and they feel a bit grown up for a teen who would rather hide them than go for lacy whatevers.

I really don’t want to be exposing her to anywhere where it may be a biologically male assistant helping/measuring her, nor do I want her in unisex changing rooms.

so, where do we go?

Should she be in an underwired bra at this age though?

Yes, she might like that one.

Their basics are not that different in price from Bravissimo etc.

I had wasted a lot of money on cheaper bras that didn't fit because I hadn't been measured right. I went to R&P, got my correct measurement for the price of one bra, and I've been able to get the right size from other brands ever since. And it wasn't just the actual sizing - R&P gave me lots of useful advice on picking the best options.

I'd give it a try, regardless of how it's billed. It worked really well for DD. When the comparator is a high street bra with the wrong cup size, push-up/ plunge, whatever still looks and feels more subtle.
I know what you mean, though - bra descriptions still focus on how they're seen by others/ assume the target market is the onlooker, but it just means here that they're front-loaded rather than rounded. DD is a shy introvert, and she felt really comfortable in Niya throughout secondary.

I’ll have to order some and try them at home. I’m working away next week and she wants them for a school residential next weekend.

Sorry OP but I do think you have to accept that as your DD has a larger bust you will have to spend a bit more than you’d perhaps like. A well fitted and supportive bra is too important (as you’ll know at your size).

I’m not an expert but I think I wore an underwire since I had my first bra (when I was 8!) and it’s caused no problems, I’d say regular fittings will be important though as she grows and changes.

I was recently recommend this store for my 12 yr old DD. They were brilliant. We went to their store in Leeds. Don’t be out off by some of the styles - they had lovely T-shirt plainer styles too.

https://www.bouxavenue.com/

I managed to get her in there by plying her with a nice lunch afterwards. Turned it into a mum and DD nice day out together and bought some other stuff too.
But the staff won her over once we'd got through the door. We tend now to do Bravissimo trips together and do each other's fittings lol

No problem :) Then i’d recommend John Lewis for a proper fitting.

I worked for a cancer centre for a long time and the lead breast oncologist was always saying she wanted underwired bras banned. I’m fastidious about making sure none of my breast tissue is pressed against the wire. :-/

Underworld is fine as long as it fits ok and the wires aren't squashing breast tissue.
Boux Avenue are great with smaller back sizes and larger cups - it is a hard combination to find.
My DD is a similar size and has had some success with Primark. They don't last as long as more expensive brands, but I assume your DD is still growing so this may not be an issue.

*underwired not underworld 😆

Underwired bras are fine as long as they are correctly fitted and not sitting on actual breast tissue.

Per pp, underwired are fine as long as you have a big enough cup size. Have a look at the fitting guide on Boob or Bust, too - there are differences for under 18s (tightest hooks first etc..) which may influence your choices. Box Avenue bands come up small, so you may need to go up to fit on the tightest. And as embarrassing as your DD finds it, swoop and scoop needs to be a thing.

Boux* sorry - autocorrect.

If you're ordering online then I'd definitely try some 30Es as well. Boob or Bust's measurements are a great starting point but they're not gospel - it all depends on the precise bra. You'll have much more choice of cheaper bras once you go to a 30 and DD may well find it more comfy to start in a wider band.

debenhams are quite good for larger cup sizes - their tshirt bras are fairly plain. Only online these days but still have good options- though may need to look at 30E rather than 28F

My teens started out with M&S, they were sized wrong and didn't last. They then spent a few years at Boux Avenue, good range of sizes, and cheapish. Quality not great, but when they are growing they change size regularly. Now they both go to Bravissimo, buy in the sales. They are 28F or 30E, depending on brand. At one point one of them was 28G!

I'd really recommend bravissimo, I take my DD there as she has big boobs, lots of younger styles too. I just think invest in a couple of good ones every year or so for every day then can pick up cheaper fun ones once you know the size

Brastop online for cheaper bras

Bravissimo have had hundreds of £s every year since I discovered them at 23. They were the first place I looked but didn’t think anything was particularly suitable for a 12 year old that would really rather ignore her boobs.

Have you looked at next, I agree with previous poster that might be worth looking at sister size 30E.

52 non wired bras

www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-productaffiliation-lingerie/bandsize-30-category-bras-cupsize-e-wired-nonwired?p=1#2224

These look pretty plain and simple and age appropriate and more reasonably priced.

www.next.co.uk/style/st356749/928550#928550

www.next.co.uk/style/st620996/a03692#a03692

That wasn’t the case when I worked there but it was a while ago. Might be best if OP rings her local store to ask what their policy is with the lingerie fitting rooms.

Won't they just say "the same policy that we have for all our stores? Men are allowed in all of the changing rooms. We fit men for bras. Some of our fitters are men."

Brilliant! Thank you!