Finding a bra that fits is difficult no matter the size. It always starts with figuring out how to measure the bust size and band size. The rib cage method is the best option. But what do you do when you figure out your size? What are your options, especially for older teenagers and young adults with petite cup sizes like AA-C?
BRABAR Studio has had many people ask these questions, so here’s a good example of figuring out how to pick out good bralettes and bras for petite cup sizes AA-C.
The young adult woman entered the store looking for bralettes and bralette sports bras for the gym and every day. She measured a 30-inch rib cage measurement. Therefore, she had a 30-bra band size. Her overbust measurement was a 33-inch bust size. How to find the correct band and how to measure bust sizes is as follows: you subtract your bra band size from your bust size. The difference between her two measurements was a 3-inch difference. Each inch is a cup size, so 1 inch is an A-cup, 2-inch is a B-cup, 3-inch is a C-cup, 4-inch is a D-Cup, 5-inch is a DD-cup/E-cup, and 6-inch is a DDD-cup/F-cup. Since a 3-inch difference is a C-cup, the young adult was a 30C bra size.
After she was measured, these were my suggestions for bralettes, and bralette sports bras can work (in no particular order):
- The classic Everyday Bra is a versatile, all-day supportive bra with a back closure featuring a smooth design and removable cups for comfort and style. This bra comes in three everyday colors: Black, Mushroom, and Natural Gray. Natural Gray and Mushroom are good neutrals to use under white and light-colored tops. Black is a great all-around bra. The everyday bra has adjustable straps. For everyday comfort and ease, the Everyday Bra is a wonderful option to replace your wire bra.
- The best-selling Soft Day Bra with back closure combines the everyday ease of a bralette with a surprisingly supportive bra. The Soft Day Bra comes in three everyday colors: Black, White, and Ballet Pink. The Black Soft Day Bra is a great all-around, everyday bra. The Ballet Pink is a fun, yet neutral color to go under those white shirts and it won’t show. After all, white under white shows. The White Bra is good for when you need specifically a white bra. It can also be used under dark shirts.
- The super comfortable Soft V Crop Bralette is super soft and great for everyday bralette. It is easy to pull over the head or easy to step into for your convenience. The Soft V Crop also has thicker straps for additional comfort. It can double as a sports bra or a classy bra top to with your favorite jacket. Made with a special blend of materials, it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while retaining the stretchiness and shape. Size down for firmer support. The Soft V Crop Bralette is one of my top choices to act as a sports bralette because it can also double as an everyday bralette.
- The Soft V Laceback Bralette is a reversible and comfortable bralette that adds a pretty touch to your daily wardrobe V-neck lace back bra top. The Soft V Lace Bralette is perfect for everyday lace with a supersoft touch, providing both support and style. The beautiful lace is nice enough even to show with open-back or backless tops. It now comes in nine great colors: Black, Ash, Asphalt, Chive, Faded Denim, Pale Mauve, Victoria Blue, Fuschia Rose, and Chocolate Brown!
- The Soft Cami is a fan-favorite, comfortable, versatile, and supportive bra top. The Soft Cami Bra is a seamless, unlined double-layer wire-free bra top. Cami bras are a great starter teen bralette. It is super soft and comes in great colors as an option as a bralette for teens. The soft cami bra has adjustable straps. The Soft Cami now comes in more color options. In addition to classic black and classic white, the Soft Cami comes in Mushroom, Della Robbia Blue, Fuschia Rose, and Orchid Pink. The Soft Cami is one of my top choices to act as a sports bralette because it can also double as an everyday bralette.
- The Strappy Halter Bralette is a strappy halter bra that blends a seamless design with all-day comfort. The Strappy Halter Bralette can double as a medium-impact sports teen bralette. The five strings is a take on the racerback bra. It can also be used as a halter bra top, with a leather or jean jacket over top, or on its own. This multipurpose option is a great addition to a wardrobe. The Strappy Halter is one of my top choices to act as a sports bralette because it can also double as an everyday bralette.
