Buying your first bra – Advice for teens

Buying a bra may seem simple, but it is actually quite complex especially if you are buying for a teenager or if this is your first bra. First and foremost it is essential that you know your correct size. A proper fitting bra is important for both comfort and posture and it is especially important for a teenager as the body is still growing. A poorly fitting bra can cause back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches. Since teens are still growing, the strains caused by an improperly fitted bra can lead to life-long problems with posture and back pain. For this reason, teenagers should be fitted by a lingerie consultant or have their bra size checked at least twice a year or, preferably, after every noticeable growth spurt. Another important consideration is the reason the bra is needed; is it for support, coverage, comfort, going out or athletics? There are different styles of bras designed for specific body types, fashions and activities and they come in a variety of fabrics.

Light Support Bras

Light support bras usually have no underwire and are good for girls with smaller breasts. They are less constricting than full support bras and many girls feel that they are more comfortable. Because they are wireless they offer less shaping than other bras and are most flattering on trimmer figures. These bras come in padded and unpadded versions; which you choose is really a matter of personal preference.

Full Support Bras

Full support bras usually have an underwire or plastic support structure under the cup holding them up. They can be worn by women of any breast size and are a must for those with larger cup sizes. These bras offer a shapely cut and are built more like bikini tops than underwear. These also come in padded or unpadded version and are flattering on any figure type.

Push Up Bras

Once called "padded bras" this is the category that the world famous Wonderbra falls under. These bras lift the breasts and shape them with extra padding. Some more innovative push up bras use silicone inserts to imitate the fullness of a natural breast. They are said to "lift and separate" creating a full cleavage look on breasts of all sizes. These bras always offer lots of support and the more expensive ones have fully adjustable straps allowing you to determine just how much of a ‘push-up’ full look you want.

Sports Bras

Ironically, it is probably the most important bra type for growing teens to have. Sports bras do more than offer full support, they also stop the breasts from moving during high-impact athletic activity. Breast tissue is very delicate and the growing tissue of the teen breast needs to be protected during high impact exercise in order to avoid causing pain or stretch marks. Even girls with smaller breasts should invest in a good sports bra if they take part in any active sport or take physical education classes at school.