Tips for Buying Your Daughter Her First Bra
- When is it time for a bra? If your daughter’s nipples are visible through her t-shirts and tops, it’s time for some extra coverage – a bra, or at the very least, a crop top.
- Make a special day of it. Some girls are excited about this rite of passage; others are apprehensive. Make it a fun experience – have a milkshake and cake, or lunch after the purchase; alternatively, shop for something else fun for her as well, or see a movie together.
- If your daughter is very ambivalent, allow her to start by wearing a crop top. Smaller breast sizes don’t need a bra, and a crop top provides basic support and modesty.
- Get professionally fitted for the first bra. Up to 80% of us wear the wrong size – most commonly a cup too small and a band too large. Cups are not universal either – a B-cup for a 32 inch band is very different in size than a B-cup for a 36 inch band. So get fitted by a professional.
- Contrary to common belief, a girl or woman need not be naked from the waist up to be measured for a bra – have your girl wear a crop top for the fitting. Explain to her that the bra fitter is a professional and does this all day every day. The wrong bra size can be uncomfortable.
- Keep it simple. Lace, embellishments, padding, etc are all very nice – but there is time for that later on. A basic bra will be more wearable and less obvious – and many girls don’t feel confident initially with others knowing they are wearing a bra.
- Many brands have “first bra” lines which are specifically made for young girls starting out. They are comfortable, soft, and easy to wear. Sports bras can also be a good option as first bras, as they tend to be more comfortable. Underwire bras are not necessary for smaller breast sizes, and should be avoided until later.
- Assure your daughter that while it may feel strange initially, wearing a bra is something she will get used to quickly and soon it will be second nature.
- Make sure you start with at least two bras – one to wash and one to wear. How often should a bra be washed? This is a controversial question – but basically, it depends on how much one sweats. Sweat not only smells, it can decompose fibres and rust under wires. Weekly is a good guide – based on wearing the bra three to four times.
