Your First Bra & Measuring For The Perfect Fit

Do I Need At Bra?

Regardless of what’s going on inside the body during puberty, breasts are one of the most obvious signs that you're becoming a woman, not just to you...but to everyone else around you!

If you feel conscious your breasts are showing through your clothes or they jiggle about when you’re doing P.E perhaps it’s time for a first bra or crop top. But don’t dread it, there’s a huge selection of bra designs and colours to choose from so getting fitted for your first bra might even be fun!

It can be a confusing time though, so don’t be afraid to talk to someone, perhaps a parent, sister, cousin, or aunt who will understand how you’re feeling. We get that it might be awkward talking to a close relative so you could speak to a friend who’s going through the same thing, they probably feel the same as you!  And don’t forget we’re here to help guide you through all of this and much more.

TOP TIP – WHY NOT ASK YOUR MUM HOW OLD SHE WAS WHEN SHE GOT HER FIRST BRA, IT’S A GREAT ICE BREAKER AND WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY MOVE THE CHAT OVER TO YOU AND IF YOU NOW FEEL READY FOR YOUR FIRST BRA!

Measuring For A First Bra

Getting measured for your first bra, is a bit like getting your very first pair of shoes, quite exciting, but a little daunting too. But it is important that you do get measured as a good bra will offer your growing breasts the support they need as they continue to develop. So whether you’re off into town to be measured by a store assistant of measuring at home and buying online, follow our easy steps:

Start by placing a tape measure around your body in these three places.

• Under your bust – this is your band size.
• Around the centre of your bust – this is your cup size.
• Over the top of your bust about 2” above the nipple – this also helps to ensure you get the right cup size.

You can do this in centimetres or inches.

Take these measurements with you when shopping or WhatsApp your measurements to us at Lil-Lets Talk and we’ll calculate your size for you.

 NO TAPE MEASURE - then follow our easy step-by-step guide to finding the perfect fit for you without the maths!

• STEP ONE - GET YOURSELF COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BRA - First off, make sure your boobs are fully into the cups by lifting them as best you can with the opposite hand and placing them correctly into the cups to make sure they are sitting as they should.
• STEP TWO - THE CUP COVERAGE -Signs to look out for if the cups are too big or even too small. The top cup shouldn’t cut into your breast and there shouldn't be excess spillage out of the cups. You will see that it is too small if you can see a bumpy shape under your top when wearing the bra. Also, if the bra isn't fitting smoothly against you and there's a gap between you and the under-band at the centre front, try the next cup size up and back size down.
• STEP THREE - HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE SIZE IS TOO BIG FOR ME? You will see that the cup is too baggy. Look out for gaping, extra fabric or wrinkling on the top or bottom cup. This is a sign that you are wearing a bra that is too big in the cup.
• STEP FOUR - CHECK THE BACK OF YOUR BRA! IS IT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY? - If you look in the mirror from the side, you will see if your under-band is riding upwards at the back. Your band should be at the same level all the way around and fit nice and snug on the middle hook. If it is riding up at the back, it's too big and not giving you the support you need. The under-band should feel level and secure, and you should be able to get two fingers underneath and one at the centre front. If you can’t fit any fingers underneath and it feels tight, you may need to go up a band size.
• STEP FIVE - BRA STRAPS SHOULDN’T DO ALL OF THE WORK! -The support comes from the band, not the straps. If your band size is too big, you'll end up tightening your straps to compensate, which will result in too much pressure on your shoulders. If your band size is too small, your straps may be slipping off your shoulders.

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.

What are the different types of bras?

Deciding what type of bra you need can be overwhelming, there’s so much choice available! When you first notice breast development, a training bra or crop top may be all you need, but as time goes on and your breasts continue to grow, a structured bra may be more suitable. And what a selection there is:-

• Training bras and crop tops: make great teen bras when you’re not quite ready for a standard design.
• Non-wired bras or soft bras: have cups that give you shape and support.
• Under-wired bras: the cup has a wire underneath it to give the bust more shape. The wire must always sit flat against your body and never dig into the breast bud.
• Sports bras: 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 bras: gives more shape to breasts, making them seem fuller.
• Strapless and multi-way bras: work in the same way as a standard 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.

Remember that bra sizes can vary from store to store and even by style, so might find that you have to try a few on before you find the right one.

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.
• 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.
• Hooks; on the back of your bra are important and can prevent your bra from twisting around the body. The hooks closest to the end of the strap are the loosest and you may need to change which hooks you select as you grow.

Regularly check your bras to be sure they are fitting you the way they should and giving you the support that you need.

Remember, as a teen, or as you’re entering your teen years, your body shape will be constantly changing so make sure you check your fit again in 6 months’ time from when you bought your last bra.

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!