Your First Bra And How To Choose A Starter Bra

Everything from choosing the design and colour, to measuring for your first bra is exciting. However, you might feel awkward about talking to your mum or close relative about bra shopping for the first time. If that’s the case, then worry no more - we’re here to guide you through all you need to know about bras, to help you feel positive and prepared!

What are the different types of bras?

• Training bras and crop tops: these are designed to be your first bra so wearing one is a great way to get used to having a bra on – it can feel pretty strange at first but you soon get used to it!
• Non-wired bra or soft bra: have cups that give you shape and support. These are ideal if your breast buds are starting to develop further and you need a little more support.
• Under-wired bra: cup has a wire underneath it to give the bust more shape. These are best when your breasts are quite developed because if the wires dig into your breasts, they may impact your growth. It is really important that the wires sit on the torso and never touch the breast tissue, so you may want to wait a while before you get one of these.
• Sports bra: helps reduce the movement of your breasts during exercise and makes you feel more comfortable. Wearing a sports bra for exercise also protects the ligaments that support the breasts.
• Padded bra: gives more shape to breasts, making them seem fuller.
• Strapless and multi-way bra: work in the same way as a regular bra and let you remove or adjust the straps. This is useful when you're wearing a top or dress and you don't want your bra straps to show, especially if you don’t want strap tan lines!

What is a training bra?

A training bra is a type of bra designed for young girls who are just beginning to develop breast tissue, typically between the ages of 8 and 14.

The purpose of a training bra is to provide you with support and coverage as you start to develop breasts. It's important to remember that a training bra is not meant to enhance or alter the shape of your breasts, but rather to provide a comfortable and secure fit.

You might find that as you go through puberty and start to develop breast tissue, they can be sensitive or tender. Wearing a training bra can help alleviate some of this discomfort by providing a layer of padding or fabric between the skin and clothing.

Training bras come in a variety of styles and materials, including cotton, nylon, and spandex. Some have adjustable straps and hooks in the back, while others are simply stretchy and pull over the head. It's important to choose a training bra that fits properly and feels comfortable, as an ill-fitting bra can cause discomfort or even pain.

How to measure for your first bra

Using a tape measure, measure around your body in three places:

1) Under your bust

2) On your bust (the fullest part)

3) 2cm above the nipple

You can do this in centimetres or inches. WhatsApp your measurements to us at Lil-Lets Talk and we’ll calculate your size for you ASAP. 

Does my bra fit me properly?

Have you been measured for your first bra and now don’t feel like it fits quite right? If you think your bra doesn't fit properly, then put it on and look in the mirror to check for the most common fit problems:

• Creased or baggy cups: try a smaller cup.
• Red marks on your shoulder: you may need to loosen the straps a little. If doing this makes the cups baggy, then you may need to go down a size.
• Wired section of an under-wired bra lifts away: if the wires dig into your sides or sit on your breasts and not underneath them, your cup size might be too small and you should try going up a size.
• Spilling out of the cups: they’re too small. A well-fitted bra should lie flat on your breasts and almost two thirds should be covered. To check this out, put on a t-shirt and turn to the side. If you see a line where your breasts fall over your cup, you need a bigger size.

Remember, the band around your body should be in line with the wires at the front of your bra and if not, you may need a bigger back size. Or you could try the other hooks on the back of the bra, remembering that the hooks closest to the end of the strap are the loosest.

Proper measuring for your first bra is very important to make sure you have the right size as an ill-fitting bra is not only useless at supporting your breasts but is likely to make you feel rubbish. A well-fitting bra is like a best friend: supportive, comfortable and makes you feel good about yourself!