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Original poster

First bra fitting, Central London

57 replies

OrangeSyringe · 23/12/2021 18:14

Any ideas of decent places to go for a first bra fitting for a teen? We aren’t in a rush and can wait until things are better Covid wise.

I think she’s probably a 28D or DD. It would need to be somewhere that sticks this size. Not M&S because their bras and bra fitting make me angry. Or should I suck up my hate and try some of the Angel bras?

I don’t think Rigby and Peller would work as they don’t tend to go that low in back and cup, same for Bravissimo. Has anyone had any luck with John Lewis Oxford Curcus? Or Selfridges?

I could try myself but that means I’ve got to buy lots of bras to try on at home. I did that with Royce I think it was and none of them fit.

She wants soft cup as she prefers Holister bralets or crop tops. Molke didn’t work out although I had high hopes. ( I’ve got an unworn xs in the cupboard.)

Also…does it matter if she doesn’t wear a bra and continues to wear crop tops? She’s got a pull on sports bra for PE.

OP posts:
DukeofEarlGrey · 24/12/2021 17:20

@SilverRingahBells

I like John Lewis's fitting service, and they do a specific "first bra" service which reassures you that they're happy to measure over T shirts and have a mum in with you, but Oxford Street doesn't appear to have any pre-bookable appointments on the website. IME you can go in and book a session for later the same day, but that may not be available during the sales.
Last time I went to Bravissimo and had a fitting (due to Covid weight gain) they didn't do the usual - it was a socially-distanced version based on trying on the likely size and being told what to check for (loose straps, etc.). Your DD will probably get the same elsewhere which might be more comfortable anyway. I also remember the first fitting and finding it all very awkward as a teen - but well worth doing for a lifetime of supported boobs!
ChrissyPlummer · 24/12/2021 20:36

I used to work for Victoria’s Secret and they didn’t do anything smaller than a 32 back. Just not a thing. It was a few years ago though so may have changed. I was 30E back then and my size in there was 32 DD, they don’t do E/F/G sizes either, it’s DDD/DDDD.

Pour Moi but the bands are pretty tight so may need to size up.

Passthecake30 · 28/12/2021 20:55

For my dd (12) I brought her M&S Angel bras in a 30c, and checked the fit. She was mortified at the suggestion of being fitted and these cover everything up without riding up so will do the job for now. Once she goes past a 30d I’ll have to consider my options. Have you tried these on your daughter?

Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 04/01/2022 22:11

I’ve ordered some of the Angel bras in 28D and DD so will see how they fit. I’m also going to make an appointment at Design Also as had other locals recommend her.

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 04/01/2022 22:21

Online brastop has a lot off bras in this size

Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 04/01/2022 22:36

Thanks, I’d forgotten about them. I used to use them many moons ago. I’m not really sure what size she is but I’ll try Brastop when I’ve a clearer idea.

OP posts:
EvelynBeatrice · 05/01/2022 19:02

My daughter and her friends like Panache bras. Not cheap but do 28DD and E etc. We had mixed experiences with fitters ... they tended to get quite annoyed if the customer didn't fit the bra!

EvelynBeatrice · 05/01/2022 19:03

Next stock this brand and others. Stick in the size you think and order a few either side of that.

PandoraP · 05/01/2022 20:15

Do shops like Bravissimo do bra fittings during the pandemic?

Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 05/01/2022 20:19

Yes, shops are still doing bra fittings.

I’ve looked at Next online and I’m impressed they have 28 back sizes. I’m trying to avoid buying a handful of bras to keep one as it’s quite an expensive initial layout, but it may be the way, I did this with M&S and they’re taking ages to arrive but they’ve got my money until they do!

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 05/01/2022 20:43

We had a good experience with Dd at John Lewis both the Trafford Centre & Birmingham branches.

Comefromaway · 05/01/2022 20:44

@PandoraP

Do shops like Bravissimo do bra fittings during the pandemic?
I had a fitting at Bravissimo in December 2020
Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 07/01/2022 09:49

Right, you've all been so helpful and I still haven't booked a fitting. I will let you know if I find anywhere good, or bad!

The M&S Angel bras have finally arrived and I ordered them before Christmas. I ordered a 28D and a 28DD for her to try. I measured the back and unstretched they are 21" and maximum stretch on the last hook they are only 26". I don't understand how that is a 28 back? Is this still the adding 4 or 5" way of measuring? So she may actually be a 30 back but what cup size? I will of course get her to try them on but I just know that they will be too small in the back and cup and that this will put her off bra wearing even more.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 07/01/2022 09:59

I think M & S do come up a bit small sometimes.

Have you measured her back with a tape measure?

Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 07/01/2022 10:01

Not for ages as I can't get near her. I will try tonight!

OP posts:
Whatayear81 · 07/01/2022 10:03

She’s been bra less until now and she’s 28D?

Whatayear81 · 07/01/2022 10:03

If she’s 28D or DD
I would say that you’re wrong in thinking “no rush”

overthethamesfromyou · 07/01/2022 10:27

We had a fitting at Boux Avenue and were pleasantly surprised. We may have just got lucky with the assistant, but worth a try.

Original poster
OrangeSyringe · 07/01/2022 12:20

28D isn't much breast tissue, it is the same as a 34A.

She does have bras, George 28C, softcup, though they have stopped making this size. She doesn't like them and prefers croptops. Like a lot of woman with not much breast tissue, I would Imagine. She has a sports bra for sports.

She has never been professionally measured in person. I have done Boob and Bust and I have also had an online appointment with ROyce for her. That didn't work as she couldn't get their bra on, it was so small around the back.

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 07/01/2022 13:18

M&S bra band sizing is notoriously inconsistent and often runs much smaller than the label. So annoying. I would just take her to the OC branch of Bravissimo.

londonmummy1966 · 07/01/2022 14:06

I took mine to Rigby & Peller - it was a lovely experience as it felt like a rite of passage. They have fitters who have been DBS checked to do younger girls although they also asked me to stand outside the cubicle for one (and put us in the bridal cubicle for the other so we all fitted in). They didn't have a lot suitable for DD2 when I took her but the fitter was really good at recommending what to get, what size to get it in and where to get it.

londonmummy1966 · 07/01/2022 14:07

Forgot to say that Brastop start at 28D so worth looking on there.

ThePlantsitter · 07/01/2022 14:08

Are you travelling in to London? I know a good lingerie shop in Wimbledon. Not cheap but their fitters are lovely and v knowledgeable.

IwillrunIwillfly · 07/01/2022 14:15

The m and s angels range do come up very tight in the band so you might need a 30 back for her from them, but likely in other brands a 28 will be fine.

Passthecake30 · 07/01/2022 15:32

I’ve compared my dd’s 30c Angel bra to my 30f cleo bra and the lengths are the same. However, she wears hers on the tightest hook. So I wouldn’t agree with people saying that the angel ones come up tighter.