Buying your first bra can seem daunting. Finding the perfect shape, size, and fit is enough to make your head spin! But it doesn’t have to be difficult — read on for our tips for teens buying their first bra.
How to measure yourself
Before you buy your first bra, you need to find out what size you are. Most bra retailers offer a fitting service in-store, but you can do it just as easily yourself at home.
First, get a measuring tape and run it around your ribcage. This is where your bra strap will run, so make sure the tape is straight all the way around. If you’re not sure, get your mom, sister, or friend to help you.
Next, wrap the tape around the widest point of your breasts. As before, make sure the tape is straight to get the most accurate reading — you don’t want your boobs to be squished! Round your measurement up to the nearest even number, as this will help find your cup size.
Your cup size is the difference between your ribcage measurement and the widest point of your breasts, as below:
- 0″ = AA
- 1″ = A
- 2″ = B
- 3″ = C
- 4″ = D
- 5″ = DD
For example, if your ribcage is 31” and the biggest point of your breasts measured 34”, then there’d be a difference of 3”. A difference of 3” would make you a C cup.
How do I know I’ve got the right bra?
There are several telltale signs you need to look out for when you’re buying your first bra.
For example, if you find the cups look baggy or crumpled, then you might need to consider going down a cup size. And if your breasts are spilling out of your bra, then you need to go up a size.
Getting red marks on your shoulders? The issue might be with your band. Find an underbust that is a little smaller to ease the chafing.
One of the most common issues you might find is with underwired bras. The wire section should lie flat across your ribs. If it pulls away from your rib cage, you should go up a cup size.
Alternatively, you could ditch the underwire altogether. Knixteen has plenty of wire-free teen bras that fit perfectly and are comfortable to wear. Why not see the range and find a comfortable, stylish bra that feels right for you?
Ultimately, finding the right bra for you will require time, patience, and a little trial and error. But the most important thing about buying your first bra is finding one that’s comfortable, so it’s worth taking the time to find the bra that fits you best.