The first bra is something important for girls. You may feel excited, embarrassed, or a mixture of both. That's normal, nothing to worry about. There are ways to tell if you need a bra, but remember that all women are different. Your growth rate may be different from that of your friends, and that's okay.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Breast Development
Step 1. See if your breast buds are starting to stick out from under your shirt
If you can see it, then it's time you put on your first bra. Breast buds are small lumps that appear under the nipple. However, if you start to feel uncomfortable, feel free to wear a bra regardless of visible physical development.
- You will feel a little sore or sore when the breast buds grow. That's normal and nothing to worry about. It just means you're starting to grow.
- Next, the nipple and areola (the circle around the nipple) will turn darker and larger. Then, the breasts begin to enlarge and may be tapered.
Step 2. Know the average developmental age of girls
The average age for girls to start wearing bras is 11 years. Some even need a bra when they are 8 years old and some don't need it until they are 14 years old. Every woman is different.
- Sometimes there are girls whose breasts are not fully developed ask to wear a bra because their friends are already wearing bras. For starters, they can wear minisets.
- You can also start by wearing a camis under your shirt. Whatever your choice, don't stress about whether you're growing like other girls. Everyone's growth rate is different, and that's natural.
Step 3. Recognize the signs of puberty
The development of breast buds is just one of the many changes that girls will go through as they enter puberty.
- Pubic hair may begin to grow. There are also some girls who experience pubic hair growth before breast buds appear.
- Puberty sometimes results in weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. Your stomach will probably look rounder. This is a sign that a girl is starting to mature physically.
- Puberty is also marked by the first menstruation, although at first it is irregular. These are all normal signs of puberty.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the First Bra
Step 1. Try starting with a miniset
Girls can wear minisets when the nipples start to stick out. This first type of bra is much more comfortable than an adult bra, and is almost like a short undershirt. So, you don't need to be ashamed because you won't be seen wearing a bra.
- Look for a very comfortable bra first. Girls don't have to choose fancy or frilly bras. Minisets are usually made of simple, stretchy cotton without a breast cup.
- You can also wear a sports bra to gym class or if you're a member of a sports team. Since the breast cup portion of a sports bra is designed to be flatter and very comfortable to wear, it's a great choice as a first bra even if you don't play sports.
Step 2. Choose a bra with a soft cup if your breasts are more developed
If your breast tissue has grown more than buds, and if your size is A or above, it's time to try a soft cup bra.
- Measure your breasts yourself or ask your mother to measure every four weeks to see when you need a soft-cup bra. Bras like this do not compress or change the shape of the breasts. So, this option is convenient and appropriate for girls.
- A wire bra is not a wise choice as a first bra. Underwire bras provide more support for women with large breasts. Since your breasts are just starting to develop, you don't need them.
- You can choose a bra that is similar to your skin color so that it doesn't seep through your shirt, if you want. Having several bras in different colors can help you match your clothes so they don't show up (you might not want to wear a black bra with a white shirt unless you have dark skin).
Step 3. Know the tricks of using a bra
You may need to learn from what older women ignore.
- For example, you may need to know that women don't need to wear bras to bed at night. There are bras that have foam and those that don't, and foam isn't needed for developing girls.
- You can use a washing bag to protect the shape of the bra so it doesn't get damaged when you put it in the washing machine.
- You can get bras in grocery stores and underwear stores. The store provides a wide selection of first bras.
Part 3 of 3: Learning Bra Size
Step 1. Ask your mother or other adult for an explanation about puberty
For many girls, wearing their first bra is a complicated experience. You may worry about being teased by other boys or girls if your development is faster, or slower. Understand that this sensitive feeling is normal. Who knows? Maybe your mother will open the conversation first.
- Ask for books that explain puberty. Explain what is happening to your body. Express your feelings openly. Sometimes, boys tease girls who wear bras. If this happens to you, don't worry. It is reasonable. However, tell an adult you trust.
- Know that all women are beautiful regardless of breast size. You may worry if your breasts are small or be teased if they are large. Realize that all women are different shapes and sizes.
- Don't worry if you feel embarrassed. Understand that shyness is normal at your age.
- For mothers, do not discuss this topic with other people in front of the child, such as friends or siblings.
Step 2. Know how to determine your bra size
Make sure you choose the correct bra size so that it can support your breasts well and is comfortable to wear.
- Bra sizes are divided into two: chest size and bowl size. Chest size is an even number, such as 32, 34, 36, and so on. Bowl sizes are expressed in letters, such as A, B, or C. In some countries, such as the UK, bowl sizes differ slightly (AA, A, B, C, D, DD, etc.).
- The store clerk can determine your bra size, or you can measure yourself at home, asking your mother or sister for help. Use a tape measure. To determine your bust size, loop the tape measure under your bust and around your back. Hold it tight, but not too tight. The size is expressed in inches. Add 5 inches to that number, that's your bust size.
- For bowl size, loop the tape measure tightly around the chest, at the fullest part of the bust. Subtract this measurement from the first chest size. The remaining numbers are between 1 and 4 inches. This is what determines the size of the bowl.
- Results less than 1 inch are AA. 1 inch is A, 2 inches is B, 3 inches is C, and 4 inches is D. If your measurement is odd, round to the next even number. This is especially important for teenage girls because it develops so quickly that if you round it down, the bra won't fit at all. Usually, girls are ready to wear a bra when the bowl size is A.
Step 3. Learn how to wear a bra properly
Don't be shy about telling mom that you don't know how to wear a bra. Many girls have to be shown the way, and asking is natural.
- To put on a bra, tuck your arms into the bra straps, then bend forward so that your breasts fall into the bowl of the bra. Fasten the bra on the hooks (minisets and sports bras don't have hooks so they are good choices as a first bra).
- Adjust the strap if necessary and tighten the hook again to change the size.
- You can ask mom to take you to the store to get measured and try on your first bra. In this first experience, some mothers usually try to make it fun.
Tips
- Mothers must protect the privacy of their daughters. He probably doesn't want anyone to know that he's already wearing a bra. If he does tell someone, act like it's no big deal.
- Don't be shy about talking to mom. Remember, your mother has also experienced what you are going through now.
- Remember that all women are different. Don't worry if it takes you longer to develop than your friends.
- If you feel awkward discussing this topic with mom, leave a message that only your mother can find!
- If you just want to talk to mom, maybe you should take her to your room or go to your mom's room for some privacy. So, no one will bother and possibly tempt you.
- If you're afraid to tell your parents, tell your older sister because she's been through it too and will make things look okay, and she'll help talk to your parents.