- The Lace Halter Bralette is a beautiful lace halter bralette that combines feminine details with everyday comfort and support. The Lace Halter Bralette is ideal for a teen girl's daily activities or as a medium-impact sports bra. It can also be used as a halter bra top, with a leather or jean jacket over top, or on its own. This multipurpose option is a great addition to a wardrobe.
- The Open-Back Backless Halter Bralette is a great option for backless and open-back outfits. It provides style and support. It can also be used as a halter bra top, with a leather or jean jacket over top, or on its own. This multipurpose option is a great addition to a wardrobe.
- The X Sports Bra is performance-oriented, blending style and support for medium-impact activities with a racerback style, perfect for everyday comfort. It comes in sizes Small (28-30 Band), Medium (32-34 Band), Large (36-38 Band), and X-Large (40) and two colors black/white and navy/pink.
- The Cotton Stretch U-Back Bralette is an elegant U-back design offering a modern silhouette with medium-impact support for daily activities and the gym. This cotton bralette is super breathable and comfortable.
- The Cotton Stretch Racerback is a seamless, supportive racerback bra designed for comfort and medium-impact activities as a medium-impact sports bra. This cotton bralette is super breathable and comfortable.
- The Soft Crop Multiway Convertible Bra Top is ultra-versatile and comfortable, our soft multiway convertible bra offers endless styling options. Wear it as a backless halter bra, create a criss-cross style, or use the fully adjustable cami straps to achieve your perfect fit. It's the ideal bra or top for any outfit. The Soft Crop Multiway Convertible Bra Top is a great multipurpose bralette for teens option where you can change the straps to become a thin halter bralette, a criss-cross back teen bralette, or a one-shoulder bralette. With some adjustment, it would also make for a casual strapless bra. (The Soft Crop is one of my top choices to act as a sports bralette because it can also double as an everyday bralette.)
The young adult with the Bra Size 30C liked the Everyday Bra and HUG Strappy Halter Bralette. The Everyday Bra gives great everyday support, especially for the young adult. The Strappy Halter is great for the gym, as a top, or as a bra top if you want to show a little off. She got options that worked for her and her size. She was very happy to have her size and knowledge of what worked best for her.
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Brabar Philosophy - The E-Z Fit Method
Your bra should fit snugly around your ribcage, offering support without weighing down your shoulders. A comfortable bra equals a confident you. Our EZ-fit method simplifies finding the correct band measurement, essential for a proper fit. It's super easy to measure yourself at home.
STEP 1: Measuring Band Size
Your ribcage measurement is your band size. To measure the ribcage, wrap a soft measuring tape directly underneath your bust, encircling the ribcage. Round the measurement to the nearest even number to determine the band size.
Jot down this number.
For example: If your rib cage measures 33 inches, your band size is 34 inches.
BAND SIZE CHART
RIB CAGE MEASUREMENT (in) BAND SIZE 27, 28, 29, 30 inches 28-30 AA up to DDD - Small 31, 32, 33, 34 inches 32-34 AA up to DDD - Medium 35, 36, 37, 38 inches 36-38 AA up to DDD - Large STEP 2: Measuring Bust Size
Next, measure your bust. Your bust size is the width of your chest at its fullest point (boobs).
Wrap the soft measuring tape over the fullest part of your breasts (over the nipples).
Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor while measuring around the back, starting at the fullest part of the bust. Round to the nearest whole number for your bust size. The measurement in inches is your bust size.
Jot down your bust size measurement.
For example: If your bust measures 37.8 inches, round it to 38 inches.
STEP 3: How to Find Your Bra Cup Size
BUST – BAND = CUP
Now, calculate your bra cup size at home using your bust measurement.
Subtract your band size from your bust size to determine your cup size. Cup capacity is calculated in inches. A cup = 1 inch, B cup = 2 inches, C cup = 3 inches, and so on.
For example: If your band size is 34 inches and bust size is 38 inches, your cup size is 38 inches - 34 inches = 4 inches, making you a D cup.
STEP 4: The Correct Bra Fit: Find My Bra Size
Combine your band size number with your cup size alphabet to determine your bra size.
For example: If your band size is 34 inches and cup size is D, your bra size is 34D.
