Is it too early for her first bra?

If you have a tween or teenage daughter, you may be wondering if it is too early for her to have her first bra. What are the rules? Is she too young? Does she want a bra? What size should she be wearing? Is it ok for her to wear underwired bras?

First of all, there are no rules about age. Girls are not too young or too old for their first bras, it really depends on the development of their breasts. We are all different and puberty can start at any age. Having said that, it is not unusual for teenagers to want to start wearing bras because their friends are. So, when should you start thinking about it?

If your daughter has started developing budding nipples, she may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about the changes in her body. Have a chat with her and ask if she would like to start wearing bralettes or bras to protect but also support her growing breasts.

If she is ready, book a fitting with a bra fitting specialist. They will take the time to explain how to wear a bra, put it on and wash it but also bra sizing (which most people don’t understand), what makes a good-fitting bra and the different types that are available. As no one teaches us at school – or anywhere else – about bras, it’s important to make this first experience a positive and educational one.

The types of bras suitable for any woman of any age will depend on size, shape and daily activities. This is no different for teenagers, especially if they are quite developed already. We stock both wired and non-wired bras suitable for a wide size range and taste.

If your daughter is not ready for everyday bra wearing but she is quite sporty, specifically high impact sports, it is never too early for her to start wearing a good sports bra. Remember that breast tissue is mostly milk glands and ducts, fat tissue, lymph nodes and Cooper ligaments. There are no muscles in breasts that you can exercise back to a pert bosom. Once those Cooper ligaments have stretched, there is no going back. Prevention is the only way to keep your breasts perky. You could introduce this sport bra as part of her new sports kit for the new school year if she is not quite ready for a ‘real’ bra.

Ultimately, it is up to her if she is ready or not for any bras of any kind. We aim to make bra fittings comfortable and educational, so all women have a good relationship with their breasts.

Tips for Mums on Your Daughter’s First Bra Fitting Appointment

To help create a positive experience and support your daughter in feeling comfortable and confident:

• Privacy First: Your daughter won’t need to remove her bra or crop top in front of us
• Focus on your daughter: Make the appointment all about your daughter.  If you need a bra-fitting please make an appointment for another day
• Avoid Comparisons:  Try not to compare your size, shape, or firmness with your daughter’s and please try not to comment on it.  Her body is still developing and will continue to change just as yours has done from your teenage years to now
• Avoid Comments on Size: Refrain from commenting on your daughter’s breast size—whether big or small as remarks, however well-intentioned, can increase self-consciousness
• Cost per Wear:  Good bras can be expensive and the right fitting bra is essential for breast health and posture particularly for larger breasts.  Commenting on the expense can create feelings of guilt and self-consciousness.  Although bras are a small item of clothing, they offer excellent value per wear given that they are worn every single day until they need replacing

15% off Back to School promo at local lingerie specialist Amelies Follies

Running throughout September, Amelies Follies has a 15% off back-to-school promotion for students under 25, teachers, teaching assistants and NHS workers. We have a lovely range of non-wired, smooth, supportive bras from a 28 inch back upwards and all the way up to an H cup.

They are perfect for tweens and teens with a bigger bust who prefer not to wear wires or indeed grown-ups who want to wear something soft. They come in nude and black as standard but there’s a gorgeous new cobalt blue for Autumn / Winter which has just arrived.

To book an appointment visit:
www.ameliesfollies.co.uk

Or call
020 7924 3826

And why not follow us on Instagram:
@ameliesfollies