Buying the first bra is a very important matter for any girl. You could feel excitement, embarrassment, or a mixture of both. This is a common occurrence and you should not be concerned. There are ways to know if you need a bra, but it is important to remember that every girl is different, so you may develop at a different rate than your friends, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Breast Development
Step 1. See if your breast buttons show through your clothing
If they do, it's time to buy your first bra. Breast buttons are small bumps that appear under each nipple. However, if a girl is feeling self-conscious about her breasts, it might be time for her to buy a bra, regardless of her physical development.
- You will feel a little tender or sore when your breasts begin to develop. This is normal and nothing to worry about. It simply means that you have started to develop.
- Afterward, the nipples and areola (the circle of skin around them) will become darker and larger. Then the breasts will start to grow larger; They may take a pointed shape at first.
Step 2. Understand the average age girls develop
11 is the average age a girl could start wearing a bra. However, some girls are forced to wear a bra at 8 years old, while others have to wait until they are 14. All girls are different.
- Sometimes girls who are not very developed want to wear a bra because their friend already does. They could start with a trainer.
- You can also start by wearing a tank top under your blouse. Either way, you shouldn't stress over whether your development is the same as other girls. Everyone moves at their own pace and that's okay.
Step 3. Learn to recognize the signs of puberty
The development of breast buttons is just one of the many changes that a girl may observe in her body as she begins to enter puberty.
- Pubic hair may start to grow. In some girls, pubic hair develops before the breast buds appear.
- Puberty can make you fat, especially in the abdominal area. The belly may have a more rounded appearance. This is a natural sign that a girl has begun to physically mature.
- You may also start menstruating, although your periods may not be as frequent at first. These are all common signs of puberty.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing your first bra
Step 1. Wear a shaper as your first bra
A sports bra or trainer can be worn when the nipples start to protrude. These are much more comfortable and look like crop tops, so you might feel less awkward as it won't be as obvious you're wearing it.
- Your first bra should be comfortable. There is no reason for a girl to have to wear a fancy or lace bra. The trainers are usually simple garments made of stretch cotton and without cups.
- A sports bra is a good option for gym class or if you are part of a sports team. Because sports bras are designed to be flatter in the breast area and are very comfortable, they can be good alternatives, even if you don't play sports.
Step 2. Choose a bra with a soft cup if you are more developed
If in addition to the breast buttons you have grown breast tissue and you can now use an A cup or more, it is time to wear a soft cup bra.
- Measure yourself or ask your mother to measure you every four weeks so you can know when you will need a soft cup bra. These do not lift or change the shape of your breasts, so they are suitable for young girls and are also comfortable.
- Underwire bras are not good options for a first bra; These provide more support for girls with very large breasts and since yours have only just started to develop, it is unlikely that you will need one of those.
- You can choose a bra that is similar in color to your skin tone so it won't show through your top. Buying bras in different colors can help you match them with your tops so they don't show through (for example, wearing a black bra with a white top is not a good idea).
Step 3. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a bra
A girl may have to learn things that older women take for granted.
- For example, a girl needs to know that she shouldn't wear a bra at night. Some bras have padding, but this is not necessary for a girl who is just beginning to develop.
- You can use a laundry bag to prevent your bra from being damaged in the washing machine.
- There are many lines of bras for girls that are sold in department stores and specialty lingerie stores. They could be a good option for your first bra.
Part 3 of 3: Learn More About Bra Sizing
Step 1. Talk to your mother or another adult about puberty
For many girls, buying their first bra is a difficult experience. You may worry that other children will bother you if your development is too fast or slow. Understand that these feelings are normal. Who knows? Your mother could go ahead and talk to you about it.
- Ask your mother or another adult to buy you a book with which you can learn more about puberty. Explain what happens to your body. Don't be afraid to express your feelings. Boys sometimes tease girls because of bras. This is a common thing, so don't worry if it has happened to you. However, you should tell an adult.
- Realize that all women are beautiful, regardless of their breast size. Girls may worry if they think their breasts are small or be teased if they are too big. Realize that women's bodies can come in all shapes and sizes.
- Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable. If so, you must understand that it is something normal at your age.
- If you are the father of a girl of this age, do not discuss the issue with other people (friends, brothers) in front of her.
Step 2. Understand how bra size is measured
You want to make sure you choose the right bra size so that you feel comfortable and have good support.
- Bra size has two elements: breast size and cup size. The chest size is an even number, such as 32, 34, 36, and so on. The cup size is designated by letters, such as A, B or C. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the cup sizes may be different (AA, A, B, C, D, DD, etc.).
- If you're shopping for a bra, a saleswoman at a department store will measure you, but you can also do it yourself at home or ask your mother or older sister to help you. Use a tape measure. To determine your chest size, run the tape measure under your breasts and around your back. Hold it firmly, but don't squeeze it too tight. The measurement will be in centimeters or inches. Add 5 inches (12.7 cm) to that number. This will be your chest size.
- To determine your cup size, wrap the tape measure around your body at the most prominent part of your breasts. Subtract your chest measurement from the number you got. The result should be between 2, 5, and 10 cm (1 and 4 inches). This is the way to determine the cup size.
- Less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) will equal an AA cup size; 2.5 cm (1 inch), to an A cup; 2 inches (5 cm), to a B cup; 7.5 cm (3 inches) to a C cup; and 4 inches (10 cm) to a D cup. If you get an odd number, round to the next even number. This is very important for young girls because they grow so fast that if you round up to the previous number, the bra will not fit for long (if it fits). Girls are usually ready for a bra when they need an A cup.
Step 3. Learn how to wear a bra
Don't be embarrassed if you have to tell your mother that you have no idea how to wear a bra. Many girls have to learn from a demonstration and there is nothing wrong with asking.
- To put on a bra, put your arms through the straps and lean forward so that your breasts enter the cups. Use the middle hook on the back of the bra to close it (trainers and sports bras don't have hooks, which also makes them a good choice for a first bra).
- Adjust the straps if necessary and close the back on a different hook if you want to modify the fit.
- You can ask your mother to take you to a department store to have your measurements taken to find your exact bra size. Some mothers can make that day a fun experience.
Advice
- If you are a mom, please respect your daughter's privacy. She likely doesn't want anyone to know about her bra. If she tells someone, act like it's not something very momentous.
- Remember that every girl is different. Don't worry if it takes you longer than others to develop.
- If talking to your mother about this makes you uncomfortable, leave her a note in a place where only she can find it.