You've got 24 pencils, seven two-pocket folders, three packs of loose leaf, and one box of washable markers. What are you missing? Bras.
Getting your first bra can be really scary, but we try to make it simple. Our smallest cup-and-band bras come from The Little Bra Company and start at a 28A. Not quite ready for that? We offer simple pull-on styles from several brands starting at a size extra small. Taking gym class this year? We have sports bras in nearly every size. Looking for the right thing for under a homecoming dress? Strapless bras start in the 28s! Whatever you have on your list, we've got you covered.
Fitting our youngest clients presents a unique set of challenges, so we ask for your cooperation and flexibility. If you're looking to get a fitting for your children, know that we require a parent or guardian over the age of 25 to remain with them at all times in the fitting room (or right outside it for older teens). This may mean you have to wait for a few minutes for the largest fitting room to be available. If you are shopping for something specific to go under a prom dress or uniform shirt, it always helps to bring it with you so we can make sure you get a perfect fit.
The fitting will also work a little differently! Many kids have very small bands with limited amounts of tissue over their ribs, so we choose slightly larger bands to prevent discomfort (after all, gravity is on your side at 13 in a way it is not at 79). Some kids are a little uncomfortable with their changing bodies, so we'll work with you to make sure things stay emotionally safe while providing you with our signature service.
We'll be looking for things that are practical and comfy, and things that you can outgrow emotionally and financially. If you've had a fitting with us before, you'll see that we're showing your children a more limited range of options; put simply, we're not going to show them anything racy, ornate, embellished, or pricey unless you ask us to as their parent or guardian. It goes without saying that the complementary Prosecco is for you, not them.
At Underpinnings Lingerie, we don't stock training bras. A real guiding light for our buying team is that, with rare exceptions, we try never to buy anything we wouldn't wear ourselves, even if it's not our size. Period. Your children are not going to have an awkward encounter in a poorly lit dressing room and walk out of there with a sad beige thingie they tear off the second they get to the bathrooms at school. Nor will it be a super-sexy, neon pink nightmare with blaring music and inattentive staff. You'll note this particular blog entry doesn't have pictures or a ton of outbound links to products; this is a relaxed, discrete experience that we're trying to make pain-free for your kids. We're here to listen, put you at ease, and find you something you feel good in, regardless of whether this is your first bra or your 500th.
Not all of our newest clients are the same! We have fit people as young as nine or ten who are a little skeptical of the whole bra situation and found pieces that didn't feel like a punishment for a changing body. We have middle school students who hit puberty early and need a real bra with real support so they can continue to play with their friends and participate in sports. We serve kids who don't "need" a bra, but want to fit in with their friends who are already wearing them. We've seen it all and we don't judge.
We can't promise this is going to be the most fun you've ever had with your children (these are still middle schoolers; we're good, but we're not that good), but we can promise a safe, inclusive experience that leaves you feeling great about the foundations of your kids' wardrobes. Book an appointment with any of our amazing fitters today and start the school year with confidence.